Best Personal Development Blog in Blue

Belle's Beau

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:38:00 +0000

The stallion was pawing the ground with frustration, making the dust swirl and rise all around him. I felt the earth vibrating under my feet, the noise was intimidating. He snorted impatiently, waiting clearly was not improving his mood or his attitude.

My heart was beating erratically. I was breathing fast and soon started coughing as the dust clogged up my throat. It tasted hot and salty. My coughing distracted him – he froze and whipped his noble head round to fix me with a irritated stare. The muscles rippled in his powerful neck, as thick as a tree trunk. His pitch black coat glistened in the sun as he stood trembling with anticipation. Our eyes met for an instant and my heart fell still and silent. How is Belle supposed to cope with this?

Belle was lead into the paddock, a wild look in her eye. Her groom used the rope attached to her halter to tie her to the wall. The stallion's handler carefully brought him closer to have a good sniff around. From his frantic interest and her enthusiastic response it was quite clear that they were both keen and ready for action.

The stallion was a professional. Nobody was going to get hurt as long as no one came between him and his single-minded intent. These arrangements suited Belle perfectly. It was over before I realised that it was happening. The stallion, now spent and exhausted was helped off unceremoniously. As he walked past me he caught my eye. I could swear I noticed a mischievous twinkle. I went over to Belle and stroked her side, wet with sweat.

Her lower lip was hanging on the floor and her face said it all. Was that it? she seemed to be saying. All that hissing and snorting for 2 minutes of ecstasy? What about me? No foreplay? No after play? I chuckled, knowing that she got exactly what she wanted from the deal: the chance to have a foal. (extract from the e-book Acorns to Oak Trees.)

Mission accomplished this morning at 11h30.

Three months ago, this relatively simple task would have been impossible for me to arrange and accomplish. Emotionally, physically and mentally I was at one of the lowest points in my life. I felt drained, numb and frozen.

The turning point came when I realised that my current uncomfortable situation was due to the fact that I had shelved my determination to fulfil my life's purpose. So I resuscitate my hopes and dreams and restructured my life. And then everything started going right, more or less effortlessly. And my stress evaporated...

Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail -Charles F Kettering

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrian e-Books

Feel The Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:16:00 +0000

I first read this book four years ago, and I have read it yearly ever since. Susan's book has inspired me every single time I read it to gather my courage together, to leave my comfort zone and set myself more challenging objectives. She is especially good at affirmations like "Everything will work out for the best". You can download a pdf explaining her technique here: Susan Jeffers . I recommend this book to any one who needs a fresh confidence boost.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrian e-Books

Personal Mission Statement Poem

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:33:00 +0000

As today is Monday, according to my editorial calendar I have to post a few meaningful quotes. I have chosen a poem instead because it includes nearly every single personal development goal I strive for and could even be a personal mission statement. Those of you who know me personally will understand exactly why this is poem is so important to me at this point in time. I give to you:

'if' by rudyard kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Blogpost by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

My Editorial Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Having an editorial calender apparently helps one to organise one's blog. As I am currently re-organising my whole live, the idea appeals. So here is my blog's Editorial Calendar:

Monday: Quotes - Inspiration and Motivation/ Top Ten Tips
Thurday: Book/Article/Website/Blog Review
Week-end: Weekly Update - Story of my Life

My intention is not to follow it as if it is carved in stone, but to use it as a guideline to improve and structure my writing. I am also going to stick to specific subjects close to my heart and that I know a fair amount about: (fascinating sentence, non?)

How to Deal with Stress
How to Detox Your Body and Mind
How to build Self-Confidence
Personal Mission Statements
Personal Development Plan
The Law of Attraction
Self-Hypnosis, Meditation and NLP to name a few.

So here's to new goals and ventures!

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

Lasting stress relief

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:57:00 +0000

I have recently updated my stress management method; as I work and learn, I discover more options for stress relief, and incorporate them into my 7-key system.

The new Acorn2OakTree method is more than a simple self-help method – it consists of seven keys and it will give your all the tools that you need to rewire your brain. Each key is unique and essential to your success. The keys are most effective when used one after the other. Some keys only need to be used once, but most keys can (and should) be used again and again to stream-line your master stress management plan.

Here are the 7 Golden Keys to Ultimate Fulfilment:

The Key of Intent
The Key of Commitment
The Key of Focus and Application
The Key of Engagement
The Key of Surrender and Perseverance
The Keys of Gratitude, Appreciation, Compassion, Connection, Generosity and Charity
The Key of Celebration

The Acorns to Oak Trees e-book explains this process in more detail, and at the Acorn2OakTree workshop you will discover how to put them into practice. You too can change your life, start afresh and take control of your destiny. It's easier than you think!

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

Quotes about Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:12:00 +0000

I was looking for good quotes about stress for my website and found these:

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. William James

Stress is not what happens to us. It's our response TO what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose. Maureen Killaran

When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter in 5 years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go. Katherine Pulsifer

How we perceive a situation and how we react to it is the basis of our stress. If you focus on the negative in any situation, you can expect high stress levels. However, if you try and see the good in the situation, your stress levels will greatly diminish. Katerine Pulsifer

Quotes are reassuring in a way, they prove that I am not the only person on the face of the earth that struggles with this problem. And these four are also especially accurate. I am somewhat of a quote collector. It's like a bargain - Can't resist a really good one.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

New Squidoo Lens

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:23:00 +0000

I am going to Spain on Wednesday - Shona has so many Mirabelle plums that we are going to make loads of confiture - what fun! Haven't been to Spain in ages and have never made confiture, really looking forward to this adventure. Spain is only 50 min from us by car, we are also going to have lunch there - maybe some paella. Did you know they pronounce it pa-y-ee-a?

I built a new squidoo lens today: How does Stress affect Health and Performance...

and a new webpage Meditation for Stress Relief I have only recently discovered meditation and specifically Joe Vitale's Zero Limits Meditation. Very, very powerful stuff. Initially I thought it was too airy-fairy, but I am now dedicated, it has made a tremendous difference to my general wellbeing.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

One of the best Personal Development Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Negotiating to buy a house is really streneous, a bit like a cat and mouse game. Before I can make another offer for the little farm I want to buy, I have to get a quote from a roofer.

The Acorn2OakTrees method seems to have cured me of my telephone phobia. I rang the "couvreur" yesterday via skype (wondeful, wonderful invention) and made an appointment for tomorrow.

Just like that.

Before Acorns, it would have taken me at least a week to get enough courage together to phone him. Everytime I do something like this, it feels like a small victory. And all these small victories together substantially boost to my self-confidence.

On top of this, I am starting to feel very proud of the fact that I am doing all this by myself - all the research, all the planning, getting financing, hanging in there even when the negotiations seem endless...

Since that butterfly landed on my shoulder on the 8th of June, I feel convinced that I am going to make it. On my own.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

a French Diet-Weight Loss Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

My weight loss program blog has been resuscitated here: FrenchDietWeightLossCoach Blog

It compliments the Caterpillars2Butterflies Weight Loss Program e-book and workshop.It is dedicated to two of my dearest friends, Sue Surtees and Anne MacManus. They are the living examples of my personal motto: Aut Viam Invenium Aut Facium (Where there's a will there's a way)

Please visit, and let me know what you think.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

Gratitude and Abundance

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:12:00 +0000

I have so much to be grateful for, it feels unreal. The last three months of my life has been some of the best of my whole life. It seems as if I can do nothing wrong - as if the whole universe is conspiring to make my wildest dreams come true.

I joined Facebook today, and wish I had ages ago. Finding long lost friends and family is so heart-warming - I have been somewhat isolated during the last two years. It's great to be back! Here is my brand new badge:
Margaretha de Klerk at Facebook

And I now officially have an english phone number Skype - their technology is seriously impressive. This means I can talk to my South African, Belgian, French, Argentinian, Namibian, Canadian, German friends and family at a fraction of the normal cost. And I have to admit, I am addicted to the video call facility - suddenly I can see people while I am talking to them - some whom I haven't seen for YEARS! It's a bit like waking upi from a long sleep.

Thank you to all of you who have remained my loyal if neglected friends, and thank you especially to all my patients and friends in Jersey who have sent encouraging and supportive messages during the last three months.

Thank you, thank you, thank you...

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

The Success Principles

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I am reading the most inspiring book : The Success Principles by Jack Canfield who produces the Chicken soup for the Soul-series. It is absolutely packed with useful information and has been an enormous help to me as I am currently creating the new Acorns2OakTrees Workshop. Gathering the information for this workshop has been a deeply healing and confidence-rebuilding experiece. I can finally say that I am back to my own self, the way I was towards the end of 2007.

It has been a long and painful journey, but I made it and now feel more confident and capable than ever before. I am so excited about my new house, my new e-books and the two new workshops - I can't wait to move in and start presenting the workshops. The first Acorns2OakTrees workshop is schedule for the 20th of September and the first Caterpillar2Butterfly for the 4th of October.

I hope to welcome you there some day soon! If you would like to find out more about Jack's book, just click on the picture below:

Stress Relief workshop: Acorns to Oak Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:59:00 +0000

If you need to find out how to deal with stress and want to do so while relaxing then spending a week or even a week-end at in the sundrenched south of France will be an unforgettable experience. You will leave with a profound sense of contentment and satisfaction, full of energy and feeling fit, healthy and supremely confident.

Warning! Due to repeat reservations, the sanctuary gets fully booked very early in the season, please apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

This small sanctuary is exclusive, selective and very private. Many of my guests come here to escape from the press and stress of their highly-publicised lives.

CLICK HERE to find out more. Looking forward to welcoming you here!

Blue Cross - Converting Gratitude into Appreciation

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:15:00 +0000

I support the Blue Cross Charity - the rescue abused and neglected horses. If you would like to make a donation too -it's super easy, just click on the picture or CLICK HERE.

Buying a house in France

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Buying a house in France these days is not as easy as it used to be. This is the third time I buy a house here, and the first time I do it on my own. It took me 14 months to find THE HOUSE. That was the easy part. Seeing the maire, the notaire, the significant neighbour, getting together a deposit, a survey and a mortgage without losing it completely is no easy undertaking. At least the house is worth it. Without being too subjective, it is a magical, peaceful and utterly perfect house, it even has a pigeonnier. The survey was less complimentary, but then they always seem to be. Now I just need to convince the owners to sell it to me at a reasonable price, in line with the credit crunch and all-time low housing market here in France. Easier said than done! Will keep you informed...

Best Ways to handle Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Stress is a formidable enemy, draining your energy and joie de vivre insidiously and continually. Time to put a stop to it. Especially as it can be very dangerous and detrimental to your health. It has been suggested as a causative or contributing factor in various very nasty diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and many more.

It can also cause sufferers to maintain some very unhealthy habits, like stress eating, smoking and alcohol/drug abuse, in an effort to get rid of it.

Time and again I came across it while working as a medical doctor until I eventually decided to focus on prevention rather than cure. Showing my patients how to successfully and permanently lower their stress levels generates many short and long term positive results.

While searching for viable stress busting options I studied a large variety of natural and alternative therapies. You will find a list of those I found most effective in part 3 of my Safeguard Your Health and Happiness e-Book, with website dresses where you can find out more about these therapies. We also use them during the Stress Free in Six Days Workshop that I present at my house in the sun-drenched south of France. Putting these theories into practice has significantly lowered my clients' stress levels. The glorious surroundings, wonderful food and gorgeous weather also contribute to total relaxation and a memorable holiday.

The laws of stress management can be more positively be described as the laws of abundance and fulfilment. When you have fulfilled your financial, spiritual, work and relationship ambitions, your stress levels are at an all time low. But much more importantly, when you set out with focus and determination to fulfil these aspirations according to your life's purpose and true to your personal values, you stress levels plummet.

This is why my book is different from other stress relief books. Instead of listing a single or a variety of stress relief methods, it goes straight to the roots of the problem. You are stress, but why are you stressed? Is it because of the traffic / difficult teenager / or an unsatisfactory relationship or frustrating job? Superficially, yes. But deep below the surface lies the true reason for your escalating stress levels: you have not or are convinced that you cannot turn your dreams into reality.

To find out more, CLICK HERE

How to deal with stress-see the good in every situation

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:28:00 +0000

How we perceive a situation and how we react to it is the basis of our stress. If you focus on the negative in any situation, you can expect high stress levels. However, if you try and see the good in the situation, your stress levels will greatly diminish. Katherine Pulsifer

At this point in the proceedings, the words above have taken on a special meaning to me. So I am in a very difficult situation, but it is by far not hopeless. I have the world's most supportive friends and family. I live in paradise, in the sun-drenched south of France, with the kindest couple I have ever met.

So I am not going to focus on the negatives, when the positives so largely outweigh them. I'll just take it one day at a time.

When all this is over, I am going to write a book about it. Nothing fancy, a simple e-book will do - in the hope that my experiences will help others overcome unfair odds.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

Living in France- my gorgeous French House

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:58:00 +0000

I have found the house of my dreams - the most perfect, most beautiful, most characterful house I have ever had the pleasure to view.

It has 6 bedrooms and several bathrooms and a two bed roomed apartment. It needs a fair bit of work, and a new swimming pool - nothing I cannot handle or haven't handled in the past. I just couldn't believe it when I walked from room to glorious 17th century room...you know how sometimes a house just feels right? This one has that welcoming, peaceful, stately and generous feeling, it is difficult to describe in words. I have been looking for a house with this sort of feeling for more than a year, ever since I had to sell la Babiniere.

And this time I am buying it MYSELF! and I don't have to take anyone else's opinion into account - a very empowering sensation. It even has 8 acres for the horses to play on and a 100+ orchard of fruit and nut trees -quelle chance de l'avoir trouvé.

by Margaretha de Klerk
Stress and Weight Management Workshops and Books
Equestrians Unlimited

Ways to deal with Stress: Time Management

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:12:00 +0000

You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by; but some of them are golden only because we let them slip by. ~James Matthew Barrie

Ways to deal with stress by managing your time more efficiently:
· Save time by focusing and concentrating on the task at hand and make sure you schedule time for yourself.
· For a month or longer, keep a record of how you spend your time, including work, family, and leisure time. This will show you if you are wasting time without realising.
· Prioritize by rating tasks by importance and urgency. Spend more time on activities that are important and meaningful to you.
· Learn to say NO without feeling guilty. Manage your commitments by not over- or under committing.
· Stop procrastinating by using a day/week planner. Breake large projects into smaller ones and set short- , mid- and long-term deadlines.
· Get rid of limiting beliefs – this way you will reduce conflict between what you want and what you have.

Effective time management can free you to spend more time with your family and friends and allow you to increase your performance and productivity. The e-book Safeguard Your Health and Happiness - Immediate and Lasting Stress Relief introduces one of the most effective systems to reduce stress.

Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past even while we attempt to define it, and, like the flash of lightning, at once exists and expires. ~Charles Caleb Colton

How to manage Stress - Don't let it ruin your Health

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:30:00 +0000

I have just finished my new e-book Safeguard Your Health and Happiness - Immediate and Lasting Stress Relief It explain what stress is, why it is dangerous and what to do about it. Here is a short extract:

-Deliberate thought-stopping helps eliminate stress.
-Reframing an incident or seeing it from another point of view reduces stress
-Recognising and avoiding irrational/catastrophic thoughts helps you to avoid exaggeration, anticipating the worst, and interpreting an event incorrectly.
-Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it.
-Evaluating and improving your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel uncomfortable, hostile, or intimidated. This reduces the stress that comes from poor communication.

It can be difficult to implement the steps above. Take it one step at a time, do not try to introduce several steps at the same time. If you feel overwhelmed, seek help early.

Increase your knowledge and defence against stress by reading up about the subject so that you will recognise harmful symptoms early. Other possible options are to engage the services of an experienced stress management consultant to help you identify the cause of your escalating stress and develop strategies to manage it. You can even combine a stress management course with a relaxing holiday.

Remember, uncontrolled stress can seriously damage your health. If in doubt, see your doctor.

Stress Relief Tips: Safeguard Your Health and Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Certain behaviours and lifestyle choices affect your stress levels. Your lifestyle may not cause stress directly, but it can interfere with the ways your body seeks relief from stress. Try to:

-Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations.
-Get enough sleep, since your body recovers from the stresses of the day while you are sleeping.
-Eat a balanced diet for a nutritional defence against stress.
-Get moderate exercise throughout the week.
-Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
-Don't smoke.
-Developing an extensive support network. The strength of your support network is a major factor in how we handle stress. Social support is the positive support you receive from family, friends, and the community. Knowing that you are cared for, loved, esteemed, and valued dramatically reduces your stress levels. More and more research indicate a strong relationship between social support and mental and physical health.

Make time for family and friends. Keep in touch and offer support when needed. Get involved in community/charity projects.

More Stress Relief tips from the new e-book Safeguard Your Health and Happiness - Immediate and Lasting Stress Relief

Relax and Rejuvenate

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Got to show you this:

Never tried anything like this before - never knew I could. It ended up being a lot of fun and I intend to make a few more. I think it would be very useful to advertise our self-catering unit. I nw want to try to do a real video - like a virtual tour of the unit. Not quite figured out how to do that yet.

My Ideal Stress Management Customer

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Obviously we need clients for this new business and I have come up with a list of characteristics I hope our clients will have:

My ideal customer:

people who are seriously concerned about the effect their high stress levels has on their health and are determined to find out how to reduce the stress in their lives

people who take responsibility for their own health and are willing to invest in their future well-being

people who are ready to accept professional advice and are committed to make the necessary changes in their lives to prevent stress-related diseases

people not shopping for the lowest cost-provider but for the highest return on investment

people who care about their environment

people who are willing to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect

If the above sounds like you, please make your way asap to either out Stress Combat by e-mail office or make a reservation to come and stay with us in France at the Alegria Spa and Retreat.

Stress Control Unlimited

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Allow me to introduce you to our new business:

Stress Control. It is currently named StressControl because I haven't found a bettter name for it yet. I have worked out a few other things about it:

My Vision for SC is: To help my clients regulate the amount of stress in their lives by introducing them to effective, flexible and practical stress management techniques and so prevent a large variety of diseases caused or aggravated by stress

My Mission is: To make my clients feel that they are the most important people in the world, because to me, they are. I accomplish this by delivering positively outrageous service and doing whatever it takes to go above and beyond my clients' expectations.

Methods:
Short-term:
1.By offering luxurious and relaxing self-catering holidays in one of the most peaceful, unspoilt and beautiful parts of France
2.By offering short relaxing and rejuvenating breaks at the innovative Alegria Retreat and Spa

Intermediate:
3.Through convenient, flexible and easily accessible stress counselling by e-mail
4.Through equine-assisted life coaching allowing clients to benefit from the healing power of horses

Long-term:
5.Through articles, books, DVD,s CD's, MP3's, e-courses and e-books - especially the e-book Immediate and Lasting Stress Relief

I read this rather useful book called the Answer (as opposed to the Secret) of John Assaraf and Murray Smith. If you ever want to start a business, I highly recommend it.

Embrace hapiness now!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Are you still waiting for your circumstances to change before you’ll allow yourself to be happy? Most of us have preconceived ideas of what would make us happy, and we refuse to be satisfied until those things happen. Like buyin a house, for example. Or losing weight. Or earning more money.

The problem is that even when these things happen in our lives, we’re rarely satisfied with them! Instead, we shift our focus to something even bigger and better, believing this will make us happy (or happier). We never allow ourselves to reach a point of contentment. Have you done the same thing to yourself?

You can, however, decide to be happy NOW – even if not everything in your life is perfect.

Start by being grateful. Gratitude is one of the most powerful states of mind that you can adopt. Not only does it make you feel good, it shifts your focus from what you don’t have to what you DO have, and keeps it there! As you focus more on what you are grateful to have in your life (even the really small blessings!), you worry less about anything that may be lacking. The result? A more pervasive sense of happiness!

Many of us make the mistake of pinning all of our expectations on some vague, far-off result, like the completion of goals. We believe that once we “get there” everything will be perfect and we’ll finally be happy. However, there is much to be gained from enjoying the journey TO your destination!

The most important thing to understand about happiness is that it is largely a CHOICE you make from moment to moment. Though certain serious situations make it difficult to feel happy at times, most often we allow the little things to bother us and block any happiness we would otherwise feel. Embrace happiness, be grateful for the smallest gift! Spend time with your pets (see Ebonie and Liquorice above) and your horses. Read an inspiring book like Confidential Letters to Lady Belle or send a gift to a precious friend, instantly via Horse Lovers Gift Ideas.

Give a little to get a lot

noreply@blogger.com (Margaretha de Klerk) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:34:00 +0000

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. - Jimmy Johnson

While we were in South Africa, I read a book called the Secret - it's about the Law of Attraction. It made me think. We often get so focussed on what we stand to gain in life that we forget the true healing power of giving. Not giving in just a philanthropic sense, but giving as in contributing something of value to the world in general. This universe is set up with the most effective compensation program I’ve ever seen. What you put out, you get back. What you hold back, you lose.

Think of the universe like a huge mirror that simply reflects back to you whatever you think, feel and do. If you try to take from others, you take from yourself (or others will take from you). If you try to give true value to others, you will receive great value from others and often from unexpected sources too!

The Law of Attraction seems to be about the energy you put forth while engaged in any activity. If you want to get a little, give a little. If you want to get a lot, give a lot. Strive for excellence in everything you do and then stand back in shock and awe as the universe gives you a standing ovation that rains blessings down upon you.

I think I need to read a bit more about this. It is a concept I could base my retreat spa on.