Self Help for Growth, Megan McCarthy, PhD

Self-Delusion: Can Positive Thinking be Dangerous?

2009-03-28T02:33:00.019+10:30

Reality?

How much of our lives are 'real'? Is life just a fantasy of our own perceptions, or chapters within our own, unique fairy tale, sometimes gone wrong?

BE WARNED: This Post has broken all the rules of writing, by unsuccessfully attempting to explore and integrate multiple topics under the umbrella of one. It is too long, cyclic, convoluted and ridiculously self-indulgent. Hence, please read at your own risk until edited :-)

It is rather early in the morning and I am pondering the broader implications of 'self help' and 'positive thinking' and its potential dangers - yes, potential dangers. Can it be used in the wrong way - in ways that are counterproductive to ourselves and to others - a self-imposed illusion .... ?

Is my cynicism growing, or am I just being more realistic and analytical about the 'self help' arena as a result of my experiences over the last few years, in my struggles to contend with this illness that 'stole' my life away? Striving to be happy and to keep going towards hope and a better life, a new 'chapter'.

There is a beginning and end to everything... We all experience different 'chapters' in life, depending on changing external and internal circumstances, and we have the power to be in control of these changes, how we respond to them. Our own inner control and self-trust is so important, for it is easy to fall ... life can change drastically at the 'drop of a hat'. And that is where 'self-help' comes in, but more importantly, 'self awareness' ... We need to be aware of who we are, to trust ourselves, and to avoid the potential dangers of delusion ... we need to be aware that we can, actually delude ourselves ...

Yes, I do believe in self-awareness and the ability to grow. Yes, positive thinking certainly helps - don't get me wrong. The power of personal development and self-awareness in improving lives is important in the right context.

But I no longer believe everything that I read without question. I don't even believe what I tell myself sometimes. There are so many people seeking a better life through the process of 'self help' and swear by its power, yet there are also many who criticize this relatively 'new' industry of self help literature and 'gurus'. And I wonder, what is the 'truth'. Is there a 'truth'? Or multiple truthes? Who's truth?

Self-awareness is important in this respect. Questioning is important, because under the wrong circumstances, someone else's 'truth' for a better life may not always be good for you, me - us, as individuals... This is where self-delusion can enter the picture.

So many questions and this rather long post is a somewhat convoluted reflection of this ... This questioning is a good sign, yes? :-)

Perhaps I'll actually arrive at some answers ... but for the moment, I jot down a trail of thoughts here and wonder, where is life heading in this context .... has 'self help' had an effect ... or have I been deluding myself under the 'guise' of self-help!? Perhaps the more I think on this, I will also arrive at the answer as to why I even write here in my own informal, verbose 'self-help' blog ...

But I digress once again :-)

Change in Life - Circular or Progressive?

So, what 'is' 'self development'? Why do we need to change and grow? Why are so many of us unhappy or dissatisfied with our lives to the point that we need to seek change and self-growth, by reading 'self help' 'literature' and continuously seeking the answer to that mysterious state of being - to be happy - to simply be at peace and content with ourselves and our lives. The sheer number of blogs on this topic is only one indicator of this increasing trend, millions of people sharing their lives, lessons learned ...

What is change and growth that many of us seek? 'Growth' implies linear improvement, yet life can appear to be circular when change or growth is slow (invisible to the eye even). Yes, we do change .... our perceptions about life differ. Everyone's realities are different - from each other - and within ourselves, as our circumstances change over time. But change can go different ways - its not always linear or progressive - sometimes it appears like we are going through cycles in life .. sometimes there appears to be trends, linear upwards and linear downwards ... Valleys, mountains, plateaus ...

In this context, I ask ... 'have' I actually progressed and grown as much as my post below, from a week or so ago, seems to suggest - my new health and energy! As I wrote it, the words felt familiar somehow. It seems that I am 'always returning'; constantly promising my 'new-look' and improved blog; 'jumping with glee' at my improving health and new energy.

And then it hit me ... yes ... I just discovered that not only were these words familiar - well ... my 'new dreams', my 're-awakening', new goals, and new energy, so wonderfully illustrated (or not!) in the post below - is somewhat similar to a post I wrote about a year ago.

Eeh gad!

Self Help for Growth, Megan McCarthy, PhD: A strange posting today! A Journey - Productivity and a 'New' Me

Hmmmmm ...

And as I looked back at my daily records and journals recently, including those dreaded 'To Do' lists, I thought to myself, "Hmmmm - that item on today's list - wasn't it on my list from a year ago"?!@!?

Am I going around in circles then? Am I actually improving? Or am I in denial?

Hiding Behind Positive Thinking? Expectations!

Perhaps I had been deluding myself last year, without the awareness that it is possible to be in denial, hoping desperately that - "yes, things were getting better", when they actually weren't. Was I in denial?

Was I actually 'hiding behind positive thinking'! Was I trying to portray an 'image' that I wanted people to see? Was I being 'politically correct' in the self-help world'!? No-one wants to be around a sick, depressed person - it drains the energy! I don't even want to be around a sick, depressed me. So - I think positive :-)

But is it always a true account?

Hmmmm - can positive thinking actually be stressfully dangerous then, if we feel that we have to meet external (and internal) expectations about how we 'should' be - and thus force this type of thinking and image upon ourselves - for the benefit other people (and our own sanity)? My cynicism arises once again! :-)

The 'Shoulds' of Life

In this respect, self help in the wrong context, or if used in the wrong way, can also potentially lead us into a trap of 'shoulds' - if you want to improve your life you 'should' do this, or be this way .... or you 'shouldn't have done this or that, or 'shouldn't' think a certain way, or 'should' think another way, a positive way .... Its 'your fault', you 'attracted' your circumstances .... A potential 'blame game' can arise .... Therein the question re-emerges, what is self-help, and who's principles and 'truths' become important... Self awareness is once again key, in avoiding potential self-delusion and learning to recognize what is helpful and what is not for our own lives.

Progressive Change Not Delusion?

Ok, thinking out loud some more and trying to be more objective here .... No, I don't think I am deluding myself this time (well, not as much?)! So I repeat myself - I do feel like I am re-emerging into the world. I really do feel better. Am I blossoming? Am I emerging from my cocoon :-)

Maybe this time, I actually am getting better, whereas last year, shortly after my new excitements about life and health, I relapsed and my illness became quite severe again. Good patches, bad patches, good patches! So what is to be? Is this an overall upward curve? Or just another 'patch', a small section within this chapter of life? Or is this the start of a completely 'new' chapter? :-)

If I look at the overall trends, and the small, cumulative steps, the improvements in life since last year, what feels like an 'awakening' after a period of possible delusion under the guise of positive thinking and denial (!), has simply taken, or is taking, a little longer than I thought and it is simply difficult to see. So, perhaps I am not going around in circles and there is progression. 'It doesn't happen overnight'! A new medical and health regime has made an incredible difference in my life - just small steps, which were once so insurmountable to me - are now quite enjoyable and doable!

Nonetheless, this is a strange place to be - to now start wondering if I had/have been deluding myself - to question if it is possible to hide behind and 'use' self-help and positive thinking, where it might actually be counter-productive.

So How Much Do You Delude Yourself?

Despite the butterfly blossoming, how can I know if I am deluding myself even now? This questioning in itself can become cyclic - over-analysis! It can be so very easy to delude ourselves. What we believe, think about and focus on becomes our realities. Our 'realities' are our 'perceptions'.

Hmmmm .... Time to stop thinking!

How can we be objective when we are so close to ourselves?!

What is most important it seems, is simple awareness ... gaining insight into our own lives, where we are, where we have been, where we are going ... and taking control in learning to trust ourselves.

Do you ever question yourself like this?
Second guess yourself?
Question 'self-help'?
Wonder about what is 'real' in your life and what is perhaps just a self-delusion?

I shall perhaps ponder on these matters to write about later, because not only is my life apparently going around in circles - so too is this post! Actually, this post is getting ridiculously cyclic and self-indulgent! :-)

Let me know if you experience similar questions about yourself, your 'reality'. What do you think about positive thinking, self-help - the pros and the possible cons. Do you believe what you see or think?

Do you even care, and just accept what is?
Oh, how peaceful that would be :-)

Meg

Ok, sorry, its after 3:00 in the morning as I write this post (and slightly edited at a later date) - and its accordingly, a tad convoluted (aren't they all?!) - its sleep time :-)

Remember, always be kind with yourselves (and that goes for me too) - some flowers for you today in the Gift Basket ....

I shall return! :-)

Demotivation: You are Unique, Just Like Everyone Else!

2009-03-21T01:16:00.020+10:30

Another Update?! Cynicism rears Its Ugly Head!

Following on from my last post, I have been exploring some new domain names for my 'new-look' self help blog.

While it is going to be an improvement on this site and based on a theme, of Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs' (perhaps), lately, I have become even more concerned about some of the self help type literature that I find on the net and elsewhere (including some of my own posts!).

As I have said before, it seems that anyone can become an expert in this area (and yes, this may be so, because everyone has lived 'life' and learned many a lesson that can be shared, albeit to varying degrees of quality).

My bigger concern, however, arises about more recent paradigms, which are particularly evident in relation to the 'Law of Attraction', since the release of the movie: 'The Secret' (also touched upon here on this site) - I have a lot to say on this topic.

On a more cynical note, many a 'guru' has arisen in this area - marketing and selling their life-changing courses to an often unsuspecting and 'hungry' crowd of people desperately seeking to improve their lives.

When did self-help become more about money and marketing (for some).

I'm not completely dismissive, please don't misunderstand, and I'm certainly not criticizing everyone - there is much to the self help literature - positive thinking, affirmations, meditations - many a technique that will provide help for the relatively 'self-aware' person, seeking better things in life - and there are many great websites or blogs scattered with words of wisdom and experience.

But I will be exploring the development of the 'self help industry' in more depth - the paradigms and evolution over time, 100s, 1,000s of years, even only the last few years. Perhaps, even be a little controversial - we can't please everyone! :)

As some of you may know, I have touched upon this in prior posts, but not gone into this subject as much as I would like (although I have written many notes ready to be shaped into articles). And tonight, the inspiration to follow this train of thought and discussion has re-emerged, whilst talking on Skype with a crazy, beautiful friend of mine, Nell.

While I write this, she has been reading out some wonderful 'demotivational' quotes, which are quite hilarious (you will recognize some of them as modifications or reversals of 'motivational, inspirational' type quotes and affirmations).

One is highlighted in the title of this blog post - "you are unique, just like everyone else' - the irony of it all! The realities of life - although, what 'is' reality!? :)

Anyway, my friend and I have some 'interactive' plans in the making to highlight some of these controversies, cynicism and the 'political-correctness' of parts of the self help industry, for example. If they come to fruition, the outcomes should be of great interest and quite funny, if I do so say myself. We practiced or 'rehearsed' tonight! But I shall leave you to wonder on that one for now! (ahh, its late, or early, 4am now, and I don't have to make much sense - lol)!

In the meantime, some of the 'demotivational' type quotes my friend shared with me, are listed at the end of this post for you to digest ... I am unable to provide the source of these quotes unfortunately, so if there is a problem, please let me know and I will take them out (many of them are from the 'despair' blog/site I think).

Until next time, with - hopefully - a new look blog - or if not, another 'update-type' post,

Be Kind with Yourselves :)

Meg

Some 'Demotivational' Quotes to Bring a Smile, perhaps! -

"No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent, but you'd be a fool to withhold that consent from your superiors." Author Unknown

"When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor." Author Unknown

"WORTH: Just because you're necessary doesn't mean you're important." Author Unknown

"SUCCESS: Some people dream of success, while other people live to crush those dreams." Author Unknown

"PROCRASTINATION - 'hard work often pays off after time, but laziness always pays off now." Author Unknown

"The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others." Author Unknown

"RISK - if you never try out anything new, you'll often miss out on life's great disappointments." Author Unknown

"SACRIFICE - your role may be thankless, but if you're willing to give it your all, you just might bring success to those who may outlast you." Author Unknown

"SOLUTIONS - If you're not part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." Author Unknown

PS - Don't forget the free Goodies Basket below - I will be uploading some more freebies soon!

Change: Rethinking Life and Blog!

2009-03-01T18:57:00.004+10:30

New Energy - Re-emerging from a Cocoon to Life!

Just a quick note to let you know that I have returned, once again(!) - from a short time away from the internet, and am back from surgery.

Feeling fitter than I have for years, since I got this awful illness. Lost a lot of weight and looking better! I think I am well on my way to going into remission - its absolutely wonderful, so keeping fingers crossed.

But with this new burst of energy ... it feels like I am venturing out from a cocoon. It's like waking up from a dream. I am rethinking life goals! Rethinking my purpose in life.

Earlier plans and passions are now replaced with other ones. Some are the same, but never got off the ground. New hobbies. Starting my music again & other creative ventures, along with an increased commitment to writing. Watching lots of 'artsy' documentaries/autobiographies and being inspired too ...

The world is so exciting!

But with so many goals. Where do I start/go! Have I hit mid-life crisis early? :0

We all go through this - Ironically, one of the true certainties in life is "CHANGE".
I'm on a new path it seems ... hmmm! :)

Actually, I'd rather have too many goals and passions, than none at all! Hopefully it will come to me soon!

My initial plans are changing for this blog too, given the millions of self-help type blogs out there now! I may continue with my earlier plans; I may discontinue all-together, or I may adopt a completely different, perhaps a tad controversial, approach ... Any thoughts? ;-)

So, 'stay tuned' ... !

(Hmmm, I seem to have been saying that a bit lately, including on my other Web2.0/Resellers Delight blog, which will also be changing to a more useful resource, with reviews and video tutorials coming! I think I will do a review of the "LiveScribe SmartPen' next on that one).

Well, until I have something useful to say very soon, always be kind with yourselves! :)

Megan (Dr Meg)

PS - I also made a start on a new info/academic-type blog about 'environmental protection/conservation', if anyone is interested in this area

- 'Environmental Impact Assessment as a Tool for Environmental Protection'

If I continue with that one, it will be moved from 'edublogs' to a self-hosted platform. Would appreciate any feedback to continue with that one or not! :)

PPS Don't forget the Free Goodies Basket at the bottom of the this page, or the home page (you can download anything in the embedded 4shared box, or listen online)
:-)

The Stigma of Depression - Part 1

2009-01-08T01:22:00.020+10:30

Do you suffer depression, intense sadness? Are you usually happy in life, but right now, feeling so down, that you want to hide away from life?

If you do think you may be experiencing full-blown depression (which is not just a few days of sadness or the blues), or even a significant and lengthy period of sadness and lack of energy - has a tragic event recently happened to trigger these feelings? Or can you find no explanation about why your view on life has changed? Where is the joy and happiness you used to feel?

This site is starting a new series on the topic of depression because it is more common than most people realize. Many general self-help type sites also tend to avoid the more serious nature of this illness - because that's what it is - an illness - it is not 'you'.

It is not as easy to 'grow and change' if you are starting at a lower base level emotionally relative to many people, who may experience the odd 'down' day. Related to this broad topic, are other issues of self image and esteem, confidence and your inner beliefs, amongst others.

This is also an important topic to address in the self help arena, because there is still so much of a stigma associated with such feelings - of clinical depression -

1) especially in our professional lives, we fear to give any hint of our feelings, this depressed mood, this stigma - it would feel unbearable for our work colleagues to know of our 'weakness', our illness (for that is what depression is - but not an incurable one). So, you may try to put on a 'happy face' and carry on, without anyone realizing how much internal strength this is taking from you - in just getting through the day - let alone getting out of bed. And you might need to be strong for your family too?

2) Or perhaps you don't work? But you again need to be 'strong' for your family/friends? Who wants to feel a burden? The same holds true. You may, are likely, to feel alone.

3) Or perhaps you have neither work, nor family and are relatively isolated - you perhaps really are alone. Sometimes this situation may feel the worst of all - you just don't want, or just can't seem to 're-enter' into 'normal' life. Perhaps you cry inside as you watch those living out their 'normal lives', seemingly without a concern. You wish so much that you could feel good inside, feel happiness, feel part of a community or circle of friends. It is an awful place to be.

Depression and loneliness can occur in all three situations, it can occur in any situation. And because of the stigma still attached to depression, ie. as a 'mental' illness, many people, young and old, continue to suffer alone, without seeking help, or by seeking help of the wrong kind.

Yet it is possible - people with depression can feel happiness again - happiness is 'within us'. But this is usually too hard to see or believe when in the midst of a depressive episode ... intense sadness, not wanting to go out into the 'big wide world'. Blackness. Lost hope. Just reading about it is depressing!

But did you know that a high percentage of people in the mental health profession have also experienced depression themselves? - and come through? :-)

In more recent times, thankfully, depression is becoming less of a stigma and more people are reaching out for help. Even the Leader (Premier) of the Western Australian Government resigned in recent years - and he was commended for explaining why to the Public Press - he was suffering from depression.

This helped so many people to understand and feel that it was not just 'them' - that they were not alone and that depression was nothing to be ashamed of. It is an illness and does not fundamentally define us - we are all unique and special people. ...

depression does not discriminate in any way and all people, from all walks of life, can suffer depression at some point in their lives - but it does not last forever.

Thus, future articles in this series will attempt to touch on the subject by providing general information, links to more official resources/sites on depression, in addition to offering a place of friendly support.

In this respect, please note that this site should never replace the role of medical doctors and other mental health specialists, nor does this site claim to have the answers, with specific psychotherapy or treatments. Individual symptoms and treatments will also vary between people. Moreover, it may be possible that a person's depression may actually have an underlying physical cause.

However, people who have escaped depression, and people who are fighting their way through depression, might also like to share their stories to help others through this difficult time (you can comment anonymously of course).

While people cannot possibly be 'diagnosed' here, there are some measuring factors that may indicate depression - and you can decide whether or not to seek medical help - there is no shame in this.

Because if you are suffering depression, it really does help to have support even if you don't think you need it, or even want it - it is hard to get through this on your own. Even if you are not depressed, reading more on this may also help you understand others', friends/family, who 'may' be experiencing depression, or an extended period of sadness.

It can be done, getting through depression - but please reach out, ask for help/share your story. There is light beyond that blackness. Always believe in hope. Believe in yourself and know that depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and does not define you as a person.

I hope that you write...
Until Next Time, Be Kind to Yourselves
Meg

An 'Accidental Video' for my online Friends & Mentors!

2009-01-05T23:38:00.012+10:30

Hi All! Tonight I want to wish you the Happiest of New Years and hope that you had a wonderful Xmas and Holiday!

I would also like to thank all my online friends, readers and mentors dearly, for your friendship and inspiration! Many of you have returned here and been very patient, waiting for my promised and upgraded wordpress blog, whilst I seem to have been frozen with 'perfectionism' - hence, it is not here yet!

But I have been encouraged and inspired to write more here this year, despite not having my new blog up and running (given that the value is in providing information and motivation, amongst many things!). So, I hope to bring more self help articles soon on a more regular basis, with new and structured categories - let's build that momentum Megan! - eek - lol!

Thank you to those of you whom encouraged me!

Until then, I wanted to greet you 'personally' and to thank you all in an 'Accidental Video' - to put a face to my words! Yes, the video was an 'accident' - I discovered I could easily create a video on Facebook, simply by using my webcam (no uploads!), so its my very first online video and I do hope it shows up ok here.

Please bear with me (if you can view it) - this truly is an unprepared and unedited, informal video from my office/lounge, but I did want to show my gratitude to so many of you and to wish you all a wonderful 2009. I have also copied the text I wrote on Facebook to accompany this video, naming many of you (but not all!).

Again, forgive the quality - but hey, this is me, with an informal THANK YOU to you all for your friendship, inspiration and encouragement - without you, I am not sure if I would have continued.

But I now plan to breathe new life into this blog and to share!

(I am not sure if you can view the video if you are not a member of Facebook - we can only but hope! If you can't, perhaps try Left Clicking Here. If this doesn't work, see the text below and I hope you join Facebook so that you can see this Video and future, more 'professional' videos that I will post!).

THE 'ACCIDENTAL VIDEO' - Thankyou All and Have a Wonderful New Year!

(you can view this in 'full screen' too if you hover your mouse over the video)

Text & Comments Accompanying Video on Facebook

"My first 'Accidental' embarrassing, unprepared web-cam video rants and rambles at 5:00 in the morning.

Now that I know this works, I am excited! Get some videos up, actually plan, edit and upload them and share some nutty wisdom (especially when I learn the techniques from the ThirtyDayChallengePlus.com)!

But really - I just wanted to say an informal thank you, to my online friends and mentors (some of whom may only know me in passing, but whom have been truly great inspirations to me)

I 'tagged' some of you, sorry (I am not sure of the tagging etiquette yet, so you can delete it - no offense taken)! And many of you I couldn't tag, because I know you mainly on Twitter and other social networks - and have yet to grow my Facebook tribe!)

Please forgive me if you are not named in this video - there are so many of you. I had written a list of you all here and your sites, and accidently deleted it - duh! Just like the 'accidental' video.

People like Steve Pavlina (such an inspiration when I started online, who saved me, and who will continue to be an inspiration as I start blogging professionally!), Mert Erkal, Alex Sysoef, Ed Dale, Dan Raine, Carosmile :), Caroline Middlebrook, Jan Tallent, Sharon McPherson, Yaro Starak, Rich Schefren, Yasmine Anns, Sean Taylor, Ramiro, Edmund Loh, CoachDeb, all the writers on the original bloghology magazine (eg Louis Liem, Ann Smarty, Miguel Wickert, Stephan Miller and others), Dennis Edall, Tina Su, VisionSphere (Jim), MaryBabySteps (whom I just met tonight!), ZnaTrainer, Traci Knoppe, HarmonicBarbie, Commonsense4, Denise Hall, CoachDeb, Mari Smith, Sam Knoll, InspireMeToday, ApothcaryJeri(Twitter names!), Marie McDavis, Rob Goulet,Vasilis, Joy OHare, Todd Moss, Mike Filsaime, Jason Dinner, .... and so many others, too numerous to name here from Twitter and elsewhere.

Please, if your name is not here, comment below and shout at me!! :-)

So many of you have truly inspired me and been wonderful friends - thank you all and I hope and look forward to getting to know you more in 2009!

Have a wonderful and Happy New Year and continue dreaming and living big dreams! :-) "

Comments: (to those of you who commented on Facebook, I hope you don't mind me copying them here - if you do, give me a shout and I'll remove them)

Mert Erkal at 6:59am January 2

Hey Megan, you look wonderful today :) I hope more videos will follow. This was one of the most beautiful and sincere videos I have ever watched. The final part was amazing :) I wish you a happy new year! Keep going, you will rock in 2009!

Miguel Wickert- Pineiro at 11:51am January 2

Happy New YEAR! :)

Joy OHare at 1:09pm January 2

Happy New Year Megan. It is great to see you. Thx for the video! Joy

Stephan Miller at 1:49pm January 2

Happy New Year Megan.

Ann Smarty at 7:50pm January 2

Happy New Year, Megan!

Jason Dinner at 9:07pm January 2

Hey Megan, glad to see you stepping out of your comfort zone. Happy New Year and make it profitable!!

Jason :)

Megan McCarthy at 11:02pm January 2

Hey Mert, Ann and Jason! Thank you so much for your comments - as usual, you inspire me :) Again, do hope you had wonderful New Year, with more to come! (and great to see you here Jason - has been a long time! yes, stepping out of comfort zone, you are right! :) Hoping your family life is wonderful, I remember when the babies were first coming - so very exciting!).

Meg :-)

Megan McCarthy at 11:04pm January 2

And Miguel, Stephan and Joy! Thank you too! (for some reason your comments didn't show up until I had written above - very strange!)
I will be in touch more this year! (and with some more 'professional' videos rather than 'accidental' ones - lol) :-)

Vasilis Pasparas at 2:45am January 3

Happy New Year Megan with Health and Prosperity. hope your wildest dreams comes true :-)

Edmund Loh at 2:30am January 4

Oh wow I'm touched. Didn't expect at all a small mention of me. LOL!

Edmund Loh at 2:30am January 4

Yes video is awesome. Too bad I was having a hard time trying to catch your accent. But then, I'm not a star speaker either. Haha!

Megan McCarthy at 4:12am January 4

Thanks Edmund! Of course you are mentioned, well tried too! LOL - you made a big impression on me back in 2005/6, and when we spoke briefly by email, and you still do :) Not sure if I said your name in the video - I got nervous and forgot most people when trying to name everyone - eek! - hence - I wrote your names above to make up for it - and have still left out people! Sorry about my accent - hehe (and you speak very clearly in your videos btw). An 'awesome' video for an 'accidental' one - wow! Thanks again. Hope to keep in touch - I commented on your video too :-)

---------

Take care and always be kind to yourself!
Megan (Meg)

PS I would love it if you would comment, if this video is relevant to you, and/or be my friend on Facebook too - join the 'tribe' as they say! :-)

Decisions: A Blogging or a Magazine Theme?

2008-11-18T00:38:00.043+10:30

HELP?! Does anyone have any advice? :)

I write in a dilemma today!

As some of you may know, I am transferring my blogspots to self-hosted wordpress blogs. But I am simply overwhelmed with the sheer amount of choices of wordpress themes out there - I have literally downloaded 100s, but of course I cannot possibly be the author of so many blogs - duh! (although I do have many planned for the future).

The Plan - First WP Blogs!

For the moment, I plan to have two 'flagship' blogs to start with, including of course:

a continuation (albeit better quality version) of this SelfHelp4Growth Blog at www.selfhelp4growth.com (empty at the moment), and
a diary of my online Journey over the last 2 years or so, in developing ideas, projects, blogs and lessons learned from the social media and resell rights world (including lots of resources I have found to make other people's online journey easier) (a similar but broader version of my current Resellers Delig ht and Web2.0 Marketing Blogspot). This will be housed at - www.bloggingalltheway.com

I will also be setting up some product review (niche) blogs soon, thanks to a great product - instant install and customizable produ c t review blog the me - created by Alex Sysoef and his partner (I will write a detailed review for you on that soon, once I have tested it for myself, but it looks great and Alex's products are always top quality, as is his main blog, wordpress and web2.0 guide).

But if you want to find out more now, you can visit the info. page by left clicking here (aff).

My Dilemma: Which theme do I choose?

So - I only have 2 main blogs (for now), yet I have 100s of themes, of different styles, colors and customizability.

Do I go with a paid 'Magazine' style wordpress theme, with powerful back-end panels that make customization of one's blog easy (at least for technophobs like me!) - for example, the 'one-theme', with many fantastic features including multiple colours, 3 different default page layouts (blog, news, magazine), and multiple page templates (archives, contact, sitemap, category, info, no sidebars), customizable graphics, ongoing updates and support, among other things? (to solve all of my issues?)

But then there are Brian Gardner's Premium Revolution Magazine themes (now free!) - in fact, all of his Revolution Premium themes are now open source. In particular, I thought that the 'Lifestyle' Magazine theme, might be great for this blog, when more content (including 'tutorial-type' or ongoing article series) have been added.

Or should I go with a more standard blogging theme to start?

Yes, one-theme also has a 'blog layout'. And so do Brian's Magazine themes! Just in these themes, I get a 'choice' - a decision to be made.

But what about all the others out there? And should the theme be a 2 column, or a 3 column theme? Left or Right columns? What colours? Do I find one with featured tabs? How easy are they to customize? Are they compatible with wordpress software updates? What if I like multiple themes?? Should I create my own graphical logo (more time and choice!). What if I like ALL of them! What do I do if they have no support (ie. free themes)?

Here are some of the options to consider .... (eek!)

Brian's Revolution Blogging Themes:

Or what about some of the padditsolutions blogging themes?

How about a landing page-type theme, which leads into the blog (a more 'professional' look)? For example, Brian's Revolution 'Office' Theme, or the premium 'Essence' iTheme?
Or should I use such themes for my forthcoming 'branded' service sites - freelance writing and editing :)

What about all the fantastic word press themes from dailyblogtips and other great sites?

Or what about some of Brian's multimedia themes, such as the revolution chrome theme, or the internet tv theme? Why not create a Vlog? But I can do that anyway, with all the other themes - well, how about focusing on videos/photos? hmmmmmm.....

(btw - if you are interested in Brian's Revolution Themes too, Left Click Here - there is a very, 'incy, tincy' small download button at the bottom of each theme, unsupported) :-)

So these are the options .... but there's more....magazine, standard blogs, news, multimedia, free and/or do I invest money in a premium theme to include the upgrades, support, and the easy backpanel, such as 'one-theme' above, or the easily customizable WP-Vybe' theme below, which comes in multiple color options??

Then there are the free non-premium versions, which are also very customizable, such as the f lexibility theme (which also comes with free extra graphics)?

And of course, I could get a 'custom-designed theme', which would cost quite a bit! (perhaps I will leave that for later, for my future millions of readers!)

:0)

Life is full of Decisions! Sometimes we just need to Act!

I think perhaps, the only way, is through actually 'DOING' and to stop downloading even more themes, making my life and decision more difficult! I read that many people have this problem in finding themes, sometimes spending a lot of money before they find the right one.

Talk about a prime case of 'information-overload' and 'decision/analysis-paralysis'! (that's my contribution towards a 'self help' topic today!)

Perhaps I should setup a test blog first, have a look at how the themes work and let you, the reader help me decide. I can always change it later, right! :-)

I know - I will ask my Coach! Problem solved! :-)

Calling Mert! My very close friend and blogging coach Mert at searchforblogging! Yes, perhaps I will ask him - hehe!

Do you also have any thoughts on this?
Any ideas to help?
Any Lessons you have learned perhaps?

And to top all of this off - I have soooo many great wordpress plugins to choose from. Of course, I am not going to overload it with 'widgets' like I have with this blog here, and I do know the particularly important plugins. But there are just so many!

Again, trial and error :)

AHHHH (its times like this that I wish I could find my 'belly-laughing, crazy smily emoticon!) - hehe

Its late, I can't decide, so my response - rather than become stressed, will be to smile, laugh, and go to bed and sleep on it! Because I love WordPress and I know it will eventually happen :)

---
So, once again, this wasn't really a 'self help' focused post - just hints of the problems we face in life in terms of information overload, choices and decision-making, even in the smaller areas of our lives (or bigger, depending on one's perspective!). I also wanted to show you my dilemma (to let you know that I am working on this)..... perhaps get some advice - and be a little more gentle on myself. It WILL happen.

And yes, while content is MORE important, design is also important, and I do at least, need a blog to write in and I don't want something awful to start with.

We shall see what happens and I look forward to any comments/suggestions :-)
(calling Blogging Coach Mert!) :-D

Until then, and coming soon - an actual self-help related post - oops!
(this is a 'self help' blog after all)

Be kind with yourselves :)

Meg

Posted by Megan McCarthy, PhD (Meg) Adelaide, South Australia

I was Held Hostage by Bloghology!

2008-10-25T03:20:00.045+10:30

I return once again - ummm, I was held hostage by 'Bloghology' - what, you may ask? (I'll keep you in suspense, see below) :)

Gosh its good to be back! I've tried writing several posts, but each time, my browser crashed (uggh!).

I was also hoping to have my promised new WP self-hosted blog up soon too, so I delayed writing here, but have discovered that more people have been visiting and then leaving because I haven't posted for awhile!

:-0

I haven't abandoned you - so please do return (and I appreciate the new friends in my BlogLog Community - see the sidebar widget for recent visitors)! I have much exciting news to report, some of which is relevant to this site, and most of which is relevant to my other 'Web2.0 Resellers Blog' :)

Time - It Escapes Us All!

Time escapes us so fast doesn't it?! Yes, our parents told us - "you will see, as you get older, time will speed up". What they FAILED to tell us (or me!), is that it passes faster each and every year, at an exponential rate. I'm still 'living' back in March of this year. I cannot believe that it is nearly Christmas. So much has happened.

So, ok, its my fault, I take full responsibility (as we should in life!) - I have neglected to write. Shall I list a number of excuses here :)

Yes, of course I will :)

My Excuses: Blogosphere, Social Media & "Bloghology"

My recent ventures into the blogosphere and social media world resulted in my 'hostage' experience with Bloghology below. I have had an incredible journey, especially on Twitter and I hope to share this journey with you, as it will help grow this selfhelp4growth site.

Please as I share some great free resources with everyone - I love making new friends too :)

A 'busy beaver' I have been, joining, learning and creating my online profiles to share with others, to create a network of friends, to find lots of free resources for my friends, so that when ready, there are more opportunities to share the forthcoming, new and improved 'SelfHelp4Growth' Blog! :-) (this also makes it easier for me to find more great resources for you).

Squidoo Self Help Lens:

I have also spent some time updating my Self Help Squidoo Lens, which has some more articles and great videos, articles, tips and free resources, to help you feel better about life, in finding greater happiness now. You might want to read about 'Bloghology' below first, but if you are interested in reading my updated Squdioo Lens later, Left Click here (don't forget to rate me and feel free to leave any comments - I will continually be improving it!) - hehe

Anyway, if you are a fellow blogger (and I assume many of you are, or perhaps aspiring bloggers wanting to share your thoughts?), you probably know that the world of social media and networking is amazing and you can meet some great people you may not usually have the chance to meet - many of these people can also be helpful for you in both your personal and online journeys in life (social media is all about conversation, making new friends, and always giving first!).

I have met some amazing new friends and contacts.

Through this, I became involved for a short time in the World's 1st Blogging Magazine - aptly called 'Bloghology' (based on the concept of 'anthology') .......

BLOGHOLOGY - NETWORKING & MAGAZINE FOR BLOGGERS

Hostage!! But I enjoyed every moment of my involvement in this new project for bloggers. This is very exciting -not only for me, but also for you, if you are also a blogger or online marketer - and that's the biggest part of my excuse that delayed the promised move to my more 'professional' wp self-hosted blog! Yes, its coming (eek)!

Even though you are actually reading a 'self help' blog here, I thought many of you might be interested, as fellow bloggers, or aspiring bloggers (yes again, perhaps I should have written this on my other blog, which actually does focus on blogging and social media among other things - oops!).

But as usual, I digress
Has the suspense built up yet :)

Get to the point Megan - What 'IS' Bloghology!?

WORLD'S 1ST BLOGGING MAGAZINE

Bloghology has a range of platforms, but its key product, is the world's 1st Blogging Magazine, produced by Bloggers for Bloggers and Marketers. It comes in both digital/online and printed/offline format, and contains top quality information brought to you by a successful team of editors and writers/bloggers, who are dedicated to your success online. The digital version is free and the first edition was read by approximately 85,000 readers I think, when it launched at the BlogWorldExpo in September of this year.

The publisher (Interactive Global Media, IGM) has invested in some amazing software, so you can view the online version of the magazine in a 3D, animated format, and flip through the pages like its the real thing.

(it also has a smiley picture of Yaro Starak on the front cover as you can see, a well-known and highly respected problogger, who was interviewed for this edition)

I am sure you will find the topics in the digital September Edition very useful if you are also a blogger (ranging from blogging lessons, SEO tips, keyword research, making money online, planning and setting goals for your blog, traffic building tips, social media and networks, podcasting, useful widgets for your blog and more)! Each edition also contains interviews with some top bloggers, including Yaro, John C, Guy K. and more ..... and coming soon, Joel Comm, Steve Pavlina, Caroline Middelbrook and Shaun Taylor.

You can see the list of topics by left clicking here, or you can directly view the online digital, interactive September edition for free by left clicking here (and forthcoming October edition, although this has been slightly delayed I think, due to some technical issues).

The above 'snapshot' may be a bit 'fuzzy', so I suggest you have a look for yourself. You do need to subscribe to view the whole magazine online, but its free :-)

(Note: if you do visit the magazine site, click on either the magazine cover or the 'subscription offers' - and scroll down the page a little, and then click on the smaller magazine cover. This will bring up the special magazine viewer where you can flip through the pages online. You can also pay to subscribe to the printed version, but if you want to view the free digital version for now, please do - remembering they are quite different products though).

BLOGHOLOGY'S NEW "SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE" (beta):

The other exciting news is the launch of the related Bloghology Social Networking Site, which is in beta, and which connects Bloggers and Marketers, and aims to lift the online profiles of all members.

Another 'fuzzy' screenshot! Bloghology's Social Site Home Page

While the Bloghology Social Site has many similiar features to MySpace or Facebook, Bloghology is unique in that it is targeted mainly at bloggers. You can learn more in the recent world-wide press release announcing its launch by left clicking here.

Some Features of the New Social Site:

(I think membership is still open to the public, but I heard that they may be closing the doors to beta members only again, until all of the features are ready - so you may need to be quick).

There is already lots you can do on the beta site, as more modules are being added - for example:

- Create a customized profile page and tell the world about you, your blogs, sites, products and services (yes, you even get some templates and can access the code to modify your profile template yourself!). See my profile below - more templates coming soon!)

You can view my profile and add me as your friend by Left Clicking Here :)

- Help people find and follow you online by adding your social site user ids (eg twitter, stumbleupon, linkedin, blogger, youtube, bloglog and more)

- Add and invite friends and grow a great social network and group of contacts in your special areas of interest

- Create special Groups of like-minded people - hmmmm, maybe I'll create a special 'SelfHelp4Growth' Group :)

- Create Events (other members can RSVP to any event you create) - this would be a great opportunity to finally start my selfhelp podcast and announce it!

- Instant Messenger (IM) feature (any 'buddies' online and you can speak to them directly without having to go into separate IM software)

- Classified Advertising feature (expose your expertise and services)

- Add comments, send messages to your friends, and even view 'wall-to-wall' conversations!

- Upload and create video, and photo albums

- Create your own blog (in addition to an 'update box', or a 'what am I doing now' feature, a bit like Twitter)

- Plus many more features coming soon (including widgets, RSS feeds, points/reward systems and more).

If you Click Here, you will be taken directly to the Home page to read more, but feel free to join through my special 'referral link' by Left Clicking Here - if you use this link to join, the bloghology team can know that you joined from here - I don't receive any monetary value but I might get some 'points' - and you can do the same too! :)

As a beta member, you also have the privilege of testing the features, requesting more features, submitting feedback, together with the opportunity to participate in some exciting competitions and increasing your exposure as a blogger. Already members are making lots of new online friends and contacts, and building their traffic and blog exposure.

That is the aim - to lift blogger's online profiles :)

Find Out More about Bloghology:

If you would like to find out more about 'Bloghology' and its range of online sites and features, you can also view the web media kit online, in the same interactive magazine software (this kit also highlights the value of advertising on bloghology, when it reaches its full potential and is out of beta stage). While its predominantly for bloggers, its a new and unique approach for advertisers too, where they can make use of 'softer, social media-style of marketing, rather than traditional advertising. Left Click Here to read more about Bloghology in the web kit (if that link doesn't work, just click on the 'advertising' menu tab on the magazine site.

You can also find out more at Bloghology's main home site at: www.bloghology.org and by visiting a special friend of mine (Mert), at his main blog - www.searchforblogging.com (Mert was the originator of the concept - 'bloghology', before it became a fully-fledged magazine and social networking site, and is now the Editor-in-Chief).

*******
So, Yes, I was held hostage by 'Bloghology', but it was worth every minute! :) While this is a relatively new project, it has already created quite a buzz in the blogosphere, so I really do hope it takes off - both the Magazine and the Social Network Site for Bloggers! With your support it can :)

Anyway, enough of my excuses for not writing (albeit good excuses if I do say so myself). I will write again soon, hopefully to announce the launch of the new-look SelfHelp Blog!

I would also love to hear what you think about Bloghology?
Did you view the Magazine?
Did you join the Social Site?
Do you have any feedback or thoughts?

Let me know by adding a comment to this post, and I'll have a look at your site too :)

Warm Regards and Be Kind With Yourselves :-)

Meg

Posted by Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

PS If you read below, you will find some free audios to help you through your days and don't forget the 'Goodies Basket' at the bottom of this page (or the front page of this blog) - with lots of ebooks and audios you can either download, or listen to online. I will be adding more there soon for you.

Are you having a bad day? Free Audio

2008-06-24T02:27:00.005+09:30

The 'Seaweed' of Life!

Are you having a bad day and cannot see your way through? Do you experience such days? I think we all do at times, some people more than others.

Why does this happen? Life is complex. At times there are specific reasons for our bad days, or down times. On other days, there appears to be no apparent reason, for just simply feeling down - even when we want to feel strong and positive and happy. To find that inner peace.

It just seems beyond our reach on such days. But this is an illusion. It is never out of our reach to find happiness, now.

While life is complex and people live in different environments; some worse than others, this does not mean that our pain is not real. It is real to 'us'. Yes, some people may be, and are, worse off in life (and this initself may help to place our lives and pain into perspective).

But please, never discount your own feelings. And never discount the unique power and strength within you to wait it out, or to make that choice about how to respond to 'your particular circumstances in life'. Yes, it can be hard. It can take time, depending on the intensity of your feeling, of your life circumstance. Whether or not it is just a 'bad day', or perhaps something more than this.

We can do it though :)

So, why do I refer to the Seaweed of Life! I have referred to this a few times on this site, and will explore this concept more as its developed. Seaweed can be beautiful, as you can see from the image at the top of this life - coral seaweed. But sometimes I use this word to describe how seaweed, when perceived as a 'weed' can taint our lives. We can become overcome by this seaweed!

In this respect, we all have bad days - the days where the 'seaweed' of life creeps in. Fear and doubt can rear their ugly heads and it becomes difficult to see our way through to the other side. These are the times we can lose sight of our goals.

Yet it is our goals that give us meaning. And our goals vary from person to person. I strive often for inner peace :-) I too, suffer these times, especially during days of illness. It is hard to stay positive on such days, and to 'attract' what we want and desire into our lives.

But its OK to have these days. Without them - how can we enjoy the good and even greater days :-)

Sometimes, it is enough to know that these days DO and WILL pass. Yet again, when in the midst of such days, this can be of little reassurance. Thus, if you are having a bad day now, today, or even in the future, I thought this short audio might help you get through.

I have added it to the 'Free Goodies Basket', which is at the bottom of the main/front page of this blog-site. Feel free to bookmark and share it, if you feel that it helps.

You can also directly access the 'Getting through a bad day audio' by Left Clicking Here.
And a free audio on 'Tips to be happy' by Left Clicking Here.
And you can access the Full 'Free Goodies Basket' by Left Clicking Here.

Take the Best of Care my friends and Until Next Time
Be Kind With Yourselves :-)

Megan (Meg)

Darn - Beware of Blog Editor Plugins Stuffing up your Blog

2008-06-07T21:28:00.004+09:30

I will have some self-help topics and free goodies coming back soon! But at the moment, my poor Blog! Errors, errors, and more errors - fonts gone awry. Layouts gone strange! Clearly, this is not my normal posting today, nor are the last two! I have been both ill, and held 'hostage' by a blog editor and test posts, which have resulted in disaster! Well, its not really that disastrous, but incredibly frustrating.

It was my own fault really, but I don't want the same thing to happen to you! Thus - I just want to caution all Bloggers in using plugins with your internet browsers (or anyone for that matter), as they can make your life ..... AHHHH!
:-)

As you can probably see below, much of the formatting of my blog has gone a bit 'wonky' (can anyone help??!). And this post, together with the last two posts may seem a little repetitive, being on the same topic ....

The ScribeFire Blog Editor Plugin:

How did this happen?

I was having great fun with the 'ScribeFire' Blog Editor Plugin for Mozilla (and still will, when I work out what went wrong). Please don't misunderstand me - I do highly recommend 'ScribeFire' but I would also recommend practicing with it BEFORE you actually publish a post to your Blog.

The Lessons I have learned ...

You will see two rather long posts immediately prior to this one, which review the ScribeFire blog editor in a little detail as a 'test'. Rather than saving these posts as a 'draft' first to view what they looked like, I foolishly published them first. And, being on blogger, for some reason, it changed all of my formatting, fonts and overall look of my Blog template.

I also state this in the posts below, but when I wrote those posts, I really didn't know how much of a change would be made. Now I will have to spend a lot of time trying to fix this and I am not sure how, as it has affected my 'layout', and I am not a coding expert. So, I may not be able to fix this, without removing the posts entirely, and even this may not work. And what a waste of my time that will have been.

Frustration plus! So please all bloggers - bear these points in mind and it won't happen to you. All I can do is 'Let go' and laugh at life I guess - ha ha ha ha! :-)

Perhaps this is a message to me - It is time to really get moving to my own domain and to move to a word press blog! :)

Is anyone interested in helping a 'non-techie' - Reimbursed of course?

Given the above and the posts prior to this one - AND - my longstanding plans to move to my own domains - is anyone interested in helping a 'non-techie' like myself out to get my wordpress themes installed and optimised with plugins?

If so, please contact me and we can discuss any possible arrangements, reimbursements and such!! :-)

And again, please don't misunderstand - I do still recommend the ScribeFire plugin. It really does have some fantastic features, and you can go to any webpage and 'blog this'! You can blog from anywhere, anytime with the 'quick blogging toolbar too'. Just remember the advice above and lessons in the postings prior to this one. And your blogging life will be much easier and fun, fun, fun! (not that it isn't anyway!) :-)

(but I do caution against the use of any untested or unknown plugins, for any task - I once installed some great toolbars, and they crashed my entire computer!) Just make sure you know what you are doing :-)

Hoping you are all well! And I hope to hear from anyone interested in helping.
I am going to escape blogging/blogger for now - I have been held hostage for too long! AHHH
And try to get to my emails!

Until Next time, when I finally get back to some self-help topics!
Be Kind :-)
Meg

Results of the ScribeFire Online Blog Editor - Post Anywhere Anytime!

2008-06-07T17:05:00.001+09:30

Quick Introduction - 'The 'ScribeFire' Blog Editor

Please excuse any formatting errors in this post (and in the blog overall's look, if any) until I can fix them (add-in edit: also, I feel yukky yukky sick right now, so I am going to just hit that 'publish' button and hope for the best! - soorrry)!.

So, you may ask - Why might these errors be here?

I am both using and reviewing an online 'Blog Editor' tool for you - 'ScribeFire' to determine its usefulness in making a blogger's life easier :-)

In particular, if you go to the post immediately prior to this one, you will find an article which reviews three social media-related tools that are especially useful for bloggers, and for all people who are interested in online social networking and friendships in general. These tools include the:

ScribeFire online Blog Poster/Creator Plugin (which I am also using to write this blog post)
the social media based 'Flock' Web Browser, and the
Netvibes Web Dashboard.

In order to more fully understand the post you are reading right now, you need to read the blog post prior to this one, albeit a tad long, intermingled with some humor! Also, while the post briefly summarized the three tools noted above, it was also testing the ScribeFire Blog Editor in the process.

This post is a summary of the outcomes and results of this 'test' - let's hope that this post comes out better than the one before! Overall, the online ScribeFire Blog Editor certainly makes blogging easier, but there are some minor pros and cons to perhaps note in your own decision about whether or not to use this tool or not ....

SIDE NOTE: I will perhaps review the other two social media and networking tools noted below at a later time if you are interested, but thought this more important for now .... (it might also have been more appropriate to write these reviews on my other blog, which I haven't maintained for awhile - that is - 'Resellers Delight and Web 2.0 Marketing'! (oops Megan, wrong Blog!). Thus, I may move these posts to that blog. But then again, many readers here are also bloggers and have a growing network of online friends. So as suggested, these tools are useful in every aspect of life, in our self-help journey! :-)

THE RESULTS: Pros & Cons of the ScribeFire Blog Editor

Yes, it worked. The online ScribeFire Blog Creator fundamentally did what it aimed to, and published my post to this blog, as you can obviously see, especially in the post prior to this one. Graphics, videos, formatting and more, were all transferred from my draft post, to the published version, with no errors or hassles in the publishing process itself.

However, the 'transferance' of formatting and graphics was not all that it was expected to be, and the primary reasons for this are outlined below ... First, however -

The Cons:

Unfortunately, the post published prior to this one (which was created entirely in the online ScribeFire Blog Editor), did some strange things to the overall formatting of this blog, albeit minor in nature - my blog looks different - AHH. Now I have to take time later to fix these problems. Not to worry. Its a learning process.

Some of these problems or issues do need to be borne in mind, however, if you also decide to use ScribeFire. In Summary, when writing my post/article in the online ScribeFire Blog Editor -

The font sizes in the Blog Editor did not reflect what the fonts looked like in the Scribe Fire's editing interface or window, and are actually much smaller when published (In short, fonts look larger in the editor, than they will when published).

When I published my final post, as noted, somehow it changed some of the overall formatting of my blog, which is a pain and again, is now something I need to fix from within Blogger's dashboard. The posts are now also too small to read comfortably, and spacing between paragraphs has gone array in parts.

Some graphics and videos now also go over the edge of the posting area (so this may depend on your blog theme and column widths). It also appears that my posting area has narrowed, but I could be wrong?

Some fonts went all bold, whilst others were ok.

The spacings in the draft 'preview' mode in the blog editor' did not always reflect the actual published view (and spacings are larger in some areas, than were intended).

When you 'save' your draft post in ScribeFire by clicking on 'Save Note', it gives no indication to you about whether it is saved or not. (obviously it did though, as my post was published, although I am not sure how it will actually 'save' as a 'draft', if I decide not to publish a post until later).

Overall, however, these things can be fixed once you determine how ScribeFire affects your own Blog. Its just a bit frustrating at first, especially with the loss of time. What I thought was 'looking' like a good post, actually turned out to be a LOOOOONNNG GG one and I know that many people like the shorter posts. But it was hard to know this at the time of writing (the same is probably the case for this one, and I have no idea how the fonts, or this post, will look like until it is published - so again, please excuse any errors).

One of the main problems I think, is that the online Blog Poster only takes up a portion of your computer screen (about 1/3). As a result, it is difficult to obtain an 'overall picture' of how your posting will look, unlike in normal 'preview' full-screen modes'. This is why some of the errors or problems. noted above, could not be picked up.

I am increasing the font size of this particular post to see if it makes a difference, and hope that it doesn't cause any more formatting problems! Hopefully the videos and photos broke this up a little in the previous post - especially the 'funny' video, which I have re-posted below - we all need another laugh - well I do now! :-)

The PROs of ScribeFire

It is incredibly easy and fast to use - and fun!

It is free and incorporates all/most of the features you would be used to in blog editors
The errors noted above can be fixed, once you learn how ScribeFire affects your particular blog theme.
It is very intuitive and easy to learn
There are many features not found in blogger
It is extremely fun and easy to insert flickr photos and You Tube videos with a couple of clicks (in addition to uploading your own images)
In fact, it is great being able to post anywhere, anytime - and copy and drag text etc from other webpages into your blog editor. It is so easy in fact, that you may end up wanting to write more posts than you would normally, at the 'drop of a hat' so to speak!
And - did I mention - it is free! :)

So what went wrong?

Why did my blog's appearance change and my final post not appear the way it 'should' have when it was published. Admittedly, the issues are only minor and can be fixed, but they do need to be noted, so that you are prepared when using this tool. There may be many reasons for some of the problems noted above, including, among other things:

the type of blog theme used (ie. the blog editor does not automatically detect what the size, shape, CSS styles and fonts, etc of your blog theme are)

as already noted, the relatively small size of ScribeFire's blog editor's interface (or editing window where the draft post is created), only takes up about 1/3 of the computer monitor (thus, as noted, any appearances of fonts, sizes, spacings, for example, will not always reflect what appears when finally 'published' on the full computer monitor screen. They will appear larger (or smaller in terms of spacing) in your draft than in the final published version).

Given the above, it is also not possible to visualize the full layout of the final posting from within the 'preview' mode of the blog editor in order to fix any problems, because it is not written or 'viewed', with my blog theme in mind.

Again, this may also explain the 'spacing' issue and why some paragraphs had larger spaces than others.

Ultimately, given the small size of the editing window (and inability to view my blog) - how do I know if a particular image or photograph will 'fit' within the writing area of my blog, or if it will overlap into the right side-bar of this blog? There is no way to know this, until it is published, or alternatively, if you use the editor on a constant basis with the same theme, and actually know what these 'measurements' are when inserting graphics and such.

There are probably other reasons and issues, but I am not going to delve into this more deeply given that many are relatively minor points. Again, I just wanted to give you a summary of how the ScribeFire Blog Editor worked for me and my particular blog theme, so you can apply this knowledge to your own sites if you do use this tool.

So - Do I Recommend ScribeFire Blog Editor?

Overall, I certainly recommend ScribeFire Blog Editor if you can sort out some of the above issues for your particular blog/theme (they may not even be a problem for you anyway). It might also be worth noting that if you change your brower to 'Flock' (see the post below prior to this one again), there is also another free online brower blog post editor in there too. I haven't tested that one though, and it doesn't look like it has as many features based on the video in the post prior to this one, but I could be wrong.

Ultimately, while I will use this tool for convenience's sake - I mean - how easy is it to just click on a little orange icon in your browser and you can write a blog!! - when I want to write more substantial and planned postings, I think I will use desktop-based blogging software, such as 'BlogJet' (I will review this software for you if I do purchase this). For now, I will use ScribeFire and the current method of simply writing online within blogger (and copying draft versions into textpad, until I move my blog to its own domain and it becomes more structured) :-)

Again, I will return back to the topic of 'selfhelp' soon, and will bring you the promised information on the coming 'challenge' which fellow bloggers in particular may be interested in, especially in making new friends and strengthening your online networks of like-minded people within your blogging niche (see prior post).

To all, be kind, Enjoy the moment and take care.

AND - if none of the above made any sense at all(!), please take at least a few minutes to skim the post below prior to this one (and then reward yourself by watching this video below - or you may just want to watch it now).

I laughed so hard the first time that I couldn't resist posting this video here again for you :D

Until Next time,
Meg :)

FUN Tests of New Social Media and Blog Posts Tools!

2008-06-07T00:12:00.001+09:30

Hi All - 'testing, testing, testing'!! I am pointing you to a couple of free and useful social-medial related goodies today, which you may already know about, and which are of particular interest to bloggers, but which are in 'test' mode here! - including:

the 'ScribeFire' plugin (which I am testing now), that integrates with your browser to more easily create your Blog Posts from anywhere (and with some great features),
'social-media' type internet browser - 'Flock' (which I have yet to test), and
the NetVibes web-dashboard

Given the 'test' nature of this post, I am not going to bother with pretty graphics and formatting, just for now ..... So I hope this information publishes ok, because I won't know until I get to my own Blog.
I am actually writing this from another location - ooohhh! '-) Will it be legible? What on earth is this going to look like? :-0

Or, maybe I will add some 'extras' here. As usual, my 'short' post has turned out to be a tad longer than intended. So - you might just end up having a little 'chuckle' and a giggle today! What with the 'egg on my face' if this doesn't work, or if it does work, if you manage to view one of the special 'animated features' below :-D

But feel free to skip over much if you are not as interested - perhaps just watch some of the videos.

OK, OK, I won't be so hard on myself, only just incredibly embarrassed if this doesn't work! But - my excuse - ITS JUST A TEST FOR NOW - so please forgive me, and blame Darren Rowse from Problogger if it doesn't work! (maybe not, perhaps its just me!) - but this is how I found the ScribeFire Blog Posting plugin.

Anyway ..... how many times can I excuse myself with the word 'test' (but I am saving this to a text file just in case)! Back to it ...

SCRIBEFIRE - Blog Creator-Editor Plugin for the Mozilla Browser

This rather plain, relatively unformatted test of the 'Scribefire Plugin' enables you to create your blog posts, anywhere, anytime! But the 'look' and plain nature of this post does not reflect the quite powerful features and capabilities of this Blog Creator, which has a fantastic user-interface and WYSIWYG editor - all integrated with your browser (it also has source and live view).

What does this blog plugin mean for you?

It means that you don't have to be logged on into your blog's dashboard to write a post. It means that you can literally post from anywhere when you are online, and you can make a post whenever it takes your fancy. For instance, maybe you have discovered a great website you would like to talk about and share with your blog readers - its sooo easy apparently, because once installed, you can easily drag, drop and paste clippings from that website, with all formatting in place, into your post editor - easy peasy! :-)
(although I haven't tried this one yet - see note below).

Its simple to use, great on the eye, and you can do many things at first glance - For example -

- Testing 'the bullet-point feature:

copy, drag and paste formated text and images from webpages you are viewing,
write,
add your own images from your computer or the web,
add flikr photos,
create links,
add youtube videos,
add special characters, block quotes, bullet points, the usuals ....
change your fonts in more ways than you can in most editors,
add your post to 'categories', even add new categories to your blog on the 'fly'
create titles,
view all the drafts currently in your blog dashboard,
select to edit/publish, save your new posts as notes and as a draft,
strip all formatting, clear content, delete, or if and when ready,
PUBLISH to your blog.

Yep, the bullets seemed to work :)

I'm not sure if it has a 'spell-checker' or track-back facility, although it does have a 'more' button, which I am hesitant to use just yet! So there may be many more features here ...

- Testing the 'block-quote' feature -

All blogs that you post to/own, can also be easily added to the blog editor, via a wizard. All this is happening 'behind the scenes' ....

Yep, seemed to work :)

- Testing 'insert a You Tube Video' by one-click:
Let's have a short 'feel good video' :-)

The Secret Law of Attraction and Your Dream Life

- Yep, this seemed to work. BUT - Ok, this one was a bit tricker - it is incredibly easy to do a video search, find and view a video and just click 'ok' - wallau! You have your video. How easy and exciting is that - oh how wonderful technology can be!

But initially, the video didn't show up. Humph! So, I switched to html view (source view), and found that the actual code for the video had been automatically inserted right at the end of this post. So, please bear this in mind if you use the scribefire plugin to write your blog posts.

Solution - I just cut and past the code and moved it up here, to the correct location (remember, make sure you are in 'source' view though).

Is the video showing I wonder - it is here, in the editor now :-)
If so, enjoy!!

- Testing 'insert a Flickr image' by a one-click search and click 'ok':

(image courtesy of Flickr)

Hmm - yes, got my image! But the same thing happened - it was automatically inserted at the END of this post in the editor. But all I did this time, was select the image, 'right-click' and cut-copy it here (I couldn't actually 'move or drag' it).

Let's try another one - I am having some fun :-) (would be nice if this also had some 'smilies'!)

(image courtesy of Flickr)

heehee! Yes, and you can resize it - oh joy - this is so much easier than doing it in the blog dashboard (even in blogger, as there doesn't seem to be a feature specifically for flickr this easy yet, and for videos, you have to know where the video is first, then copy and embed the full code. But all you need to do here is do a search on a keyword, select your photo or video and click OK (making sure you then position it correctly).

- and it can be sooooo easy to go overboard and just post videos and photos.

In fact, lets try another video now - FUNNY FUNNY 5minute video! :-)
(sorry!) I will get back to the point of this post eventually - hehee

'extreme funny'

SO far so good... But ...

Oh how annoyed I will be if none of this publishes! I actually have no idea, until I click that 'publish' button and go to my blog - hmmm

(actually, that is another key point - if you click on 'save', it doesn't tell you if it has saved or not, so we must rely on trust and have faith!). Or will I end up - again - with 'egg on my face'?!

On a more serious note though, my main concern is that I am still writing my post 'online', and how often is it that the internet crashes right in the middle of writing! AHHHH. Well, I guess one should be more organized and actually write one's posts BEFORE going online to solve that one - silly me!

But again, because of this issue, rather than writing a full article and review of this tool for you, I thought I would just write this as a TEST post first, rather than wasting my time, ....just in case! And see if it works. That word again - test! heehee - If it does - Yahoo! :-)

I am still, however, interested in purchasing a desktop blog creator/editor, to publish to my blog. Safer offline than online! I think there is a great one could 'BlogJet', and I will let you know more when I find out (there are also some free ones I will have a look at for you).

Nonetheless, this ScribeFire plugin is a great way of doing the same thing for free, but online. Again, if this does post to my blog - and if I do manage to move it over to another browser (see below), then I will explore this plugin further, and you can try it for yourself.

You might want to have a look at ScribeFire now anyway by Left Clicking Here. (link opens in new window)

'Flock', the Social Web Browser:

Now that I have found some great plugins for Mozilla (I was previously an IE user), including the 'read it later' plugin and scribefire, I need to change my net browser again! (I will tell you more about the 'read it later' plugin later if I don't lose it, which is also fantastic and a great time-saver!)

Why am I changing? Because I am about to undertake an online 'Challenge', which I will tell you all about very soon (hehee), and which requires the 'Flock' browser. Hmmm, scary. Never heard of it until now. But apparently, the 'Flock' browser is based on Mozilla, is better and has many social media and web2.0 tools built right into it - which is what we bloggers love to hear!

It also works on both Mac. and Windows computers! So, whether or not you also become involved in this - 'to be announced' - challenge' - the Flock browser really does look great from the videos I have viewed on YouTube (just do a search) and from 'pre-seasonal' training in the Challenge.

No - I want some more fun! Am I being selfish today!! Hopefully you are also getting something out of this too? So - below is a very quick introductory Video of Flock, which illustrates the social media and sharing nature of this browser (not the technical aspects) (great, I get to add another video for you!!). There is a link in there to find out more if interested.

Getting Started with the Flock 1.2 Browser

- And here is a slightly more detailed video of the Flock Browser -

Figuring Out Flock

I LOVE the 'scrapbook' feature of Flock - and be careful how you pronounce 'Flock' depending on your accent, for reasons I won't mention! (you will see this scrapbook feature in the video).

Of course, you don't have to use all of the features. For example, I use the 'Google Reader' for my RSS subscriptions, and will probably not use Flock's reader. Also - while the 'My World' in Flock (see the second video), which can be used as your Home Page (similiar to iGoogle), is a place where you keep all your sites and RSSs, etc - looks great (as noted, I have yet to install this), I use NetVibes instead......

An Aside - Netvibes WebDashboard (instead of 'My World' in 'Flock')

Just as an aside, if anyone is interested, the Netvibes Dashboard is an absolutely fantastic alternative, and is far superior to iGoogle's home page. It looks great, so it is fun to use (add all your podcasts online and take a break, or listen while you work) - add lots of widgets, links to your memberships, news, research, just about anything - create lots of tabs and lots of colors, notes to yourself and more!. You can customize it so much. Add everything you need in one area/web dashboard.

AND you can use is as a social networking tool, by 'sharing' some of your pages/tabs with your Friends in 'Your Universe'. It even has an 'update' of 'what you are doing' for your friends, which is a feature similiar to Twitter I think (although I am still learning about these), and you can again use blogging and email sharing features.

If interested, go to www.netvibes.com or Left Click Here. (link opens in new window)

Let me know if you have any questions.....

Will I lose my plugins If I change Browsers?

Never Fear (we hope!). Flock will import all of your Mozilla bookmarks and plugins for you - so keeping fingers crossed. I will believe it when I see it.... So .....

A TIP if you are changing your internet browser too ....

All of this may seem a little enigmatic to you at the moment (what on earth am I writing about, and why on a selfhelp blog?!) ..... but don't worry, all will become clearer later :-)

However, I do advise that if you do become adventurous and change to the 'Flock' browser (and also use IE), AND you don't want to lose all of your plugins and blookmarks/favourites - I would first:

Import all your IExplorer favourites, links, bookmarks, settings, etc, into your Mozilla browser (you can do this in the 'File'/'Import' Menu (on Windows computers)
Then, when 'Flock' imports all of your Mozilla links and favourites/bookmarks when you install it, the IE ones will also be included.
But don't worry if you forget - you can always go back to any browser you choose to use, so you won't lose anything.

------

There is so much to learn in this 'web2.0' or 'social media' world especially for bloggers!! But as implied, there is a little secret I am going to tell you about soon - an easy way to learn about many of these tools for free - you just need to be interested and committed - 'coming soon'! ;-)

I know I am just going to love this - if it is THIS easy to add videos and photos (and it works). So, I may return soon with a 'proper' review (unless you decide to try the secret challenge coming your way soon)! :-0

For now - LET'S ALL JUST HAVE SOME FUN!

And if this doesn't work - well, more the fool am I!
But please do stop me if I start going overboard though (and I have still to test this for WordPress blogs, as I only have blogspot for now).

Here are the links again:
ScribeFire Blog Editor - www.scribefire.com
Flock Web Browser - www.flock.com
NetVibes Dashboard/Home page - www.netvibes.com

Apologies for the length of this post!

Take care all, Be Kind :-)

I will be back with an article, or another 'stop and smell the roses moment', or a video, or something completely different!

Ok, let's try that 'publish' button ....

Meg

A Story of Great Courage

2008-06-02T02:17:00.004+09:30
I write today, to encourage you to visit a blog - 'Soul Surviving', which is written by an incredibly inspiring woman (Lotus), who survived a severe car accident and the death of her husband and friend.

Unfortunately, Lotus writes very infrequently on her blog - and I want to encourage her to write more - she has much to teach us I think - so I write this here in the hope that some of you may visit her site, and if inspired, to ask her to write more, by commenting there?

She shares the experiences she went through - the tragedy, and the sense of self she discovered ... the strength to go on. To read her story was almost soul-changing, and certainly humbling. I read her site with awe at her courage and her amazing strength and spirit.

I only 're-discovered' Lotus' site, by accident when I was checking my 'name' blogspot (a site I don't maintain at the moment) - was this coincidence? You can see her comment there, and an update about how she is going, if interested by left clicking here and clicking on the 'comments'.

Its wonderful to hear that her soul is no longer just 'surviving' but is 'soaring'! - her words inspired me to go on! I was so humbled at her comment on my other site, and the posting she made on her site - just at a time when I need to hear some positive words.

I am going through chemotherapy at the moment, so yuk, and am just re-emerging now I think!

Thus, if you find her story inspiring, if you want to learn more, about how she is doing, please visit her 'Soul Surviving' site.

- so that we may all learn more? I am so grateful to have found her. Let's all encourage her to write more, to share, to teach, and to place our lives into perspective - there are so many good and wonderful people out there :)

I will be back soon with some free Goodies when hopefully feeling a little better from this chemotherapy - yuk again!

And alway remember to be Kind With Yourself :-)

Megan McCarthy (Meg)
Adelaide, South Australia

Stop for a Break Before its Too Late!

2008-05-25T15:07:00.003+09:30

Stop for a break before its too late! I have just spent some time doing some major edits on a post I drafted for you on the 8th of May, and I just published it. Another 'Stop and Smell the Roses' moment, for you to rest, while I begin planning out the new focus and structure of this site.
And do you know what blogger did - it published it, not on today's date, but as if it were published at the beginning of this month. BUT IT IS A NEW POST! HUmph and Bah humbug!! :-)
So I am writing this here, now - so that the actual title will show up as a 'New Post', and you can scroll down to read the actual post below (its quite a long one). Its after the 'Coming Soon...' post.
I didn't want you to miss it, or think I am ignoring you!
And I didn't want the post to be wasted, if you are returning and don't see anything different at the top of this page :-)
Hope you enjoy!
Warm Regards
Meg
Adelaide, South Australia

Coming Soon ...!

2008-05-10T18:28:00.002+09:30
I am still here - Posts are coming .... :-)
I have just been recovering from eye surgery (I can see again!)

So, I hope to be with you soon (and don't forget the free 'Law of Attraction' Audios below!)

Always be Kind With Yourself :-)

Warm Regards
Meg

(PS - please excuse any broken 'widgets'in the side-bar. They are going nuts on me! And I think I am going overboard! hee hee. But if you would like to take some time out and listen to some podcasts, have some fun, please do. Unfortunately, the 'online painter' isn't always working, but its great when it does - see post below). Enjoy!

Stop for a Break Before its Too Late! And Forget

2008-05-08T17:07:00.060+09:30

Are you working hard? Too hard perhaps? Do you ever feel overwhelmed, or that you are 'spinning your wheels' and that time is slipping you by? Perhaps its time to Stop, take a Break. Don't wait until its too late and you burn out.

We really do need to 'Stop and Smell the Roses' and we have been doing this a bit here of late, plus the free goodies! (and Yasmine, if you are reading this, there is a short message for you below...).

So this posting is another simple reminder, to help put things into perspective and to help you stop for awhile - if you have the time. It is a rather long posting, as it guides you through a simple breathing exercise, and points you to some 'widgets' to have some online fun. Relax and forget any troubles for a short while :-)

Even if you feel like you don't have the time, yet you are feeling stressed or 'blurry-eyed', perhaps try and make some time - you always need to stop to recharge your batteries. Don't wait until its too late and you burn out, please, even if you don't stay here and use the goodies below. And for those people who need time out - you know who I am talking too ;-)

Life is complex and is becoming increasingly stressful. As we weary, it can taint our views. The more worn out and tired we become, the less tolerant and more frustrated we can become. It becomes harder to be happy and positive. We can lose sight of our goals, or our belief that we CAN achieve our goals. Our passions can diminish, as we start to burn out. This is such an important point. Because it is our mindset and our attitudes, thoughts and feelings which are predominantly influential on our plans and dreams.

Life can be a tough road as many of you know - the ups, the downs. The days where we (and I too) see hope. The days where tragedy, sadness, illness, hospital or surgery get in the way and frustration or depression sets in.

Sometimes we just need to put things into perspective ... to let go, and just enjoy the moment, the now. Accept what 'is' and don't feel guilty if you feel like you 'should' be doing something. We all suffer from this at some stages, that is, procrastination, whether it be from fear, tiredness, or other reason.

Take a little time out. Forget the past. Forget the future - it doesn't exist - despite our 'inner chatterboxes', which fill our minds with the- 'what-if's' of life that we constantly worry about. But what does worry accomplish?

Will 'worry' resolve a problem? Yes, it may spur us on to action (the same as fear can). But will the actual 'worrying' fix it. Note also that up to 90% of the things we worry about actually don't happen!. Thus, wasted energy ... Perhaps ask yourself - if something may be worrying you - 'how important is it really'? next month? next year? in the next 10 years? on your death-bed? The jobs need to get done. But put them in perspective. And enjoy the 'process' of life!

Perhaps even forget 'success', achievements', wealth, goals .... just for a moment. Even positive goals can be stressful, as we overwhelm and place pressure on ourselves to constantly achieve (not to mention pressure from outside sources - remember, we need to be kind to ourselves).

We are not our 'achievements'. We are already unique, special, wonderful beings - all of us, right now. Not later. Now. Many of us have forgotten what this is like, the way we were as children before responsibilities started to bear us down. If we take some time to return to the 'now', and play like children, it can be a breath of fresh air. Children laugh because they know how to have fun. They have not yet been fully tainted by responsibility and life events. They laugh for the sake of laughing, of playing.

When was the last time you played like that? You may have laughed. But what kind of laughing? (if you want to know more about this, read the newly added ebook in the 'free goodies basket' embedded into the bottom of the front/home page of this blog).

Try not to be attached to 'outcomes' and end-results (success or failures).
There doesn't always need to be a 'reason' to have fun or laugh, or to be happy.
We can be happy, just to be happy. Happiness is not always 'conditional' (ie. I will be happy 'when', or 'if'' ...)
Why 'wait' until we have 'achieved'.
In fact, what are we waiting for?!
Let go for awhile
We are not a big 'To Do' list!
I do know that life circumstances can make it more difficult for some people, such as full-blown depression, critical illnesses, poverty, natural hazards and third-world conditions.
But if you are on the computer now, living a relatively 'normal' life (whatever 'normal' means!), we can try to be happy right now (even by just forcing a smile onto our faces, physical 'happy' chemicals are released into our bodies!) :-D
So, if you would like to have some gentle fun, take some time out, read on below where you will find:
- a breathing exercise
- some 'widgets to paint an online picture and play with our cat!
- and/or you can try some stretching, all while you listen to some podcasts
Its your choice of course. If you do, see if you feel a little better or different? Excercise, no matter how small, can do wonders, and release those toxins building up in our systems.

A Simple Breathing Exercise

Often we don't realise that we 'forget' to breathe when we work at our desks. Our breath becomes shallow and our body lacks oxygen, yet this oxygen is vital for full and effective mental functioning and focus. Because we breathe by instinct, it is easy to forget to breathe properly. In fact, breathing alone can have marvelous effects on our state of being.

There are many breathing techniques, but one I like, is to just breathe normally, but in a 'cyclic' pattern. Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable position. Monitor your breathing - is it shallow, slow, fast? Now, try to change it, if it is shallow in particular. This form of breathing is quite natural, unlike many other breathing techniques. Its only difference is that it is deeper, focused and 'cyclic', where there are no gaps between breaths (some techniques require you to breathe and then 'hold').

So - now that you are comfortable,

1. breathe in through the nose until your lungs expand and feel full (this is deeper than our normal breaths, but not to the point that your lungs hurt and are stretched).

2. As soon as your lungs are full, breathe out through your mouth or nose (whichever feels most comfortable), slowly and deeply .

It will take you longer to breathe out to release all of the air and toxins that have accumulated in your body (remember, that the airways are also a cleansing and filtering mechanism, as you release the carbon dioxide and other pollutants out of your body).

3. As soon as the air has left your lungs, immediately breathe in again. There is no time gap between the breath out and the next breath in.

That's why its 'cyclic breathing'. Repeat this about 10 times, while your body is relaxed.

Do you feel any different? If so, how? Do you have any other breathing techniques you use?

Now - time for a little fun if you would like (followed by some stretching!)

Paint a Picture, Play with the Cat and Listen!
If you are feeling more relaxed, you might also want to listen to one of the online podcasts in the sidebar, if you haven't already done so (I will be rotating these). Forget your troubles by painting a picture below in the Online Painter below, while you listen (as I sometimes do, to escape for awhile). (a smaller version of this online painter is also at the bottom of the right sidebar).
Paint whatever! Make a scribble! Write a note... and then save your image. I have posted about this online painter before, and taking time out - recharge your batteries. It doesn't matter what the end-result is, and the 'undo' and 'clear all' buttons are rather handy ;-)
Listen, paint and enjoy!

If the painter is offline (as it sometimes is, and sorry I could not make it wider), perhaps take some time out to Play with the Cat and make her purr or miaoww! (she's is at the bottom of the right sidebar - she will purr! Or she might swipe at you - hee hee - just move the cursor around).
Despite advice to the contrary (ie. don't overload your visitors with 'widgets'), I do love playing with them, while I listen to the podcasts, and leave my life of 'overwhelm' behind for a little while. As you will see in the side-bar, there are probably too many, but if you have the time - feel free to play!
Stretch that Tension Away

If you are feeling a little tense in the body, which will happen at the computer, you might also like to do some stretching to get rid of those toxins building up in your muscles.

When I originally drafted this post, I wrote out a long list of stretching exercises for you in great detail. But it didn't feel right. Exercises are difficut to explain without visual diagrams, or being with you in person. They can also be dangerous in this respect, especially if you have any physical, back or other medical complications.

Thus, I have removed them. But I do suggest that if you have your own stretches you like to do, get up and - 'Bottom off that computer chair'! Stretch, stand up tall and high and move all of your muscles, even in your face, as you release the tension in your jaw. Listen to the podcasts in the right sidebar while you stretch, or perhaps turn on some of your favourite music.

Just take some time out, AWAY from the computer for a little while, and refocus your eyes :-) Shake all that tension out! Stretch the muscles that feel good to stretch out ... move, carefully and gently.
Perhaps take a short walk down the corridor, into the kitchen, another room, perhaps grab some sunshine? Just for 5 minutes ... Remember, gently does it..
OK - back to work before that 'guilt' sets in!
Did you actually take some time out and do any of the above? If you did take a break, a stretch, even just a little one - whether here, or by doing something else - are you feeling a little diffferent? More relaxed?
Even if you haven't done any of the above - that's ok too. You 'shouldn't' feel like you 'have' to do anything during your break! But did you at least monitor your breathing? Or just remember that you need this time out.
What do you usually do for a break, which might help others rest a little? Do you have any breathing/stretching exercises, or 'fun widgets' you would like to share? Any guidance or advice would be great.
Remember also - Always Be Kind With Yourself
And don't forget the 'GOODIES BASKET' below .... :-)

Meg
Adelaide, South Australia

PS - YASMINE - if you are reading this post, please know that I have thought of you almost every day, and have wanted to contact you. I have missed our friendship. I will be in touch with you soon (and to all - I met Yasmine online - you can see some links to her sites to the right) - Online friends must be treasured, for they can bring great joy and comfort, as Yasmine and others have done for me (I will write about them too!).

PPS - For the new Free 'Goodies Basket' - scroll right down to the bottom of the main page of this blog. Two new eBooks have recently been added, with more coming soon :-)

You might also be interested in these little goodies ...
'Principles of Successful Manifesting' eBook - Free until 31 May 2008
If you are interested in the Law of Attraction in designing your life (and to complement the Law of Attraction Audios in the 'Free Goodies Basket' below and forthcoming articles), Left Click Here and you can download the book - 'Principles of Successful Manifesting' - but for a limited time only, as a price will be added to this book on 31 May 2008.

There is also lots of great information on the website itself to explore if you have the time or inclination.

Be a child again!

Or would you like to be a child again and fill your world with colour, through the process of Creative Self Help Art Journaling?

Left Click Here and you will be taken to a great site - Self Help Healing Arts Journal - which has lots of information and resources for journaling in your self help journey, with a focus on the child-like artist within you! This includes: a resource list of clipart sites to choose - lots of public domain images (Left Click Here).

There are some great ideas for creativity there. Why just write and scrawl small print in your diaries/journals, when you can fill them with colour, drawings and quotes. I know I am going to start changing my approach and Be a child again!

Colour can have a profound effect on our state of mind and moods.

The owner of this site has also created some 'Mandellas', which you can download and colour in - find out more by left clicking here!

Plus - some art projects and colouring books to add to our own journals, which are especially useful if we are not feeling particularly creative, or have never been very artistic. You can download these for your personal use only, including a cat and a flower-themed colouring book, which also contain affirmations for your journal.

If this inspires you, left click here to find out more - the colouring books can be found by left clicking here. We really do need to escape sometimes . We don't need to be perfect artists either! Just be free and children again. I hope the author doesn't mind, but she says -

"..don't plan anything out. Be spontaneous. And DO NOT JUDGE. Just let it be what it is. That is what art healing is all about.... Have fun, be silly, and feel good about being you and being alive in this gorgeous amazing world."

Enjoy your Time Out - Are you taking a rest, your deserved break?

Free Law of Attraction Audios

2008-04-22T21:09:00.007+09:30
Welcome! I forgot to give you your Free Goodies in the post below!

To complement an article, coming soon, about the Law of Attraction, I have uploaded a free 3-part 'Law of Attraction' (LoA) audio series for you. These workshops take you through the LoA process step by step, with expert, Michael Losier.

Just Scroll down to the bottom of this page, where you will find the Free Goodies Basket. You can either listen to the audio workshops online, or download them, to listen at your leisure!

I would be interested if you had any comments for a coming article about the Law of Attraction - 'Is it really a 'Law'?

Enjoy!
Remember, Always Be Kind With Yourself
Until Next Time,

Meg
Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

"Stop and Smell The Roses"

2008-04-22T20:43:00.011+09:30
Welcome
Today is a 'Stop and Smell the Roses' Day, Moment. No Post, no Article.
Just Stop, rest and enjoy this short video about 'Enlightenment' and 'Being' from the "Good To Feel Good" site :-)

If the video doesn't show, Left Click Here, and you will be taken directly to the videos.
Warm Regards and Always, Be Kind to Yourself :-)
Meg

Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

Be Thankful for our Limitations and the Sea-Weed of Life

2008-04-16T03:44:00.009+09:30
Are you full of worry or fear? Or are you already happy? Are you striving towards new goals, but losing life balance in the pursuit of those goals?

Are there many things you want in life still? Dreams to follow ... but afraid of your own limitations?

What if you actually had everything you dreamed of achieving right now? What would your life be like? You would be happy right??

But think about it - can you imagine if you actually did have everything now?

What would there be left for us to strive towards. To dream about ....

Today, I want to give you a little 'Stop and Smell The Roses Moment' - a short poem about 'Gratitude' and 'Being Thankful' for our Limitations and the dreams we have yet to achieve ..... :-)

BE THANKFUL
Unknown Author

"Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. But a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your
blessings."

A New Way of Looking at the 'SeaWeed' of Life

It is so easy to focus on the negatives and fears in life. But viewing them in this 'new', more positive light makes sense.

We need purpose in life. We need challenges to be motivated.

Being Thankful for what we do have, no matter how small or large, including our fears and limitations, can help us during difficult times. Much of our 'life-situations' are influenced by our thought processes - and how we view the world. Why not be grateful for everything (as long as it doesn't kill us or hurt others of course).

We all worry, we fear, we wonder about the 'what-if's' in life. Uncertainty and change draw us from our 'comfort zones' and we forget to live in the 'now'. To enjoy the process of 'living'. Remember that life is a journey. It is the process that matters, and not always the 'end result'.

Many of us tend to 'wait' for a better future. A time when we can feel at peace and find happiness. Will this blessing ever come? Yes, although it may be difficult to find at times. It may not happen overnight. We might 'find it', then 'lose it'.

But we also need to know that we don't have to wait for this time. This time can be NOW, even during the setbacks in our lives.

We were born perfect and pure. We have just become tainted through life experiences. This is what I like to call 'sea-weed'!

The 'sea-weed' that we collect over time influences our experiences. Let's try to make more of an effort in being thankful for what we do have, our 'seaweed'. Yes, even being thankful for our fears, limitations and worries - because of the opportunities they bring to us!

Of course there will be goals to be achieved, successes to strive for and enjoy. There will be up times, and down times. Life is full of mountains and valleys

What are your thoughts on this?
What would you think if you had everything you wanted in life right now? Would you 'stagnate', or would you simply find more and different goals to strive for?
Would you be happy??
What is your 'sea-weed' in life?
Are you Grateful?
For Life?

Remember, Life is short and precious.
Always Be Kind With Yourself
We need to be our own best friends, because we are the people we spend the most time with! :-)

Warm Regards
Meg

Posted by Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

PS - Don't forget the Free 'Goodies Basket' below (at the end of this page) - more will be uploaded soon. Any feedback is welcome when you visit the download pages of my '4shared' account, where the freebies are hosted!

Controversies of 'New-Age' - 'Self Help' Blogs

2008-04-09T17:12:00.011+09:30
Today I wanted to know what you think about today's 'new-age', self-help style of literature on the internet?

In this regard, I want to draw your attention to quite an amazing response to a simple 'self-help' 'feel-good' type of post on another blog - ZenHabits, by Leo. A relatively simple, 'feel-good' posting, which generated nearly 200 comments, some of them quite heated ......

The Incredible Power of Contentment

This posting focused on making choices in our lives, to be happy and to be content, based on the author's own life experiences. About being happy, DESPITE our circumstances.

You may wonder what is so amazing about this? Well, there are 100s, 1000s of 'self-help' or personal development type blogs out there now - the internet is an amazing world in giving us all a voice.

Different Styles of 'Self-Help/Success' Literature (last 200 Years):

The 'self help' arena in today's world is somewhat 'pop-style' in nature at times - this is not to say that these blogs and articles are unhelpful - of course they can be helpful. But they can tend to be more superficial than the 'self-help' style of literature from 200 years ago.

A great reference for this is Steve Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and his reference to the:

"Character Ethic" (the fundamentals and less superficial style of success literature from the first 150 years), and the
"Personality Ethic" (which is what most more modern 'self-help' literature refers to over the last 50 years or so)

Both approaches are useful, but the former gets right to the key and is the focus of Steve Covey's book. We need to be true to ourselves, our character, our principles, values and our integrity. But I will write more on this later (I also made a post, or a link to a great free ebook on this in an earlier article, in 2006 - I will find the link for you if you are interested in delving into this issue further).

My point is that, in today's internet world, anyone can voice their opinion. We don't need to be 'experts', psychologists or such. We can share our experiences, and by sharing, we can help to support other people. We are all curious about how other people deal with life.

As a result of technology and the internet (which also has its down sides too!), we don't have to feel so alone anymore, because there is so much to read and so many people willing to share their experiences.

Stop and Smell the Roses' Type Posts:

We should not expect, in this respect, that single 'blog postings' can provide the answers to everything. Sometimes, these blogs and articles can be what I call - "Stop and Smell the Roses" moments, which we all need at times. Especially when feeling overwhelmed, sad, down or going through a difficult time. Just something to lift our spirits and mood.

There is nothing wrong with this as far as I can see, as long as we acknowledge that many such articles are often from 'lay-people' based on their own life experiences, and that there is more to the 'success/self-help' arena than is often presented on the web.

Nonetheless, Leo's recent post about happiness and choice on his ZenHabit's Blog, which is focused primarily on productivity and getting things done (or 'zen to done'), among other things, caused quite an uproar! His article was less characteristic of his traditional postings.

Choice and Happiness - a Reminder:

It was a great, simple reminder about how we can choose our thoughts - how we can choose how we respond to life - and choose to be happy, despite our circumstances - and there are articles like this all over the internet (this 'choice' of course, assumes that you are not suffering severe depression, illness, or living in a 3rd world country situation).

The article made no pretense to provide the answers to everything - it was aimed at the 'average' reader, who generally already has much to be grateful for in this world).

Why Such Controversy and Heated Debate?

So why did such a post, which is not really a controversial topic on most blogs, cause quite a response? Was it because it was uncharacteristic of his other postings? Was it because he has nearly 50,000 subscribers?!

The amount of discussion and heated debate generated by this single post was really quite surprising. As said, nearly 200 comments (perhaps more by now), including a few by myself. Most of the comments were positive; yet there were quite some negative ones.

The Greater Complexities of 'Self-Help' and 'Life'

Negative comments were made by some, about how such posts can be so superficial, over-generalized - ie. that we should NOT assume that we CAN just simply CHOOSE to be happy. Some of the points were quite valid (eg. people experiencing severe depression or disabilities often don't have such choices, or find it a lot harder to make such choices).

But again, why were such comments made here? Why such a response when there are already so many 1,000s of similar postings on blogs out there? Do you have an answer?

Whatever the reason, it certainly goes to show that the 'self-help' arena is a complex area. There are many variables and issues involved, and 'happiness and contentment' are not clear-cut or black/white issues.

This is particularly the case in the context of the last 200 years of self-help/success literature, as noted in Steve Covey's work. Given that I also want to bring more in-depth analysis and tools to help people grow and change, this post can perhaps can be the lead-in, to one of the new aims of this blog (perhaps to be renamed too).

Nonetheless, if you are interested in joining in on the debate on Leo's blog, or simply reading the comments, which are quite fascinating and insightful, please Left Click Here - perhaps join the community, make a comment too.
I would be interested to know what you thought?
Did you make a comment?
If yes, what did you say?
What are your own perspectives on this - 'feel-good' type of articles vs more in-depth, analytical' self-help/successs' articles?
Any comments or feedback welcome! :-)
And don't forget to visit the new Free "Goodies Basket" at the bottom of this this page!

As Always, Be Kind With Yourself,
Warm Regards
Meg

Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

PS If you are interested in learning more about the Law of Attraction, I will be uploading 3 Audios on this topic into the "Goodies Basket' (if the files are not too large [edit 15 april 2008], They involve an interview with Law of Attraction expert and author - Michael Losier - they are quite long and teach you all of the steps involved (you can either download them, or play and stream then on the web in the goodies basket).

Enjoy!

Another Lesson - New approach to Posts!

2008-04-04T05:12:00.005+10:30

Well, back already!

I just found a comment here with some great advice - to help you all. A new lesson for me about posting here. Here is a reproduction of both the comment under one of my postings below (about law of attraction podcasting, blog carnivals and the 'silly picture' I had doodled')
- and my response.
I hope in the future, I can stick to my new approach, and not 'overwhelm' new people to this site, with too much information!
Thank you soham for your comment :-)
"Reproduced comments and advice"
Soham said...
Dear Meg,
"because I was stressed today. I hadn't slept properly in days. Too much on my mind.
Feelings of 'overwhelm' of all the things I need to do. And I just needed some time out and a 'Stop and Smell the Roses' moment - hence - my silly face :-)"
Stopping your post here would have been wonderful, this would have left me with a feeling hard to describe, but you continued to write many things in a single post. I believe in small posts will be easy on
new people who don't know you.
7:01 PM

Megan (Meg) said...
Hi Soham
You are quite right. I do wish that I could have left you with a good feeling, rather than a frustrated one, it seems.
I do tend to write a lot. There is a debate about whether blogs should have long posts, or short ones.
Personally, I like 'mid-range' type posts. But yes, multiple points can be hard to digest, if needing just a 'stop and smell the roses moment'.
There are a couple of short 'roses' moments here, but not enough.
I will take your advice, but will do a combination in future posts/new blogs. With series of lessons/articles series, which are longer - and the shorter, feel good moments.
I tend to write for me too, and for people who I think know me. But I really should write for people new to this site too. I go on again! This is a new lesson for me.
Thank you for the advice.I want to help as much as I can, for people to feel good. Try and stick to one point (or perhaps 2) to a post!
Thank you soham and I do hope you return.
Kind Regards
Meg :-)
5:10 AM
----
Wishing you all the best.
I welcome all feedback. Help and 'feel good' is what I want to bring to you all.
Kind Regards
Meg :-)

A strange posting today! A Journey - Productivity and a 'New' Me

2008-04-04T03:07:00.012+10:30
Welcome All!
I'm back :-)

A quick, rather convoluted, and strange posting this early morning for you (here in 'aussie down under') - hospitals, medical appointments galore, new goals, new excitements, new plans, productivity coach, getting my life back together, after nearly 2 years of being house-bound!

Learning all about GTD ('getting things done') and actually 'not getting things done' in the process! ironic - I feel like I am one big 'to do list'!

Anyway, I have LOTS of ideas coming your way. I still haven't learn't the 'techie' things to get my word press blogs on my own domains yet - but this is still coming, so I can offer you more value.

And I will be adding much more posts and information (especially about relieving stress and improving organization, productivity, and freeing up our lives).

- as I have learned from my illness - life is too short and so very precious. Please don't ever take it for granted. I have so much to share with you about what I am learning/have learned. And I hope to hear your stories too.

And - more free goodies of course. Today's world is increasingly stressful and I am seeing more blogs and sites, that try to address this problem of stress and 'overwhelm, getting things done, and finding life balance.

There are some fantastic sites out there - if you are interested, I have added some podcasts in the right side-bar on this topic for you, and bookmarked a few articles in my 'Google Shared Items page' (see right side-bar').

Also - here a few blogs I highly recommend you start with if you are interested - they are fantastic reading -

ZenHabits

LifeHack

43Folders

More coming .... (hmmmm - you are probably wondering what on earth I am talking about if you are new here! - please feel free to read through some articles, find some free goodies - you might understand :-)

I will write a proper post later - just wanted to say - BACK AGAIN - ahh how familiar those words are!

You may also have noticed that I have added a few more 'widgets' to the sidebar - some audios/podcasts - and my new '4shared' folder account - where I can now more easily share the 'FREE GOODIES BASKET' with you, by directly uploading them

(ie. rather than always redirecting you to another website, where you usually have to signup for something to access your goody - the last thing you want is MORE ezines to subscribe to and an overflowing 'in-box'!).

If you go to the bottom of this page, you will see the 'goodies basket folder' link ('4shared) - I will probably be upgrading it, so there won't be any ads in there - there are a couple of self help ebooks in there for now - but much more is coming soon, in addition to the ones already included in most postings here.

Also coming soon - 'The Panic Button Blog' :-)

And perhaps: 'My False Belly-Button Blog' :-0

This latter blog idea will be more of a personal journey about surviving chronic illnesses and finding hope and inspiration in all aspects of life - about seeing the world from different perspectives

In this respect, I wasn't sure whether to call it 'My False Belly-Button, due to my operation, or 'My False Eyes', due to my temporary blindness from cataracts - ie. as a metaphor for life - as I have said before - 'life is a perception, not a fact, it is merely a reflection in a mirror, of ourselves looking back'

Re: the first blog idea - 'The Panic-Button' - I do have a bright red and very loud 'panic button', which I will show you soon - quite strange - I was feeling overwhelmed, too much to do, and had to be admitted to the hospital one day - last week actually - whilst I also had to do some quick 'chemist' shopping!

And I felt like screaming... I couldn't find a park, and I was just one big 'to do list', with no time to do it all - and I had to pack my hospital bag still, which, naturally, included my computer and mobile broadband (which I have since returned)...

But I digress as usual - on this day - the first thing I saw at the market/chemist, was this round, plastic, bright red button with 'panic' written on it... I pressed it, and a count-down sounded...

"3, 2 1 to panic warning"

- and then a BIG SCREAM. What a wonderful stress-relief toy. I press it quite frequently and its on my 'new' office desk - hence, the idea of the 'panic button' blog - focusing on getting ourselves out of 'overwhelm!)

Or am I trying to do too much, as usual? We shall see ... a step at a time (and don't forget the self help membership I will be setting up this year - free memberships for my members here of course :-)

Well, its 3am here - I am not thinking straight, typing off the top of my head (yes, this is not a 'proper' article) - but again.... I want you to keep returning because of the plans ahead.

And I have LOTS to update you about my own personal journey (online and offline) over the last few months, which I hope will also help you with your own journies in life.

The 'butterfly journey' coming soon too - I keep seeing butterflies everywhere - am I hallucinating? Serendipity? coincidence?

... I emerge from my cocoon :-)

You will also see that I have added a more updated photo of me in the side-bar - just a web-cam shot - but am looking a little different, more relaxed I think - well, I did lose my job due to this incurable illness - and that was devastating, but ultimately, with the new goals ahead - to share with you all ....

I feel excited, blessed, with a new life ahead. And a new medical regime. :-)

well - perhaps none of the above makes sense? it may do for those of you who have been here before and 'know me' of sorts!

The next post will be different... keep on checking in and we will see how we go.

I value any input. Do you have anything you would like addressed here (or in other planned, related blogs - to overcome stress, trauma, depression, tragedy, a 'down' time - or just plain being organized!? Would you like to know more about mind-set, affirmations, goal-setting, time-management, law of attraction, .......?

Spare a moment, give me a little 'shout' if you like (see the 'shout box' in the side panel), or leave a short comment. You can also skype me: megan.e.mccarthy.

Looking forward, moving on - and hoping you will share this 'new' journey with me, as I transform this once 'hobby' blog, into a more professional one (and other related ones)

And remember, always be kind with yourselves.

If you need to find peace, change in your life, it doesn't happen overnight.

One step at a time, as I am doing. The lessons I share - I hope will help. And I would love to hear any lessons you may have - any success stories, new habits, tragedies overcome?

Perhaps you would like to list your own blog/site here if you have one, as a key resource?

Well, so much for a 'quick' posting - as usual!

Warmest of regards (and please return new, and existing, visitors - postings are not aways as 'strange' as this one!) :0)

Meg
Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

PS - QUICK 'GOODIES BASKET' LINKS :-)

Are you a 'clutterer', or need to become more organized? Feeling a little overwhelmed at times? Need more balance and less stress? Life is short. We need to enjoy the 'now'!

Here are a couple of useful newsletters/ezines you might want to signup for - see what you think. Shortly, I will upload some resources for you in the '4shared' goodies folder below, relating to improving balance in your life and finding time to be the best that you can, without being overwhelmed!

1. "Get Myself Organized" Ecourse

I hope the owner doesn't mind, but here is an extract from the page, for the ecourse:

"Relax, Cut the Stress and Worry, and Enjoy the Peace, Calm and Satisfaction of Living an Organized Life.
You CAN be organized, and you can start right here.
Feel better about yourself.
Have more time for yourself and your family.
Get things done, achieve your goals.
Enjoy your home."

Just Left Click Here if you are interested in signing up.

2. Discover Organization ecourse/ezine:

"Discover How to Easily Get Organized, Unclutter Your Home, and Take Back The Time, Space, and Sanity Being Stolen Right From Under Your Nose!"

Just Left Click Here if you are interested.

Enjoy! :-)

Time for Some Free Fun & For Your Online Business

2008-02-11T18:19:00.000+10:30

Sometimes we just need to have some SILLY FUN! in life and 'Stop and Smell the Roses' again. And I suspect you can see that I have been doing this by the wonderful image I created to the left using a free online image painter - what a mess! But I did it with a mouse and online, so forgive me! (also, please forgive any formatting errors here - this always happens if you add graphics AFTER you have added text on Blogger - so if you too are on blogger, remember to insert any graphics first!).

I created this rather lovely and thought-provoking piece of artwork(!) using the painter 'widget', which is in the right side-bar (at the bottom) of this site.
So you too can draw a wonderful bit of artwork :-) Go ahead - when you are ready, need to, or even want to - take some time out while you listen to some of the audio-radio shows here and draw while you listen. When you are finished, you can save your image and it will give you a web-page link where it is saved in a gallery for free (and other people can comment on it too - eek!).
I was 'doodling' my 'silly face' above while I was listening to the 'Journey to Self' Radio Show in the posting below. Listening and drawing and just being. I forgot all my troubles, the 'what if's', all the things I 'should' be doing (but can do tomorrow really) - because I was stressed today. I hadn't slept properly in days. Too much on my mind. Feelings of 'overwhelm' of all the things I need to do. And I just needed some time out and a 'Stop and Smell the Roses' moment - hence - my silly face :-)
I'd love to see any artwork you create - let me know and give us the webpage link for it! - we'll all come and vote!

OffTypeNet - Online Painter Site:
If you do paint a picture, when you go to the page where your image is saved, you will also find the home page for the online painter at OffType.Net. Here is an extract from their site (I hope they don't mind):
"Offtype.net is a fast, fun, free and easy way to create your own images online. It allows to draw sketch or road map, to create graffiti, pixel art, drawing, to paint ecard, handwrite message or note.

The resulting image will be saved on the offtype.net free web server and can be used anywhere on the Web. You can share it in your blog, journal, newsletter, message board, email, chat, gallery etc."
Left Click Here for my image - I am sure you will want to add it your art gallery (not!). Left Click Here and you will be taken to the image 'Gallery' where you can vote and comment on them.
Help for Your Online Professional Journies and Blogs:
While I originally posted this for a 'Stop and Smell the Roses' moment and for a bit of fun, there is also another point that can be made, especially for those of you who have your own blogs or websites and might be starting an online business.
In fact, you may be wondering why I am starting to talk and focus a bit on 'widgets' lately. This blog is a self help one as you know - but it is not just about improving our personal lives (although this is the focus), it is also about providing help for our online professional journies (for those people pursuing them). My other Blog 'Resellers Delight and Web2.0 Marketing' focuses more on online business if you are interested).
Thus, while I am providing you with a 'stop and smell the roses' moment - for just being in the 'now' and having some fun - I am also drawing your attention to resources that you might be interested in for your own websites at the professional level. Not only is content an important factor in online business, but so too are the resources and 'goodies' provided (and I am not doing this to be 'tricky' - I am geniunely trying to provide some fun, AND to help with the professional world that some of you may be in).
Blogs are about providing value, information and resources. They are about sharing, building trust, friendships and communities, and the end-result also depends on the particular niche, or topic of the blog (such as this one on 'self help', or my other ones on 'Resell Rights and Web2.0 Marketing' and 'Surviving Crohns Disease').
As many of you know, Blogs can also be important in promoting your online businesses.
The Importance of 'Soft-Selling' and Relationship Marketing:
If you are starting or maintaining an online business, you probably know that 'soft-selling' is the new trend in marketing, rather than 'hard-selling' with full 'ecommerce' sites, or mini-sites directly selling you a product (although this is still valid - see below).
In today's world of 'web2.0' - which includes blogging, social bookmarking, and other social sites such as My Space or You Tube for example (sites that are generally interactive and often involve user-generated content - ie. it is a 'two-way' process) - 'soft-selling', is important in the relationship-building process. It is important, in that people can begin to know and trust you, and will go to you for content or advice, including products in the longer term.
Again, this involves 'conversational or relationship marketing', with the provision of quality content and genuine interactivity, which in turn, provides 'stickiness' (ie. people will stay at your site for a longer period of time, and will also return more often). As noted, it is about creating strong relationships, where your visitors come to know you - they know that you provide value and tools/resources. Sometimes these can be professional tools or resources - and sometimes they can just involve fun things like the online painter and other 'widgets' here :-)
'White-Hat' Vs 'Black-Hat' Marketing
Importantly, I am talking about 'white hat' marketing', and certainly do not endorse 'black hat' marketing - ie. where some people will use any method to get people to buy. People who are not genuine in their attempts. People who do not care about the value they sell, or about the people they sell their products too - yes, there are people out there like this, the scams to be avoided (many of them are fairly obvious if you have been online long enough).
Even if you are not 'selling' anything, many bloggers would love to have more readers I am sure - to build networks and communities. So this is also relevant.
Making Your Image Viral and Bring In More Readers For Your Site:
In this respect - the 'widgets' and the online painter are particularly relevant and serve a dual purpose. - not only just for fun and time-out, but also by providing a great 'viral' tool. For instance, if you want more visitors to your site if you have one (for professional reasons, or to build your community) - you could paint your image AND write the name of your website address next to it.
When you are done, save it and it goes into the online Gallery for many people to view and comment on.
More people thus get to see your website address, and if it piques their interest, you will get more visitors, and hopefully, more long-term readers and a stronger community. - nice huh! :-)
So, again, while many of the widgets, tools and icons for joining blog communities here are focussed on the self help arena - at the same time, they serve a professional purpose - to help improve the interactivity of this site and to provide resources for online business blogs/sites, for those of you whom are interested.
In addition to the 'widgets' and tools already here, I have bookmarked a lot of online generators, and other 'goodies' in my "Goodies Rolodex' - and I will provide them for you in subsequent postings.
Danger, Danger Whil Robinson!
There is, however, a danger of putting too many things on a web page, making it too 'busy', and confusing readers - too many choices to make and not enough time (especially if you are 'monetising' your blog with advertising as well as making it more 'viral' in nature). I have probably fallen into this trap myself and have actually removed a lot of 'widgets' in the sidebar because it was getting too much!
So it is also important to either keep your website or blog more streamlined (with reference to such tools in your postings, rather than actually putting them 'all' on your site), and/or to allow readers to take note of these resources, so they can bookmark them for later reference when they do have time.
As Jim Edwards notes (a famous internet marketer who 'pulls no punches', and whom I have great respect for) - it is important for websites to focus on one thing - for the readers to take 'one' action - and the website should be designed in that fashion - to either 'buy' a product', 'click on a link', or to just leave.
But he is talking about 'mini-sites' that are designed to sell products, and/or to get people to sign up for your optin subscriber list. While this is still relevant and important, it can be done in conjunction with 'soft-selling'.
And as noted above, this approach of 'hard-selling' is not what blogs are about - blogs are for 'soft-selling' if you are in an online business, and even if you are not, it is about providing guidance and information or advice and building rapport, friendships and most of all, building strong communities for support.

And, while I do help with resources for business, that is not the main aim here (not to 'sell' you anything) - the aim is to provide advice and guidance, positive energy and to improve people's lives, as I proceed on my own journey too. Even if only one person is helped for the better, then I am happy and inspired. So I thank you, all of you, who come here, for being a part of my journey online :-)
---------
Well, now I can't even remember the point of this post!!! As usual, it was written on impulse, 'off the top of my head'! But as noted in an earlier posting (although I will continue to have these 'impulsive posts'), when this blog is upgraded and moved to my domain with WordPress, there will be planned posts and series of articles on multiple topics - these will be more structured in nature :-)
So, I will leave this posting at that rather inconclusive end! But I do hope that you find some of these resources useful, both to have some fun here, and for your own sites.
Big Hugs and Be Kind :-)
Meg
Adelaide, South Australia
Email Me if You Need Me: Just Left Click Here (it should work!)
PS - I can't leave without giving you something from the "Goodies Basket"!
Today's "GOODIES BASKET"
The 'Self Improvement Task List'

I apologise if I have posted this before (better reboot my personal 'RAM'!!). While the 'Self Improvement Task List' is just a short report, it is a useful reminder or checklist to help us in our journies to an improved life, of one of inner peace and happiness, or whatever a 'better life' means to you. You will need to signup for their newsletter, but it is from a high-quality self help blog (it is actually the the blog in the 'widget' in the right side-bar here).
Just Left Click Here to access the signup page.

By signing up (you can always unsubscribe if you want) - you will receive the "Today is that Day Self Empowerment Newsletter" and you will be eligible for discounts on self improvement, weight loss, and Law of Attraction products, among other things.
There is also a link to the 'Personal Development Partners' membership site, which is paid, but there is a free level I think. Have a look if you are interested.

Free Membership to the 'Secret Audio Sessions" - for People Interested in Online Business, Affiliate Marketing and Product Creation

I have permission to give this membership as a free gift to you (aff link) (as you will too if you signup). The audios are by Simon Hodgkinson and Jeremey Gliasion (my apologies if this is the wrong spelling for Jeremey's name), who are top internet marketers and who provide some great information about the mindset needed for creating and maintaining an online business, list building, affiliate marketing and creating your own products.
Just Left Click Here or on the Banner above.

Enjoy! :-)

Journey to Self, New Podcast Widget & Getting Out of Overwhelm

2008-02-10T10:56:00.001+10:30
I have another radio show for you today about 'Journey to Self'. Yes, its free anyway! But it takes a lot of time to find good shows and if you are like me, listening while you are doing other things, is a great way of learning and being inspired.

Rather than placing the audio player into the sidebar to your right on this site, as I did for the Law of Attraction 'Evolving Times' show (see sidebar under the About Me section), I have placed it here in a post, to save room (please note though, that the player may be unavailable at times due to coding issues I think, so I have provided a direct link to the radio show for you below in the free 'Goodies Basket').

New 'Widget' - Create a Streaming Player for Multiple Podcasts-Videos

These radio shows and ability to place the players directly onto your sites are great. 'Widgets' are great! There is a widget for just about anything, and new 'widget' sites, such as 'widgetbox' and 'springwidget', allow you to create and personalise your own when you signup for an account (including music players such as listfm.com I think). Once you create your widgets, you can share and promote them in your own widget gallery.

If other people like your sites or widgets, they can 'grab the widget' and personalise them (eg colours/size) in order to embed them into their own sites. Thus, the process is also 'viral' in nature by easily sharing content and spreading the word about your sites.

This can help to build stronger communities. :-)

As you will see in the right side-bar, there is an icon where you can get my site (this one) as a 'widget' - If you are interested, click on it and have a look - perhaps you might like to install my widget on your site for additional content for your readers (you can rate it too)? :-)

I have installed a similiar widget for someone else's great blog in the right side-bar here, so this will give you an idea of what it looks like (see reference below).

You might also want to create your own similiar widget to make it easy to share your content with other blogs of similiar topic.

But what is more exciting - I have just discovered a 'widget', where you can easily create an Audio reader and player for the sidebar. You can contain as many radio shows as you like (RSS Feeder widget). You can even add sites for videos and standard Blogs - its all self-contained within a 'scrolling box'.

Example of New Widget in Operation: There is an example of this on my other site relating to online business and internet marketing if you Left Click Here - you will find it in the right-sidebar. Instructions: if you click on the 'audio' or 'video' icon in the box, the audio is streamed and you can listen directly on this site, whilst you scroll through and find other goodies! And - if you decide you like the audio or video, just click on the 'title' and you should be taken directly to the website where you can download the video or audio/podcast.

Technology is great sometimes! (although see 'Today's mini-lesson' below)

Thus, I will soon create a 'podcast wall' for you here too, with lots of great self help podcasts and radio shows using this widget - its taking a long time to collect them - there are just so many and I have to keep myself in check. I could spend the rest of my life doing this and still not be finished. So, I must be self-disciplined as there are goals I want/need to achieve today :-)

Today's Mini-Lesson: Information Overload, Overwhelm and Balance:

That's a lesson in-it-self. In today's world - there is information overload, as you have probably discovered. There is too much information. Too many choices to make. Life was supposed to be easier, but decision-making is actually much harder and we often suffer from 'information overload' and 'decision-paralysis'. Sometimes to the point that we can't seem to do anything!

As a result, there are a lot of 'Professional Organisers and Declutter' organisations and services popping up. We are a bit behind in 'Aussie Down Under' and the U.S is much further ahead in this industry. There are also a lot of podcasts and radio shows, especially in the small business area, about keeping organised. I have bookmarked a few of these in my Google Reader page (see 'recommended links/resources' in the sidebar to access my shared sites - I will double check to see if the main audios are there).

So, if you are suffering from disorganisation or 'overwhelm' at the moment, these are a great resource. I will also find the link for the 'Professional Association for Organisers' for you, if you need help and are unaware of them.

So please remember (and I too must remember this) - we can't know everything, nor do we have to. What is most important is 'balance' and living in the now, just 'being'
:-)

Anyway, I digress once again ....

An update on Site Changes: Link to Other Self Help Blogs:

As noted above, I have added another 'widget' in the right side-bar, where you can see the articles from another great self help blog - similiar self help sites will be added, but on a rotating basis (for those site authors that have created 'widgets' like this to share content). If any of the article titles interest you, just click on the link within the 'scrolling box where the titles' are.

If you want your site to be added here too, again, you can create a 'widget' like this for your own site to share content - its a great way of building a strong community network. If you do build a content widget (its very easy) - let me know and if its relevant, I will add it here, on a rotating basis.

(again, to create one - just click on the link under the widget to 'get this widget', signup for an account, and create your own - its called a 'blidget' which you should see in the left side of the website at widgetbox.com).

New WordPress Blog and Membership Site Update:

I am still working towards moving this site to my own domain with a new look 'wordpress' blog. There are still a lot of 'techie' things I have to learn, and I am still working towards getting more balance in my life.

Thus, I am spending more time off the internet - and when I have got organised(!!) - Blog Carnivals, my own podcasts, mastermind groups, and my own Self Help membership are in the plans - which will have a vast amount of resources, multimedia, training, articles, audio, videos, member interactivity and much much more.

You will be the first to know when prelaunch comes, and will be entitled to either a discount, or FREE membership - if you subscribe and join the community here! (to do this, see my communities such as BlogLog to the right - and/or subscribe to this site by RSS and/or by email)

That's my 'bribe'! ;-)

The 'Goodies Basket' - Journey To Self - Radio Show:

Anyway, below is the Radio Show -'Journey To Self' ... I hope you enjoy (PS - if the audio player doesn't load and/or you wish to subscribe to this show via RSS, just Left Click Here).

Coming soon - the 'podcast wall'!

Be kind with yourself and Warmest of Regards
Meg

Law of Attraction Podcasts, Doubt, Energy & Blog Carnival

2008-01-31T09:44:00.001+10:30
Hi :-)

They 'say' that blog postings should focus on one topic! hmmm - me?! For those of you have been here before, you know that I tend to talk about many things, and in long posts much of the time! So, once again, this is a multi-faceted posting in the self help area!

After having written an article last night for you, I decided not to publish it. Why? (see below).

Instead, I have written about why I didn't post it!! huh? :-)
I have a great goodie for you
And I have a 'dream'! A proposed Blog Carnival, to which I invite you all

So - onwards we go...

The 'Goody' - Law of Attraction Podcasts!

I have embedded a fantastic resource for you as part of the 'Goodies Basket' policy (for new visitors, I chase up lots of free online and downloadable resources to help you in your life journey - they are all free and you can perhaps find them yourselves, but I have 'time' on my side to collect them for you)!

Today, we have several podcast (audio) episodes about the Law of Attraction (LoA) and tools to achieve the life you desire (hosted on Blog Talk Radio). You will see a blue audio player with these podcasts in the right side-bar here (its just under my photo and 'about me' section). I have also decided to search for new podcasts in the self help and personal development area, with the aim of creating a 'podcast wall' for you, when I have moved this blog to my own domain using wordpress.

I hope you find value in these podcasts - they come highly recommended :-)

So - Why Didn't I publish My other Article?

Negative Energy

You may be wondering why I did not publish the other article? Two reasons - self doubt and the energy it evoked. Much of it was about starting an 'experiment', whereby (and in being perhaps a little selfish?), I wrote about the difficult times I have been having with this illness and the challenge I have set myself this year in getting through, one step at a time. I wrote this, not only for my own benefit in this challenge, but also to share my progress in the hope that it may help others' in similiar situations - techniques I use/am using and so on.

But parts of it were just too depressing and my aim is to bring positive energy to you, not negative. It is sometimes hard to provide objective and positive advice and support, based on one's own experience and knowledge, whilst also sharing personal experiences and lessons learned in getting out of tough times.

This was my intention. To share my progress in getting through a 'testing' time. Thus, I will edit it, and bring it to you soon - and perhaps we can share in this 'new year challenge' - no matter what the challenge is you are facing - small, large, anything. How you feel. What you are thinking. What your plans are.

Do you have any plans or methods to overcome your challenge? Have you implemented them and if so, how effective were/are any techniques you adopted to find your way through? Are you a success story or do you need support? How can I help, both in direct response to your challenge, and in sharing the lessons and methods I adopt. Perhaps this may be useful? We shall see if this 'challenge' proceeds (as a 'series of articles and guest postings from participants) - if I edit the article.

If I do edit and bring this article to you, I, and many other people, would be grateful for any input you have about your own challenges and success stories or progress. 'Stay tuned...' :-)

Self-Doubt

The second reason for not publishing the article was self-doubt. The 'self help' arena on the internet is enormous - there are literally millions of websites on this topic now and I wondered, how can I possibly stand out? How can I possibly compare to so many brilliant sites out there? Should I even try? Self-doubt can be a cruel thing.

But then I came to the conclusion that this was not important. I recently read that depression accounts, on average, for nearly half a billion dollars in lost revenue for employers each year in the US alone - and that depression is the the most common disability, amongst all illlnesses, responsible for this lost revenue. There are millions of people out there seeking help. Sadness, discontent. People looking for more in life.

Thus, the more information and advice provided for these people - anyone in fact, who is facing a challenge of some kind, is essential. Why should I stop writing, due to a silly self-doubt of my own that I could not compare, or possibly contribute given the millions of high-quality sites out there already. But its not a competition! I can only be the best that I can be. Each site, each author provides a different perspective in this area. And this is important because not everything works for everyone.

As said, we are all unique and what works for one person, may not work for another. So the more information and perspectives that are provided, is important. I can provide the best support and advice that I can. That does not mean that I am worse or better than other sites.

And if I can help even just one person - well, that makes this site worthwhile. Saving the life of someone even. Or just bringing a smile to someone. This makes me happy. To be able to bring about change, no matter how small or large. This gives me purpose and meaning and provides me with the inspiration to keep going and to gradually make this site better and better as the year progresses.

So - silly me! I knew in my 'mind' that this was the wrong attitude. I knew what I had to do to overcome the inner negative chatter, which we all experience to some degree. But those ol' emotions took control!

The Power of Now - its all OK!

But its all ok now. I am once again living in the 'now' - for the 'now' is where we are - and is our life. I can cope with the 'now'. The negative 'what if's..' can go jump in the lake! I highly recommend a book in this respect - "The Power of Now" by Echart Tolle.

This book is literally life-changing. When I read the introduction about the author's own experience and tragedies and his life-changing moment, I cried. An intense feeling come over me and I cried. It was like a 'light-bulb' moment. I suddenly understood, even if only for a brief moment, and not at a conscious level - it was an understanding that cannot be expressed in words. It was wonderful, amazing - and I treasure this book.

I will give you a review of it later when I finish it, if I remember - it is truly inspiring and if you are ready to hear the message that this book presents, you will understand what I mean. Again, it is an 'understanding' that cannot be explained fully at the conscious level - even the author states this. It is a feeling. Just 'being'. Being present, now, and at complete peace in a place where there are no worries. It sounds almost too good to be true - impossible in fact. But you really need to read this book.

Because this 'being', this 'now', is our natural self. We are all that we need right now. We can still strive towards our goals and dreams, but we don't need to 'wait' for a better future, because we can access it now using the right approach. In fact, there is no future per se, only 'now'! While it may take time (in the human concept of time), we can find this peace now, as we 'surrender' to, and accept, the 'now' (and this is similiar to the Law of Attraction, in focussing on what you want, as if you already have it now, but also, in being able to 'let go' and be ready to 'receive').

Linear time of past and future is a human construct, and we spend a lot of time - preliving the future (the 'what if's... and worry), - and in the past (the guilt, shame, or pride). I referred to this as the 'rocking chair syndrome' in past posts - moving, moving, rocking, rocking forwards, but getting nowhere.

Our true selves are still there, just tainted by time and mind-sets/beliefs. We just need to know how to access ourselves. And this takes practice as always! This book is essential in finding this power of now!

Find out more soon :-)

Now that I have got that out of my system, we can continue on and soldier on!

Proposed Blog Carnival: 'The Butterfly Experiment'

I want to start up and host a Blog Carnival, in which you can participate. It may be entitled: 'The Butterfly Experiment: Finding Your Way Through' or similiar. A Carnival of self help and personal development success stories and techniques. A Carnival of articles about people's struggles in life and how they managed to (or are managing to), find their way through, back into happiness and out of sadness, worry or depression.

I need to learn more about how Blog Carnivals work, but there are huge benefits, in the information and support they provide, with the provision of several articles from different perspectives in this area, depending on the number of participants. This will also help to build stronger communities and to grow networks of like-minded people interested in personal development (I will also provide some links to some existing Carnivals in the self help area, in which you can also submit articles and read other people's views).

If you participate, you will also benefit from increased traffic and promotion of your sites, especially as the proposed Blog Carnival progresses with subsequent editions (ie there will be direct links back to your sites and articles, and these link-backs are listed both here (especially valuable when the traffic increases on this site!) - and on the actual Blog Carnival web page. It's a win-win situation for both writers and readers! So, stay tuned :-)

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the Law of Attraction audios, whilst I continue re-organising my life(!), my home office, ready to really get moving online - and of course, to hopefully setup the Blog Carnival where you can submit your articles for inclusion after being reviewed (and whilst I edit my original posting, because there is some useful information in there - curious?!).

Enjoy!
Until Next Time and as always, Be Kind :-)

Warm Regards
Meg

Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia
meganmccarthy2 AT bigpond.com (replace the AT with @ if you want to contact me)

BTW - If you like the Law of Attraction audios in the right side bar here, Left Click Here to go to the radio host, and you can embed the audio player into your own site, and/or download individual podcasts as well :-) Blog Talk Radio is great and I plan on creating my own podcast series on there sometime this year - so please stay tuned once again! I would love to have you join in :-)

Testing Times in Life!

2008-01-21T10:58:00.000+10:30
Hi All!
This New Year and Festive Season has been both wonderful and testing at the same time! I, and perhaps you too, may have felt the need to rethink your goals and approach to 2008? Some are excited! Some may feel overwhelmed? Some of us may feel mixed, or unsure of where to start? Do you still have a passion, a goal to aim for? To keep you motivated and happy? Or have you temporarily misplaced that passion?
If so, we can all find it. And this site aims to help in this journey. Our aim is inner peace and happiness; to live in the joy of the 'now' and to be kind to ourselves. Life is the 'journey'! and we can all make it through. And I would love to hear your success stories and from people who are excited about this New Year, your goals, dreams!
Tests in life do make us stronger. So, I have needed some time away (and am in the processs of organising my 'offline' world and my health), which got out of balance with spending so much time online (and trying to distract myself from illness). This can be a danger for us all - with life getting out of balance.
We need 'balance' in our lives. This is so very important.
Balance. Life, work, family, social, relaxation, spiritual..... and taking 'one step at a time' if you are going through a particularly difficult period, to avoid feeling overwhelmed, are also important. And then we can leap for our stars again!
As you probably know, until we get our own 'homes' sorted, it is difficult to help others to the best of our abilities. Know that we need to be comfortable and accept and love ourselves first, before we are in a position to give as much as we can to help others! So I want to make sure that I can give you my best, to help in any way you need.
So - this post is just to say that I would love to have you keep coming back to see 'the' return - very soon (to all current readers) and to welcome new readers! :-)
If you are going through a worrying or difficult time at the moment, I would also love to hear from you - support is always helpful. And we can share the experiences and lessons learned to help so many people - to uplift them back into the world.
Even the smallest things in life can bring great joy, a walk in the garden, a swim (or 'dunk') in the cool ocean waves! Beautiful
So, please remember, I will be here - I am always here to help - And I will be back very soon.
Feel free to explore the Archived articles in the meantime and the free Goodies too :-)
I would also love to hear what you would like to see on this site for future articles and goodies - and this will give me a better idea of what to give!
Do you have anything you would like to see more of a focus on here?
Let me know. I will love you for it!! :-)
So -please keep checking back in, and when returned, there will ideally be a scheduled posting trend so that you know when to expect new articles (rather than randomly hoping!!)
I hope you are truly well and being kind to yourself always
Warmest of Regards
Meg
Adelaide, South Australia