Just a Li'l

We spend a lot of time thinking we need to do a lot of stuff; only to end up doing nothing and losing what time we have. We make it a big all-or-nothing deal, when really all we need is just a lil something to make it all happen.

I used to write "BTN" on the board whenever I was working on a project. People used to think it stood for "button" and wondered "why would he put a button up in that corner?" It actuality, it stood for "Better Than Nothing" and it was to be a simple solution for an immediate need. Many of them grew to become quite something.

It just goes to show you what can happen when you throw in just a lil bit of magic.

Learn a Li'l
It's time to think of one thing that we don't know; doesn't matter what it is... just something we'd like to know that we don't know now. Look it up on the web, go to the library, ask a friend... but take the first step to learning it. The answers are out there, we just need to find them.

Learning just one lil thing adds to the toolbox from which we'll work.

Do a Li'l
Then there's all that stuff that we know we need to do, but have been putting off... fixing the faucet, cleaning out the garage, returning that phone call. Rather than put it off, which really only keeps it hovering over our lives, why not just 'bite the bullet' and get it out of the way.

Doing a lil something that we don't want to do can bring great relief once it's done.

Do a Li'l More
The stuff we do well, we often take for granted. We think since we do it right, we don't need to do it better. Challenge that. Ask, "can I do a lil something to make this good thing great?" You'll be surprised when you realize you can.

We come into this world taking lil steps. It worked then. It'll work now.

Commmit, Don't Conflict

Making our dreams a reality takes commitment, determination. Each of our actions must be sincere, full of integrity and in line with the intended outcome. However, all too often, something else comes up, with seemingly good intentions, that require the same type of commitment. Then, like two horses pulling in opposite directions, we get nowhere.

If it doesn't fit, it shouldn't conflict...

Know the outcome
It's important to focus on the end goal; not only to know what it is, but embrace it. See it, feel it, be it. If there's more than one, then serious choices have to be made. If they live in harmony, and enhance one another, great. Perhaps they can even be combined into a single vision. If however they contradict one another, then every action we take will be away from one or the other.

"What do I want?"

Measure everything
In every moment, we are met up with events. They may be good; they may be bad; they may go unnoticed... but to every moment there is an action, or a reaction. Something is happening... and that something is either helping to move us forward or it's not. Whenever a new event enters our life, it's important to check it up against our outcomes.

"Will this get me there?"

Don't commit
... to anything, or everything... at least until it's been measured. Nothing kills a dream quicker than a commitment to something else.

"Does it fit?"

Recommit
Speaking of commitment, this is the right time to recommit to current goals. It's time to look around and see how it's been going, to determine what still needs to get done.

"Do I still want it?"

Follow throughThen all that's left is the doing. "Doing" is the only way to get things done.

"When am I going to make it happen?"

Simplify

Life finds its simplest form, however complex

Life can seem every complex at times. Pieces just don't seem to fit. People don't see eye-to-eye. Heck, sometimes we don't even see ourselves eye-to-eye. It's just that we get lost in the details all too often… and that's what's complex; not the situation.

The key to having a life that works is to make everything in it as simple as possible.

Look at the core
Everything has a center – our dreams, our actions, our beliefs. It's there that either the pieces fit, or they don't. It's just that finding that core can be difficult because of the multitude of layers that have caked up on top over the years.

Start at the top
Treat everything as if it's an onion. Start with the very top layer and peel it away. This is the layer to throw away actually. It's the hardest, oldest and farthest away from the core.

What that looks like, is "clear away the clutter." That means, go through the closet, grab all the clothes that don't fit or aren't worn, and just give them away to charity. Go through the house, peeling away everything - the nick-nacks, the old furniture – if it's not close to the core, it goes.

Don't stop there
Next comes the people in our lives; the takers and time wasters who don't add that much value to our lives. It might seem insensitive to 'discard' people but really, we're just setting them free and committing our time to those that are closer. This could be a very good thing for everyone.

Do more with less
The next way to simplify is to combine. If there's one new thing that can satisfy the need of two old things, then go with the new thing. Even if it's three for two, it's still getting more done with less. For example, I used to write articles on paper, then type them into a computer. Now I use a laptop and type directly. Same results; simpler.

Be direct
All too often we "beat around the bush" or go way out of our way to avoid doing something; or we don't know any shortcuts. So… learn shortcuts and get to the point. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

The solution is simple!

Say "No"

Our lives are full of "shoulda's" and "coulda's." We all know what we've got to do and create long lists to prove it. A lot of those things have lingered there for a long time, weighing heavily on our minds and our motivation.

The thing is… it's so easy to get a lot of them to just disappear. All it takes is one simple, magic word… "No."

Why is it easier said than done?
There's a lot of stuff that just has to get done; and we have no one else to do them. There are also a lot of other people that we've made commitments to. Saying "no" threatens to break promises and bonds. Saying "no" can make us appear uncaring or selfish.

Why should I do it anyway?
Unless we're actively doing something, being on a list isn't going to get it done faster. We're actually doing a disservice to ourselves, our commitments and to the thing itself. Some things are better off being done by others; and some things are better off just not getting done at all.

Where do I begin?
It's time to get out that list and take a cold hard look at it. Strike out all the things that we're not right for, the ones we don’t really want to do, and the ones we're never really going to do anyway. Set them all aside for a "no" list.

Next, find someone else who might be able to get some of the no list done. After all, those things might just need to be done; just not by us.

Then, get out of the commitments without breaking the bonds. For those things that we said we'd do, but aren't going to do them, now is a good time to explain it to the ones we've committed to. Commit to the relationship more than the thing, and try to come up with a solution to get it done, without the damage.

As for the rest, those are truly "no" things… They're "nothing" … so let them go.

And when something new comes along, all shiny and wanting attention, we need to ask ourselves "does this fit?" Is this something that I'll do, that I want to do… or will it becomes another "shoulda" on my plate? If that's the case, don't even let it in.

Our lives are measured by the things we do, not by our intentions. Saying "no" to the wrong things is like saying "yes" to the right things.

And there's no time like now to get that started.

Say Yes

Yes" is such a powerful word. We often want to hear it, but don't as often want to say it.

"No" means going about our status quo. "Yes" is a lot of work! It's a commitment, an obligation that requires time and can affect our reputation and our relationships.



Why is it easier said than done?

"Yes" forces us to show our hand. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, even fear of success can set in. There's also a level of sacrifice that comes with it. "What do I have to give up in order to do this?" or "What if I over-commit?" There are so many other factors that it can become a juggling act for quite a while.

Why should I do it anyway?

If you want nothing, then do nothing. It's very rare that the dream life comes on its own. Most people have to go out and get what they want out of life.

While we shouldn't automatically say "yes" to everything, we shouldn't automatically say "no" either. Every opportunity that comes our way deserves at least some consideration before making a decision.

Success has no excuses.

Where do I begin?

Start by creating three lists: "What I Do", "What I Want to Do" and "What I've Been Asked to Do."

Now, disregarding what list its actually in, check off only those things that you'd actually do if there was nothing to hold you back. Cross off all the others that you wouldn't do.

There are no "maybes"; everything is either a "yes" or a "no."

Now take those checked items and write down your "yes" list; posting it where you can see it every day.

This is what every goal is to be measured against; current or new. If it fits, do it; if it doesn't, don't.

That's the true power of "Yes."

Learn something new

You know the saying, "You can't teach an old dog a new trick," right? Well, go to the mirror right now. Are you old? Maybe. Are you a dog? If you are, congratulations on being able to read; now go outside and play. Everyone else, listen up!

That saying is just an excuse for people unwilling to open up their minds and grow.



Why is it easier said than done?

Learning can take a lot of time; a rarity in this busy world of ours. It takes commitment. It also means having to break old habits, having to admit that we don't know it all, or being uncomfortable until we know it.

Why should I do it anyway?

Just because we've done something for a very long time, that doesn't mean that it's the best way. One new thing, even if it's little, might actually replace years of bad ways.

Learning something new also opens up the door to new possibilities. For example, learning a new language makes it possible to travel to countries we've never seen before. Perhaps learning a new skill can break us of a dependency on someone else.

Learning is freedom.

Where do I begin?

IStart by looking at your goals… or at some things that are holding you back. Remember, we either want something or we want to get rid of something, so goals and barriers are good places to examine.

Next, check out local school and organizations and see what courses they offer. Often it's just one evening or a few evenings to give you a starting point.

Also, ask friends. After all, they too have had goals and road blocks. They can be a good source of ideas… and who knows, they might even join you.

Just look around. You might be surprised at just how many resources there are out there to us you achieve your growth.

The very first step, however, is to get back to that mirror. Look yourself straight in the eye and say:

"I'm not old and I'm not a dog!"

Now go outside and play!

Take care if yourself

We often think that rewards come from sacrifice. We put off eating right and sleeping well to pursue the money... or we think we're selfless and have to just keep giving to others, no matter what the cost. Well, the cost is you... and you're too valuable to lose.

Suffering is suffering; doesn't matter the goal. Regardless of whether or not the goal is reached, the path to it is just horrible. Life is so much more than that!



We are the vehicles of our dreams. Our goals and aspirations are created by us, and happen to us. If we slowly eat away at that vehicle, it won't matter what happens outside ourselves; we won't be able to enjoy it by the time it arrives. So we need to take care of our most valuable assets... our selves.

To do that we need to create BALANCE - which is a fair amount of effort in exchange for what we receive - and HARMONY - having each part of ourselves work well with everything else.

To achieve that, we need to fulfill each one of these areas - work, play, rest and growth. Each one feeds off of, and nurtures, the others... providing they stay in harmony and balance.

Why is it easier said than done?

Old habits get in the way; or somewhere along the way we were taught that thinking about ourselves was selfish and "selfish" is wrong.

It's also just easier to NOT take care of ourselves. Junk food is handy. Lack of exercise only needs a sofa. It's easier to come up with an excuse than it is to come up with a solution.

Why should I do it anyway?

Life decays when it's not cared for. The less we do, the less we're able to do.

The opposite is also true. The more we do, the more we are able to do. (Remember I'm saying "do" not "overdo"... keep thinking balance and harmony, balance and harmony)

Where do I begin?

Take note of all the stuff you do do... how much work, how much play, etc. Next, starts to find activities in the empty areas. Take time away from the bad things and start putting them into the good things. (That means "TAKE A BREAK" for you... and "GET OFF THAT COUCH" for you)

Start eating better, rather than stop eating poorly; start being active if you're not. Just keep track of what you're lacking and bring it in. Your balance will find itself.

Get a Pet

Animals can be a wonderful addition to anyone's life. So full of personality and livelihood… and just so darn cute! They make us tap on the glass at the pet stores when we're not supposed to, they make us dribble on in our itty-bitty-cutsy-wootsie-widdle-baby-tawk… they just get us so INVOLVED, you know?

And it isn't until we get them home that we realize just how much we got ourselves in for.

Why is it easier said than done?
Pets are living, breathing souls who share their time with us. They have needs and they don't like to wait. They have to eat and go out and when there's play to be had, watch out! They require us to pay attention; to take away time from our busy schedules to take care of THEM.

They don't care what kind of day we've had. It's their world and that's all that matters.

Why should I do it anyway?
They don't care what kind of day we've had. We are their world… and that's all that matters.

Paying attention to them gets us out of ourselves. They can get us out of our heads for a while.

And they can get inside our hearts.

They love us unconditionally. How many people can we say that about?

Where do I begin?
It's important to figure out what kind of person we are, first. Are we Dog People? Cat People? Maybe we want a pet that's a bit lower maintenance, like a fish.

Next we should start to look around legitimate, loving places that help find homes for animals. Pet adoption days at pet stores, veterinarian offices and boarding homes for pets-on-vacation are just some of the places to find the right love of our life.

Then, when we meet the right pet… and we'll both know it when we do… that's the time to just open up our hearts and let the loving lifetime begin.

PS Don't forget to pick up the food, bowls, leashes, toys, litter (if need be); set up the vet appointment, start the list of pet sitters and get ready to quickly pet proof the house as soon as possible… phew!

Let Someone In

We are born vulnerable, yet open to all the world has to offer. Yet after years of disappointment and heartache, we begin to believe that we're better off alone. Our shells harden and even if we still desperately wish for someone to come in, we make it nearly impossible to break through.

Yet that's also exactly what prevents us from breaking out as well. The more we set ourselves apart from the world, the farther away from our Selves we become.

We aren't really as alone as we believe… and one way to see that is to open up the shell and let someone in.

Why is it easier said than done?
Fear, depression and complacency all grow under that shell. Opening up the shell means having to face them head-on; not an easy thing. Also, we have to give up some control and we have to be willing to be vulnerable with another person; not really knowing if we'll be hurt all over again.

That's just scary.

Why should I do it anyway?
With great vulnerability can come great joy. The world can seem new again. All past wounds can be healed; all past wrongs righted… or at least, it could be the start of something wonderful!

We'll never know, if we never try.

Where do I begin?
We start by acknowledging the shell we've built, the fears we have. We then take a deep breath and say it'll be ok… and just let it go.

Next, be honest with someone else. Let them help. Be open and vulnerable to them…

…And don't worry that they might judge… because if they truly are meant to be here, there won't be judgment… or pain… or complacency.

Just love.

Make More Than You Spend

Money is a very powerful force in our lives. Although it can't buy us happiness, it sure can make it easier to go after our dreams… and that makes us very happy.

Many people have an unhealthy relationship with money. We're unhappy with what we have, so we feel we need more. Then we spend money we don't have to temporarily pave over a hole that will eventually show itself again in our lives.

Ways to do that

Make More
Get a raise
Get a better job
Get a second job
Convert a hobby to a job
Sell stuff around the house
Sell other stuff

Spend Less
Use coupons
Don't buy retail
Negotiate
Substitute with cheaper
Split it with someone
Do without

Why is it easier said than done?
Time is a valuable thing. It's often not easy to just add another job. Getting a better one or any of the other things mentioned all involve a bit of risk. It also involves sacrificing and depriving ourselves of something we enjoy. Now who wants to do that?

Why should I do it anyway?
Because we can still find a way to have all the important things in our lives… and they can be more valuable to use, when we remove all the fat that surrounds us. Also, we can't keep living at a deficit forever. Eventually we run out of stuff… and everything comes to a complete halt.

Where do I begin?
It is easier to begin with what we have, than what we don't. Therefore, the first place to start is in saving what we have, by shopping around, using coupons or just not shopping at all. It's amazing how money can just slip out of our hands, so watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves. Next would be selling what we don't need, because once again, we're starting from what we do have. Then, while all this is going on, we ought to look for ways to increase the money coming in; not just by wishing it, or playing the lottery, but by setting actual attainable goals, then doing the right action to make them happen.

By making more than we spend, or spending less than we make, we can build reserves for more lean times; or just start to generate a feeling of security and wealth. That alone is worth its weight in gold.

The Pull of Life

Whenever we find ourselves having to PUSH ourselves out of bed in the morning, to PUSH ourselves to work, then PUSH ourselves back home to someone waiting for us, we're living the wrong life.

Even though Life does take effort, PUSHING is not the direction to go. In fact, pushing either send us in a haphazard direction, or no direction at all. Have you ever tried to PUSH a dog leash?

Instead, let Life PULL you towards your dreams...

It's about PASSION
If it seems like the future is calling, that's because it comes from a very deep part of the soul. It's what we care about so much, that other things are paled in comparison. It's what we want our lives to be about; our legacy, if we could make it so.

It's about PURPOSE
By changing our focus from a PUSH to a PULL, each step will be purposely driven closer one-step-at-a-time. We're not distracted like pushing the shopping cart down the candy aisle, we stay focused on what we need and go straight for it.

Hurdles aren't roadblocks
Hurdles are still going to be there. That's just the way Life is. Yet, instead of PUSHING harder to get over them, or through them, it's better to keep our eyes on the goal, put our energy into RISING ABOVE the hurdle and let our dreams PULL us over.

Like a rubber band
Sometimes it's not going to be a constant pull either. In fact, there are times when it's best to stay put and prepare for the flight. Like a rubber band, let the tension build. The stronger the tension, the higher the flight.

Let go and fly
Then stop fighting it. Everything is in place. The pull is strong. The goal is set. Letting go will let it happen.

Without a Shell

Life is filled with many shells. Turtles have shells. Acorns have shells. Even people have a soft shell, that we call "skin." It's there for our protection… to protect the more vulnerable insides. However, shells don't let us grow very much (an extra five pounds from Holiday stuffing notwithstanding).

An acorn can only become a mighty oak until after it has let go of its shell. We need to let go in order to become who we truly are meant to be.


There's pain under there

If you've ever cut yourself, you know how painful it is just beneath the surface. That's often why we become afraid to let anything get under our skin.

When we start to care about someone else, we let them in under our skin… that opens us up to be hurt. That's why after a hurt, we often regrow that shell even harder and refuse to let anyone else do that again.

There's pleasure below that

That's why we get into love in the first place, because underneath the layer of pain is great joy. It's closer to our core… and at our core is the purest form of energy…

There's Love below that

Our inner most being, the center that makes us what we are, is Love. A very real Energy=Mega-C2 power that we witness when two people get close enough to send the sparks between them; a light that we see when we're brave enough to go deeper than our fear will let us.

It is dangerous, but...

To let go of the shell can be pretty scary… to live without it might seem absurd… but to truly have Love; to truly BE Love… we must live without it.

We're actually stronger without it

Living with a shell allows us to grow weaker inside. When the weakest part of us is strong enough to withstand anything; we're invincible to take on an endless future.

Just… let… go.

The Power of Pause

In this world of go-go-go, we've lost the valuable time between our moments. It's easy to become overloaded, overwhelmed and overworked.

We don't really live in the moments, but rather in between... and if we don't take the time to pause, we'll never really take the time to live.


Catch our breath
Breathing is an essential part of life. It's when we take a moment to let the life force enter into us; giving us the energy to meet the next moment. If we don't take the time to catch our breath, we'll quickly become unable to do anything.

Let the dust settle
Many times we kick up a lot of dirt, figuratively speaking. It gets so chaotic around us, that we just can't see anything clearly. Taking a pause will allow everything to settle into what it is meant to be.

Look back
A pause is an excellent tim eof reflection. There's time between us now and what we did before. Hopefully there's insight in there as well. Since hindsight is 20/20, using the pause to learn more about ourselves is one of the best uses of the moment.

Think ahead
We also have the chance to dream... to take what we've learned and apply it to our plans now. We have a chance to change our lives by looking ahead, seeing where we want to be and making those adjustments in this very moment.

Start anew
A pause also allows us to let go of everything that's weighing us down. After all, the past is the past. Even if we could change it, why bother? It's better to pick it up from here. Make the next moment the one we want to live in; not the last moment that's already gone.

The next moment is right around the corner. When it's time to leave this pause, will you be ready?

Do It!

Dreams without action are just words... They are empty words… Words that can't be trusted.


It's only when we take action that we get what we dream of. Things get done when we do them.

Do it when you want to
So often we just put our passions into overdrive, and sit there in neutral. We want it 'til it burns deeper into our souls… yet we do nothing about it. All we're left with are burnt out souls. Doing something when we want it is the only way to even get a chance at having it. Maybe we'll get it; maybe we won't, but going for it will get us closer… and it might even get us things we never even dreamed of.

Do it when you don't want to
Then there are the things that we just HAVE to do, but HATE doing them. They're our responsibility and if we don't do them, then our lives will only get worse. It takes a lot to recognize when we are the only ones to do something, and that something has to be done. It takes even more to be the one who gets it done.

Do it when someone else wants you to
Service to others is divinity in action. It not only helps out someone else, but it makes the entire world a better place. Fulfilling someone else's needs also helps to get ourselves out of our heads, so we don't focus on our own problems so much.

Do it when someone else doesn't want you to
There's also going to be times when we have to choose what is right for us over what someone else thinks is right. It comes down to being true to ourselves, no matter how much resistance, no matter how much pain… the reward on the other side of the pain is worth the effort.

Do it!
Again, it is action that counts; action that changes everything… so it's time to stop thinking about it, talking about it, reading about it. Go out and do it now!

It's Elementary - Lessons from the Elements (Air)

Life is comprised of four elements – Air, Water, Earth and Fire. They intertwine and compliment one another. Each one has a little something to teach us, if we open ourselves up to lessons it has to offer.

Our first Guru is Air.

Be Present
Air is ever present. It surrounds us and moves through us. With every single breath we take, it comes in and travels through our entire being in the tiniest of moments. To be like Air is to be everywhere in this moment. Live in the Total Here-and-Now. Realize that even though we are like a single breath, we are also a part of the Greater Whole.

Be Still
One of Air’s special qualities is its stillness. It doesn’t have to be or do anything in order to be Air. It just is.

In stillness, air carries the sweet sounds of nature. It lets light and all creatures pass through undisturbed. Within its stillness is Peace.

Be Gentle
Air can be gentle. It’s calm and subtle force is what helps move Life from one place to another. It teaches us that we don’t have to be forceful just to get things going.

Within its gentleness, Air calms and soothes our souls. We can be as equally gentle to ourselves as Air.

Be Supportive
Air is also very strong. After all, how can something we can’t see, or which lets us pass through so easily, be able to hold up giant airplanes?

Air teaches us how to be supportive of others, just by being itself.

Be Powerful
When wind picks up, it can level entire landscapes. It becomes a force to be reckoned with; and reminds us of the true power of its strength.

Through its strength, Air teaches us that by unleashing our power within, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.

It's the Little Things

Even the mightiest of oaks starts as the tiniest of acorns. Neither one is greater than the other; they’re just merely different forms of the same thing. And yet, we often look around our lives and see things from only today’s perspective. We look up at the oak, but down at the acorn. Sometimes we fail to realize that it’s really the acorn that makes all the difference.

We can control the little things
It’s far easier to take that acorn and do something with it, than it is to conquer the oak. If we look around our lives, we’ll see many, many acorns. Now is the time to grab the ones we want to plant, not later when they grow beyond us.

We can nurture the little things
Bigger trees need more stuff… more sunlight, more water. Little things just need a little bit of nurturing to get them started.

We can dedicate ourselves to the little things
Sometimes dedicating yourself to big things just seems to be overwhelming. Tat alone can stop us from even trying. If what we’re trying to do, or trying to get, seems small; then it makes us “go for it” where other times we wouldn’t even try.

We can change the course of the little things
Pivotal moments are actually tiny moments. They just have a HUGE impact on everything from that moment onward. It’s in those tiny moments that we have the most power; we control the direction of where it’s going. Better to be aware, and to be in control, of those pivotal moments; so that we can adjust as we go.

We can love the little things
Love is big, regardless of size. Love isn’t earned by how much something grows, or how big it is. It simply is; and it’s loved or not loved for what it is. Let’s not wait for something to grow before we decide to love it or not. It needs more love at the beginning anyway… so love freely and often.

Body for a Lifetime

The wedding vows say “'Til Death do us part” but we all know that that statement is true only about half the time. The one place where it’s true all the time is between you and your body. For better or worse, you two will be together ‘til death steps in.

The goal is to make sure that relationship stays intact until the end.

Some of it is going to sound like common sense and other parts will sound like sales pitches, but the concepts behind taking care of your body are fundamentally important. You’re in it for life. Hopefully that’s a long term commitment; filled with a lot of happiness and very little pain.

Now this won’t guarantee any of that, but improving your chances is E-Z…

Exercise
I know a number of people who don’t exercise because they’re tired; and a lot of people who exercise who aren’t tired. I know for a fact that the more intense I exercise, the less intense everything else in life becomes. There IS a correlation.

Eat Right
Unfortunately, in today’s society eating wrong is easier. We don’t think we have enough time and then we think that this junk is better than nothing. Our bodies can only keep itself running smoothly with the nutrition we provide. Garbage in, garbage out. Not today, so we won’t notice it… but eventually it’ll become too late. Invest IN yourself.

Easy does it
We also need a break from all the stress we put on ourselves. Rest is really important to regenerate our bodies. A change of scenery is really good to refresh our brains. Constant stress wears us down. “Easy” doesn’t mean slacking; it means releasing tension.

Equalize
Life’s about balance. Work, play, rest. If you find yourself doing too much of one, take some time to do the other stuff.

Energize!
Whether you believe in a Spiritual Being, or a Life Force or a Sub-Atomic Energy Cycle, energy is what keeps us going. What that energy is has been the most misunderstood and misrepresented thing on the planet. What matters though is that we’re connected to it. It is the fuel that is within us as well as around us. It IS us, whatever you call it… so reach out and connect!

Daydream Believer

We have a lot of power at our disposal. We can tap into it at any time and no special equipment is needed. It’s misunderstood and under-used by millions. A lot of other people see it as a bad thing, even though they’ve probably been caught doing it too. It’s called “daydreaming.”



Daydreams aren’t for losers or people out to waste their time. Daydreams are amazing tools of creativity, which can unlock our deepest potential and create the life we’re meant to live.



Dream of the Impossible

Our minds are not tethered by any the laws of nature, so we can go ahead and dream up anything we want. By freeing our thoughts we can uncover our deepest wishes… some we may not have even imagined we had.



Dream of the Possible

The next thing to do is to pull out of our dreams all those elements that could actually become real for us. Now we mustn’t get caught up in low self-esteem and the limited ideals that often keep us trapped away from success. We just need to ask ourselves “is it possible” not whether it’s easy or whether it’ll take a lot of other people to make it happen. Just “is it possible?”



Dream of the Day-to-Day

The next thing to do is to picture what our dream would look like on a daily basis. Don’t say “massage in the morning and golf at noon” because those are benefits, but rather picture what it would be like to do the daily things of a successful life.



Wake up!

Now stop dreaming and start planning. The bigger the dream, the more effort that’s got to go into it. Map it out. Set out little goals to head in the right direction. Take it upon yourself to make it happen.





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Start small, with something that might need just a little attention. For example, a problem that needs to be solved at work or at home. Begin by thinking of the ultimate solution, free of any boundaries. Let your imagination soar. Then go through the steps of picking out the possible and see if there’s anything that can actually make it better.

Don't be an Old Dog in the New Year

Life is full of contradictions. As we get older, we're supposed to be getting wiser. Wisdom means learning new things, and yet we buy into the old excuse that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Well, my dear puppies, I'm here to tell you that you can.

Being that the New Year is on its way; and resolutions are flying everywhere, there's no time like the present to learn.


Forget that you "can’t"
That’s the only thing really holds us back; that we believe we can’t do something. Whether it’s situational ("the job takes up all my time"), relational ("the kids! the kids!") or motivational ("I just don’t want to do that...") it all comes down to an excuse not to go after what we want. It seems easier not to do something now, but in the long run, it actually holds us back. Believing in "I can" is the first and most important step. The rest just becomes a matter of "how."

Forget everything you know now
The more set in our ways we become, the harder it is to learn. That' why children learn so much faster than us, because they're more open to everything that comes in. We mustn’t let what-we-know get in the way of what-we-can-become.

Don’t fight contradictions
There are multiple sides to everything in Life… and we only see it from one angle at a time. The opposite angle can really look like it negates the first angle. That's not true; both sides are true. It’s how we look at it that makes the difference. By being open to the fact that contradictions exist, we won’t get stuck on the narrow side.

Try it
Change happens by doing. We learn so much more by experiencing it first hand. Remember, we always have the option of not doing it again, or going back to our old way. Getting out of our comfort zone actually makes us stronger. Even if it's only a tiny toe out into the bigger world, stick your toe out!

But wait, there's more!
It took a long time for us to get the way we are. There was also a lot of other things that helped support our old tricks. Doing something new won't feel right, unless other things in our lives support them. Don't just try one new thing; try all the stuff that goes with it too. That’s the only real way to make a new life for yourself in the new year.

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DON'T make a resolution …

Resolutions are just empty promises with built in escape clauses in February. Stay away from the generalized commitments like "going to the gym" or "eating right" but rather focus on a specific TASK or ACTIVITY that you want to add into your life. "Learn to ski" fits right into "getting more exercise" without being "exercise."It has a fun factor built into it, which makes it more likely to happen. It's easier to reach a task that a resolution, so this year focus on the thing itself!

A Life Without Judgment

It’s not an easy thing to do; especially when we’re taught to have strong beliefs about right and wrong. Everything around us stirs up some sort of opinion. Yet the most freeing thing we can do for ourselves - and others - is to live our lives without judgment.



We only see a little piece

The world is bigger than our senses… and there’s just so much more going on outside our range than we’ll ever encounter. The smaller the picture, the less likely our judgment will be fair and just. With that margin of error, judgment is not a very safe bet.



Disagreement is not judgment

Not judging doesn’t mean with have to agree with everything. We all see Life from a different angle. It’s okay to believe we have a right view of the world, just as long as it doesn’t mean that everyone else has to be wrong.



Judgment hurts us more

When we judge, everything outside our ideal view becomes a threat. We build walls based on fear and insecurity. We become increasingly isolated; and that robs us of fully experience all the joys Life has to offer.



The strongest person doesn’t have a shell. They don’t need one.



A life without...

The absence of judgment allows us to help others easier, because our focus is on them and not us. It helps us to really know someone or something outside ourselves. We aren’t threatened by others and their opinions. We get to see Life as it is; not how we expect it to be.



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Stop talking and start asking...



The next time you find yourself passing judgment; don’t rush to say anything, even in your head. Instead cultivate the desire to ask questions; to get to know someone or something else as it is, not how you think it is. Make sure you don’t ask opinionated questions like “why are you doing that wrong?” but rather leave it open like “why do you do that?” or how about just “why?”