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November 22, 2008 2 Comments

So, What Exactly is Normal Anyway?

Have you ever been guilty of mumbling one of the following statements – either loudly or under your breath?

  • Why can’t my life be normal?
  • Why can’t so and so act normal?!
  • I can’t wait for life to get back to normal…

I’m afraid I’ve been guilty of the “I can’t wait for life to get back to normal…” moan.  In fact, pretty recently!  I don’t think I’ve mentioned it on this particular blog before (I have more than 10, so who knows?!?) – but my spoiled, pampered, much beloved youngest cat, Alexa, recently broke one of her legs in two places.  A normally VERY active cat has had to be confined to total bed rest (we got her a dog kennel/large cage).  Because she’s accustomed to being by my side all the time, I spend a lot of time lying in the floor by her.

Last night, as I sat by her, petting her head and feeling helpless to help my little girl heal any faster – I thought, “I can’t wait for life to be normal again.”  I caught myself almost immediately and wondered, “And just what would that be?”

I mean, just because something in our life is currently stressful doesn’t mean life is all of a sudden abnormal.  Truth be told, isn’t something at least a little to the right or left of our “normal” always taking place?

Granted, some “lefts” or “rights” are more extreme than others.  Some feel like our “normal” has been given a sound beating and left for dead!  This summer, I battled an extreme case of poison oak for two months.  I had it on my face, my arms, legs, stomach, and back. I was covered with pink calamine lotion head to toe.  Misery!  To compound the suffering, I have major allergies and asthma and each responded badly to the poison oak.  Two months. Eight weeks.  Over 50 days.

One night I woke up scratching myself so hard that I started bleeding.  When I went to the bathroom to smear back up with calamine lotion, I sat on the side of the tub and just laughed. I guess sometimes you have to.

Other times, the “right” or “left” feels more like your normal just has a headache.  That’s where I am right now.  I know my beautiful cat is going to be okay and will, in fact, be herself again in a few weeks.  I’m thrilled she wasn’t hurt worse.  She had taken a running jump at an ironing board that, in turn, fell on her.  I’ve thanked God many times that there wasn’t a hot iron on the board.  My normal has a migraine, and when that’s the case - sometimes all we can do is wait.  Time is the aspirin and the only solution to a lot of problems.

Chasing Normal

Money troubles, relationship problems, ill (or broken!) pets, dead-end jobs, lay-offs, etc – life doesn’t think inside the box.  Heck, it’s not even aware that a box exists.

In fact, I guess it’d be safe to say that expecting or looking for normal would make as much sense as a dog chasing a car.  We aren’t going to catch it – and even if we did, we wouldn’t know what to do with it once we had it.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting peace, happiness, and smooth sailing. Wouldn’t we be simpletons if we didn’t want these things in our life?! But, if one gets to the place that they think they can only be happy, pleasant, or in a good mood when every t is crossed and every i is dotted – well, that’s going to be one miserable person.

Do What You Can and Try Not to Worry About the Rest

When you feel like you’re chasing normal, ask yourself a few questions.

  1. Is my situation one I can change?
  2. Is my situation one that I’ll simply have to “ride out”?

If your normal has a headache that you can cure – what are you waiting for?!  Do what you can to make the situation better.

  • If you have relationships in your life that feel strained and you find yourself arguing more than ever, swallow your pride and do your part to make things better.  If you need to forgive… forgive.  Make the first move, you’ll be the winner in the end.
  • If you’re overwhelmed at work or at home, sit down and make a list.  Divide the things you have to get done into “bite sized” chunks.  Take each, one at a time, and put a glorious line through each as it becomes a done instead of a to do.
  • If there’s something troubling you that you have no control over (such as an illness), find a way to cope.  Sometimes, it helps to remind yourself that “It is what it is.” None of us get through life unbruised.  God’s own Son faced more adversity, pain, hatred, betrayal, and poverty than any of us ever will… and look Who He knew!  In fact, there are people, even now, who have it much, much worse than we’ll ever have it.  When we remind ourselves of that fact – it makes our burdens seem smaller.

Above all, remember this:  The next time you’re looking for normal – look around you. It may have a few scrapes, it may have an itchy rash (!!!), it may be short on funds – but it’s all normal.  It’s life… and very often, it IS what we make it.

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Inspiration, Motivational, Tough Love! Tagged: , , , , ,
October 18, 2008 Leave a Comment

Why Older is Better – A Collection of Bragging Rights from People Over 50

Apparently, for those of us who aren’t in the big 50′s neighborhood yet, we needn’t fret the view. The following is a list that was published in a really cool book from 2001 titled “Lists to Live By.” It’s a collection of reasons why “Older is Better” by individuals over 50 years old. It seems strange to refer to 50 as older these days, doesn’t it?!

50′s the new 40 after all – and that’s nowhere near old.

Be that as it may, I love the attitude and vibe of this list. It’s crackling with positive energy and that always turns me all the way on.

Why Older is Better

  1. You appreciate one day at a time.
  2. More people open doors for you.
  3. You don’t have to prove yourself.
  4. The simple pleasures seem so much more valuable.
  5. It’s okay to foget.
  6. You can go at your own pace.
  7. You have more stories to tell.
  8. There’s nothing left to learn the hard way.
  9. You have time to volunteer.
  10. You get to be a grandparent.
  11. You get senior discounts.
  12. You’ve seen it all before, even if you don’t remember where!
  13. You can stay up as long as you want.
  14. You discover the value of the things that have been around a while – old friends, old books, old memories, and old songs.
  15. You finally have perspective.
  16. Things take longer, but you have more time to do them.
  17. You have a better chance of shooting your age with your golf score.
  18. You have seen so many prayers answered.
  19. You know that being kind is often more important than being right.
  20. You finally have the time to start a new hobby or read a new book.
  21. You have learned that people are much more important than things.
  22. You don’t have to worry about what to do when you grow up.
  23. You now how important it is to count your blessings.
  24. You can take as many naps as you like.
  25. Heaven is closer.
  26. You have real wisdom to share.
  27. You realize that time is a treasure.
  28. You have learned that great memories come from both hard times and good times.
  29. It’s the perfect time for looking inward, outward, forward, and upward.
  30. You finally realize that what you can’t see lasts longer than what you can.

Make each moment count double!
~ Joi

Filed Under: Inspiration, Motivational, Must Reads, Tough Love! Tagged: , , , , , , ,
August 25, 2008 Leave a Comment

Active-ly Chase the Blues Away by Walking into a Better Mood

I’m not sure why, exactly, but when the weather lowers its thermostat and autumn begins to push summer off the horizon, many people come down with a nasty case of the blues.  The older generation often refers to this time of year as a “lonely time.”  I’m not sure if the reasons boil down to young people going back to school, less sunshine, or neither or both – but the reasons aren’t nearly as important as putting a smile back on life’s face.

The problem is, most people, when they’re down, tend to stay down.  Literally.  They’ll hit the couch or maybe even the bed and figuratively pull the covers up around their ears.  While it sounds pretty cozy, it’s the worst possible thing to do when you’re out of sorts, emotionally.  If you’re sick or tired, going to bed’s a brillaint option, but if you’re down in the dumps, it seals your fate.

One of the best things you can do when the blues hit is to hit them back with activity.  Activity actually works, not only on the lightest shade of “blues,” but on mild to moderate depression as well. 

It’s not clear just how exercise improves depression. It seems to raise the levels of chemicals in the brain that elevate mood.   Even endorphins, natural pain killers, rise with sustained physical activity!

There’s more to it than just a rise in feel good chemicals, though.  Exercise makes you feel as though you are in control of your life.  When you regularly exercise, you realize that you’re taking active steps in improving your health and appearance.  This realization, alone, has been proven to make people feel better about themselves.

You should look for an aerobic activity that’ll raise your pulse for at least 30 minutes a day. If you’re just beginning to exercise, for the first few days, you should start out fairly easy - just exert yourself until you feel tired.  Then, move toward the stage where you exercise until you’ve worked up a sweat.  That’s when those feel good chemicals will start to buzz all around you!

Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity at least 4 days a week.  If you can do more, all the better.

Most importantly, choose an activity you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you probably won’t keep it up very long. You want to engage yourself in an activity that you love so much you actually look forward to doing it.  For me, I love walking and yoga.  If I know I’m going to do one or the other at a particular time, I look forward to it all day.

A really, really great idea would be to start TODAY.  Why not hit the pavement now???   If you’re nowhere near the doldrums, don’t let that stop you.  Think of it as a preventive measure:  If you start getting more activity right now, maybe you’ll be able to avoid the blues altogether.

Wouldn’t that put you ahead of the game?!

Make each move count double,
~ Joi

Photo Credit: Photo Everywhere

Filed Under: Motivational, Tough Love! Tagged: , , , , , , ,
August 16, 2008 Leave a Comment

Early, Physical Signs of Dementia Indicate Benefits of Being Physically Active

We’re all familiar with the first signs of dementia: Memory loss and confusion. Sadly, when they begin to show up, the onset of dementia is underway. New research suggests that there are earlier…. physical signs that may signal trouble.

These findings, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, suggest a link between the brain’s health and physical fitness. In a study involving more than 2,200 adults (aged 65 and older), difficulty walking and balance problems were early indicators of future dementia. Oddly enough, having a poor handgrip was another, later, sign of developing dementia.

“Maybe this will be another motivator to either keep people active or motivate them to become active if they’re not,” said the study’s co-author Dr. Eric B. Larson, director of the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle.

As experts point out, today most cases of dementia are caught after the disease has greatly progressed. The sooner dementia can be diagnosed, the more can be done to, hopefully, avert its course or (at least) lessen its damage.

Dementia’s path can cover a lot of ground. Some people experience trouble finding the right words when speaking while others find their abilities to perform certain tasks, such as preparing a meal, next to impossible. Alzheimer’s disease is actually a type of dementia (the most common type), affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans.

Experts tell us that people who exercise are less likely to get dementia. Some argue that this could mean that people who exercise are simply “different” in other ways than those who don’t.

Personally? The proven benefits of exercise are more than enough reason to become as physically active as possible. If there’s even the possibility that our brains will benefit as much as our bodies, I’d say we should, literally, jump at the opportunity! Besides, I believe exercise DOES have a huge impact on our minds. After all, when we exercise, we increase the amount of oxygen that goes to all of our body – that can only be good, right?!

Okay, let’s make up our minds to start getting more exercise – starting today! If we make it a point to be more physically active everyday for the rest of our lives, we’ll be setting ourselves up for success.

Simply adding more steps to your daily life will add up a lot more than you may realize. If you, daily, incorporate the following suggestions into your routine(s), you’ll increase your activity level and reap the benefits:

  • Park further from the front door when you go to the store.
  • Once inside the store, take the longest possible route to reach your destination.
  • When putting away laundry, don’t take a stack to each room. Instead, take one item at a time.  Be obnoxious about it!  If you can stretch the chore to 15 minutes or more, you’ve accomplished a lot more steps than you normally would have.
  • After each meal, make a habit of taking a 10 minute walk around your yard.  If you have outdoor pets, they’ll start looking forward to these visits.  You’ll notice them watching the door for you.  It’s always nice to be wanted, right?!

Tackle extra activity in 10 minute chunks if necessary.  Taking three 10 minute activity breaks during the day will bring about the same benefits as one 30 minute activity break. 

The trick is to DAILY set your sights on more steps, more action, more movement.  Move your body as though your life depends upon it.  I know I don’t have to tell you this, but it does.

Make each step count double!

~ Joi

Filed Under: Brain Games, Mental Fitness, Motivational, Tough Love! Tagged: , , ,
July 30, 2008 Leave a Comment

Taking the Power Away From Fear

Fear- Eleanor Roosevelt


Fear- Eleanor Roosevelt Magnet
Buy at AllPosters.com

I‘ve been thinking about fear a lot lately.  I came, literally, face to forked tongue with my greatest fear a few days ago.  Thanks be to God we were separated by the glass door in our home office or I may have fainted dead away.  My fear of these things is that profound.

The thing that unsettles me about this fear is that it’s unreasonable.  I’ve never been wronged, in any way, by any reptile.  The only animal that ever got an attitude with me was a Siamese cat who got nasty with everyone.  Yet, cats are the last thing in the world I’m afraid of.

Truth be known, I don’t have any fear whatsoever associated with any animal besides snakes.  I’m not fond of bugs or mice, mind you, but I don’t experience the same head to toe panic that I do when I see a snake.

I’m actually pretty bold with all other animals.  I wrestled a very large, strong pit bull once that was chasing my kittens.  The dog wasn’t hurt one bit (he thought we were playing a game), but one of my ankles hurt for months!

I even went outside one night a few months ago because I saw a coyote in the front yard and wanted to get a closer look.   I’ve done the same with Raccoons, even a family of them. 

Yet, here was this thing on my patio and I froze with fear.  Not only did I NOT go outside while it was lurking, I haven’t been around back since.  See?  There’s that unreasonable-ness I was talking about.  It bothers me because I’m giving this fear power over me.

The more I think about it, the more certain I am that I’ll be taking a nice, long walk in my yard when I get up from here.  I might even sit on the patio for a few minutes – after picking up sticks in the yard. Yay, go girl!

Nay, stop girl.  Let’s forget the whole picking up sticks thing.  I am going to walk around and do so without doing a double take with each stick, shadow and noise, though. Dorothy Thompson once said, “The most destructive element in the human mind is fear.” Eleanor Roosevelt went so far as to say, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

If I’m not mistaken, I think her words would like me to confront a snake on some level. Lady, please.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to look at one without the hairs on my arms standing on end. Actually I’d like that very much. One step at a time, though. I’m sure Mrs. Roosevelt would understand.

Will my venture into the yard be less bold if I carry the shovel with me?

Make each moment count double,
~Joi

Filed Under: Must Reads, Quotations, Tough Love!
July 26, 2008 Leave a Comment

Three Alternatives to the Car Radio-o-oh

Now, don’t get me wrong, I positively love listening to the radio while driving or riding. Depending upon the song, I’ve been known to seat dance, sing along, or just get lost in either the lyrics or the memories they bring to the surface.

The right song can bring about absolute euphoria as the city goes flying past the car windows. Today, a current favorite song, Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long,” blared through the speakers as the Kid and I drove across town – singing and slurping Iced Green Tea from Panera Bread.

However, if there’s one thing I love even more than mini concerts in my car, it’s learning. That’s why I love so many of the podcasts my husband downloads. We listened to a Stephen Pierce podcast about a week ago and I’m still charged up from it!

In addition to podcasts, another way to use (as in REALLY use) time spent in your vehicle is audio books.  If reading more is something you’d love to do, but never seem to find extra time, audio books are the perfect solution.  You’re going to be in the car anyway, right?  You might as well learn something while there.

Finally, when’s the last time you rode along in absolute silence?   It’s an amazing way to clear your head – you’ll hear thoughts you would have otherwise missed.  It’s also a perfect opportunity to meditate and/or pray.  It’s hard to beat God for a riding companion.  He always has something to say worth listening to! 

I always have, and I always will, love music and the radio.  It’s like having a soundtrack to your life and that’s pretty sweet.  I’m just suggesting that every now and then, we should try to use that time in a way that’ll benefit us even after we step out of the car.

Make each moment count double,

~Joi

Filed Under: Relaxation, Tough Love!
July 23, 2008 1 Comment

Why You Should Read Strength for Life by Shawn Phillips This Week

“Eventually, there comes a point in every life where you can no longer ignore the enormous and expanding gap between the life you could be living and the life you’ve settled for….   Every day of your life that you’re not actively engaged in staying fit, eating well, and strengthening your body the gap grows.”  – Stregnth for Life, by Shawn Phillips, page 10

Strength for Life by Shawn Phillips I recently finished reading Strength for Life and, quite frankly, I’m filled with two emotions.

For one, I’m angry at myself!  Why didn’t I start, in my 20′s, eating right and exercising every day.  By now I could be Wonder Blogger!  I’d never have to worry the trauma room (for my male readers, this would be the dressing room), I’d have all the energy I need for anything life throws me or for anything I want to throw it, and I’d be setting a golden opportunity for my three daughters.

For another, I’m excited!  It’s never to late to do what you should have done.  There aren’t any NO U TURNS signs along life’s highway, so I can start today (actually the day I opened the book) getting my butt in shape - as well as the rest of me.

I knew the author, Shawn Phillips, and I would hit it off right from the start.  You see, while I’m  a typical girly girl, I’m also a huge sports fan.  My favorite teams are the UK Wildcats, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Denver Broncos.  At the end of chapter 1, Shawn quoted my all-time favorite QB, John Elway, and referred to him as “a friend.”  So, I settled back with the book to see what an author with impeccable taste had to say.

A Wake-Up Call

Do you realize how out of control obesity is in America?  According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 and older are obese and 65 percent are either overweight or obese.  65 percent!

Even more disturbing, to me, is the following statistic:  In the kid’s group, one out of five ages 12 to 19 is now considered obese.  That absolutely breaks my heart. 

Not only does being overweight keep you from living the life you should be living, it’ll end your life much sooner than it should end. It’s not just about being able to keep up on the playground or tennis court, it’s not just about how those Levi’s look, and it’s not just about leaving the trauma room with your head high as opposed to buried in your hands – it’s about being around for your loved ones as long as you possibly can!

What Strength for Life Can Mean for You

I’m certain I’ve pointed out before how difficult it can be to write a book review. Especially when it’s for a book that you’re dying for your readers to read. On one hand, I want to tell you all that I learned from the book. For someone with the gift for gab like me, it’s particularly hard NOT to give everything away. The problem with that, of course, is that you’d have no reason to buy the book. Not a very fair thing to do to an author who put their heart and soul into the publication.

Let me try to Bullet Point the reasons you should read Strength For Life as soon as you possibly can (bullet points usually keep the gab within reason):

  • The author, Shawn Phillips, is a fitness expert in every sense of the word.  He’s been in the business for over 20 years and has helped not just thousands, but tens of thousands of people live better, healthier, and stronger lives.
  • Strength for Life includes an eating plan that gives you more energy than you’ll remember ever having.  The nutrition tips are golden (I laughed out loud at his description of pop and will never look at one the same again!)  He points out how berries will protect you from the damages of free radicals, why water is more important to drink than we even realize, why apples are the perfect fruit, and a lot more.  You feel better AND look better when you eat the way you should – Strength for Life lays it all out for you and even gives sample daily meal plans.  There are over 25 pages devoted entirely to educating the reader about nutrition.  As a web publisher who spends 50 percent of her day reading about health, food, and nutrition, I was amazed at just how much I learned.
  • Illustrated, simple exercises make it easy to follow along.  They’re accompanied by step by step instructions that are (Thank you, Shawn!) clear and precise.  I hate it when an exercise book just shows a picture and tells you something like,  Do 3 sets.  3 sets of what?!  The exercises in Strength for Life are fun, highly doable, and effective.  The entire workout plan can be done a little over 30 minutes.  Personally, I like to do them while Andy Griffith’s on.  I get started a little before the whistling starts, and I’m usually through by the time Andy has gotten Barney out of his recent scrape.  Mayberry makes a perfect soundtrack and I know the shows by heart, so I don’t have to look up from my book or “focal point” to know what’s going on.
  • Get this – there’s a boot camp in this book!  The book refers to it as Base Camp, but my body’s convinced it’s boot camp.  And I love it.  Section 2 is called “Base Camp:  12 Days That Will Recharge Your Body and Mind.“  I’m certain that recharging your body and mind appeal to you as much as they do to me! 
  • Goal setting and achieving exercises provide the motivation you need to make all of your fitness dreams come true. 

What’s So Great About Shawn Phillips?!

Shawn Phillips is one of the most motivating and inspiring authors I’ve ever read (and you know me, I read – therefore I am).  Even when the book is CLOSED and you’re making your food choices in the store or the kitchen, you feel like Shawn is there with you – saying, “I think there’s a better solution…here, let’s try this instead,” “Look at the ingredients – corn syrup, you know what that means..,” or “Are you completely out of your mind?! Put that back.” 

You also feel like he’s there when you’re walking or exercising – coaching you and WILLING for you to make it.  He’d actually make a wonderful trainer on a show like The Biggest Loser because, while he’s filled with information, he has an even more important trait:  He honestly cares about the health, fitness, well-being, and happiness of his readers.  You can tell it in his words.  I read so much that authors can’t even begin to fool me – I know sincerity when I see it. 

Now It’s Up to You

I strongly urge you to buy this book as soon as possible – the sooner, the better, because the minute you start reading is the minute you turn your life around.  As a bonus, if you’re a parent like me, you begin setting a golden example to your children.  They’ll even get on board with you!  A few days ago, I asked my oldest daughter what sounded good for lunch.  Instead of the typical Fries and a Burger answer, she said “a grilled chicken salad.”  I couldn’t make it for her fast enough!

I hope that TODAY you’ll think about “the gap” that began this post.  I hope you’ll get a good, clear picture of the life you could be living – the one you’d spell out for a genie.  Then I hope you’ll realize that the first step you should take (to make your wishes come true) is to get a copy of Strength for Life as soon as you possibly can.

Nah, sooner.

To illustrate just how serious I am about you getting this book – I’m going to do something that I don’t believe I’ve ever done in all my years of reviewing books. See, as a web publisher, I make my living online – what I make with my blogs/sites is what I take to the grocery store with me! When I review a book, I always use my Amazon link (or another affiliate link) – so, when the visitor makes the purchase, I get paid. Solid.

But, in this instance – as an added way of letting you know how much I want you to improve your health and life – I’m not going to use any such links. In each of the links, I’m simply pointing you to Shawn Phillips website where you can learn more about him and his mission to whip us all into shape! You can even sign up for a sneak preview of the book – how cool’s that?  Please do this for yourself and for your family. You only get one life – it isn’t a dress rehearsal.

As the greatest quarterback to ever play (I believe his name was John Elway) once said, “If you’re going to set a goal, aim high!”

Make each moment count double,
~Joi

Filed Under: Inspiration, Mental Fitness, Motivational, Positive Affirmations, Tough Love! Tagged: , , , , ,
July 20, 2008 Leave a Comment

Fascinating Information About Cell Phones and Sleeplessness

Cell phones.  We all have one, and most people keep their’s within reach at all times.  Personally, mine likes to wander, so I don’t keep it on a very short leash.  My oldest daughter and my husband are sort of like me in that regard but my youngest daughters are nearly attached to their cell phones.

Because of this attachment, I read everything I can get my eyes on about cell phones and their effects. Sometimes the information is unsettling.

U.S. and European researchers report that cell phone radiation might cause insomnia, headaches, confusion and reduce the amount of deep sleep the body needs. According to online reports, it’s time to start taking these studies seriously.

“The study strongly suggests that mobile phone use is associated with specific changes in the areas of the brain responsible for activating and coordinating the stress system,” one researcher said. The research, conducted by Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and Wayne State University in Detroit, theorizes that radio-frequency radiation may also disrupt production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the body’s internal rhythms.

We all know the benefits of “winding down” before bedtime. This winding down should include turning off the cell phone and pretending it doesn’t exist for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sleep problems or is showing signs of not getting enough rest – you now have a clear-cut suspect. It’s very, very rare that anything would be such an emergency that someone would HAVE to call your cell phone. If it were, they can reach you on your home phone.

Try it for a week and see if you aren’t able to get more sleep – and a better quality of sleep. I’m betting that you’ll feel so much better you’ll never invite your cell phone for a sleepover again.

Click the link for a great article on Minimizing Health Hazards from Cell Phones.

Make each moment count double,
~ Joi

Filed Under: Mental Fitness, Relaxation, Tough Love! Tagged: , ,
June 14, 2008 3 Comments

Truly Amazing Tools to Life

Tools For Life !

The following is a sponsored post.  It’s been a while since I’ve done one, so let me remind you what thay means.  In a sponsored post, I’m paid to “review” a book, product, service, or website.  I’m not paid to like it or tell my readers that they’ll like it – simply to tell you what I think about it.  Fortunately for everyone involved, in my years of web publishing, I’ve noticed something – people who are willing to pay people to “see what they think” about their product or service usually have a great deal of confidence in what they’ve created.  If they didn’t, why would they risk it?!  I’ve noticed something else.  The confidence exists for a very good reason.

Tools To Life

People who are truly interested in improving their world are in a constant process of gathering information, books, and products (or tools) that will help them.  They know that the only way to improve their world is to improve themself.  After all, first things first, right?!

I’m excited to be able to tell you about one of the best Self Help Programs I’ve ever seen. Tools to Life is a completely free, online self help coaching system and support network that their publishers refer to as a labor of love.  They have been helping people loose weight, improve their relationships, resolve depression, overcome anxiety and get better careers for over 20 years!  They wanted to bring this success “online” so they could reach even more people ith Inspirational motivation  and community support.

The article archive is amazing.  The titles below are just some of the subjects covered:

  • Why Go Vegetarian? – 12 highly compelling reasons are presented, and I was ready to board the train by number 5!
  • Choices – Your Life is a Choice – Another one of my favorite articles is about the choices we make each day, whether or not we even realize a choice has even been made.
  • Boost Your Metabolism, Lose More Inches - I don’t even have to tell you what makes this article a must-read, do I??  The title pretty much says it all.  If it’s not enough, I have another phrase to catch your eye:  Swimsuit season.  This article will tell you how you can burn calories while you sleep.  I kid you not!  It’s a great read.

The articles I listed above are just a few of the hundreds and hundreds offered on Tools to Life.  I haven’t read them all yet, but I’m working on it.  I’m giving my printer a workout, since each one makes the “worthy of being printed out” grade.

Another section of the site that you’re going to love are the Inspirational Videos.  I watched them and wished like mad there were more.  They’re as addictive as they are motivational and inspirational.

The website provides a wealth of information, inspiration, and motivation.  However, its real charm lies in the way it has built a community of people who want to not only improve their own world, but the worlds of others as well.   That sort of mindset inspires you to move in amongst them, doesn’t it?  Life Coaching Support Groups quickly become like close friends who are there for you. In this case, they just happen to be friends who can help you lose weight, improve your relationships, resolve depression, overcome anxiety and get a better career! With friends like that, who’d have enemies?!

I urge you to go (now’s as good a time as any – nudge, nudge) to Tools to Life and have a look around. Sign up and become part of the community, it’s 100 percent free. Some people honestly pay for this type of life coaching and advice! Visit Tools to Life and start a fun, exciting, and productive new journey – a journey we all like to call Self Improvement.

I love one of their sayings on the website, “Achieve your success in 15 minutes a day.” When you think of it like that, it’s as though all of our goals, hopes and dreams are on the table across the room and all we have to do is walk over there to claim them. What are we waiting for?!
 

Filed Under: Education, Inspiration, Mental Fitness, Motivational, Positive Affirmations, Tough Love! Tagged: , , , ,
April 29, 2008 Leave a Comment

Choose the Subject of Your Thoughts Carefully

Think PositivelyRemember in high school when you were faced with the task of choosing subjects for the upcoming semester?  If you were planning for college, you were careful to select subjects that would meet your chosen school’s criteria.  If you had a career in business in mind, you chose classes that would prepare you for that road. 

If you went to college, you became even more expereinced in choosing subjects.

The subjects we chose in school determined our degree and shaped our education.  Good selection was of the utmost importance! However, we choose even more important subjects on a daily basis without even truly realizing it.  Yet these very choices determine far more than an education or degree – they determine our character and shape our life. 

I’m talking, of course, about our thoughts.  Our thoughts are often found woefully lacking, which sadly, rubs off onto our character.  Given the fact that our character pretty much determines the life we’ll lead, it’s easy to see why we should start paying A LOT more attention to the thoughts that we allow, and even invite, into our heads.

In a brilliant little book titled Inspiration and Ideals, from 1917, Grenville Kleiser put it this way:

If you once form the habit of selecting and dwelling upon important subjects only, you will have neither time nor inclination for the petty worries that beset so many lives.  Anxiety, irritation, despair, fear and the like, are mental, and therefore must be destroyed mentally.  As you realize the folly of these habits, you will more diligently strive to eliminate them from your life.  They are not only worthless, but a serious handicap in the face for success.  Think constructively, and doubtful and discordant elements will fall away from inanition (starvation).

I love that – starve negativity to death!

Notice how he refers to negative thoughs as “a serious handicap?”  If we were to start thinking of the following thoughts as handicaps, I’m certain we’d work harder to get rid of them:

  • Worries
  • Regrets
  • Guilt
  • Self Doubt
  • Self Ridicule
  • Pointless Daydreams
  • Anger

Let’s vow to start recognizing these negative thoughts the very minute they show up.  Instead of inviting them to kick up their heels and get comfortable, let’s show them the door pronto. After all, if they’re invited in, they’ll invite other unsavory characters over and…well, nothing good will come from any of it.

Just as we’re careful about the people we associate with, we have to be careful about the thoughts we entertain. 

Positive, constructive thoughts will take us places!  Negative, destructive thoughts will take us nowhere.

Positive, constructive thinking will make us.  Negative, destructive thinking will break us.

The choice is ours.

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Filed Under: Brain Games, Inspiration, Mental Fitness, Motivational, Must Reads, Positive Affirmations, Quotations, Tough Love! Tagged: , ,
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