The Law of Attraction - Rule #5

Glorify God

As mentioned in the first article of the series, every law has a certain set of rules that governs it. Just like the road speed law, the Law of Attraction was created to benefit us. However the misuse or disobedience to any rule holds certain consequences. Many times these consequences only come much later. We don't have to obey these rules, in fact there are many benefits if we decide to disobey the rules (like getting to your destination faster), but with this decision comes responsibility; the responsibility to be willing enough to bear the consequences it holds.

"And whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Joh 14:13

The fifth and last rule is to glorify God in all the things you have asked for and have received. This rule is more like a golden thread running through all the other rules. It links to all four rules and acts as a channel for all the positive energy contained in the principles to flow through to every rule. In the end it is principles that make us succeed to apply every rule and it is the positive energy in these principles that inspires us to keep on applying them.

To glorify God means, among other, to be grateful for what you have received and haven't received yet, to be faithful and to be patient; particularly in the times where you are waiting for things you cannot see yet, to happen.

When you have asked for a car, there is normally a period wherein you have to wait for it to become a reality. In this period, your attitude of gratitude towards your current car and your patience and faithfulness for it to come into fulfillment acts a channel for you to stay positive and it is these very principles that glorify God.

All five rules come down to one very important thing: what source do you focus on? What you focus on is what you attract towards yourself. You can either focus on yourself or you can focus on God as the source of all principles.

It is true that the law of attraction is applicable on every person, whether they believe in it or not but it is also true that it can only have one creator (which I believe is God). Whether people believe in Him or not, He has set the rules as well as the consequences of this law. The law of attraction is applicable on everybody, whether they believe in Him or not. It is only the consequences that change.

The law of attraction is a very powerful law and influence people in a negative and a positive way depending on how they use it. The moment people use all 5 rules, it is impossible for the law of attraction to influence anyone in a negative way. Imagine if people follow the rules.

Subscribe to the Geared for Life monthly newsletter and become geared for the rest of your life by means of revolutionary, 37Flife changing, transformational challenging content.-)

Steyn Viljoen
Professional Certified Coach
Cog Coaching
http://www.cogcoaching.com/

Fuelforselfimprovement

The Gray Area Within the Law of Attraction

We all use them. Gray words, that is. Can just changing a few words be enough to change your life when applying the Law of Attraction intentionally? The words themselves aren't the problem, it's the emotions and attitudes attached to the words that you think and speak that ultimately make the difference.

Here's an example. So you say, "Can I try to help you?" When you offer help and it comes from a wonderful thought, the word try isn't an issue because the emotion and attitude that is connected to the thoughts are pure.

How about this one, "I am trying to get my business off the ground." In this case, the word trying has emotion and attitude attached to maybe you will get your business off the ground. Maybe and try are the same meaning in the Law of Att5B4raction when it is attached with feelings of "it might work" which in fact is saying that you don't want to commit to feelings of trust and expectation from the Universe. Using the words maybe or try is the 'gray area' of the black or white equation; the gray area of yes or no, and the gray area of want or don't want. When maybe or try are used within your thought processes and are attached to the feelings of the non committal or pre failure then you are going to want to change your way of thought and feeling.

By consciously making a decision to check on what your true feelings are when using certain words, you can trample the gray area roadblocks that can totally get in the way of obtaining what it is that you desire.

After you have consciously checked your true feelings and have corrected them, begin to use a whole new vocabulary that reflects your new positive self. Replace the word try with the word can. I can get my business off the ground. I can find that perfect relationship for myself. I can lose the weight. By just changing that one little word, you are changing what you are putting out to the Universe.

You quickly sound like a more confident person that trusts and expects the Universe to bring what you have asked for. When you begin to feel the can is when you really start things in motion.

Be aware of the words that have emotion attached to them. Try is just one example of a word that sits in 5B4the gray area of want and don't want.

Keep a gray word log for the day and find out how many times you tell the Universe that you think and feel that maybe you trust and expect. Also keep a log of what would be an alternate thought and feeling to replace that gray word with. By doing this, you will be able to change your thought and emotional patterns and break through any barriers that you may have unintentionally put up.

The Universe is here for you, and for every living thing on this planet. By learning how to apply the Law of Attraction intentionally, life will go much smoother for you and your family.

The Universe can be trusted through the Law of Attraction. Give the Universe the chance to bring you the life you truly want to live.

Beth and Lee McCain are full time instructors and lecturers in applying the Law of Attraction, or better known as the Secret, in your life to attain whatever you desire. They have a great radio show on Youtube that is both entertaining as well as informative on the subject of the Law of Attraction. For more information of products and services, please visit: Beth and Lee McCain Law of Attraction Web Site

Secretwealth

How To Stay Positive All Year Long

Ever wonder how 'they' do it? You know the ones, they are positive, always see the glass as half full, and no matter what the situation, they can always find a positive thing to pull from it. How do they do it? What is different in their day to day thinking that allows them to see the good in all?

I have watched, spoken to, listened to, and studied many leaders, who seem to stay positive, and professionals who make it their business to keep in the right frame of mind. I have pulled some bits of advice and information that is free to implement, and some may even save you some money.

One of the most giving things we can do for ourselves is to discover different ways to stay positive throughout the year. I know there are times when I just feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and, I'll be honest with you, last year was probably one of the most challenging years I've ever experienced. But having these outlets really serves to remind me that, in the long run, things are ok.

So, when I started thinking about this topic, the old saying by Timothy Leary came to mind. "Turn On, Tune In, And Drop Out".

By doing these three things in a variety of ways you really can change your thinking and, truly, your life. I'm going to kind of go out of order with the saying so, Mr. Leary, where ever you are, please forgive me.

I'd like to start with Tuning In:

Now the brain is amazing, and even though we don't consciously register everything that is being presented to the brain in the way of sights, sounds, etc, our subconscious does register it. Some things we're just so used to doing we don't even register what we are doing, and that allows some pretty negative messages to get through.

So let's start by tuning in to what messages ARE around us, and what we are receiving. Here are a few examples:

Do you watch the news? Lots of good, happy stuff with that, isn't there? Do you read the paper? More good news, on every page. What do you watch on tv? Crime shows? Reality shows? What are your casual conversations like? What about the magazines you read?

Now, starting immediately, I invite you to go through the day and really pay attention to your actions. How do you talk to yourself? Others? How do you think about others, or yourself? What shows do you watch every night? What is the last thing you read or listen to or watch before going to bed?

Take some time, be aware. That alone may change your life. Once we actually tune in and become aware of where we need to work on staying positive, then we can!

Drop Out:

Now most of you may very well have done a quick once over of your day in those past few moments as you read those examples, looking to see where the weak spots are. Here are the big ones and some of the hardest ones to let go.

1. Stop watching the news. I'm not saying never ever watch the news anymore, but really, in the morning, and evening, every day is really unnecessary, as well as reading the paper, and check on the internet, and so on. Once a week or so is probably more than enough. It's been a proven fact that bad news sells, so it's what is focused on. Almost every expert I have come across who is involved in attitude adjustment, time management, and so on have made this the number one change to make, and to make it immediately. Stop watching.

If you feel you absolutely need to get a dose of daily news, a great website I found recently is www.goodnewsnetwork.org It's news that you won't read in the newspaper for the most part because it's good news, but it's such a breath of fresh air, and helps you to realize there are good things happening in the world.

Along those same lines..

2. Get rid of cable. Better yet, get rid of your television altogether. Now for those who just shut down at that thought, take a deep breath and stay with me here. Trust me, I understand the want for the entertainment. I really do. But for the most part, the programming is unnecessary and a waste of time if it dominates your entire evening. Get rid of it. Think of the money you'll save.

If you can't handle totally getting rid of the television, then just get rid of the cable. At least drop down to basic cable, and I mean basic cable, not the option of 75 channels or more. I know, it will be rough at first, you will more than likely go through withdrawals, I know I did when I couldn't watch some of the programs I had adjusted to watching on a regular basis, but you really will feel the cobwebs clear out of your head after a while. If nothing else, you can sign up for something like Netflix or Blockbuster and get movies in the mail and online.

3. Steer clear of negative conversations, including the ones you have with yourself. If you find the conversation drifting towards being catty, or constant complaining, and we've all done it, stop yourself. These are habits that need to be broken, and a great way to help stop the habit is to wear a rubber band around your wrist. Whenever, you feel the conversation heading in that direction, or you are hard on yourself, snap that band. It will remind you that you are someone who wants to grow in a positive manner and those conversations that tear down someone else or yourself are not allowed anymore.

I've discovered these days that if I do start becoming involved in a negative conversation, I can actually feel a sense of poisoning 5B4and discomfort in myself during the conversation. I know then that it's time to check the conversation and adjust accordingly.

This leads us right into..

4. Keep your distance from dreamstealers, and crazymakers. We all know who they are in our live. They are the ones who say, 'that sounds too hard to do.' Or, 'Why would you want to do that??' Now, you don't have to disown them, just distance yourself a little. Your dreams, goals, and ambitions are important to you and to others in this world. You absolutely do not need someone who is threatened by your ambition to be constantly attempting to quietly sabotage your efforts, whether their intentions are well meaning or not. They are, hands down, the quickest reason we give up our dreams and goals. Tell your dreams and goals to people who will support them, not tear them down.

After the cleansing, the out with the bad, we want to fill the space with good things. Things that will lift us up, and take us higher. This brings us to the final part...turning on. This is my favorite part, because replacing all the icky stuff in your head and heart with the good stuff just feels so nice.

1. Be grateful. Not just at dinner during grace, not just at bedtime during prayer, but all day. Allow thanskgiving to be more than just one day out of the year in your life. A great exercise I do, which is from the book Ask & It is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks, is called the "Rampage of5B4 Gratitude", and here is how it works:

At any point, but especially during an upset moment, take a quick look around where you immediately are, and find something you are thankful for at that moment. It can be the wedding band on your finger, it can be the shoes on your feet, the car you are driving, the baby you're holding, etc. Recognize why you appreciate it and give thanks. Here's an example:

The other night I was sitting in bed and having an especially rough night. I won't go into details, but let's just say it was one of those nights where you just want to hide. As I sat in bed I remembered the exercise. I looked around the room, and then I thought, 'I love my bed. It's big, it's soft and warm, and is such a heavenly retreat. I am so grateful to have this bed.'

It's as simple as that. Soon, you'll find yourself noticing all sorts of little things to be grateful for, without even thinking about it.

2. Listen to music. It is scientifically proven that music has an effect on your mood. There is a great book called, 'This is Your Brain On Music' that writes about the physical reaction our body has when it comes to music. Music can enhance your mood. Get yourself an I-pod, an mp3, a cd player, whatever, and burn some of your absolutely favorite uplifting songs that you have and listen to it. Regularly.

Now with this, you need to remember the 'tuning in' rule of be mindful of what you are listening to. 5B4If the lyrical content is that of a negative origin, it kind of defeats the purpose. Remember, you want to lift yourself up, not bring yourself down.

Find what fills your heart and soul, musically, and listen to it on a regular basis. Play it loudly and dance. Belt that song out! Let those endorphins rush around!

3. Subscribe to positive daily messages. Let the first things you see when you log into your email is an uplifting message, or thought provoking message that puts you on the right track for the day.

Now there are so many different ones you can subscribe to, but some of my favorites are Bob Proctor, Abraham-Hicks, and Brian Tracy. One of my absolute favorite ones is from Mike Dooley, and he writes them from the perspective of the Universe. I print out quite a few of these and post them. That website it www.tut.com and it's called 'notes from the universe.' I also subscribe to one called the Daily Word, which is on a more spiritual plane.

It's so nice to be able to go to my email in the morning and the first emails I see are those that remind me how great things are.

4. Associate with people who are where you want to be. You Want to be a high up in your networking company? Find your highest upline and get to know them. I remember when someone gave me this challenge last year They said, 'To you want to be successful? Then go find a success story in your town and call that person up.' So I did. I cB68alled him up, and chatted with him for a while. I'm not kidding. I wanted to know what was important to him, how he got to where he is, and so on. It's as easy as that. You'll discover these people these people are always willing to help.

Associating with people who are where you want to be helps you expand your mind and grow. You are able to see a different perspective from people who have done what you want to do. Again, this doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your current friends, family, etc. You never know when you might find your mentor among those new friends.

5. Go to what fills you, spiritually. For some that can be church, for others meditation, it's your life, only you can make that connection. And here's what I mean by that. I'm a trail runner, and years ago I used to live by a trail that I would run on regularly that would take me right by a church. I remember running by the church on Sunday, seeing all the parishioners filing into the church, and thinking, 'that's their church, this is mine.' Being outdoors on those crisp mornings, on the trail with the long blades of grass, drinking in the fresh air was what connected me to my source and allowed me to come alive and be in the moment.

These days, I have discovered a spiritual community that gives me the same feeling. I encourage you to do the same. Doing this really helps lift you on those hard days.

6. Help others. Now, perhaps you just had an immediate thought of, 'I work full time! I have children! Where do you expect me to carve out time to volunteer?!' Well, take a deep breath. How much you time you donate is up to you. It can be 10 hours, 10 minutes or 10 seconds. You will be surprised the impact only a few moments can make.

The other day, the high temps for the day was only about 20 degrees. I was driving home from the store and passed a woman with a young girl, no more than five years old, standing at the bus stop with bags of groceries waiting for the bus. I knew it was going to be a while for the bus to come. After driving down the street I turned around and went back. I picked them up and drove them home. I found out the woman had gone to the store in order to get some medicine for her son who had the flu.

I can't tell you the feeling I had after I had dropped them off and made sure they made it safely into the house. So if you don't feel you have time to volunteer at the local shelter, I invite you to go through your day and as you do, see who you can help even if it's just with a re-assuring smile, or a simple, 'can I help you in any way?'

It will change your mood immensely.

6. Read a book. Find a feel good book! The library is full of books that offer other tips on how to improve on thinking positively, autobiographies about people who overcame the odds, and so on.

One of the books I refer to when I'm feeling a bit down is an58Eything by Jack Canfield. His writings are so uplifting and don't allow for excuses. Perfect! Some of the other books I read when I'm feeling a bit down, Marianne Williamson's 'A Return to Love', Andy Andrew's book, 'The Traveler's Gifts'. Feed your head with the good stuff.

And that's it! It require taking a seminar, or a huge investment, this is one of those things that you can accomplish with just a few changes.

It was mentioned to me recently that many people don't even try to do anything because it just seems too daunting and extreme to try to do it all, but as the experts explained, you don't have to do EVERYthing. By changing just one little thing, you can create a profound effect on your outlook and life. Then when you are comfortable with that small change, you can make another small change, and so on. After a while, you look back on all the small changes you've made and it really adds up.

The goal is to be aware...tune in, find where small changes can be made, and make them. Trust me, you will feel pounds lighter, stand inches taller, and make you smile that much easily.

Jhanna Dawson
Mia Bella's Diamond Team Leader
http://www.creatinglight.net
775.530.1097

Dealing With Unresolved Emotions

By: Mark Webb, M.S., L.M.F.T.





Do you ever get the feeling that something in your life is missing? That you're not reaching your fullest potential? Are you plagued by unresolved issues from your past? One of the biggest mistakes we make in life is closing ourselves up emotionally. We attempt to deny that the emotional pain is inside. We run from it as hard as we can. However, as much as we try to hide from these feelings, they still follow us everywhere we go. Hence, the term "emotional baggage."

Were you taught to be strong, to always keep going regardless of the pain? Do you listen to the well-intended advice to "get over it"? Pushing your feelings to the side or covering them up is a good short-term solution, or so it falsely appears. The problem arises when we continue to push these feelings down day after day, week after week and year after year. Whenever you avoid dealing with your emotions, they eventually will pile up to a point that the feelings will overwhelm you. Holding onto resentments, grief, guilt, shame and will set you up to have problems with depression, anxiety and physical symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure, and stomach problems.

No one is immune to their feelings. By avoiding our feelings, we begin to distort how we see ourselves; how we view relationships and how we see the world we live in. It's OK to be strong, but the complete statement needs to be "I can be strong and still have my needs and my feelings."

It is not a sign of weakness to acknowledge your feelings. There are both appropriate and inappropriate ways to share your feelings. When you are having tough times in life, there are often people around you who can provide the comfort and support you need. You must learn to seek them out. Do not set yourself up as an island fortress. Seek out friends, family members, church leaders, and your human resource department at work or local therapists through either the public or private practices.

You have a responsibility to yourself and those you care about to take care of yourself. This includes your emotional well being. You are bigger than your feelings regardless as to how intense they may seem. Your secrets make you sick. Seek freedom from your pain. Allow yourself to process your feelings. You'll be glad you did. The truth will set you free. Remember, we are all in this together.


About The Author

Mark Webb is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and founder of Partner Focused Relationships™. Sign up for Mark Webb’s “Relationship Strategies” Ezine ($100 Value). Just visit his website at http://www.powerfulrelationshipadvice.com or http://www.therelationshipspecialist.com.

Being a good Christian

If a Good Muslim Can't Be a Good American, Neither Can a Good Fundamentalist Christian Be One

Recently someone came up with an explanation as to why someone of the Islamic faith cannot possible be a good American. This is in response to that ignorance. The writer asks..

"Can a good Muslim be a good American?" In doing so, he sets himself up for a fall.

"Consider the following:" And of the Christian Fundamentalist, consider the following as well.

"Theologically - no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Theologically- NO Because his allegiance is to God, the Sun God of Egypt. This is why God is Most High (At Noon), Jesus can be seen as an archetype Son of the Sun God and the Gospels are the account of a one year trip of the Sun Jesus through the signs of the Zodiac, and I ain't kiddn! The origin all gods in the human psyche is the SUN and all that it does for humans. This is why in the Old Testament it says in Malachi that the "sun will rise with healing in his wings," which is statement about the messiah to come. In Revelation, Jesus is also called the "son of the morning star," which of course is the SUN, or the Planet Venus depending. Long story. Don't sweat Allah the moon god.

"Religiously - no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)"

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Religiously- NO Because "there is no other name under heaven, (Jesus) by which a man can be saved. There is one true Christian Church and whoever believes on the name of the Lord..Jesus Christ, shall be saved, while others are condemned. Fundamentalist Christians do NOT accept any other religious beliefs as valid to theirs, so no difference here.

"Scripturally - no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran)."

And of the American Fundamentalist...Scripturally NO because his allegiance is to the Ten Pillars of Christianity, which they tend to modify according to the need, and the Bible, which is neither always historically accurate nor inerrant, no matter what they say! There is nothing in America that says you have to be a Bible believing Christian to be a true American. It is freedom of religion here...all religions. If Fundamentalists have their way, we might all want to amend the Bill of Rights to say "freedom FROM religion."

"Geographically - no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca, to which he turns in prayer five times a day."

And of the American Fundamentalist...Geographically No because his mental allegiance is to Jerusalem, Israel and the Holy Land at least twice a week, about which they talk all the time as if they have ever been there, know the real history of, or think they would be welcome. Millions of Christian Americans have a soft spot for Rome too...

"Socially - no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Socially NO because his allegiance to Christianity forbids him to make friends with "the world" (love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, whoever loves the world, the love of the father is not in him.") Paul cursed the Jews in the New Testament, and hoped they'd cut their private parts if they wanted to be circumcised. Martin Luther , a Christian, taught they should be killed like pigs. Lots of places in NT tell the church to have no relationships outside the church. including not being "unequally yoked with unbelievers."

"Politically - no. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and Destruction of America, the great Satan."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Politically No because he must submit to the ministry, ( "obey those that have the rule over you, {ministers}, for they watch out for your souls"). Many Fundamentalist Christians teach and hope for the annihilation of everyone outside of Israel. Christians often attribute anything against them as of the Great Satan Christian fundamentalists call Roman Catholicism, the Great Whore, so don't sweat someone calling America or Washington the Great Satan. Paul cursed anyone who did not believe his true gospel and called the people of Crete, liars. Jesus is said to have said the Pharisees were "of your Father the Devil." Name calling envoking the name of Satan to define the enemy is a fundamentalist art form. It's what you do when you are afraid of the unknown.

"Domestically - no. Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Domestically no because a fundamentalist Christian is instructed to marry only one which is his property, but cannot talk in church and can only ask her husband bible questions at home. A christian believes if you "beat (spank)a child with a rod, it won't kill him." Fundamentalist Christian women are to keep silence in the church, obey their husbands as unto the Lord, and call him "Lord" as did Sarah (all in NT). They are to give him sex as a part of her duty and submit. The Koran and the Bible sprang from the same culture, which few Fundamentalist Chrsitians realize or think about. In many respects the Taliban are to the Koran what the Fundamentalist Christians are to the Bible. PS...Lots of Fundamentalist Christian men abuse their wives with the word.

"Intellectually - no. Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Intellectually no, because he can't accept that the American Constitution was NOT predicated on founding fundamentalist, Old Covenant believing Fathers. I would not use the word "intellectual" with Christian fundamentalists either, as critical thinking or the examining of evidence that runs contrary to their established belief system is not encouraged. This was called the Dark Ages in the European past.

"Philosophically - no. Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist."

And of the Christian Fundamentalists...Philosophically no because Christianity, Jesus and the Bible do not allow freedom of religion if you take the Old and New Testaments as the only way to be or literally enforceable in our culture today. Fundamentalists look to the commands of "God" in the Old Testament, to kill unbelievers, just as much as they think Islamics do in reading the Koran. Fundamentalist would only tolerate Christian values, which can be atrocious at times, and morality, which can be appalling. True Democracy and Biblical Christianity cannot co exist either. Someone would insist on someone else losing their rights to free thought. "My Kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom was of this world, then would my servants fight," said Jesus in Matthew. No military solutions were encouraged by Jesus unless there was only one sword per 12 disciples allowed. Turn the other cheek, Love your enemies, don't slay them. Christian Fundamentalism is a good example of the mess you get when you mix Old Testament politics with New Testament sentiments, thinking it takes both to make up a proper Christian text. It's old wine in new wineskins.

"Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic."

And of the Christian Fundamentalist...Every Christian Fundamentalist government is either dictatorial or autocratic too. This statement shows the ignorance of whoever made it up. The Christian Kings of Europe didn't do to badly in the dictatorial or autocratic department, and might we mention the Popes?

"Spiritually - no. Because when we declare "one nation under God," the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names."

And of the Christian Fundamentalists...Spiritually no because the God and Jesus of the Book of Revelation drowns the world in blood, plagues, signs, trumpets, vials and slaughter. The Christian Jesus is loving but no one does what he really says as it really is too hard. The Christian God the father is absent mostly, but is angry, jealous, and is patterned after the war gods of paganism every bit as much. I suggest a good read of Karen Armstrongs. History of God. The Fundamentalist Christian God is 'loving" only to the degree you obey and fall in line. If not, you are toast just as with any other "god" The Jesus of the Gospels is NOT the same being in the book of Revelation. The fundy Jesus comes back with a Rod of Iron to threaten and beat the poop out of those that don't obey and love God #1 the father and God # 2 himself...we won't get into God #3. Monotheism is basically divisive by nature, even if the one God is three, co-this and co-that.

"Therefore after much study and deliberation.... perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. They obviously cannot be both "good" Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish.... it's still the truth."

And of Christian Fundamentalists..Therefore after much study and deliberation..perhaps we should all be very suspicious of ALL, and I Mean ALLLLLLLL Christians in this country. They obviously can't be both good Christians and Good Americans. Call it what you will, it's still the truth.

Side note: Whoever actually came up with this ignorant and insane list of reasons why an Islamic cannot be a good American is deluded, ignorant, self absorbed, mistaken, misinformed and the reason we'll end up with nothing but a sanitation problem to fix and where will we be then? Actually they are FunnyMentalists, which was nicely coined by someone recently.

"If you find yourself intellectually in agreement with the above statements, perhaps you will share this with your friends. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future."

Actually if you find yourself in agreements with the above statements about why a Muslim cannot be a good American, you will have to also conclude that neither can a good Christian fundamentalist be one.

The Good Life

I was listening to the MSNBC on the radio the other day when a feature came on entitled, 'The Good Life'. They proceeded to discuss a $14,000 dessert being offered in Sri Lanka that included, amongst other things, an aquamarine. No kidding. This is how MSNBC characterizes the good life. It struck me how in our culture we define the good life more in terms of the consumption of material goods than in relationship to any other quality.

Simply listen to the vast majority of contemporary music on the airwaves these days for confirmation. I have two teenagers in my house so I know all too well: Cristal champagne, expensive cars, first class jet airline seats, bling...the list goes on and on. This is what our kids are being taught: the good life is about having things, not about who you are as a human being. Where are these values coming from? I believe it is a trickle down effect from what they see being honored in our society.

So if the good life is about having things, how is it that so many people who have so many things have lives that lack so much satisfaction and meaning? I am not saying that having money is not a good thing, quite the contrary. We all need financial security. We need to know that we can provide for our families and be free of the pressure of struggling to make ends meet. We all want to live a comfortable life. But where is the point of no return?

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), (attributed)

The Worldwide Institute in its 2004 State of the World report explains:

Societies focused on well being involved more interaction with family, friends, and neighbors, a more direct experience of nature, and more attention to finding fulfillment and creative expression than in accumulating goods. They emphasize lifestyles that avoid abusing your own health, other people, or the natural world. In short, they yield a deeper sense of satisfaction with life than many people report experiencing today.

What provides for a satisfying life? In recent years, psychologists studying measures of life satisfaction have largely confirmed the old adage that money can't buy happiness-at least not for people who are already affluent. The disconnection between money and happiness in wealthy countries is perhaps most clearly illustrated when growth in income in industrial countries is plotted against levels of happiness. In the United States, for example, the average person's income more than doubled between 1957 and 2002, yet the share of people reporting themselves to be "very happy" over that period remained static.

So if growth in income has not made people happier than obviously they are not living the good life. In order to clarify what the good life is, I do an exercise with clients that involves seeing themselves at some distant point in the future where they are finally who they want to be, they have what they want to have and are deeply satisfied and happy. In other words, they have achieved the 'Good Life'.

Nearly one hundred percent of the time, without fail, clients do not have visions of extreme wealth. They really don't talk about wealth at all, at least not in terms of money or possessions. They do not talk about living in a house with every known convenience and luxury. They do talk about a home located in a beautiful setting, perhaps by the ocean or on a lake in the mountains. There is always talk about a place that gives them a feeling of peace and serenity...a place they were meant to be.

They never discuss possessions...ever. No talk of cars, televisions or fancy clothes. It just never comes up. They may mention that they are free to travel but certainly they do not say first class.

They describe themselves as a person who no longer fights feelings of depression, dissatisfaction or dissonance in their lives. They speak of a feeling of acceptance of what is. There is love in their lives although they don't necessarily mention a specific mate. Just love. There is discussion of deep wisdom accumulated over the years. There is also talk of being surrounded by the people who they hold dear.

Often, if they have children, they will say that they are happy that they have been able to help their kids but more often is the description of children who have grown into responsible, loving and fulfilled human beings. They describe with pride children who are contributors to the world. I hear about pets in the house and perhaps grandchildren. These are folks who have discovered what truly has meaning for them and what they really value.

"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values."

Ayn Rand (1905 - 1982)

Values. What are the things to which you attach value? What is important to you? If you had to create a list of the top five things that you value, what would they be? Would it be money, possessions, power, stature and authority? Would it be love, family, integrity, freedom and compassion? Or a combination?

"Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value." Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

We have all heard the adage about what the epitaph on our tombstone will say or not say. Will it say that she had a powerful job, she flew first class, that she had a Mercedes-Benz and wore only couture? More often you will read on a tombstone that she was a loving Mother and Wife, a charitable person and an outstanding member of the community. Think about how you would like to be remembered? What would you like to hear people say about you at your funeral or memorial? Will it be on how much money you made or how much you consumed? Doubtful.

I remember the funeral of a very dear friend who died suddenly while he was still in his fifties. The Rabbi said that all we have in the end is our good name. Who we were, how we lived, how we loved, our empathy and compassion, service to the world we lived in and the legacy we left to our children and their children.

My own personal take on the good life, at least for me, involves the following: I want to be a person who possesses a deep appreciation for everything that I have: to be grateful. I want to be able to live without the fear of not being able to take care of my kids and myself and yes, I do want to live well. Living well for me is a lovely home in nature; it is being free to travel; it is having the ability to help my kids get a good start in their adult lives; it is having enough money to be able to take good care of myself and to also be charitable. I want to have a life that is filled with meaning, with a deep connection to the world around me.

What is your Good Life? Take the time now to give thought to the life that you want to live, the life that you would describe as the Good Life. Make certain that it is aligned with your values and your passions and to so you must connect with your values and passions. What are they? Think long and hard about what brings you real joy and fulfillment. Remember those times in your life when you were the happiest...what resonated for you in those moments? Consider how you want to be remembered, how you want to look in your children's eyes. What traits do you admire in others and how can you adopt some of those traits? What have been peak experiences in your life and what was it about those experiences that made them so special?

These are the kind of questions that beg our attention. These are the questions that will ultimately lead us to the Good Life. Not the $14,000 dessert but a life well lived. With meaning, love, comfort, joy and fulfillment.

You can live a life that truly works and you can achieve peak performance in all areas of your life. You can not only survive life's unexpected changes and transitions but also thrive. Powerful change is possible. You are fully capable of creating a life that you choose. Life Coaching is a proven, powerful, one-on-one professional relationship that promises to improve the quality of your life! Learn how to create positive change in your life.

Visit http://www.changecoachshelley.com and take your free customized Life Quiz and also Shelley's Blog at http://shelleyblog.changecoachshelley.com for more tools for personal growth and power. Contact Shelley Stile at shelleystile@changecoachshelley.com

Are the Can'ts in Life Keeping You From Personal Success?

What is keeping you from life success, personal success or professional success? Have you considered that your thoughts are keeping your from the success that you crave?

How many times have you heard someone state "I can't do this?" or "That can't be done?" The can't comes out as quickly as the exhaled carbon dioxide. Do you know why those can'ts exist?

To learn about the cannots in life requires us to travel back to our early childhood where our caring parents began negative conditioning out of their concern for our safety. We were told:

• Don't talk to strangers!
• Don't go where you are not asked or invited!
• Don't touch the iron, the knife, the stove, etc!

As we grew older, consequences were added to the don'ts. If you don't behave, you will receive a scolding, a spanking or for a time out. How many times were we told about a don't and then wait until your father or mother comes home? Our don'ts from earlier childhood evolved into the can'ts of adulthood.

How many times each day does the word can't or a similar self imposed limitation enters your mind?

• I can't lose weight!
• I can't get all of this work done!
• I can't spend more time with my family!
• I can't save any money!
• I can't waste time because I am so busy!
• I can't (fill in the blank)

The cannots in your thoughts are the real barriers to personal success and life success. To master success demands that your thoughts are focused on the positive and not on the negatives. Positive affirmations or what I call positive belief statements are one success strategy that helps to reinforce those positive thoughts while reducing the negative ones.

As in life, the choice is yours. To wallow in the Land of Misery where the can'ts control your destiny or to strive forward to the Land of Success where you are in control of you future and ultimately your personal success.

Are you where you want to be? To find out where you are, then M.A.P. for Success, a FREE email course may help you begin to chart a course of business, professional or personal success. Visit http://www.processspecialist.com/action-plan.htm.

Would you like to read more about getting to where you want to be? Then visit http://www.processspecialist.com/power-choices.htm.

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Greg Vanden Berge Online

Please feel free to contact me, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, Your Chief People Officer and Business Coach, who works with individuals and organizations that are tired of not being where they want to be and truly want more for their businesses and their selves. 219.759.5601