Thanks, Gwynn

Hi Gwynnie! I love you!

A Leopard Changed Its Spots

A Leopard Changed Its Spots
by: Maria Boomhower

Have you heard the saying, "A Leopard Can't Change Its Spots"?

What if I told you they were wrong? What if I told you that you can change and that your history is not the main factor in what you want to do, or become even at a biological level.
Advancements in biology and in how we think and function are catching up with people like Napoleon Hill or Maxwell Maltz of whom, told us that the way we think and feel, and that which we focus on will shape our world and the outcome of our lives. We literately become what we focus on most.

Scientists who are studying Stem Cell research challenged the notion that once a cell is programmed to become a particular thing, whether that is an arm, liver or heart, that it will always be that and will not and cannot change. It is in line with what we have been told about the leopard and our own nature and reaction to life.

However, the scientists have taken cells from a liver and introduced them into a heart.
They were thrilled to find out that the cells from the liver started to transform and take on the coding and function of the heart. The cells literately started communicating with other heart cells to work as one. This has far reaching possibilities for our health and for people who were told that there is no hope for their health challenges.

So, if your cells can transform into something else than so can you. When I read this information, I came to the conclusion that for the cells and for us, one of the biggest factors in changing our lives or our spots as it were, is to submerse ourselves in the conditions that we want to become.
Using the cells as an example, it is hard not to be a liver cell when you are surrounded by other liver cells. You copy that which you see are apart of. By intentionally choosing to be around other successful people in what ever area you want to be in, you start to take on the traits and habits of those people.

However, if you stay around people who would rather complain, bemoan their fate and blame the world for their challenges, that is the personality that you will take own. That is the energy that you will absorb.

So first decide, what it is you want to do, be and have. Then once you have a clear picture, start to be around those types of people, places and events. And know that you can change your life and alter the reality that you felt you had. If you want to be a marketer, chef, athlete, writer or entrepreneur, start getting to know some. Find out what they do and get into a mastermind group. Submerse yourself around those skills and traits you wish to take on. And yes, that means leaving some people behind. Especially those who want you to remain the same.


About The Author
Maria Boomhower known as The Master Communicator. has won awards for excellence in her field. To learn more go to her site and grab a free report on "The 7 Secrets to Communication Mastery"
www.falconfreedom.com
Also,check out: Communication Mastery Articles
P.S. Grab a copy of:
"Perceptions, discover what you are really seeing & how it affects your belief system."
"Our brains have a RAS system. It filters out anything that your brain doesn't consider important. But what if you thought it was"?
The Amazing World of Perceptions
Maria@falconfreedom.com

Is It Deja Vu?

Is It Deja Vu?
by: Pamela Thomas

Have you ever had an issue or situation reoccur time and time again which left you asking, “OK, when will this go away?” OR “Why me?”

Yes, why you? Great question!

The answer; oftentimes repetitive issues and situations present themselves until we learn to master them. It is usually the Universe’s way of telling us we have something to learn and we need to pay close attention.

As a personal example…
For as long as I could remember I was always fixing, rescuing, making things right for everyone around me. Partly because I never wanted to let anyone down and partly because I had this need to be liked. Needless to say, I encountered people (repeatedly) who would take advantage and walk all over of me, leaving me feeling angry and powerless.

It was not until I learned that I didn’t have to make things right for everyone in order to be liked… the only person I was really letting down was me… I could help empower people to make things right for themselves…(OK, you get the idea)…that the situation of always fixing, getting walked on and feeling angry and powerless dissipated.

I learned that it was OK to draw boundaries. And guess what? No one disliked me for it. As a matter of fact, my boundaries and my feelings were respected much more.

So here is a challenge for you...
The next time you are up against a situation that you wish would change or stop, take some time to consider the following:

1) What it is about the situation that bothers you.

2) How you feel every time the situation occurs.

3) What you can do differently to handle the situation (differently from the past times).
Use the situation as a learning experience and find a way to master it. By doing so you will help eradicate or change it.


About The Author
Pamela Thomas
© 2006 – What’s Within U. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of content allowed, but must contain a link to What’s Within U (www.whatswithinu.com), copyright notice, and author’s name. Pam Thomas is a personal and business development coach who supports individuals that are stuck or in transition in creating their best life. Her passion and purpose is to help others find the resources and wondrous assets within them and around them to excel, overcome obstacles and discover the amazing opportunities available. Pam understands what it takes to reach deep inside to overcome fears and anxieties in order to truly achieve the goals, dreams and desire that rests within all of us. For more information about Pam’s work, please visit; http://www.whatswithinu.com.
pam@whatswithinu.com

Self-Esteem: You Are Not Who You Think You Are

Self-Esteem: You Are Not Who You Think You Are
by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

David sat in front of me at one of my five-day intensive workshops. A successful businessman with a wife and two grown children, David believed that he was not good enough.

“I’m insufficient,” he said. “I’m inadequate.”

I looked at this kind man and felt deep sadness for him. He did not know who he was.

“Why do you believe that?” I asked.

“I didn’t do well in school, and I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life.”

“So you are basing your worth on your performance, right?”

“Of course.”

David could not conceive of any other way of defining his worth other than through his performance – which he never saw as good enough.

I asked David to look inside – at the essence of himself - and tell me what he sees. All he saw was emptiness.

“David, please close your eyes. Now imagine a wonderful being who loves you very much. Who comes to mind?”

“My grandfather. He died when I was young, but he really loved me.”

“Good. Now imagine that you are seeing yourself through the eyes of your grandfather. What does your grandfather see when he looks at you?”

“He sees a bright and creative little boy, who is very kind and caring. A loving little boy. A little boy who is funny and likes to laugh, and likes to make other people laugh.”

“Is there anything wrong with this little boy? Anything inadequate or insufficient?”

“Oh no! He is a wonderful little boy.”

“David, this is who you really are. You are not your performance. Your performance will come and go and at some point you might retire and not perform at all. Yet that does not mean that you are, therefore, worthless. Your worth is in who you are, not in what you do. Your worth in intrinsic.”

David realized that, because of his highly critical and rejecting parents, he had always been trying to prove himself and always came up short in their eyes. As a result of seeing himself as unworthy and inadequate, he did not treat himself well. He treated himself the way his parents had treated him – with criticism and neglect. He was always trying to take care of everyone else, but rarely thought about taking care of himself. He was constantly abandoning himself emotionally, just as he had been emotionally abandoned by his parents.

“David, if you chose to see yourself as your grandfather saw you rather than how your parents saw you, how would you feel about yourself and how would you treat yourself?”

“I’ve just been thinking about that. I just realized that I treat my dog better than I treat myself! I would never judge my dog the way I judge myself.”

“So what would you do differently if you saw yourself the way your grandfather sees you?”

“I would stop judging myself as insufficient and inadequate. I’m a really good person. I am not at all insufficient or inadequate as a person. And I choose my friends based on who they are as people – not on their performance. So I obviously value the very qualities that I possess!”

“What else would you do if you really valued who you are?”

“I would listen to my own feelings and take care of my own needs instead of taking care of everyone else’s feelings and needs. I would no longer see it as selfish to take care of myself instead of taking care of everyone else. I would be at least as attentive to myself as I am to my dog!”

David was glowing. He was discovering who he really is, not who he thought he was.
People often think that their worth – who they really are – is based on looks and performance. Yet these qualities are transitory. What is real and eternal is who you are in your heart and soul. If you shift your definition of your worth from outer to inner, you will stop trying to prove yourself. You will know that you are already a beautiful being, totally deserving of love.


About The Author
Margaret Paul, Ph.D., best-selling author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You” and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone Sessions available.

Changing Your Life 101 - The Starting Point

Changing Your Life 101 - The Starting Point
by: Carole Pagan

You dream of a better life, but you’re waiting for just the right break? You could be waiting a very long time. In the meantime, you can start changing your life today – The Starting Point - Get control of what you can.

Getting your house cleaned up is essential. Living in chaotic, messy, dirty conditions is about the most negative thing you can do. Your home is your refuge. It’s the place where you go to escape from the world, to rejuvenate, to plan. You CANNOT replenish your spirit when you live in a chaotic mess. Period.

Taking TOTAL care of yourself is also essential. It takes a healthy and fit mind, body and spirit to accomplish your goals. You have to give your body good fuel so it can operate at peak performance. Eat right and take your vitamins. Don’t forget the water! You have to give your body enough rest. Lack of rest makes you more likely to make mistakes, have accidents,
and get depressed. Getting one hour more sleep every night will make you far more productive – and happier.

You have to take care of your appearance, not for the world, but for your own well being. It’s hard to feel bad when you look great.

You say you’re too tired to exercise? That’s wrong. You’re too tired because you don’t exercise. Muscles atrophy when you don’t use them. That simply means they lose their strength. Use them and you’ll be stronger.

You have to think positive uplifting thoughts. The funny thing is, once you take care of those things listed above, it becomes easier to think positive uplifting thoughts, to feel better about yourself, to feel like you’ve accomplished something. To feel like you’re worthy.

You know the old saying, “charity begins at home”? The same is true of success. Start at home, and with yourself. Take care of those things that you have control over. The rest will start to come.

No excuses. It doesn’t matter where you live or how much money you have. These simple things are under your control. If you need help with any of these you can find it at the main
site – CommonSenseLiving.com through free articles, or pick up the e-books you need.
And to steal a line from a popular commercial – Because You’re Worth It!


About The Author
Carole Pagan is the creator of the controversial SuperWoman Training course for all the overwhelmed women wondering how the heck you’re supposed to do it all. Be all you can be. Never forget - You are great! Enroll today – http://CommonSenseLiving.com/wholelifeoverhaul.php

Finally Free Yourself From Worry And Fear

Finally Free Yourself From Worry And Fear
by: Edward W. Smith

Would you like to move your life ahead in spite of worry and fear? Everyone has fears and worries, what sets us apart is our ability to deal with them and move on. This article will show you how to manageyour worries and fears, so you free yourself from them. This is the place to obtain quick, action-oriented advice on steps you can take right now to reduce your fears and worries.

The first step in managing your fears and worries is to recognize that you have them, and then to make them real.

Write out a list of each of the fears and worries you have. Many of the items on your list will not stand the light of day. You will immediately realize that some of them are silly or just aren’t things you should be worried about. Take each of these items off the list.

Next, take each item and make a list of all the things you can do about it. This shows you that in most cases you will be worried about something that you can't control at all and that your worry serves no purpose. Vow not to worry about things you can’t control and take them off your list. In the case where you can do something to reduce the worry, your sense of control is enhanced, making you feel better.

Now, ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen with each worry. In most cases you will find you can live with even the worst outcome and this will also make you feel better.

Once you are down to a hard-core list of fears and worries that you can control, set up a plan to control them. What options do you have? Who can you ask for help? Exactly what has to be done, when? Realize you have a lot of control here and give yourself credit for taking action as you do so in order to lift your spirits.

Also, it helps to realize that you can feel the fear and still take action. Fear serves a purpose in that it is a great “alert” mechanism that helps us stay out of trouble. But once we “get the message” fear has done its job and starts to get in the way. Fear and worry can be a positive if we use it as a call to action and fix a problem. If you acknowledge the fear, and then proceed with what you need to do, you will find you are able to function in spite of the fear.

Here are some other tips that will help you feel better. Make an effort to concentrate on breathing. We tend to limit our breathing when we are fearful. You will feel better, the more you breathe. Also, meditation will help reduce stress and take your mind off your worries. Visualization and affirmations that help you focus on becoming positive in light of the situation can help you move forward while acknowledging the fear. Do not forget physical exercise as a way of reducing the stress that goes with fear and worry.

Once you begin to have things under control, change your focus from the negative fears and worries, to the positive things in your life. When you catch yourself worrying, bring new positive thoughts into your mind. Change your thinking from the “cup is half empty” to the “cup is half full”. Suddenly things that were worries are now positives.

Another way to help reduce the amount of fear and worry in your life in the future is to begin to do more planning on the things you will be doing. Look for areas that could become problems and begin to cover all the contingences. Forward planning will build your self-confidence and ward off those nagging fears that something is not right.

So now you have the tools necessary to reduce the fear and worry in your life and replace them with a justifiably positive attitude backed up with action and solutions. Start using these tools right now and begin to live a happier life.




About The Author
Edward W. Smith is the author of Sixty Seconds To Success, he produces and hosts the Bright Moment cable TV and internet radio show, is president of the Bright Moment Seminars, is a motivational speaker, and publishes the free, daily, email of the One Minute Motivator (quick peak performance tip). His website is www.brightmoment.com and his email is edsmith@brightmoment.com.

Finding Your Life Purpose

by Jo Ball

You have a purpose in life. You have a unique gift or special talent. By using this to gift to benefit others you raise your spirit to it’s highest. This is the ultimate… the dream of all dreams and the point where you can all live a life with abundant happiness.

The question is how? This article will set you on that path and tell you what to do next. Forget how much money you have. Forget how big your home is or how big you’d like it to be. Forget where you want to go on holiday. Forget your religious background and forget your education. I say this because focus on these things can stop you from seeing who you really are and therefore stop you from doing what you want to do in life.

The reasons why you’ve forgotten who you are and what you want to do are that they have been extracted from you or squashed by following beliefs and values of those around you. You’ve been stopped from exploring you. We get caught up on ‘being good’ conforming to the norm, directed by peers and elders and adopting the beliefs of groups and our society as a whole. Your education may have thwarted your talent about as much as a religious upbringing may have choked your self-expression.

Parents and friends may also have suggested strongly or even told you what you needed to do when it came to your career. You have ended up working for the local government because it was safe and secure or for a bank, insurance firm, followed a legal or accounting path because you believed it had good career prospects and good chance to make money. You may have made good money, built a successful career, but also noticed that you have a desire to do something else. Here is how you can use that desire to your benefit.

Understand you came to this earth with the purpose to discover your true identity and that the experiences you have had so far have been pre-sent to help you discover that. Remember times when you’ve been told you can’t do something because of education, religious or parenting boundaries. Remember the things you did that made your heart sing. Remember that these things hold the key to your self-discovery and your true desire and purpose. Maybe you know immediately what your gift is, maybe you don’t have a clue… which ever, read on.

Whether you’re immediately aware of your true talent or not, I know you get the sense that you are here for a purpose. And I know you will also understand that when you use that gift for the greater good you will feel happier, more fulfilled and more greatly rewarded than ever before. Living your life purpose you’ll want to get up earlier, stay up later and you’ll lose all track of time. You will literally move into timeless awareness, so absorbed and excited by what you create. And one more thing.

The rewards you get can be limitless.



Author Info:
Jo Ball is a Life Purpose Coach. She’d love you to join up to her free monthly newsletter full of ideas, tips and stories on living life on purpose. What’s more when you join the fast growing readership she’ll send you a free e-book, Greater Steps to Happiness as a thank you gift. Join Jo now at www.unstoppablelife.com