It is when life’s tribulations are heavy to bear that they leave a fog of fear and uncertainty in their wake, a state, often couched in common parlance, as ‘soul destroying’.

- at worst a foreign land never visited. Yet the aridity of this is ours to control.

Trying situations in life are probably as various as grains of sand on the shore, and, while trials they may be for those involved, their resilience will also vary, one to the next. Some people make very heavy weather of simple events and remain traumatised for time to come, clouded by a miasma of fear and negativity. Others survive the ‘impossible’ with equanimity, the ability to cope and move on seemingly incumbent on a deep-seated force which lends strength and perspective in times of stress – going beyond the adrenaline to which it is often attributed.

And it’s there for all of us!

Just as the soul is not ‘destroyed’ by events, so the central force of Joy never departs – and maybe they are one and the same, but this is not a religious diatribe. This is more of a focus on coping mechanisms against, what appears to be, a spiritual backdrop.

There are those who graduate from the direst of circumstance with a light in their eyes and forgiveness in their hearts, seeming to ride a wave of Joy. Apparently inherent to their makeup, it carries them through, keeps them strong and enhances their ability to solve their problems, facilitating the best outcome. Positive acceptance within the nature of such people creates a virtuous spiral to any situation – impervious to slings and arrows they just get on with it and smile at the finish, unscathed.

On the other hand, the poor cringing violets who weep and wail in the face of adversity, viciously spiral themselves into a pit of despair, unable to contemplate their problems unless to foresee the most negative of outcomes. Thereafter, the fallout from that despair may taint every action and encounter, gather to itself more bleak negativity and weave a shroud for that inner Joy which makes life worth living. But since Joy is always there, waiting to be accessed, for such people the dirge is for their own confidence and self esteem.

Oscar Wilde famously observed that “There are those who bring happiness wherever they go, and others – whenever they go.” Happiness is not Joy, it is more the light froth born of Joy – and can lead back to it. Wilde possibly noted that the Joyous carry a lightness which imparts to all they meet, while those devoid of Joy, the opposite. We all have the potential for both – Joy is inherent to every being – choose your state and your effect on the world.

Mystics of every religious persuasion preach Light and Joy as their essential message, and a lifetime of experience and observation has convinced me that the joyous are nice to be around, I want be like them and I want to make my life easier. For this I am convinced that:

Aye! – the mystics have it.

Karen Nazmi is a qualified homoeopath who writes about wellbeing against a spiritual backdrop. You can check her website here How to Find Joy, where she explores evidence of Joy in life, and its discovery – article Where is Joy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Nazmi
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Carriers-of-Joy&id=6835415

Related posts:

• Find Joy In Your Life – Get Joy Back In Your Life And Your Relationships With The People You Love
• Happiness and Joy – Do You Know the Difference?
• What Is The Difference Between Joy And Happiness?
• Joy to the World!
• March 4, 2011 – Joy

Pat Armistead

By Pat Armistead (Taken from her book, “Humour Works”)

Yes, there is a myth about mirth in business! It goes something like this. You can‘t be funny and be taken seriously; or you are in business to make money not have fun. I am sure you recognize those two lines, however humour in business is not about clowning. It is about demonstrating that you are a warm, responsive, intelligent and considerate person. In the world of comedy, humour means creating maximum laughs per minute as a measure of success. In business it is about creating a positive receptive and cheerful mood with successful communication the end product. The paradox is that low morale and decreased productivity can affect your bottom line

Humour can expand your perceptions on how things really are, and boost creativity. When this happens you boost productivity. You boost it by creating an environment that accepts humour as a tool to engender positivity, and with practice it can be used in attack or defense. When applied with discretion it becomes a powerful ally, balancing empathy and aggression, and embarrassment and vulnerability. People can learn to capitalize on the humour they have within them to foster relationships with colleagues and with clients. People remember and feel good about enjoyable encounters, especially at the customer interface.

As an executive or business leader, you can use the cognitive properties of humour to lift morale, enhance decision-making and improve problem solving. Humour patterns can be identified and developed to the point of being automatic. De Bono says humour is a more significant process than reason and helps us switch from one way of thinking to another. This is of particular value today in New Zealand with industrial
laws and the notion of stress at work. Laughter releases endorphins and leaves you with a heightened sense of well being which can last up to two hours. People who are stressed/depressed have problems concentrating even for short periods of time. And World Health Organization statistics tell me that depression is currently world health burden number 4 and by 2020 will be number 2. 1:4 New Zealanders are prescribed anti-depressants in any one 6 month period.

We can support people with depression by being good humoured. Mental acuity can be heightened with the practiced application of good humour. I recently did a ten week Improvisation Acting Course. I learned to be in the moment, to trust my intuition and to have fun with my own humour. My first engagement following that course, and for which there was no prior briefing, earned me $5000 in one day on a TV game show. I attribute that success to my capacity to remain good humoured and therefore confidant, even though under intense pressure. I trusted first thought and did not panic and I won.

Humour is the single most effective human resource, acting as a safety valve and allowing us to inform, educate, enhance personalities and entertain. As a result we boost morale and productivity and therefore profits. Maybe you can start your days with humour like a colleague? She dressed like a hare for an Easter function, and has since taken the photo, enlarged it and placed it in the foyer with a sign that says, in almost traditional Maori welcome ….―Hare am I‘… There are no doubts about the humour that lies within that business!

To contact Pat: pat@joyology.co.nz  Website: http://www.joyology.co.nz/programs.htm

Related posts:

• FREE Gifts for you from Pat Armistead – the World’s First Joyologist
• Come Laugh With Us. TODAY – Available Now
• How’s Your Sense of Humor Lately?
• Laughter Makes the Workplace Lighter
• Humor, Your Pressure Release Valve, Relieve Stress and Restore Mental Clarity

A FREE 3o minute Skype  “JOYJOLT” session as a kickstart to accessing more joy in spite of current circumstances to the first person that contacts Pat Armistead. Value? Limitless

A FREE eBook to the first five who contact Pat telling her you would like a copy of Humour Works. It is a lovely book that you can download. It will give you insight to Pat’s remarkable work and give you ideas on how you can live a more joyful life as well. For those who own your own company and have employees, this book is a must, showing you how humor in the workplace is a stimulus for growth of both the people and your business. Value? $29.00 but priceless.

Contact Pat Armistead at pat@joyology.co.nz  Website: http://www.joyology.co.nz/

Related posts:

• Come Laugh With Us. TODAY – Available Now
• A Myth About Mirth in Business
• What Mask Are You Wearing? How to Become Your Authentic Self
• Happiness at Work – Stress Your Strengths
• Daily Success – 3 Reasons Why It Is Important To Write Down Your Successes

Did you know that the average preschooler laughs or smiles 400 times a day? That number drops to 15 by the time people are 35 yrs. old. Isn’t it amazing what stress and too much responsibility can do? So who says that work always has to be serious? Work environments where humor is encouraged, tend to be happier, less stressed and more productive. Incorporating humor into our jobs increases feelings of solidarity and cohesion amongst co-workers and provides a non-threatening medium through which an employee or employer can communicate with others. This is the type of environment most people prefer to work in.

Humor in the workplace helps us think. “Taking time out to laugh can help us to get rid of negative feelings and allow us to better concentrate on what we are doing,” says noted psychologist Dr. Ashton Trice of Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. It allows the time and space to put things in perspective; not personalize a situation. When we are feeling good about ourselves and the environment in which we work, our work flows smoother, production improves, generally creating an increase in income for the company.

Appropriate humor in the workplace is a welcome and tasteful surprise. It is about seeing the humor in everyday situations and having the confidence to laugh at your self. When you tell a story poking fun at your self, it portrays you as more human. Your life experiences are probably not unique. This provides comic relief and invites people to be comfortable and see the humor of their own life situations. We have all laughed at comedians and generally they are commenting on daily life. However it is important to remember that humor should not be offensive or disrespectful to the average person.

Humor in the workplace is a stress reducer. Studies have shown that humor activates our physiological systems, including the muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal. It lowers blood pressure and increases endorphins. This leads to a sense of satisfaction and well being which reduces the possibility of burnout. When we laugh, we feel physically better, lighter and more relaxed. We have the same positive physiological experience when we smile.

Humor partners with laughter to increase creativity and productivity. This leads to thinking “outside the box,” producing more and different products and services, leading to greater profits. Everyone wants to work in a positive upbeat environment. People get along better with co-workers, absenteeism and tardiness is reduced and decision making improves.

Fran worked at a company where staff frequently complained about many things. Managers were critical of their team members and negativity permeated the office. To counteract this, Fran and several colleagues generated ideas to bring levity to the workplace. This included the smile of the day, humorous cartoons in the lunchroom and beginning every meeting with a joke. When the atmosphere lightened, the negativity diminished and the level of conflict among employees was reduced.

Incorporating humor in your workplace provides tremendous value without costing a lot in terms of time and resources. Some suggestions are:

* Exaggerate or understate.

* Poke fun at yourself.

* Tell stories, jokes and personal life stories.

* Use humor to break the ice (start a meeting or presentation).

* Clip cartoons from a newspaper or magazine and post on a bulletin board.

* Participate in a laughter club (people who meet for no reason except to laugh.)

Use laughter and humor in the workplace throughout the day. Laughing with others is a great way to promote peace and fun in the workplace. It takes 16 muscles to frown and only 3 muscles to smile. Which would you prefer?

Copyright 2006, Gail Solish. All rights reserved.

Gail Solish, MSW, RSW provides Executive/Personal coaching to managers, directors and executives focused on workplace development and relationship management. Claim your FR-EE e-course �Unleash Your Potential and Increase Productivity and Fulfillment� at www.ActualizeYourGoals.com or contact Gail at 416-322-0029.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Solish
http://EzineArticles.com/?Laughter-Makes-the-Workplace-Lighter&id=347935

Related posts:

• The Magic of Laughter
• The Importance of Laughter in Everyday Life
• Laughter and Stress – How to Lower Your Stress While Laughing
• Laughter as a Self Improvement Tool
• Stress Relief Through Laughter And Play

You must have heard since your childhood that “Laughter is the best medicine”. But in the modern competitive world, man people hardly care about the saying and believe that laughter has no major role in their health. But such people do not realize that they are making a grave mistake until simple moments of life make them realize the same. Laughter has got a major role in maintaining good health including a healthy mind. Many believe that laughter only acts as a temporary source of happiness. But laughter not only provides us with a source of happiness but also keeps away many diseases. There are many diseases and adverse conditions such as stress, fatigue etc. where laughter works better than any actual medicine. Here are a few points to show how laughter is the best medicine:

1. A recent study by cardiologists proved that a person who has a habit of laughing frequently has a lesser chance of facing a heart attack. Laughter might not be directly related to prevention of heart attack but it reduces mental stress. And mental stress results in impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. This in turn results in a series of reactions that result in building of fat and cholesterol in the arteries leading to heart attack. So, laughter indirectly also prevents heart attack.

2. Laughter decreases the chances of a stroke. This is because of the blood vessel expansion during laughing keeps away the possibility of stroke.

3. Laughing is believed to be a good cardio workout which increases flow of blood by about 22%. Watching a comedy movie resulting in a good dose of laughter is believed to give body the same effect provided during a 15-30 minutes workout.

4. The respiratory system acquires more air during laughter which is good for the body. This is due to the expansion of respiratory valves during laughter. It also helps our respiratory tract clean. Thus, laughter is a very good medicine for our breathing mechanism.

5. It is proved that laughing helps to control sugar level in the blood. So, if you have diabetes then try to enjoy life and laugh everyday. Because only medicines cannot control these sugar levels at times. Laughter and happiness have also been proven to helpful for diabetes patients.

6. It is believed that a stress free body will have less diseases. Laughing helps to create a stress free mind. It is said that there is no tension during laughter. And a relieved and stress free body results in a healthy body more often than not. So, it is not easy for diseases to affect a person who is happy and laughs everyday. So, laughter tends to be a cost free medicine for all kinds of ailments.

7. Laughter has no side effects for sure whereas all modern-day medicines have got some side effects. So, we can laugh without worrying about any harm caused to us. Laughter can never harm us but only help us all the time.

8. Laughter is also proven to enhance the facial beauty of a person. Laughter results in movements of the lips and the facial muscles. It has been observed that people who have a good sense of humor and who laugh everyday also have a beautiful face. Due to the amount of facial exercise in laughter there is good amount of blood circulation in the face resulting in a glowing face.

A happy mind leads to a happy body and soul. And there are hardly many things that can result in more happiness than a genuine dose of laughter. So, try to be happy and laugh every day of your life. It will release all the pressure and make this world a lot better place to live in for you as well as for others.

The author is a webmaster who loves fun and funny websites. He also owns ohmagif.com where he updated animated gif including but not limited to funny gif.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Waz_Zaman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Reasons-Why-Laughter-Is-the-Best-Medicine&id=6557328

Related posts:

• Psychoneuroimmunology, Laughter as Medicine
• The Magic of Laughter
• The Top Ten Purposes of Laughter
• Depression’s Secret Weapon
• Some Musings on Laughter

Positive thinking will help achieve a healthier, happier and positive lifestyle.

Negative thoughts can lead to a loss of confidence; an inability to function well or act positively. Dwelling on problems will only lead to increasing worry; a lack of sleep and you will eventually wear yourself out.

This will undoubtedly lead to a loss of concentration; a lack of interest in matters and this can affect people around you and the success of your business. Instead of dwelling on problems, use positive thinking to resolve them and remove the worry and stress from your life.

Try breaking down your problems and consider ways to overcome them fully or in part. Sit down and call upon some inner strength and effort to find the best way to deal with your problems. Consider the best way to tackle the problem in hand.

In addition, what really is the worst case scenario? Try imagining the worst possible outcome and whether this really is as devastating as all that. Ask for help if you need it. Ask others for their thoughts and comments. Try not to surround yourself with negative people as they will only encourage negative thoughts and feelings.

You need to manage your time and assets responsibly. Often, being overworked, rushing; and cutting corners leads to dissatisfaction and a worry that you may have missed something.

Decide what tasks and issues really need your attention. Ensure that you only dedicate the right amount of time to outstanding issues. Don’t push them aside for another day. This leads to constant and increased worrying. The problems will still be there and may increase when left over time.

Prevention is better than cure. Be organised. Deal with matters before they turn into a worry or problem. Keep ahead of the game. If necessary, make diary entries in advance and resolve and deal with issues before deadlines become crucial. Happiness comes from within. Face problems head on. Think outside the box. Consider what measures can be taken to resolve matters. Manage your time wisely. Plan ahead. Ask for help.

Positive thinking will lead to a positive outlook on life. Resolving problems methodically will lead to a boost in confidence and a belief that you can be successful and deal with matters put in your path.

Confidence will come across in your demeanour. Others are attracted to confidence and have respect for those who are successful. Others will look up to you and be interested in what you have to say or what your business has to sell.

Learn to say No to things that you don’t want to do. Instead of going with the flow and resenting having to do things, simply say No Thanks, not on this occasion. Be in control of your life; make your life run smoothly; prevent stress and hassle by planning carefully.

You are about to discover the truth about success and wealth! FREE self-assessment test reveals whether you have got a future as a rich and powerful entrepeneur Click Here to find how you score.

Your mind and aspirations are the most powerful component for achieving the success you deserve claim your FREE audio and video from the link below:

http://www.ianduboulay.com/successupgrade

By harnessing the power of the mind anything is possible!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Ellison_Duboulay
http://EzineArticles.com/?Positive-Thinking—The-Formula-For-All-Success-Stories&id=6851358

Related posts:

• Joy Formula – Keys to Living an Authentically Happy Life
• Positive Thinking and Good Health Are Related
• Positive Thinking: The Key To Conquering Your Life
• Pursuit of Happiness – The Secret Formula to Everyday Happiness!
• Steps Of Positive Thinking

Stop procrastinating

By Caroline Pigott -

“Just one more story, please Mummy, then I’ll go to bed.” “I’ll do my homework in the morning; it’s not due ’til Monday.” “I’ll tidy up my room after this program.”

Sound familiar?

Many of us learned the art of procrastination at a very young age.

Procrastination is something most of us do, but when is it a problem? Joseph Ferrari, psychology professor at DePaul University in Chicago, and author of Still Procrastinating? The No-Regrets Guide to Getting It Done, says everybody procrastinates, but not everyone is a procrastinator. “A procrastinator is someone who habitually and consistently delays tasks.” Occasionally screeching in before a deadline is one thing, but if your life is in constant disarray because nothing ever gets done, then you’ve got a problem.

Ferrari thinks you should start by looking at why you procrastinate. Fear of failure is one of the most common reasons. Many people put things off because they’re worried the task will be too hard. If this is an issue for you, you could try breaking it down into easier steps and then visualize yourself completing the task. Is it really that hard? In extreme cases, Ferrari recommends using counseling to help change the way you think.

There are simple techniques for overcoming a tendency to procrastinate. The easiest is to write a list. There’s something about an ink and paper list that makes you want to get a task finished and crossed off. I can’t be the only person who finds it so satisfying I write down tasks already completed, just so that I can cross them off.

Do important and urgent tasks first, then ones you really don’t like, saving the easiest and pleasantest for last. Keep your list regularly updated and make sure your goals are achievable. I have a long master list with absolutely everything I need to do on it, then each morning I create a smaller list of tasks I need to achieve that day. The feeling of satisfaction I get from finishing my daily list goes a long way towards motivating me to get the unpleasant tasks done.

Many people think they work better under pressure, and they may be right. But if you leave something to the last minute then your child gets sick, you’re going to have a problem. Try and schedule your time in so you can get things done without having to rush.

Switch off distractions. For me this is key. I love Twitter and Facebook, but having them on in the background is the surest way for me to leave stuff unfinished. We’re all great at multitasking, but actually we’re more productive when we focus on one thing.

Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself for a job completed. Finish that tricky report, then head out to your favourite coffee shop to meet a friend.

About Flourish – Business Support Services
Meet Caroline Pigott, owner and founder of Flourish, an all-in-one business support services firm ( http://www.flourishva.com ). Simply put, Caroline launched Flourish to help other women business owners succeed. With an innate ability to listen to the needs of her clients, Caroline helps businesses flourish through such all-in-one outsourcing services as Internet marketing, administrative assistance and graphic design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Pigott
http://EzineArticles.com/?Stop-Procrastinating!-Tips-to-Move-Forward&id=6843018

Related posts:

• Say No to Procrastination
• Balance in Life
• 6 Smart Tips on Making Tough Decisions
• Power Tips on Building Self Confidence
• 6 Smart Tips on Making Tough Decisions

She thought nothing worse could happen. In the past six months Susanna had broken her leg, lost her dog, and found that her boyfriend of four years was cheating on her. Then on Friday, her supervisor told her they had to cut her hours…AND her pay rate. Awful, yes, but it kept getting worse!

Her landlord told her that he could no longer afford to provide rent-controlled housing; and the hospital has turned over the emergency room charges for Suzanna’s broken leg to the collection agency. Now Suzanna is afraid to answer her phone. She can’t ask for support from her mother who has just been diagnosed with cancer and called her daughter in tears. What would you do?

If one or more of these crises is affecting your life, it’s time to turn crisis into opportunity. Sometimes circumstances force us to make changes that we would not have made otherwise. It’s not easy, but if you can develop a strategy and work toward purposeful goals, you can emerge stronger and more self-confident. Here are some ideas that might help Susanna.

1. We Need To Cut Your Hours and Your Pay. Although you’ll be tempted to quit, it’s best not to leave a job until you have another job. Search out other options instead. What opportunities exist for adding hours elsewhere within the company? Stall for time to look for a new job or add a service to help create income for the hours you lost. Perhaps you could use your skills to provide some sort of in-home service, sell personal care or home products, or do phone sales.

If the future with your company looks truly dim take this opportunity to search out a better job. Reach out in the world and tap into your network. Update your resume, take a close look at the job market, post resumes on sites like Monster.com and Craigslist. Inventory your many talents and publish them for potential employers to see.

Think creatively: One man thought of wearing a t-shirt with a company logo for a fee; he has many customers now. What have you always wanted to do? Free up your mind to think in new directions. Most of all do not panic and shut down. Get over the shock, make a plan, figure out who you really are and what your skills and talents are. Then go for it.

2. I Don’t Love You Anymore. When someone says this, the other person feels shock. But really, deep inside don’t we all know when things are not going well in a relationship? It is a two-way street. The problem is to identify when it’s really over and figure out what to do next.

A natural first reaction will be shock and denial, then bargaining and sometimes pleading. These are all normal, healthy reactions that usually lead to recovery and then gradually to moving on. Give yourself time to grieve as you would with any major loss. When you feel ready, have a good funeral and step up to a better relationship.

Take this time to get to know who you really are and what you want. Learn how to enjoy your own company? Get to know what makes you special. Rushing out to replace a lost love can lead to more of the same and feelings of desperation that nobody likes to be around. Falling in love with yourself is the surest way to draw love into your life.

3. Your Position Has Been Made Redundant. During company mergers, people often learn that someone else is already doing, or will soon be doing, their job. Downsizing is all too common and a painful rite in corporate life today. Just remember, in life, when one door closes, another one opens.

To find that new door, focus on your unique abilities and gifts. Think deeply about the challenges your company and your supervisor are facing and come up with novel solutions. Redefine your job description and expand it. Make yourself invaluable, strive for good feedback and look for ways to reach the eyes and ears of the decision makers. If there is something that you always wanted to do, that you thought was a natural fit and should be in your job description, now is the time to do it. Then think it through. In your work environment would it be better to propose it to your supervisor before starting? Or would it be better to start incorporating it into your job, then propose it at a decisive moment that will make your contribution stand out?

Stay cheerful and friendly. If you make yourself positively useful and visible, you may be able to redefine yourself as a leader and step into another job. Either way, the exercise will get you thinking about your full range of skills and abilities that can help you move forward beyond an apparent dead-end.

4. You Can’t Live Here Any More. If the landlord has decided to sell a house you are renting, ask if you can negotiate a deal to buy it. If it is beyond your means, could you share the purchase price with another? If the landlord already has a buyer in mind, accept the disappointment and begin to search for something else. Take this opportunity to improve your living arrangements and find what you have always wanted.

If you’re losing your house due to foreclosure, have you investigated every option, communicated early and often with your mortgage company, and checked out every possible aid program? If it’s unavoidable you must accept it and move on, taking a long look at your financial management style. Be honest with yourself about how you got into this situation, and develop a plan for rebuilding your future.

Let your dreams take flight. Would you like to live in the country? In a loft? In another part of the country? Share a house with another? Ask for new opportunities and they will appear. It is a time for positive change and if you see it as something good, it will be so.

5. Your Insurance Won’t Cover This Procedure. Assuming this is a necessary procedure, talk openly with your health care provider about your financial situation. You might be able to negotiate the price and establish a schedule for paying out the fees. Fees received over time are better than nothing and you may find a willing doctor. Call around among other providers. Look at out-of-network providers if your insurance won’t pay anyway. Sometimes independent practitioners who do not take insurance have lower billing rates. Your county health department can tell you if there is a federally subsidized clinic in your town.

Asking never hurt anyone. Many healthcare organizations are giving cash discounts these days. If you have some savings, ask for a discount for paying cash. The discount alone can save you more than the interest you would have earned on your savings. Be sure you get a receipt marked “paid in full.”

Communication works in all of these cases. Never count yourself out. Instead, keep looking for creative answers. Many pharmaceutical companies provide free medications to families without insurance. Surf the web. Ask around. Insurance companies, non-profit societies, foundations and support groups may have resources as well.

6. Your Close Relative Has Cancer. Sadly, all of us know people with cancer. When a close relative has cancer, it’s important to share your time with her and do things to help her and her family: prepare food, babysit, help with chores, run errands, go and visit if they want. Sometimes just being there is what they need most. It’s important to talk with family members also. When there is serious illness, the family members often are the ones who are really left out. They need your support and friendship too.

Do not be afraid of cancer. These days, chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and many cancers, can often be successfully managed. Learn more about cancer and how you can help. There are many websites such as the American Cancer Society and the Susan B. Komen Society. Learn by talking to others.

Many of us get started in one direction and keep going on autopilot until something gets in our way. It could be our health or the health of a family member or something catastrophic to our finances or living situation. The important thing to remember is that you are your own best resource. As long as you don’t allow the stress of the situation to overcome your faith in yourself, you have all you need to survive and succeed. Be alert to open doors along the way and you’ll be able to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Nancy D. O’Reilly, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and founder of WomenSpeak.com, has worked with women in a strategic, problem-solving fashion for more than 25 years. She is the author of the self-help book, Timeless Women Speak.

She is passionate about educating and offering women a place to share the experience of growing older in a positive and rewarding atmosphere. During more than 10 years of research she has asked more than 1,200 women of all ages the hard questions about growing older in a youth-driven society. Women find comfort knowing that they are not the only ones who worry about getting older and who wonder if their value as a person will be compromised. Dr. Nancy interviews an interesting woman author each week for a podcast on her website. She was nominated for Missouri’s First Lady Award in 2008 and recognized as one of Springfield, Missouri’s Most Influential Women of 2007. She speaks frequently on women and aging, biofeedback, depression, migraine, mental health, constructive confrontation, workplace violence, and stress management. She gives radio and TV interviews, has published professional articles, and has presented her research at a national conference of the American Psychological Association.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_D._O’Reilly,_Psy._D.
http://EzineArticles.com/?Claim-Your-Power—Dont-Let-a-Life-Altering-Crisis-Ruin-Your-Life&id=5053706

Related posts:

• Stress Management – Are You Making One of These 3 Mistakes When Planning a Stress Relief Solution?
• Are You Out to Prove Something to Someone, The World or Yourself – Don’t Bother
• Mid-life Crisis?
• Don’t Let Other People Control How You Feel About Yourself
• People With High Self-Esteem Don’t Let Themselves Be Walked Over

IT MIGHT sound rather obvious, but we can’t affect the thinking of other people. In fact, you might even say,

Tell me something we don’t already know, and don’t waste my time with such obvious statements of fact!

But, there’s a practical difference between knowing this truth and really living it.

This truth of not being able to overtly influence others’ perceptions of us is probably one of the most powerfully empowering concepts known to human experience. There’s a level of true mature acceptance involved in really taking hold of this.

‘What you think of me’:

• Messes with my mind if I dwell upon it i.e. what I think you’re thinking. Then my perception of you and our interaction is slanted toward a reality that cannot, in fact, be real–it has “me” all over it, not “us” plus the situational context;
• Is based only on what you see–a separate reality to mine. No matter how much I try I cannot see as you see;
• May impact upon me and will cause me to reflect upon our interactions, and I can’t help that. How I reflect and the conclusions and attributions I draw from my reflections are my responsibility entirely;
• Cannot and should not ever become a concern of mine unless it becomes an issue for you to broach with me–then I need to work with you toward a win/win outcome if that’s at all possible;
• Tells me, if I’m intuitive, what I (and only I) can do to improve or maintain things between us. If I’m ‘picking up’ anything intuitively, I’ll check with you first to ensure there is a truth basis to it;
• Is important, but only to the extent that it helps us to just be ourselves together.

Mind games are no fun, not for the person suffering them or for the persons impacted on the other side of things.

We are best to discipline ourselves and hold ourselves to account, reacting to things only of pure fact. We’ll hence be amazed at what is not there!

© S. J. Wickham, 2009.

Steve Wickham is a Registered Safety Practitioner (BSc, MSIA, RSP) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Think-of-Me-is-Absolutely-None-of-My-Business&id=3069862

Related posts:

• Transform Your Life and Your Business
• 3 days until the “Big Event”
• It’s Annoying to Get Those Telephone Calls From Strangers
• Freedom is Absolutely Dangerous to Those Who Wish to Impede It
• Want to stay stuck or get super sonic?

Our days can be busy. In fact too busy sometimes with appointments, house and/or office work, to-do lists, schedules, meetings, racing from one place to another, grocery shopping, errands, planning, etc.

If you have children, that can add a whole other dimension to busyness just on its own!

Whew… I don’t know about you, but I become tired just reading the list of ways our lives can become one gigantic timetable of events and things to do.

Then there are days with the extra challenges, as if you didn’t have enough already.

Those are the ones where your emotions are running higher than usual, and uncertainties seem like they are around every corner you turn. Your fears and stress seem to be taking on a whole new meaning which makes your ordinary hectic day seem like a picnic compared to the frantic emotive day you are facing.

Some days can feel like a ride at amusement park where you want to, or may have screamed, “Stop. Let me off this ride.” Mine was the scrambler at the town fair.

Sometimes in life we just have to say, “Stop. Slow down a minute. Breathe.”

Days are filled with precious moments with your name on them waiting to save you and be savoured by you.

Unless you reduce your speed, pause, or stop altogether, they will go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Some people don’t see them; others see them but don’t feel them or appreciate the value they are offering.

What could restore you to sanity and peace is missed in the chaos and insanity of your day and your thinking.

Let those moments sink in for a minute. Allow them to restore and renew you. Acknowledge their gifts. Appreciate what they can do for you.

What are these precious moments? Anything and everything!

To name just a few, right now as I’m sipping a cup of warm Chai tea I can see a plant, my cozy blanket, the sun shining through the window and warming the room, squirrels running and playing in the branches of the pines, snow sparkling on the ground, I hear my daughter in the kitchen, our cat is curled up on my legs, and I’m aware of the comfort of the couch under me.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I can’t find at least one thing to appreciate and let seep into my senses and transform a demanding day back to one of ease, patience, and peace.

Sure, sometimes it takes a bit longer than others depending on the day, but it all comes down to allowing yourself to slow down enough to acknowledge and allow those times in.

Look around you. What do you see, smell, taste, touch, or hear? If you can’t appreciate anything in your immediate surroundings, step outside for a minute and take a deep breath.

Nature is overflowing with abundant, magnificent, beautiful and breath-taking precious moments ready to fill your soul and replenish and lift your spirit.

Your senses are a wonderful way to move you out of busyness and back to beingness, but it doesn’t stop there.

What are they really offering you? It could be peace, a break, inspiration, hope, freedom, love, connection, energy, etc.

Let these invaluable moments work their magic in your heart, your days, and your life.

Don’t let them pass you by any longer.

Take time at the end of the day to write down these precious moments and let them sink in even deeper.

What were they?

What did you receive from them?

How did they help you?

What are you learning about you through them?

At the end of the day, what really matters?

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

Learning to slow down and appreciate the precious moments in your days using these insightful techniques.

Kimberley Cohen is the Founder, Facilitator and Personal Insight Coach of The Insight Technique&trade.

Sign up today for your FREE Special Report – 3 Key Insights That Can Change Your Life! http://www.TheInsightTechnique.com

Kimberley is certified in Body Mind Counselling, Process Oriented Body Work and Spiritual Psychotherapy and Polarity Therapy. She founded the Insight Technique™ – Your Insight to genuine Happiness, Purpose and Prosperity to assist herself and others in transforming limiting mindsets.

Soar through the limiting beliefs holding you back and experience the freedom of unlimited possibilities. http://www.TheInsightTechnique.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberley_Cohen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Slow-Down—Dont-Miss-The-Precious-Moments-In-Life&id=6844951

Related posts:

• Benefits of Journaling Your Most Memorable Moments
• Stress Reduction Tips – Don’t Wait For the Weekend to Relax
• Happiness Is Not Getting What You Don’t Want
• Don’t Take Life To Seriously, It’s Only Temporary After All
• Creative Ideas – The Biggest Reason You Don’t Have Enough Good Creative Ideas