News
No new updates for this week.
Quote
"If only you could see the whole picture, if you knew the whole story, you would realize that no problem ever comes to you that does not have a purpose in your life, that cannot contribute to your inner growth. When you perceive this, you will recognize that problems are opportunities in disguise. If you did not face problems, you would just drift through life. It is through solving problems in accordance with the highest light we have that inner growth is attained."
-Peace Pilgrim
My Thoughts
Life sometimes throws unexpected challenges your way. No matter how much we try to control what happens to us, ultimately we can not. The only thing we can control is our reaction to the situation.
In my own life I have faced numerous challenges and most of them I didn't expect. I have dealt with my mother's death, my father attempting suicide, being robbed, injuries, almost bankrupt, etc.. In that moment sometimes life can seem overwhelming, but through every challenge I have faced up until now, I have learned something...usually numerous things.
People often try to plan every little detail about the future. Even six months ago I could have never predicted what my life would be like now. I am not suggesting that you shouldn't plan or have an idea regarding your future, but be careful getting too attached to that one particular path.
So, when life presents you with challenges realize that they are opportunities to grow. You may not fully learn the lesson right away, it could come to you months later. Also, do your best to stay in the present moment. Life happens now but most people miss it because of fears and worries.
Have an awesome week.
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label challenges. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Where Do You Stand?
News
No new updates for this week.
Quote
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. "
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thoughts
It is quite easy to be happy with life when things are going our way. It is easy to stand by our convictions when most people agree with us. But what about the times when nothing seems to be working? What about when most are against you? This is where the challenge lies.
Where do you stand?
1. Do you find yourself generally able to maintain an emotional balance regardless of outside circumstances? If so, then you are off to a great start to achieving your dreams.
or
2. Do you find yourself one day complaining about your boss, coworkers, etc..? Then a few days later you are a happy? Then a few days after that you are back to complaining again?
If so, I will tell you that this will get you nowhere. Riding that emotional roller coaster will not lead you to much progress.
Interestingly enough most people are really not aware that they fall into category two. Why? Because they are not aware of the thoughts that are running through their heads. If you are unsure if you fit into this category, I suggest you :
I. Look back over you facebook status updates, twitter updates, text messages, etc...
II. If you keep a diary, go back through and see how often you fluctuate.
III. Make a conscious effort to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings
Remember, Thoughts cause Feelings cause Actions cause Results.
If you find yourself in category 2, what can you do?
I. Ask yourself, "Do I desire to change?". By the way the answer isn't always yes because some people have become so identified with their fluctuating feelings that it becomes part of their "story".
II. If you desire to change, the next step is to really become aware of your thoughts. You can do this through conscious effort, meditation, keeping a diary, hiring a competent certified coach, etc..
III. Start gaining emotional control. How?
-It starts with your thoughts.
Ex: Suppose you are angry at someone for one reason or another (which generally is caused by a misperception of events).
Do not suppress the feeling. Allow the feeling to go through you but stop adding fuel to the fire. Basically break the thought cycle that automatically starts when you are angry.
Then begin trying to shift your perception: Am I willing to explore other ways to look at this? Is there possibly another way to look at the situation? What can I learn from this situation? etc..
You will then begin the process of gaining emotional control.
By the way, if you are dealing with anger issues, forgiveness issues, etc...I recommend two things:
1. Start to seriously think of every single person as your mother (or another loved one).
2. Every time you think of the person that causes you pain, wish them well. Remember don't suppress the feeling. Ex: I hate xxxx. I wish xxxx would get run over by a truck......but if that doesn't happen I wish them well. Now the trick here is that you must do it every single time you have these thoughts about the person causing you pain.
Two books I recommend on that subject:
-"The Four Noble Truths" by the Dalai Lama
-"Building Your Field of Dreams" by Mary Morrissey
The above steps are not easy. But I can tell you from personal experience that if you keep doing them then they will eventually turn into a habit. Once it becomes a habit it is much easier to do them.
Have an incredible week.
No new updates for this week.
Quote
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. "
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thoughts
It is quite easy to be happy with life when things are going our way. It is easy to stand by our convictions when most people agree with us. But what about the times when nothing seems to be working? What about when most are against you? This is where the challenge lies.
Where do you stand?
1. Do you find yourself generally able to maintain an emotional balance regardless of outside circumstances? If so, then you are off to a great start to achieving your dreams.
or
2. Do you find yourself one day complaining about your boss, coworkers, etc..? Then a few days later you are a happy? Then a few days after that you are back to complaining again?
If so, I will tell you that this will get you nowhere. Riding that emotional roller coaster will not lead you to much progress.
Interestingly enough most people are really not aware that they fall into category two. Why? Because they are not aware of the thoughts that are running through their heads. If you are unsure if you fit into this category, I suggest you :
I. Look back over you facebook status updates, twitter updates, text messages, etc...
II. If you keep a diary, go back through and see how often you fluctuate.
III. Make a conscious effort to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings
Remember, Thoughts cause Feelings cause Actions cause Results.
If you find yourself in category 2, what can you do?
I. Ask yourself, "Do I desire to change?". By the way the answer isn't always yes because some people have become so identified with their fluctuating feelings that it becomes part of their "story".
II. If you desire to change, the next step is to really become aware of your thoughts. You can do this through conscious effort, meditation, keeping a diary, hiring a competent certified coach, etc..
III. Start gaining emotional control. How?
-It starts with your thoughts.
Ex: Suppose you are angry at someone for one reason or another (which generally is caused by a misperception of events).
Do not suppress the feeling. Allow the feeling to go through you but stop adding fuel to the fire. Basically break the thought cycle that automatically starts when you are angry.
Then begin trying to shift your perception: Am I willing to explore other ways to look at this? Is there possibly another way to look at the situation? What can I learn from this situation? etc..
You will then begin the process of gaining emotional control.
By the way, if you are dealing with anger issues, forgiveness issues, etc...I recommend two things:
1. Start to seriously think of every single person as your mother (or another loved one).
2. Every time you think of the person that causes you pain, wish them well. Remember don't suppress the feeling. Ex: I hate xxxx. I wish xxxx would get run over by a truck......but if that doesn't happen I wish them well. Now the trick here is that you must do it every single time you have these thoughts about the person causing you pain.
Two books I recommend on that subject:
-"The Four Noble Truths" by the Dalai Lama
-"Building Your Field of Dreams" by Mary Morrissey
The above steps are not easy. But I can tell you from personal experience that if you keep doing them then they will eventually turn into a habit. Once it becomes a habit it is much easier to do them.
Have an incredible week.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Facing Fear
News
The Professional Speaking Course will start on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm. If you or anyone you know is interested in attending please email me: bob@oneamazinglife.com
Quote
“Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain”
-Emerson
My Thoughts
This quote certainly rang true for me all of last week. I spent last week dropping in on companies. What do I mean by that? Well, I did some basic research on a company and then I showed up at their location with no appointment and asked to speak with the CEO. Sounds so simple, but certainly not an easy task.
I woke up on Monday morning feeling very nervous at the task that lay ahead of me. I was set to go to five companies. Five places I had never been before and meet with the CEOs. Immediately excuses started filling my head: I didn't sleep enough, it's too cold, I need more practice, etc...But I pushed them aside and left on my journey.
As I was standing outside of the first place, the nervousness really kicked in and then came negativity. Thoughts of: this will never work, I was crazy to believe in this idea, I will be laughed out of the building, etc...I stood there staring at my future, the only thing holding me back was myself. I knew I had to go through with it. I knew the experience would make me grow. So up the stairs I went and walked right into the office. Interestingly enough my nervousness left me after I started talking. So, last week I repeated that scenario 16 more times. Each time it became easier and easier. Tomorrow I will do it 3-5 times.
Are fears holding you back from achieving your dreams? If so, ask yourself are those fears based on reality or are they imaginary? Usually you will find they are imaginary. Facing your fears will cause you to grow.
So if some fear is holding you back I challenge you to do the thing you fear. Once you conquer it you will find a strength inside of you. A strength that has always been there but perhaps has been dormant for years.
Have an amazing week and a great holiday.
The Professional Speaking Course will start on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm. If you or anyone you know is interested in attending please email me: bob@oneamazinglife.com
Quote
“Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain”
-Emerson
My Thoughts
This quote certainly rang true for me all of last week. I spent last week dropping in on companies. What do I mean by that? Well, I did some basic research on a company and then I showed up at their location with no appointment and asked to speak with the CEO. Sounds so simple, but certainly not an easy task.
I woke up on Monday morning feeling very nervous at the task that lay ahead of me. I was set to go to five companies. Five places I had never been before and meet with the CEOs. Immediately excuses started filling my head: I didn't sleep enough, it's too cold, I need more practice, etc...But I pushed them aside and left on my journey.
As I was standing outside of the first place, the nervousness really kicked in and then came negativity. Thoughts of: this will never work, I was crazy to believe in this idea, I will be laughed out of the building, etc...I stood there staring at my future, the only thing holding me back was myself. I knew I had to go through with it. I knew the experience would make me grow. So up the stairs I went and walked right into the office. Interestingly enough my nervousness left me after I started talking. So, last week I repeated that scenario 16 more times. Each time it became easier and easier. Tomorrow I will do it 3-5 times.
Are fears holding you back from achieving your dreams? If so, ask yourself are those fears based on reality or are they imaginary? Usually you will find they are imaginary. Facing your fears will cause you to grow.
So if some fear is holding you back I challenge you to do the thing you fear. Once you conquer it you will find a strength inside of you. A strength that has always been there but perhaps has been dormant for years.
Have an amazing week and a great holiday.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Changing the Inevitable
News
No new updates for this week.
Quote
"Thinkers do not accept the inevitable; they turn their efforts toward changing it."
-Paramahansa Yogananda
My Thoughts
This week I've decided to share this with you:
Why Is Life So Full of Tests?
by Paramahansa Yogananda,
Inner Culture, April 1941
Through tests we learn life’s lessons. Tests are not meant to crush us: They are to develop our powers. They come through the natural law of progress and are necessary for us to advance from lower to higher steps.
Mind is the source of all your troubles and all your happiness. You really are stronger than all your tests. If you don’t realize it now, you will have to realize it later. God has given you the power to control your mind and body and thus be free from pain and sorrow. Never say, “I am through.” Do not poison your mind by thinking that if you walk a little more you will over-exert yourself, or if you cannot get certain foods you will suffer, and so on.
Never allow your mind to entertain thoughts of illness or limitation: You will see your body change for the better. Remember that mind is the power that is creating this body, and if the mind is weak, the body becomes weak. Don’t grieve or worry about anything.
If you strengthen your mind, you will not feel bodily pains. No matter what happens, you must be absolutely free in your mind. As in a dream, you may think that you are ill but, awakened by a slap, you see it is not true. So in the state of wakefulness you must know that this life is also nothing but a dream. Mind has no connection with the body apart from what connection you give it. When your mind can completely remain apart from the body at will, you will be free. Remember that you are immortal.
In order to pass life’s tests, you will need rejuvenation in both body and mind. You will need to develop elasticity of the mind. If you can’t meet life’s tests, you will be helpless when trials and tribulations come.
At times life seems to be a cruel game. The only justification for it is that in reality it is only a dream. You have had many experiences through many incarnations and you will have others in future incarnations, but they should not frighten you. You must play all parts in the motion picture of life, inwardly saying, “I am Spirit.” This is the great consolation that wisdom gives us.
Realize the presence of the Infinite. Behold God, your own Father, your own Spirit, behind the shadows. In your heart of hearts realize this, no matter what your impulses dictate. Let nothing sit on the throne of your heart but God. If you love God’s creation more than God, you will be disillusioned. God must be first, last, and always. Do not follow the dictates of this earthly dreamland, for dreams sometimes turn into nightmares. Break this dream delusion by waking in God, and you will be safe forever.
------------------
Have a wonderful week.
No new updates for this week.
Quote
"Thinkers do not accept the inevitable; they turn their efforts toward changing it."
-Paramahansa Yogananda
My Thoughts
This week I've decided to share this with you:
Why Is Life So Full of Tests?
by Paramahansa Yogananda,
Inner Culture, April 1941
Through tests we learn life’s lessons. Tests are not meant to crush us: They are to develop our powers. They come through the natural law of progress and are necessary for us to advance from lower to higher steps.
Mind is the source of all your troubles and all your happiness. You really are stronger than all your tests. If you don’t realize it now, you will have to realize it later. God has given you the power to control your mind and body and thus be free from pain and sorrow. Never say, “I am through.” Do not poison your mind by thinking that if you walk a little more you will over-exert yourself, or if you cannot get certain foods you will suffer, and so on.
Never allow your mind to entertain thoughts of illness or limitation: You will see your body change for the better. Remember that mind is the power that is creating this body, and if the mind is weak, the body becomes weak. Don’t grieve or worry about anything.
If you strengthen your mind, you will not feel bodily pains. No matter what happens, you must be absolutely free in your mind. As in a dream, you may think that you are ill but, awakened by a slap, you see it is not true. So in the state of wakefulness you must know that this life is also nothing but a dream. Mind has no connection with the body apart from what connection you give it. When your mind can completely remain apart from the body at will, you will be free. Remember that you are immortal.
In order to pass life’s tests, you will need rejuvenation in both body and mind. You will need to develop elasticity of the mind. If you can’t meet life’s tests, you will be helpless when trials and tribulations come.
At times life seems to be a cruel game. The only justification for it is that in reality it is only a dream. You have had many experiences through many incarnations and you will have others in future incarnations, but they should not frighten you. You must play all parts in the motion picture of life, inwardly saying, “I am Spirit.” This is the great consolation that wisdom gives us.
Realize the presence of the Infinite. Behold God, your own Father, your own Spirit, behind the shadows. In your heart of hearts realize this, no matter what your impulses dictate. Let nothing sit on the throne of your heart but God. If you love God’s creation more than God, you will be disillusioned. God must be first, last, and always. Do not follow the dictates of this earthly dreamland, for dreams sometimes turn into nightmares. Break this dream delusion by waking in God, and you will be safe forever.
------------------
Have a wonderful week.
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