The person we believe ourselves to be will always act in a manner consistent with our self-image.

 Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Self-image is a funny thing. It hides beneath the surface and colors everything we do, yet few of us take the time to consider how we see ourselves and what we need to do to change that faulty image. I know I'm guilty of seeing myself as less able and less capable than I really am and I'm betting you are too. The problem, it seems, lies partly in the little voice that plays inside our heads - but I am convinced it has more to do with our unrealistic estimation of others.

It's not that I don't think others are capable. They are. It's just that most of us look outside ourselves at the world and see successful people who are free from the demons that plague our lives. We somehow think that others are confident and carefree and that they are finding great success in life.

Take a look at social media. Everyone is busy tweeting and posting about their great success. With a quick browse through your Tweet Feed, you will find everything from how to be slim and sexy to how to strike it rich with Internet marketing. Most of us assume those people really are successful with these pursuits. And that's where the problem lies. We assume others are more successful than us because they say they are.

Inspirational writer and speaker Zig Ziglar points out that part of our problem with our self-image lies in comparing our worst to the best in others. We look at their successes and compare them to our failures and assume we are much less successful than we are. We view their shining moments and somehow convince ourselves that those moments represent their entire lives. We forget that they too struggle with the everyday obstacles we all face.

For today, forget about the ultra-successful and focus on you. Consider who you are and what you have to offer the world. If that seems overwhelming, focus on one thing you can do today to make your life better. Clean a closet, write a blog post or do something good for someone else today. Do whatever it takes today to begin to rebuild your self-image one step at a time.

And don't forget to express your gratitude for all that you have, however meager that may seem.

Today, I am grateful for tiny blades of grass that I know are growing beneath the snow. I cannot see them yet, but I know the roots are growing and they are gathering strength to emerge when the snow melts. 

I am grateful for friends who see me through when times are tough, and who celebrate with me when times are good. I am grateful for my children who always support and love me even when I'm old and grumpy and struggling to find my way. Their belief in me is a great source of strength. 

I am grateful for the rising sun, even when it hides behind the clouds, because I know that it is there ready to bring its warmth. I am grateful for spring birds who sing outside my window, for the gentle wind as it whistles through the trees and night skies filled with stars. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and touch the lives of others via the written word.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you find joy and great success today as you work adjust your self-image to reflect the amazing person you really are. 

When you re-read a classic you do not see in the book more than you did before. You see more in you than there was before. ~Clifton Fadiman

I've recently begun rereading books that I read in my youth and am struck by how my focus has changed. As a former teacher, I am struck by the fact that perhaps we expect too much of our youth when we assume they will gain insight and wisdom from classics that they are not ready to understand. Oh, its not that they are not savvy enough, or smart enough to dissect the text. They are. It's just that some things cannot be understood without the life experience to support them. I'm not sure we should make them try.

I suppose it is the same with all things in life. How we react, how we see the events in our lives, and what we learn from them is intertwined with the being we are at the moment. It's not so much what happens as it is how we interpret those events.

When we view life with a critical eye, scanning the horizon for threats, that's exactly what we see. Not because the threats are there, but because it's how we choose to see them.

If you are in the habit of viewing life from a superficial lens, as you scan the horizon for threats to your success, don't be surprised if that is all you see. Like the young reader who tries to read the classics from the viewpoint of youth, you will only see what you are ready to see.

If, on the other hand, you are willing to give up the constant scanning for threats, and are willing and able to look beyond to opportunities that lurk just past the horizon, there is no limit to what you may discover.

For today, cast aside the tendency to scan for threats and set your sights beyond the horizon, as you go forward to reach your dreams and goals.

Today, I am grateful for the amazing ability of the mind to overcome obstacles and see beyond the obvious. I am grateful for the courage and vision to step out and go beyond the limits that seem to loom in the distance.

I am grateful for the crisp, cold air of fall that hints of winter to come. I am grateful for the birds of the air and animals of the forest who take the changing seasons in stride. I am grateful for my garden that lies silently waiting for another spring.

I am grateful for family that brings life meaning, for children who bring laughter to the world, and for the elderly who take the time to share their wisdom. I am grateful for strangers who I may never meet, but who touch my life in unseen ways, as we all journey together to reach our dreams.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you look past seeming threats to your success today, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence, and educational advantages, but what he will do with the things he has. Hamilton Wright Mabie

By cohdra

 

 

Often we fill our thoughts with the things we will do when we have enough time or enough money believing that we are powerless in our lives until the magical moment arrives when we have enough to pursue our dreams. But the power doesn't lie in what we attain, it lies in doing the best we can with what we already have.

Each of us holds the power to go forward and improve our lives--to reach our dreams--if we but consider how to use the resources we already have.

Let go of the idea that what you have is not enough to start you on your journey to reach your heart's desires. Focus on what you want and the path will become clear.

Today, I am grateful for a good night's rest, for houseplants that thrive inside the home and for flowers that will return in spring.

I am grateful for effective use of my time, for a quick, sharp mind that allows me to pursue my dreams and for much laughter along the way.

I am grateful for lazy days to allow thoughts and dreams to grow, for busy days to put them into motion and for the faith to wait until they come to pass.

I am grateful for family that continually amazes me, for friends who share my dreams and for old friends who have seen me through it all.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cast aside thoughts of lack today, and use what you've already been given to go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success. Dr. Joyce Brothers

by lisasolonynko

The ancient Egyptians didn't waste time thinking of themselves as failures. With faith and hard work they accomplished some of the greatest feats known to man. Consider the mighty pyramids and the vision required to bring them to reality.

We are no less than the ancient Egyptians. When we begin to see ourselves as successful, only then can we begin the journey to bring our dreams to pass.

Focus on your dreams today and visualize yourself completing them. See yourself as a success and then go forward and claim your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for  the technology to reach an audience across the globe, to enter homes of people I will never meet and touch lives in unseen ways. I am grateful for the ability to share my thoughts and trust that they will bring to pass great success in the lives of others, for the unseen force that guides my hand and for the power to choose that lies inside all of us.


I am grateful for the mound of snow that waits outside my door for it provides water for the earth in spring, insulates the frozen earth below and beckons to children as they awake.


I am grateful for the tinge of light that warms the horizon as it promises the arrival of the sun, for knowledge that spring will return when it is time and the joy of changing seasons.


I am grateful for a clear sound mind that holds the ability to choose my thoughts, to set my goals and go forward in the direction of my dreams.

I am grateful for family that shares my life and children who are ever present in my heart even when miles away.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you see yourself as a success today and go forward to claim your dreams.

Seeds of happiness

Photo by N Richford

Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -- or one that is conducive to loving-kindness. Pema Chodron

Whatever your circumstances, embrace the knowledge that you have the power to build your own future today. Begin sowing the seeds of success and happiness that your life may be full and your future may be bright.

Placing blame on others--or yourself--is a waste of energy and only serves to hold you in the grasp of the past. Take action today and leave all that is disheartening, all that is disempowering, all that is negative behind you. Choose today to make a new future filled with love and happiness.

So often we miss out on joy and peace in our lives because we refuse to let go of old hurts, old fears and old believing. Today is your day to change that. Look at your life with inquisitiveness and curiosity today seeking out opportunities to further your dreams and goals.

Today, I am grateful for multiple outlets for my work, for the ability to rise to the expectations of each and the willingness to let go of the negatives of the past. I am grateful for the unlimited potential that lies before me, for a vision of a bright future and the courage to pursue it.

I am grateful for those who offer me support, for the opportunity to better the lives of others and the insight to know what is needed.

I am grateful for the ability to live in a small rural community while accessing the world via the Internet that I may find success with my career.

I am grateful to be blessed with family that loves me, friends who are always near and to meet new people every day.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you let go of old hurts and old failures today and look to your future with hope as you work to reach your goals.

Playing the Hand You are Dealt

Photo by Chelle

Life is not a matter of having good cards, but of playing a poor hand well. Robert Louis Stevenson

So often people fall prey to thinking that they can't accomplish their heart's desires, can't be prosperous or can't be successful because they simply were not born into the right family or haven't been handed the family money. For others it takes the form of believing they are not attractive enough, not smart enough or simply not worthy of success and happiness. They believe the hand they have been dealt is flawed.


This self-defeating trap holds hundreds of thousands--perhaps millions--of people in its grip rendering them powerless to change their lives and find joy and happiness. 


But life isn't about the hand you have been dealt by the world. Its about learning to play your hand well and succeed despite the circumstances. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The key, it seems is the renewing of your mind, not only towards God, but towards life itself. When we accept the warped view the outside world paints for us, we fall victim to comparing ourselves to some fictional image of success. When we are unable to attain it, we then internalize our failure believing that we are flawed.

Let go of the image of your flawed self and the notion that you must live the faulty hand you were dealt, today. Renew your mind by focusing on all that is good and just in your life, give gratitude for what you have and get on with the business of playing your hand well.

Today, I am grateful to live in America where my choices are many and my opportunities are great. I am grateful for the ability to look beyond what others believe and the world expects and see where I must go.


I am grateful for crystal clear skies and brilliant night stars that bid me good morning, for puffs of smoke that streams from chimneys and the occasional bark of a far-away dog.


I am grateful for the flow of ideas, the courage to listen to them and the desire to make a difference in my world.


I am grateful for family and friends who fill my life with laughter and good times, for strangers who carry on with their lives with courage and strength and those who spend their lives uplifting others. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you rise above the hand you were dealt, renew your mind to all that is good and just in the world and play your hand well.

Sometimes opportunity knocks, but most of the time it sneaks up and then quietly steals away. ~ Doug Larson

photo by cohdra


Many of us are in the habit of sitting back and waiting for opportunity to knock on the front door, but what we don't consider is that opportunity is every where if we but look. 

Sitting idly by expecting opportunity to enter our lives with fanfare and announce itself is a bit naive, to say the least. If you seek opportunity in your life, you must be ready to recognize and act when it appears.

Keep your options open today and don't be too quick to close doors that may lead you down the path you should go. I'm not suggesting you follow every "fly by night" opportunity someone puts in front of you--but I am suggesting you consider your options regularly.

Today, I am grateful for the winter sun, clear roads and grocery stores that provide fresh fruits and vegetables in the midst of winter. I am grateful for seeds that lie silent throughout the winter and burst forth into lush green plants in spring. I am grateful for snow laden trees that decorate the wintry world.


I am grateful for talented and intelligent children who express there concern for the world, for family that I can count on and for friends who share my journey. 

I am grateful for the approaching new year ready to unfold, for new opportunities to go beyond what I ever dreamed possible and for recognizing them when they appear.


And, I am grateful for you dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your opportunities be many and may you be ready to act when they arrive.

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain...

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vintage point.”
- Harold B Melchart



Photo by kananaskis_country


Sometimes, we become so focused on where we want to go that we forget to enjoy and appreciate everything around us. This is particularly true when our goals involve making money or paying the bills.Although keeping your goals in sight and maintaining focus on ways to achieve them is important to success, don't forget that without gratitude for what we already have, the journey is incomplete.

Take the time to look around you today, and learn to express your gratitude for all that is good and just in the world. You may not have reached your goals, yet--but there is great beauty and goodness around you, if you but take the time to look.

Resist the urge to think that you'll be happy when you attain your goals. As we learned in "Happy for No Reason" by Marci Schimoff, if we can't experience happiness where we are, we will not experience it by attaining more money or material things. Happiness comes from within when we appreciate what we have already been given. Only then, can we go forth with confidence to attain our goals.


Today, I am grateful for new fallen snow that envelops the world in white, for Christmas lights that twinkle into the night and for the stars in the heavens that perform their own light show. I am grateful for gentle music, purring cats and the sound of the wind.

I am grateful for eyes to see, ears to hear and a mouth to speak. I am grateful for the natural energy to do the things I love, for words that flow easily from my soul and and the ability to change negative thoughts to positive by simply changing my focus.
 
I am grateful for family, for friends, and for neighbors who keep my world secure, promise a bright future and share my life. I am grateful for opportunities to help others as they meet obstacles in their lives, to share their joy in celebrating their successes and to encourage them when times are tough.
 
And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you celebrate all that is good and pleasing in your life today as you work toward your goals.

We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them. ~Elbert Hubbard

Photo by kakisky



It's easy to believe that our attitude would be different, that our lives would be more enjoyable or that we would be better able to reach our goals if those around us would simply get with the program and change their attitudes towards life.

If you are like most people, you have probably experienced days when everything runs smoothly, everyone you meet is in a happy and uplifting mood and life simply flows. You've probably also experienced days when everything goes wrong and those around you are in sour or depressed moods.

You might even be guilty of saying that the moods of others are getting you down.

Consider that your attitude, your mood, your approach toward the day may actually be the attitude that starts it all.  Guard your attitudes and outlook carefully today. Consider not how others effect you. Consider how you effect them.

Today, I am grateful for the beginning of a new week, for the energy and commitment to meet my goals. I am grateful for gray skies that remind me that winter will come, for changing seasons that add beauty to our world and for frozen puddles that crackle and pop with my step.


I am grateful for time to complete daily tasks, for cozy evenings to read good books and for the infinite expanse of the Internet filled with wonderful uplifting stories of those who overcome all odds to meet their goals. I am grateful for the ability to filter what I feed my mind, the insight to seek out that which is uplifting and the wisdom to make the right choices.


Am grateful for the people in my life that I call family. For friends who offer support and all the  lives that my words touch today. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you guard your attitude well, today and make a positive difference in the world.

To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions. ~William James

by matthew_hull

Consider the changes you desire in your life today and take the leap towards  change. So often we spend so much time considering the changes that we never really take any action.

If there are areas in your life that need change, let today be the day that you step forward and begin the journey.


Today, I am grateful for the vastness of the universe, the beauty of the earth, and rainbows. I am grateful for grand oceans that teem with life, for mighty rivers that carry water back to the sea, and for meandering brooks that shimmer in the sunlight.

I am grateful for family that provides a solid foundation, for friends who brighten my way, and for neighbors who share my world.

I am grateful for the soft purr of loving cats, the graceful flight of birds, and the sound of rain. I am grateful for trees that bring beauty to the world and provide fresh air to breathe. I am grateful for mighty rocks and tiny pebbles that punctuate the earth.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share your day. May you be filled with courage and strength today, as you take the leap to make the changes you desire to see in your life. 

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  ~Maori Proverb








photo by anitapatterson

Consider where you choose to focus your attention today. You may not be able to eliminate all that is negative in the world, but you can choose to put it behind you as you focus your attention on the positive. 


Forget the shadows today and go forth with faith and conviction that you can conquer your dreams.  Have faith in yourself and your abilities today and seek out opportunities that will bring you closer to realizing your dreams.


Today, I am grateful for another day to go steadfastly toward my dreams. I am grateful for insight and wisdom to make the right choices, courage to stand for what I believe even when those around me are filled with doubt, and the joy that comes from knowing the path is always open.


I am grateful for new ideas, for happy memories and beautiful songs. I am grateful for life-long friends who support me in whatever I choose to do. I am grateful for those who question as it brings to light new thoughts, poses new considerations, and opens new pathways. 


I am grateful for the sun that brings life to our world, for the rain that nourishes the earth and darkness that brings solace to the soul. 


I am grateful for a spouse that supports my work, for my children who work steadfastly to improve their lives and for siblings that share a family bond. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you look always to the sun and may the shadows always fall behind you.
 

So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains, and we never even know we have the key.  ~The Eagles, "Already Gone"


photo by wintersixfour



Consider the chains that bind you, today. So often we tell ourselves "I'm too tired," "I don't have enough time," or even "I'm not smart enough or good enough or talented enough to reach my dreams."

Take off the shackles today and allow yourself the freedom to pursue your dreams. Claim your right to your dreams today and know that working steadfastly toward them will bring them to pass. 


Today, I am grateful for the driving rain that soaks into the parched earth, for cool air that brings relief from smothering heat, and happy birds that sing despite the rain. I am grateful for mud puddles and frogs that stop to bathe.

I am grateful for the magnificent universe with galaxies beyond where the eye can see. I am grateful for starry nights, moonrise and sweet night air that envelopes the world.


I am grateful for those who work behind the scenes--plumbers, electricians and sewer workers-- that keep my world running as it should. I am grateful for rainforests, deserts, and mountains that help create a diverse world.

I am grateful for family to love, friends to share with, and strangers who brighten my day.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you loosen the chains that bind you and go forth to conquer your dreams.

“The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.” ~Thomas Carlyle







Photo by rosevita


Consider the obstacles in your life today and look for ways to use them as stepping stones to a better life. 

So often we become focused on the things in our way that we become paralyzed with fear or overcome with despair. We forget that objects and events in our lives may look like obstacles, but when we shift our focus they may actually be stepping stones we can use to reach our goals.

Practice evaluating your obstacles today and look for ways to use them to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for pine cones, seed pods and nuts that replenish the earth. I am grateful for silence that brings solace to the soul, for noisy birds that search for food, and tinkling wind chimes that add music to the air.

I am grateful for those who spend their lives quietly helping others asking nothing in return, those who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with the world, and those who are ready and eager to learn. I am grateful for scientists who investigate our world, for philosophers who offer a different view, and writers who share their thoughts in written form. 

I'm grateful for for family that brings comfort when times are difficult, that adds color and flavor to my life, and reminds me that life is a glorious journey.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you turn obstacles into stepping stones as your work steadfastly to reach your goals.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson






photo by nrichford

So often in life, we become so focused on the thistles that we forget to see their beauty. Consider the lowly thistle today. It's prickers are sharp and it can be an annoyance, but with its bloom it brings us the soft down that serves to line the nests of the striking Goldfinch and inspired Clement Clark Moore when writing "Twas the Night Before Christmas."


If you have ever seen the down of a thistle as it floats through the air then "Away they all flew like the down of a thistle" takes on new meaning.


Examine the thistles in your life, today and consider what hidden beauty they may hold.
Sometimes, we become so focused on the things we do not want in our lives that we forget they may have gifts to bear. That momentary set back may well be a sign to take stock of your life, change your focus and look for undiscovered treasures. Take a moment today and seek out the beauty around you and appreciate all that you have. Only by deep appreciation and gratitude for what life has given us can we go forward to attain seemingly unreachable goals. 

Today, I am grateful for misty air that once again promises rain, for the squirrel that stamps his angry feet to scare me from his path and for soft gray clouds that envelop my world. I am grateful for dancing leaves, thistle blossoms and bold wild flowers. I am grateful for another day to share my thoughts, to laugh and to enjoy the wonders of the world around me.


I am grateful for new babies and I am grateful for those yet to be born as they have much to give to this world. I am grateful that my heart holds compassion for those who struggle, that I have eyes that see beyond the surface and the drive to make a difference. I am grateful for family and friends who help me make sense of the world when it becomes confusing, from guidance from an unseen force that I call God when I lose my way, and for the knowledge that the path is always open if I but open my eyes and see it.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader as you stop and share my day. May you take the time to see the beauty around you today as you go forth to reach your goals.

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”~ Dr Seuss

Consider your goals and heart's desires today. They are out there waiting for you, all you need to do is go forward and claim them. Too often, the mountain looks too big or the distance seems so far that we become discouraged and fail to strive for what we want.

But we can't cross the distance or scale the mountain simply by viewing. Visions are wonderful, but to reach them takes action. 


Are you ready to take action today? Go forward with singleness of mind and conquer that mountain. Never forget the power that is inside you.


Today, I am grateful for soft damp air that whispers that rain may come and renew the earth. I am grateful for a reprieve from the beating sun that has dried the earth. I am grateful for unfolding flowers that bring beauty to my day.

I am grateful for grasshoppers as they spring from plant to plant, for crickets that sing into the night and for leaves that rustle in proud strong trees. I am grateful for the faraway cry of the crow, the barking of dogs and the tender meow of loving cats. I am grateful for old country roads that ramble through the wilderness, moss covered rocks and meandering streams.


I am grateful for a family to love, for friends to share a laugh and for the kindness of strangers. I am grateful for work that beckons, for eyes that see and a heart that feels.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day while you go forward to conquer your mountain. May your heart be filled with joy that overflows to the lives of others today.

When you get the hang of this, before you know it you will KNOW you
are the creator. (quote from The Secret)

photo by xandert


Just as the artist needs vision that he brings to life on the canvas, we need vision to bring to life in our lives.


In the beginning, it may be difficult to hold onto images and bring them to pass, but with practice and belief, it will happen. 


The artist doesn't begin his journey with a full-sized mural expecting to paint a masterpiece. He begins with a vision of what he wants to express and lets the vision guide his hand.


Consider the artist today. Create a vision of yourself living in abundance. Feel the joy of knowing it will come to pass. Let the vision guide your action today as you work towards filling the canvas of your life with brilliant color.


Today, I am grateful for quiet time to think, for the gentle spring breeze and for trees as they begin to awake for spring. I am grateful for laughter and the kitten's purr. I am grateful for the brilliant color that God paints the sky when the sun is done, for the soft blue hues of the mountain as night beckons and the purity of snow-covered peaks. 


I am grateful for the people who touch my life and bring unbridled joy, for family that gives me  a solid foundation and for those I have yet to meet who have much to teach me.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your visions be bright and you way be clear today.

Photo by gracey Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.~Charles Caleb Colton Time has the marvelous ability to become either our enemy or our ally. Only we have the ability to decide which it will be. If you are like most of us, you probably are in the habit of letting time slip by without a thought. Take note of your use of time today. Do you squander moments? Do you throw away those shreds of time as though they were useless bits of garbage? Learn to use your time wisely that your goals may be attained and your life may be filled with the sweetness of success. That is not so say that we should not take time to enjoy the marvelous things in our lives. We should and we must. Time to relax and time to enjoy should be deliberate choices that allows us to restore energy and build a strong foundation to our lives. Without time to enjoy, we lose the value in our lives. I'm talking about those shreds of time when we do nothing of value. The lost moments waiting for the bus, sitting in the dentist's office, waiting for that all-important meeting to start. What can you do with that time today? What can you do to bring meaning to those bits of time that seem to serve no purpose? I will use my time today to envision my future --to lay plans for action -- to build faith in my ability to find success in all my endeavors. I hope you will too. Today, I am grateful for the dull gray skies that tell me spring is approaching. I am grateful for the soft breeze that carries the promise of spring thaws. I am grateful for seeds to plant, birds to watch and writing to do that makes my life full. I am grateful for family and friends who bring me joy and courage to work towards my goals. I am grateful for the generosity of others, the kindness of strangers and the great thinkers of our time. And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop by to share my day.May your life be filled with joy and your heart be filled with courage as you go forth to meet the day.