One of my favored quotes on this subject is from George Bernard Shaw. "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in world are people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."

So how do we develop necessary character to make our circumstances instead of allowing our circumstances to make us? Emmet Fox tells us that "you can build any quality into your mentality by meditating upon that quality every day. If you seem to yourself to be lacking in certain necessary qualities, if your character seems to lack strength, ask God to give you what you need - and He will. When we get in touch with our Authentic or True Self, we will find we already posses everything we need to be everything we aspire to be.

And that's worth thinking about.

In Postscript to this we have a saying out west "COWBOY (or COWGIRL) UP" For me that means, "get over it and get on with your life! Its time to move into our true Purpose and leave past behind.

Sheri Bardo / Life Coach www.authenticallyu.com <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>< SELF ESTEEM

Self Esteem, how does one find it, low self esteem, how does one get it?

Esteem: (definition according to Websters Dictionary) to value, appraise, estimate, to have great regard for; value highly; favorable opinion, high regard… To have low self esteem is to not value, or have high regard for yourself. People with low self esteem never feel in charge of their own lives. They often feel like victims. They feel like outsiders, left out, unimportant, etc.. However low self esteem has two faces. One is personality that seems to always be underdog, under achiever, negative one, one who says I can’t, I couldn’t, I shouldn’t, I have to. The other face is person who seems very confident, a take charge type of person, very in control, very opinionated, positional, and often in leadership positions. All of this bravado is still a face of low self esteem. This type of person, may exhibit any or all of these traits: when things go wrong, wants to eat other people alive, or is a perfectionist, demanding, and self centered, can’t take criticism, instruction, or direction, is very independent and self sufficient. They may be in leadership positions, and yet not be true leaders. This type of low self esteem will often deny that anything is wrong, because thinking they are in charge is their protection, yet truly being in charge of your life, eliminates anger, irritation, desire to control others. When a person truly esteems themselves, will take 100% responsibility For their own lives. They let others make decisions for themselves without trying to be in control, and let others be responsible for their actions. Life lived right is a delicate balance, and we all need help maintaining this balance. What is face of true self esteem? Those with true self esteem are in charge of their lives. They take 100% responsibility for everything that happens in their lives. If relationships are not working in their life, they ask, what is it in me that is attracting this type of person or what am I doing to create this situation, instead of blaming other person,… if only they would, or could do this or that. If their finances are not what they desire, they ask what can I do to change this and they tap into their creative, intuitive side to do this. They do not waste time saying, there is never enough, if only I had a better job, if only, if only. They set about discovering why this is presently their situation. True self esteem values itself, it says, I can do, I can have, I can make my life what I desire it to be. Think of Cartoon, Winnie The Poo Eore has no self esteem, he expects things to go wrong and they usually do. Tigger on other hand, bounces through life, always hopeful, always on an adventure, even when his friends try to pull him in, he just sees bouncy side of things. He exasperates those who need total order, or control. Tigger is truly, just Tigger. He loves his friends just as they are and even grouchy old rabbit can’t dampen his spirits. I love Tigger, though I certainly have had my Eore moments! If you get a chance, watch cartoon or read a Poo book. See who you identify with and who irritates you…. This week try and be aware of times you feel uncomfortable, depressed, discouraged, irritated, frustrated, out of control, or flip side, very independent, self sufficient, (don’t need any one else, I will do it myself, no one else can do it right), opinionated, critical, positional, and ask yourself, where am I not valuing myself. Start a journal. Keep track, start to be responsible for your life and yourself, find creative intuitive ways to make changes, your inner self knows what it needs. Read a book on self improvement, take a class, find a support group, get a coach!! Get in touch with your true self which is perfect in every way. Your true self esteems who it is because it knows it was created perfect by a perfect creator. It is false self that finds fault in who it is and lacks self esteem. Finding your Authentic or true self is only adventure you can’t afford to miss in life.

Sheri Bardo / Life Coach www.authenticallyu.com

5.The GIVE AWAY pile should be articles of clothing (or other items that found their way into your closet) that don’t meet above criterion but that are in good shape. Put these articles in a box or bag and put them in trunk of your car now. At your earliest convenience take them to your local charity. Remember to get a receipt for tax purposes.

6.The THROW AWAY pile is for all of those things that no longer serve any useful purpose. This includes items that are ripped or stained. Bag those items up and put them out with your household trash now.

7.The MOVE pile is for those items that don’t belong in your closet. Take time now to put those items where they belong. If there is no room to put a particular item away, make note of area and put it on your list of places to declutter. Stuff it in there for now or put it in garage, but don’t put it back in your closet.

8.Now you are ready to put all of things you want to keep back in your closet. Sort out your KEEP pile into types of clothing. Separate your slacks, your shirts or blouses, your jackets, suits, etc.

9.Start with one type and hang each item neatly on a hanger, facing all items and hangers same direction. If you share a closet with someone, keep your clothing separate.

10.When you are finished with hanging portion, put your shoes on your shoe rack, your ties on tie rack, your belts on belt hook. Once again, if you share a closet keep your items separate. If you have some odds and ends that need a home in your closet, consider buying some inexpensive organizing containers to store them. Many people are finding that an over-the-door pocket shoe holder is great for odds and ends and accessories. You can see through pockets and items are easily accessible.

Wow! You did it. Doesn’t it feel good? Stand back and look at your closet and give yourself a pat on back. Invite your friends over to see all of your hard work. Celebrate by treating yourself to something special. You deserve it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Theresa Frasch is a “Decluttering Specialist.“ Get your FREE Organized 4 Success E-zine and/or "How to Declutter for Good" pamphlet at http://www.organized4success.com.