When this happens, although we may be very successful in world, it's difficult to find a place of fulfillment, satisfaction and contentment. No sooner do we complete one task, then we're off to next thing without taking time to nurture our souls.

On other hand, if you're more out of balance toward feminine energy, you may have trouble focusing and following through on your ideas with action. In more extreme cases, you may even have trouble handling challenges of physical world, including making a living and managing money effectively.

When you're in a state of accepting whatever world wants to throw your way, you may find your life being more controlled by others than yourself.

As I mentioned in first paragraph, one key to a successful and fulfilling life is balancing these two primary energies.

Watch for next issue of "It's Your Life!" where I'll give you some strategies for bringing these two energies more into balance to create a life that's both materially successful and spiritually fulfilling.

In meantime, consider following questions:

1. Do you tend to lean more toward expressing masculine energy, feminine energy, or are you fairly balanced? Over next week, be aware of when you're expressing either of these energies.

2. If you notice an imbalance, what problems or challenges do you see as a result of this imbalance?

Would love to hear your feedback. Send any comments to me at mp@michaeldpollock.com.

One of my favorite quotes comes from John Powell. In his book, The Secret of Staying in Love, he wrote that "the genius of good communication is to be totally kind and totally honest at same time." I repeat this quote often to remind myself how to approach teaching people how to treat me. If I do not tell truth about what works for me, I cannot expect another person to honor and respect it. Learning to teach people how to treat us takes practice.

You may still have folks who have been in your life for a long time who take advantage of you, treat you poorly, or are angry, abusive or violent. A habit has been established and they may like it a lot! Consider telling them truth about how their behavior affects you and what changes would make relationship feel more respectful and caring for you. Be both honest and kind. Be prepared to have to repeat this information consistently over time. It is sometimes "inconvenient" for these folks to remember that you have now stated your preferences. They may not want to change. Holding these boundaries also requires attention on your part. Once you have asked for change, you must insist on it or consider giving up relationship. Both of these tasks take positive self-esteem and self-confidence.

Relationships worth having are mutually respectful and responsive. Think about how you might like to apply these thoughts in your daily life.