If you've identified yourself in list above, next question to answer is what are you going to do about it? Use updated analogy below to see what assistance you may require at this time in your life. Sometimes, we even can use assistance of a few people and new friends, too.

A therapist will help you explore your past and fears. A consultant will tell you how do it. A coach will provide you with tools and encouragement as you take action. A mentor will show you how. (original analogy author unknown)

So do it now! Take back control of your life. Empower yourself. Grow. Change your attitude. And you'll develop life you were meant to live!

Maria Marsala is an internationally known coach, author, and speaker. A former Wall Street trader and manager, she is the author of the ebook Thinking of Starting a Business... Let's Talk About What's Next. Subscribe to her free ezine "Helping You and Your Business Grow" at http://www.coachmaria.com/ebook/download.html

As an author, when you tell your story or relate your feelings, or even report on an event, it’s way you present what you are writing and in essence, it is sharing yourself with others.

Whether you do write, or paint, or work in a factory, you are what world will see today. Go out on limb. Don’t let a single day go by that you don’t give your world all strength you can muster, and ability to know that you are reaching for that fruit at end of your limb. Maybe, and you may never really know, you helped someone start climbing their own tree and even reach that prize that at first seemed so far out of reach. Believe in yourself, reach out for new heights, and give only best example of what a person can do with life they are given. You will reach people, you will touch hearts, and you may just be one person that makes a difference to another between closing that prison door of self-imposed failure or opening a window and breathing in fresh air.

Whatever you do in life is never self-contained. Every action is like a pebble that is thrown in water. The ripples grow larger and larger. Your actions or attempts at living best life you can will have that same effect in world. If you don’t throw in your stone, then that ripple may not reach one person where only you can make a difference. Don’t let this tragedy happen. Give of yourself to whatever you undertake so that others may grow. Your own harvest will just be that much sweeter. ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May