I see it as another form of prayer. When we worry and fret over things, we make them bigger than they really are, as well as attract more of same. That’s negative prayer--prayer in reverse.

Focusing on what we HAVE and what we WANT "appreciates" these things--they grow.

Just before going to sleep each night, my wife and I share at least three things for which we're thankful. We call it doing our "Gratefuls". It takes only a few moments, but it directs our thoughts on good--on things we wish to increase in our life.

I suggest making conscious consideration of your blessings a daily rather than yearly occurrence. If you do, you’ll find them taking on an even greater presence.

What radical transformation, then, would it take to reshape a shy person into an extroverted, socially adept one? Where can you learn to meet and greet any and all encounters skillfully and with confidence?

First realize that advanced language skills are but subtle elaboration's or enhancement of what we already know and do, yet of a somewhat higher order. Additional examples include listening, picking up on nonverbal cues, and having a sense of other individual's personal space. Finally, high- arts - being able to start a conversation with a total stranger, knowing when to wait and when to act.

IT IS OUR NATURE as human beings to seek affiliation, to make friends. But sometimes it can be hard for a person to reach out and create conversation. Most people want to like, want to love, want to connect, but they are afraid. Things get in way of their innate desire; things like FEAR OF REJECTION or uncertainty about WHAT TO SAY FIRST.

The start of a great relationships starts with "a great opening line." It knowing what to say first and how to sustain conversation that gets attention and BUILDS CONFIDENCE.

TRUE AND LASTING PERSONAL CONFIDENCE flows from knowledge and certainty that you will function skillfully and convincingly while at ease, in all social or business encounters. What helps shapes your fate is your ability to stand your ground in any confrontation, knowledge that you will always prevail.

Self-confidence will also grow as you depend less on fortuitous happenstance, on wishing and hoping - and instead as a consequence of clarity of purpose. You will become a stronger person as you see yourself acquiring and applying new language skills.