The Power of ThoughtsWritten by Daniel N. Brown
How often have you gotten started on something new with great positive energy and everything went well in beginning? Whether it was a new job, a new relationship, moving to a new area, a new project, anything. You started off with zeal and passion. But after a while you grew tired. Your positive energy began to turn negative and your thoughts began to work against you. Before you knew it you started creating things you didn't want. It all started when you lost focus on what you wanted. Instead of creating what you wanted you started saying things like, I hate my job, my boyfriend/girlfriend is difficult, I don't like it here anymore, and pattern continued. Then things get progressively worse and you wonder what went wrong. I believe this is what went wrong. You lost control over your thoughts and stopped creating things you wanted in your life. Thoughts are powerful forces of energy and can only come from your own mind. Since you are only person in charge of your mind, you create thoughts that create circumstances in your life. Since your thoughts create reality, you create your reality.
| | Celebrate Togetherness, Not ResentmentsWritten by Lynn Cutts
When we get together with family, especially during this hectic time of year, we often find old childhood hurts, feelings, and reactions popping up. We regress; we even lose some of our identity as independent adults. The end result is that a holiday that is supposed to be a celebration of gratitude, fellowship, and giving becomes an ordeal.It doesn't have to be that way. Here are a few quick hints to help you enjoy, rather than suffer, through that holiday get-together: Relax, and remember - it's about fellowship, connection, and fun, not about perfection. Look for positive side in everything. There is always a positive side. Don't say anything negative to or about anyone or anything. It won't help or change situation, and will just make things worse. Dont bring up politics, religion, or any other controversial topic that can lead to arguments. Bring along some little thing (A photo? A piece of jewelry? An emergency stash of chocolate?) to remind you that you are successful, creative, resourceful, and all grown up. And that you can act like it. Limit your alcohol intake; it loosens tongues, ethics, and discretion. When you're in a conversation, listen to what's being said instead of planning what you're going to say next. Focus your attention on other person. (It's a coaching skill, but you can do it, too.) Ask others about their lives; don't hog floor. Dust off your curiosity. Ask open-ended questions. If someone is hogging attention, or conversation, start a separate conversation with someone who's looking left out. Work to make them feel better. You'll feel better too. If you're host or hostess, plan, plan, plan! Do as much as you can ahead of time, even to setting table. (You can do it as much as a week in advance, then just cover it with a bed sheet.) Ask your guests to bring a dish, or to help out in kitchen. Giving people something to do is a great ice breaker and helps them feel included.
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