The Power of Journal Writing- A Tip for Empowered Living!

One of the most therapeutic activities I do is journal writing.  I have done it on and off over the years and find the greatest clarity when I put my thoughts on paper.  When I look back at the things I wrote and thought 15 years ago, I am amazed!  I can see a marked change in myself and the trouble areas that continue to challenge my perspective. 

I find that when I journal I am more aware of the world around me.  It is an Empowering action that returns great rewards.  These rewards enrich my life and help me find peace in a sometimes uncertain world.  I can find quiet and hear the voice of God. 

If you have never kept a journal or have not done so in a long time.  Get a journal and write out your thoughts, feelings and insights.  Try it for 2 weeks or a month and see how you feel. 
photo via: blisstree.com via Google images

"Working on Monday"- A Short Update

It is getting closer to the day of the official launch of my new business.  I am nervous, excited and full of anticipation.  The unfolding of my work will begin to meet with the needs of people around the world. 

As much as I have planned for this business, there are still many things not spelled out.  This is disappointing, but the work is just being done along the way.  I see such potential!  This business is another expression of my personal Empowerment.  This outlet of independence is filling my spiritual bank with big deposits. 

This post is going to be short, but my question to you:  Are you actively contributing to the future of your career? 

To All The Crazy Dreamers Out There...Listen Up!- By Peter G. James Sinclair

As promised here is your hump day motivation by Peter G. James Sinclair!  

Peter G. James Sinclair

Here’s a word for all you crazy dreamers who refuse to satisfy the status quo, and who put your foot down, not allowing yourself to be hemmed in by ‘in the box’ thinking.

You who rattle and snap the chains of normality with every movement of your thought, and who make it a practice to swim only one way – and that’s upstream.

You, who face walls of opposition, and either climb over them, go around them, dig a hole under them, or simply hire a front end loader and bulldoze straight through the middle of that wall, all the way to the other side.

So Have I Got Your Attention?

Yes it’s you whom I want to talk to.

So listen up!

You who dares to be different. You who has the audacity to dream crazy dreams.

You who pulls out a list of written goals from their wallets or purse and reads them out loudly and passionately each day as one madly in love with the purpose for which you’ve been born.

 

You who works tirelessly to help others around you to succeed, while you’re in the pursuit of your own personal success.

You who are dripping with passion. You with a raging fire burning deep within the recesses of your belly.

You with a dream bubbling in your heart, so much so that it’s about to burst. You with more ideas running around your head than you know what to do with.

You who will not accept anything but the reaching of your, at times, unreachable goals. You with the big smile stretching right across your face,

This Is Who I Am Talking To…

Yes you…

The dreamer, the daydreamer(yes that’s what you’ve been called at times), the visionary, the pioneer, the inventor, the creator, the trailblazer, the singleness of purpose person, the one-eyed monster, the goal-driven guy, the target-aiming girl, the unique, and the original.

Yes You - That’s Who I’m Talking To…

You – the one who quits their job in pursuit of personal freedom. You – the one who decides to take charge of their own destiny – not looking to the government or anyone else to care for them.

You – the one who insists on nothing but excellence while working for another.  

You – the one who in their spare time builds housing for the underprivileged, who cares for the orphans, who helps the widows to become self-sufficient through micro-business loans or other creative means – not giving a hand out, but rather a help up.

You –  the one who coaches young entrepreneurs and devotes part of their time as well as a part of their income in the pursuit of helping others to rise up and over as conquerors.

Yes you – you crazy dreamer.

I’m calling to all dads, moms, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, granddads, grandmas, disabled, abled, black, white, red, yellow, rich, poor, privileged, underprivileged….

Come on! There is no reason that can stop you from becoming one of the elite in this race we call the human race….

Yes you – the crazy dreamer’s elite.

You were born to dream, and not to just dream miniscule dreams. You were born to dream MAXISCULE, MAGNIFICENT and MAJESTIC dreams.

It’s You Whom I’m Talking To…

And this is what I really wanted to say to you – you crazy person...

DREAM EVEN BIGGER AND CRAZIER DREAMS – for our world needs you like never before in history.

And before you go - what crazy dreams are you currently in pursuit of? Fill us in. I dare you. Inspire us.

Motivational Memo: First the crazy dream, then the how.

My short biography:

Peter G. James Sinclair is in the 'heart to heart' resuscitation business and inspires, motivates and equips others to be all that they’ve been created to become. Receive your free copy of his latest eBook Discovering The You In Unique at - http://www.motivationalmemo.com  and add him on Twitter @PeterGJSinclair - today!

photos via: wire.wisc.edu and yesyess.wordpress.com via Google images

Peter G. James Sinclair- A Cure for The Blues

I have such a treat for you, Peter G. James Sinclair!  He has one of the most inspirational blogs I have read.  He regularly blogs at "The Motivational Memo," but tomorrow he is blogging here at Empowered Peace.

If you are wondering why the long name, well ask Peter.  He shares his journey for anonymity and confidence in personal posts that share his life.  Tomorrow's post is not as heavy, but still has the substance to lift you up!

Peter refers to himself as a "heart to heart resuscitation specialist." His passion for helping people realize their uniqueness has blossomed into writing books, blogging and motivational speaking.  You do not want to miss out on this guest post.


In the mean time,  I will leave you with a link to Peter's name story.  Tune in tomorrow for his words written just for YOU! 
photos via oeseminars.com, prolificliving.com via Google images 

"Working on Monday"- Starting Your Own Business

Have you ever considered starting a business?  I have and I did!  Since I have begun my new venture, I have learned a lot about being an entrepreneur.  This is technically the second business I have started.  About five years ago I put together a customer service business.  The other commitments I had prevented the business from being more than a name on a business card.  Along with my other commitments, a lack of business experience also took a toll on the business. 

Needless to say, my past experience has greatly helped me with my new business.  I am definitely more prepared.  This time around I knew that preparing to start a business is crucial.  It allows you to present your business to perspective customers, acquire financing and understand the complexity of owning a business.

If you are planning on beginning a business here are some things you need to consider:

1. Time.  Are you willing to put all of your extra time into planning, launching and running a business.  I have been at my computer non-stop and still have countless tasks to finish. 
2. Education.  Are you willing to pour as many hours as necessary into learning about your area of expertise and the business that gives it life?  You may have a hobby and think making it into a business will be simple.  This is not always the case.  Most of time it is one of the biggest misconceptions new entrepreneurs discover.  A knowledge of accounting, laws, banking and licensing is important to success.  You are even further behind the eight ball when you go into a field without prior experience.  There are litterally hours upon hours of readings, speaking to experts and planning.  Honestly, this should be done before you even consider starting the business.  Are you willing to make these sacrifices?
3. Being misunderstood.  When you are serious about starting your own business people may initially be supportive.  They may share their concerns, but generally they will want to see if you can really make it happen.  As you move forward, if you are really serious, you will become consumed with your business.  It is like a new born baby that requires all of your attention.  You will begin to hear comments like, "we never see you anymore."  "Why are you doing all of this?"  "You need to come back to reality now."  "Can you make dinner or go shopping, we do not have anything to eat!"  Can you be committed to your business at the expense of challenging your support system?
4. Money.  Are you willing to invest in a venture that may fail?  Most businesses fail within the first two or three years.  My own theory on this, people get tired!  Money is used to update equipment, take educational classes, buy inventory, advertise, pay employees, pay for insurance, lease office space, take out perspective clients and maintain a website.  This is a short list!  You are going to have to financially support your business, before it supports you.  Are you willing to put your money into your business?

I hope I have made you think.  Getting into business for yourself can be extremely rewarding, but it comes with a price.  Make sure you can go the distance before you begin the venture.

Until next Monday...
photo via: mathisregazziblogs.com via google images

Ted Haggard is Living His Dream, Are You?

This is the very first article posted on Empowered Peace!  The original post date was 7/11/2010.  As the spring and summer months approach, Empowered Peace is coming upon its one year anniversary.  Enjoy, and as usual be Empowered!

Ted Haggard started a new church.  He is the former pastor of mega church, New Life Church and the former chief of the National Association of Evangelicals.  Haggard confessed to participating in sexual activities with a male prostitute and to ingesting illegal drugs.  His separation from these organizations in 2006, was devastating to many conservative evangelicals.

Ted Haggard made a controversial decision to start another church.  Millions of people across the nation are discussing their feelings and opinions about this event.  Most of these discussions are addressing the absolute questions of right or wrong, truth or lie, sinner or forgiven, yes or no.  Despite your personal views or religious affiliation there is a man tending to his own spirituality.  Haggard has made a decision to participate in his purpose.  His experience is filled with many different forces.  He has to contend with opposing forces, supportive forces and lingering indifference to live out the dream in his heart.

Many of you are struggling with decisions that will change your life and the life of others around you.  You are trying to make the best choices from your own limited perspective.  Normally the most pressing question is how much pain will I cause myself and/or my loved ones to feel.  The answer to this question is simple, you are going to feel pain no matter what you decide.  Life's circumstances are beyond our control because God made eternal decisions a long time ago.  Thus having God's perspective is best when you are confronted with major decisions.

Connecting with your purpose in life will give you the courage to live your dreams.  Your life may not be as public as Ted Haggard's yet the same controversy can exist.  My point is this, life is happening in spite of your choices.  Making a decision to participate in your purpose gives you the ability to be whole.  Living life according to God's purpose for your creation is fulfilling. It gives you a different perspective in the painful seasons of your life. 

AstraZeneca and The Food University Teach You to Cook Low Cholesterol Meals

Yummy news for people with high cholesterol!  AstraZeneca, the makers of the medication Crestor (medication taken to lower cholesterol), have teamed with The Food University.

This partnership was formed to Empower people by helping them manage their high cholesterol with a healthy diet.  The Food University will create step-by-step videos that will instruct viewers in preparing delicious and cholesterol friendly meals.

"Cooking at home should never just be routine; it should be fun. Our simple recipes and videos demonstrate how to make meals with nutritious ingredients that taste good and are good for you," Says Rich Gore, managing director of Food U Properties, LLC.  Watch the complete videos below.  These are tasty recipes that have already been filmed.  The videos feature chefs Sara Moulton and Curtis Aikens.

If you are unable to view this video please follow the link.

You can also find these terrific videos at  Crestor.com and MyFoodU.com.    

I think these videos are fun, informative and helpful.  They make cooking healthy meals less intimidating and can give you confidence when cooking at home.  I hope you Empower yourself by using these excellent tools!  Your family loves you and taking care of yourself says I love you too!  If you do not have a family, love yourself because you are worth it!

More Helpful Resources

Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol 

   

The American Heart Association Healthy Cooking Center

Prescribing information for Crestor 


Contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-CRESTOR 
photos, information and video via AstraZeneca 

"Working on Monday"- Searching for a Job and Starting My Own Business

Well it has been just over 5 months since I have been unemployed.  I have put in applications and have interviewed with several employers.  I have not been hired yet and it is disappointing at times.  Last week after receiving this e-mail stating:

Dear Donna,

Thank you for your interest in Volunteer Bereavement Manager  with (company name deleted) Hospice Care. We have reviewed your resume and have carefully considered your qualifications. While your skills are certainly impressive, we have decided to pursue other candidates for the position.

We will maintain your profile and should a position open that matches your qualifications, we will contact you.  We also encourage you to periodically re-visit our website, (link removed) as new positions open daily.

Again, thank you for your interest in employment with us.

Regards,

Human Resources

(company name removed) Hospice Care

A friend referred me to this job and I was hopeful, but it did not work out.  I am of the mindset I do not want to be where I am not wanted.  It requires too much energy to maintain a position that is not lined up with my destiny. 

Even though I believe the above statement is true, it was upsetting not to be considered for the position.  I was supposed to have lunch that afternoon with a fellow chaplain and canceled.  I felt less than my best and emotionally unable to be good company.  I felt a greater drive to create my future and work on creating an income for my family.

My Other Project

I have been working on my own business.  This has been birthed out of the plan I created at the beginning of the "Working on Monday" series.  I am excited about this venture and I look forward to sharing more with you in the near future.  I have wanted to be an entrepreneur for a long time, I believe it fits my personality well! 

I am attempting to use my time to its fullest potential and this has been the fruit of my labor.  I will continue to search for employment and nurture my baby business.  

How have you been nurturing your career?
photos via: jobgoround.com, learndentalworkers.com via Google images  

The Right to Be Gay?- Gay People and The Church

I became a Christian in my late twenties.  It was a life changing experience that continues to heal, transform and Empower me.  As I have matured I have come to understand a major distinction between the church (the physical structure), the church (the body of Christ) and being a Christian (a spiritual journey led by Jesus Christ).

The church as a physical structure is where Christians gather to worship, fellowship and hear the gospel preached.  It can be a very inspirational place, but if you are different, it can become a very hateful place.  I have had the experience of knowing how both feel.  This has given me a deeper compassion for those that are rejected by the churches they attend, especially gays.  God has used the chaplaincy to open my heart. 

As a chaplain I learned to have an acceptance of people that are different from me.  Before my chaplaincy education, clinical work and hospital employment I was a cruel, judgmental Christian.  Whenever someone had a problem I would say, "all you need is Jesus."  I made this statement without real understanding.  My words were offensive to many and my belief that I was better than non-Christians had to turn many off.  The chaplaincy taught me to remove myself from the equation of others lives.  I became able to walk with others in their despair when I dealt with my own demons. 

When people come to church they are looking for a way to make life better.  They usually have been beat down by the world and are unable to find any other way to ease their pain.  They  look to God and yearn for His healing love to sooth their fears and anxiety.  Most have an expectation that the loving people of God will welcome them with open arms.  Instead what many find is a list of rules and a cold shoulder when they reveal their personal struggles.  Where is the love?

Gay People and The Church

The one thing I have learned in this sometimes hateful and cruel world is love is precious.  Telling a gay person to leave the person they love because it is a sin is cruel.  The message most Christians send to gay people is you are defective and all you need to do is read your Bible, go to church and pray continually to be straight.  Lisa Ling's "Pray the Gay Away" gave an interesting insight into the dynamics of gay, church and Christian interactions.

I believe God's best for me is the union of man and woman, but this fact does not drive me to shun, criticize and judge gay people.  I must admit there was a time in my spiritual journey when I believed being gay was a perversion.  I thought men and women that engaged in sexual acts with people of the same sex did it because they decided to experiment.  I had no understanding of gay love or a gay person's real attraction to the same sex.  I thought they were just sick people that acted out to be rebellious to God.  I unfairly lumped them in a category of sexually promiscuous people. 

I know sexually promiscuous people exist, gay and straight, but that is a different subject.  I am talking about gay people that are seeking a loving relationship and want to be monogamous.  Why is the church asking them to deny the core of their being?  In my life I have tried to be what others wanted but it never worked!  Why would the church and society as a whole expect this of a person who is gay? 

I have another confession.  I am not comfortable with public displays of openly gay affection.  Guess what?  That is my problem!  It is not the responsibility of a gay person to make me feel okay.  I am in control of my own thoughts and feeling, the same as you. 

It is not the churches responsibility to turn gay people straight.  The churches responsibility is the deliver the message of God, love and help others heal as they themselves heal.  I do not believe any man is perfect enough to 'fix' another.  I believe a lifestyle can be displayed and others will follow if it is attractive. 

People Struggling with Their Sexuality

There are many people struggling with their sexuality.  Some people are gay and want to be straight.  There are some straight people that want to be gay.  People are changing their sex all together with surgery and hormones.  Many different factors play into the confusion these people try to untangle.  People that are unsure of their sexual orientation suffer with an enormous amount of internal conflict.  These people come to church seeking refuge from their pain and many times find rejection and judgment.  "If you are unable to be like us in a certain amount of time it is your fault."  This leads to people living lies once again.  Desperately wanting to be accepted, but once again finding themselves lost.

My message is simply love. Love people along their paths and allow them the space to change as they see fit.  Allow God the ability to interact with a person's soul and renew them according to His will.  If a person is gay, why deny them the right to love.  Living a life of celibacy should be a personal choice, not imposed because a person is gay.  If gay people are to live lives without ever being able express romantic love, liars should not be able to speak.  Backstabbers should have to live in isolation and adulterers should never be allowed to remarry. 

If a person is gay, why should they have to change to make everyone else comfortable?  There are a lot of really bad people that the church could focus on.  Like the insensitive church people that drive people to suicide and away from God.  

Our America with Lisa Ling- "Pray the Gay Away."

photos via: wolvturnedon.blogspot.com, equalitybritain.co.uk, liveoffmusicnow.blogspot.com, confused-honest-young-boy.blogspot.com via Google images

Me and My Dad- The Relationship That Shapes You

I speak to my dad at least once a day!  I am grateful because my dad is 84 years old and still able to walk, talk and think clearly.  I did not realize I had another significant reason to be grateful until this week. 

I was talking to my dad on the phone and it just so happened that I had a friend over.  I was telling my dad I love you and insisting he not give me money.  As I was having this ordinary conversation, I looked at my friend and saw an emptiness in her eyes.  Then I remembered her dad was not there for her.  She was raised by her mother and continually disappointed by her dad.  I felt a moment of shame for telling my dad I loved him when I saw the gaze in her eyes.  That's when I realized the special gift I have because my dad cares.

I began to think of all of my other friends, co-workers, patients and acquaintances.  Many of them do not have relationships with their dads.  Their dads had re-married, beat their mothers, ran off with other women, sexually abused them or just missing in action.  Some of these people I know suffer from an emptiness and sense rejection that is difficult to heal. 

They have to live with the knowledge of someone that gave them life contributed nothing but pain to their existence.  I wonder if they look at strangers and think- is that my dad?  I wonder how different their lives would have been if their dads cared.  I wonder what the distance is between wholeness and brokenness? 

Now that I have come to this realization what does it mean for me?  Should I give extra compassion to those without dads?  Should I automatically assume a person is broken because their dads were absent?  Should I feel shame or guilt for having a dad that loves me?
 

Conclusions 

You were not responsible for choosing your dad.  God designed and designated each person a specific dad according to His purpose.  He knew what certain people would endure.  He also knew the potential each dad had to shape His creation.  It becomes the responsibility of each individual to use all of the good, the bad and the foul ugliness to become their best self. 

It is not easy walking through the pain of yesterday, but it has the ability to make today incredible.  Always remember you are not what anyone has done to you!  You are what God created you to be, now be courageous and become what God intended.  You have been set up for greatness! 

photos via: depressivedisorder.blogspot.com, mydoctor.daiserpermanente.org via Google images

Reese Witherspoon- Empowers Women with Jewelry

Resse Witherspoon, actress, global ambassador and honorary chair for the Avon Foundation for Women, is helping fight domestic violence with a $10 bracelet.  100% of the net profits go to the foundation.  

 If you are unable to view this video follow this link

Abuse hurts, if you can help a woman Empower herself and look good while doing it, why not?  You can find an Avon representative by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON or by visiting www.avon.com
photo and video via: Avon Foundation for Women

The Power of Correct Thinking- Start with Your Imagination

My spiritual journey has led me to analyze the power of my thinking.  This concept is not new to me, but the depths of this creative principle have become astoundingly real.  This has been an awaking for me through my spiritual purification.

I realized I still had a deep rooted victim mentality that rotted and poisoned my experiences and relationships.  I felt powerless in many work situations and gave my power over to people that wanted to do me harm.  I blamed others over and over again for treating me cruelly and making my life miserable.  But when I decided to let go of being a victim, I had to hold myself accountable for the bad things in my life as well.  This epiphany by no means excuses abusive people for acting inappropriately and sometimes illegally.  What it does is hold me accountable for allowing the behavior to continue.

People that have been abused or that have experienced trauma have their imaginations poisoned.  If these dark fears and bad expectations are not properly dealt with continuous abuse is likely to occur.  The bad outcomes and bad relationships stem from a continuous mental movie of negative expectations.  As humans we are led in the direction of our beliefs, and we think and imagine in the direction of our beliefs.

Have you ever been daydreaming about your future and find yourself feeling afraid?  This is what usually happens.  Let's use a fictional character named Ruth.  Ruth is a 36 year old female that dreams of getting a college degree, working as an administrator and owning her own business on the side.  Currently Ruth is a clerk at K-Mart and takes classes here and there.

Ruth is extremely intelligent but often finds herself in bad situations.  She has had abusive boyfriends, bad bosses, back stabbing friends and accumulating debt.  No matter how hard she fights she ends up with the short end of the stick and she believes she is a loser.  Each time she dreams of success she imagines obstacle after obstacle blocking her path.  She does not think she is worthy and allows others to push her around.  Ruth's life is not going to change until she believe in herself and her ability to succeed.  She definitely has everything it takes to accomplish her dreams, but lacks the faith in her own existence.  

Ruth's life will not change until she believes she deserves better.  Your life will not change until you decide you can really do and be better.  Sometimes it takes an extraordinary event to bring this change about or you can use the power of correct thinking. 

The most important thing I want to leave you with is your imagination.  You have the ability to create a success in your mind or a failure.  Which one do you really want?  You have the power to imagine beyond your obstacles and live out your dreams in reality.  Taking control of your mind and imagination is Empowering and can bring about real change. 

If you can not see this video, view it on the website using this link

photos via: faqs.org, topnews.ae via Google images

"Working on Monday"- Off Day

Hi everyone!  Today has been a very good day!  I took the day off, but I will have another "Working on Monday" coming next week. 

Until next Monday...

Decision Making- Researching Your Choices

Making good decisions requires research!  Yes even the simple things in life, like buying dishes, picking party planners and buying a new cell phone.  The more information you have, the less likely you will be outwitted.  I tend to jump into situations and figure things out as I go along.  This patten has cost me many emotional, spiritual, financial and physical tribulations. 

I felt that if I did not jump at an interesting offer, I would lose out.  How wrong I have been.  It is more important to make informed decisions.  I could have avoided many years of needless pain and foolishness.  The bottom line, when you want to do things right, you do the research!

Researching your choices significantly slows down the pace of living.  It also delays the excitement of getting new things.  The trade off of losing these aspects of fast living are more solid investments that give long term happiness. 

Take a look at your life.  How many current situations are you navigating based on little or no research?  How much stress are these decisions causing you?  How many things are you fixing or changing?  How much money are you spending due to impulsive whims?  How many times have you said, if I had of known then, what I know now, I would have done things differently?  If you can answer any of these questions affirmatively it may be time to make some changes.

Some of the benefits of an informed decisions are:

1. Peace!
2. Organization
3. Long-term happiness
4. Less regrets
5. A better chance of having financial stability
6. A sense of accomplishment
7. You will hear a lie and avoid making foolish decisions
8. You become an example for your children, co-workers, family and other people in your circle

It is not too late to turn bad situations around or simply let them go.  Do research on your current situations and make them work for you, instead of against you.  Tell people you need time to think before you make a decision.  If they are pressuring you or you are feeling pressured step away and find the information you need.

An Empowered life is an informed life based on good research! 
photo via: flattlang.com, njpaccoop.org

Let Your Dreams Create Your Budget- Money Does Not Determine Your Destiny!

It does not take a bank full of money to live an Empowered life.  It takes a spirit that yearns to express its passion and the courage to embody the fullness of your existence.  Finding something that propels you to overcome financial obstacles is a great indication you found your passion. 

I heard the inspirational story of Dani Johnson yesterday.  She was a homeless teen that started a business out of the trunk of her car.  She demonstrated that her dream was bigger than her bank account.  Tyler Perry is another person that overcame homelessness and allowed his dream to direct his course.  He invested his life savings only to lose it.  This unfortunate tragedy still did not deter his yearning to produce plays.  These examples illustrate how the ignited momentum of a dream can overcome the limitations of an empty bank account.

How many of you have stopped dreaming because you allowed cash flow to dictate your destiny?  It is not cash that makes your dream, it is your dream that makes the cash!  When a person has a made up mind to win, no obstacle seems too impossible. 

Each person with breath in their lungs has something special to share.  Including you!  The constraints of limited funds can make you believe your dream is done, but the reality is, a limited budget can fuel your movement towards success.  Bad credit does not have to deter you either!  If you have a solid plan, many people will be willing to invest in your future.

It is important to change your perspective and use situations like limited or no funds work for you!  Here are some things to think about.

1. Focus on where you want to be, not on where you are at.  If your attention is on the glory of your dreams, you are more likely to make decisions today, to get you there tomorrow.  
2. Write a plan!  Putting your hopes and dreams in writing seals them in reality.  You will have a tendency to realign your life towards your goals.  You will become creative and think of innovative ways to make your dreams happen.
3. Get serious!  The things you nurture in life become the biggest things in your life.  For example, if you nurture your bad luck, by thinking and talking about it all the time, you are more likely to have bad luck.  Begin to think about, see and act upon opportunities.  They are all around you!  Yes, even you!
4. How much will it cost?  Begin to write down how much it will cost you to achieve your dream.  What are the things you need to reach your goal?  When you have an active knowledge of where you are going and what it will cost, miraculous things happen.  You begin to make better decisions and find resourceful ways to make money.  Suddenly waiting tables is not humiliating when there is a clear determined end.
5. Be patient!  As you begin to work towards your dream, be patient.  Getting a clear idea, plan and way to finance your endeavor can take time.  If you have to get there before the end of the day you will give up before the real work begins.  Every person that has made it from nothing, made it on patience.
6. Use your imagination wisely.  Set aside some time to visualize your dream.  Every person that has made it to a great goal, spent a lot of time day dreaming!  They pictured how the future would be when their dream was fulfilled.  They thought about the people they would meet and the words they would say.  The saw the clothes they would wear and they solved problems in their fantasies.  God gave us an imagination, use it for good.

I believe dreams can come true and I believe your dreams are only as real as you make them.  Re-kindle your fading expectations and watch your bank account follow!  

A Job Well Done!- Enjoy the Moment

It is very nice to enjoy the quiet that comes after an accomplished project.  This quiet comes after you know you have done a good job!  You know you have worked hard and at times never saw the end of the task.  It is such a sweet serenity!  Soak up the moment and meditate on your accomplishments.  It gives your mind such a quiet calm!  Ahhhhhhhh!

"Working on Monday"- What is Workplace Integrity?

One of the most important qualities a person can embody is integrity.  But what is integrity in the business world?  Through my years of employment I have seen this happen over and over again.  The lying, cheat get promoted, raises and unfortunately get other people fired.  They walk through the workplace with a chip on their shoulder and take every opportunity to suck up to administrators.  Everyone seems to be afraid of this person or office click and turn blind eyes to their behavior.  Respect is given to them and the guys acting with real integrity are getting the shaft.  What is going on?

The other scenario is a wicked boss.  They write people up based on nonsense.  They throw their authority around like cheep cologne and would be better off supervising parked cars! 

People are driven to take medications, turn into liars to keep their jobs and walk around on egg shells because they do not know what is coming next.  This is not what the workplace is supposed to be about.  Work is about getting quality goods and services to customers and keeping them satisfied.  Since when does customer satisfaction equal backstabbing your co-worker?  Why are we surprised when we hear stories like Enron?  What will it take to stop the corporate beasts?

These are complex questions.  It is very difficult to do the right thing in a corrupt environment.  One place you can start is here:

1. Stop taking the B.S.  Let people understand you know how they operate.  Why play games and add life to their lie and death to your happiness.  
2. Report bad behavior.  It is tough to report bad behavior in a corrupt environment.  People form clicks and cover each other.  Find outside reporting agencies.  Do not make ultimatums or give warnings.  Just do it!
3. Find positive people and situations.  Being surrounded by corruption is emotionally, spiritually and physically draining.  Find positive people and situations to counter the nonsense.

 To be continued next Monday...
photo via: crossfitinvictis.com via Google images