Archive for October, 2009

Three Ways to Achieving The Gratitude Attitude

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838 days
by in Uncategorized

rose“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” Alphonse Carr certainly had the right attitude about life. There are times in my life that I have found myself moaning about something in my life for which I should be grateful. It is possible to discover the gratitude attitude instead.
1. Be present. It’s a beautiful season, here in East Tennessee. The leaves are changing; the air is crisp. I had not noticed ANY of this until this week, when I finally slowed down and took it all in.
2. Say thanks. Every day I notice how little our society says “thank you” anymore. It seems we have a sense of “entitlement.” No one owes us anything. Nothing. We should be grateful to others for any kindness they show us.
3. Be grateful.  List everything for which you should be grateful. I’m grateful for my family and friends, for God’s love and generosity towards me, and many other reasons. Sometimes when something is bothering me, I focus on that and get unhappy. I’ve been accused of being a Pollyanna (thanks, Kate!), but in reality, I have had some rough times. Really rough times. I just have chosen to focus on what is right in my life. Does that mean I never get discouraged, that I never get down? Quite the contrary! I can complain with the best of them. I have just noticed that I am happier (and my family and friends are happier) when I focus on the positive. Nothing may inherently change about the situation, but my attitude will make a big difference.

Some people argue that a positive attitude does not help; I disagree, because I have lived both ways.  Being positive is infinitely better.

Recharge and Reconnect!

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839 days
by in Uncategorized
Don't Forget to Rest

Don't Forget to Rest

Yesterday, I did not work. I spent the day relaxing with my husband. Yes, we both had work to do – we are busy working with Internet Marketing. However, we both realize that to recharge and reconnect is important to both of us individually and as a couple. Taking time out yesterday will help both of us work harder today.

Don’t get so busy that you neglect yourself, your family, and your relationship with God.

Time Shift

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848 days
by in Uncategorized

Time shift

Time shift

Time. It’s such a strange concept. When you are having fun, it seems to fly by quickly. When you are bored or waiting for an adventure, time creeps along slowly. But, regardless of how fast or slow time moves, the fact remains that you have a finite amount of this commodity. And commodity it is. Time is worth money – just ask any big CEO if he spends time doing the little chores like filing, etc. My guess is he (or she!) will say “no, my time is too valuable.”

Well, guess what? Your time is valuable as well. What are you spending your time on today? Have you decided on which of your goals is your priority? Most of your time should be spent here – on this priority goal. My only caveat is that you need to spend time with your family and God. Don’t let your goal become all-consuming.

Good luck in your endeavors!

Worth the climb

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849 days
by in Uncategorized

I spent my honeymoon in Greece. One day, we were taking a cruise when we stopped to visit “old town” Skiathos. I am a real history buff, and I wanted to see this town where the people of Skiathos had once taken refuge. The only problem was it was at the top of a gigantic mountain (at least to me, it was a mountain!) I hesitantly began the climb, cringing when the guide nonchalantly told me to “watch out for the snakes.” Under my breath, I muttered, “This had better be worth it.” Once I was at the top of the cliff, overlooking the cerulean blue sea, I knew at once that it had been worth every difficulty to get there.

Greece

Greece

It is just like that in our personal and business lives. We want to do something, but it looks like it is a mountain looming ahead of us. Take heart. It takes one step right after another, but you can get there. Watch out for the snakes that might try to hold you back, but just keep going.

So Why the Drama?

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851 days
by in Uncategorized

We are adults, right? The last time I checked, I was an adult. I have all the adult responsibilities. Mortgage? Check. Credit card bills? Check. Utilities? Check. Drama? Che…Wait! That’s not an adult trait, is it? Nope. At least, it shouldn’t be.

Adulthood is a time in our lives where we should be able to be ourselves without worrying what others think. This was (still is, to be honest) a big problem for me. From looking around, I can see that it is still a problem for others as well.

What I am coming to learn and finally accept is that if you are true to yourself and your values, you do not need to worry about what other people think. It’s between you and God.

Too many times, we (including myself here!) get hung up on something we perceive that a friend has done to us. In all reality, the person didn’t “do” it to you, you just perceived it that way. You cannot be in another human’s mind to figure out his/her motive.

I knew someone who “perceived” herself into misery. If she liked a couch and her sister bought it, she accused her sister of buying it so that she could not have it. When her neighbor painted his house the color she had mentioned (in passing, mind you) she thought he had done it on purpose. Why she thought that people had these evil intentions toward her, I have no idea. She was a sweet, loving person. I bought into her dramas until she turned it on me. Her birthday fell on a Friday one year, and so I decided to have her party (yes, my family and I were throwing her a party) on Saturday. She accused of us moving her birthday celebration on purpose to hurt her. I truly loved this individual, but in the four years since I have talked to her, I have NOT missed her drama one iota.

Take a moment to consider that most people do not make you the center of their world. Just try to cut them (and yourself) a break. NO more drama! I know this is certainly my goal.

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