By Jennifer Tankersley Platinum Quality Author
I was driving home from an exhausting morning of dropping kids off at school, running errands, and fulfilling appointments. I passed a marquee on my route that displayed the simple phrase, "Count Your Blessings." This is a phrase that I have heard many times in my life, but for the first time, I focused on what the words actually mean. I have always thought this phrase to mean that I should be grateful for what I have. It is often used when something bad has happened and in order to look at the bright side, I am reminded to count my blessings. However, on this sunny day, as I was tired and looking forward to reaching the home I share with my family, I thought about these words in a new way.
I began to inventory the positive things in my life. At the top of the list are the obvious blessings: my family. If I were making a list, my family alone would take up the first 50 spaces. Next would come the friends I have made along the way. In my lifetime, I have lived in 7 different towns or cities around the United States and spent a minimum of two months on three other continents. I have met a lot of people and am thrilled to say that there are many good people everywhere I have been privileged to visit. My health and the health of my husband, children, and parents are not to be under appreciated. There are so many people who are at this moment worrying about issues of life and death for a loved one. Finally, there are basic needs that are fundamental to existence: food, clothing, and shelter. My family is fortunate to be able to enjoy an evening meal together with plenty of food to fill our plates and bellies. Our closets are full of possibilities for approximately three weeks of outfit choices. Just over a year ago, we came to Maine to find a place to live and chose a house in which we envision our children growing up and eventually grandchildren roaming the halls.
It is important to take stock of the good things in our lives. On those days when I feel like things are not going my way, I can look at my growing list of things for which I am grateful. Take some time today to "Count your Blessings" and discover just how full of life and love you truly are!
Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt.com where you can find 250 lists and planning pages including cleaning schedules, daily to do lists, grocery lists, holiday/party planning pages, and even a page to help you count your blessings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Tankersley
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
How to Build the Motivation to Finally Get Yourself Organized
By Austen Seekabow Platinum Quality Author
Disorganization in your life can really hurt, not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually. There are lots of reasons that we let our homes upkeep go. Maybe we had a new baby join the family or were struck with an illness. Whatever the issue, when you finally get fed up with the clutter, it can be difficult to find the motivation to deal with the mess. These three tips will hopefully inspire you, and help you give yourself a little push in the right direction.
* To Start is the Hardest Part. This is universally true when dealing with any difficult task. We build the problem up in our mind and continually psych ourselves out over it. Finding a place to start is not that difficult when you think about it, and when you finally get the ball rolling, the worst is already over.
* You Can Do It. Sometimes we build the problem up in our mind until we convince ourselves we can not overcome it, and that it is not even worth trying. While your homes condition may be serious, it is something you can handle. It helps most to divide the problem into bite size chunks. This allows you to have many small victories, rather than trying to tackle the whole issue at once.
* You Are Not Alone. These problems affect everyone in their lives at some point. You may feel very alone, but believe you are not. There are millions of people all over the world facing clutter problems. Chances are you know someone close to you that has overcome disorganization themselves. You would be surprised.
When you apply these three simple tips to your situation, it can help you to put things in a little better focus, and get a grip on things. Just remember, this problem is not bigger than you.
Home organization methods that really work.
Do you feel like putting a match to your mess and walking away? It does not have to be that way.
Declutter Fast will teach you:
* How To DeClutter in One Day
* The Painless Four-Pass Method of Decluttering
* Emergency Decluttering - When Clutter Must VANISH Now!
Learn the 2 Big Secrets that prevents most people from effectively dealing with their clutter problems.
Hi, my name is Austen Seekabow, and I want to help you get organized. You can can find more of my articles about organization at ezinearticles, they will help you to clear the clutter out of your life and bring your hope back.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austen_Seekabow
Disorganization in your life can really hurt, not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually. There are lots of reasons that we let our homes upkeep go. Maybe we had a new baby join the family or were struck with an illness. Whatever the issue, when you finally get fed up with the clutter, it can be difficult to find the motivation to deal with the mess. These three tips will hopefully inspire you, and help you give yourself a little push in the right direction.
* To Start is the Hardest Part. This is universally true when dealing with any difficult task. We build the problem up in our mind and continually psych ourselves out over it. Finding a place to start is not that difficult when you think about it, and when you finally get the ball rolling, the worst is already over.
* You Can Do It. Sometimes we build the problem up in our mind until we convince ourselves we can not overcome it, and that it is not even worth trying. While your homes condition may be serious, it is something you can handle. It helps most to divide the problem into bite size chunks. This allows you to have many small victories, rather than trying to tackle the whole issue at once.
* You Are Not Alone. These problems affect everyone in their lives at some point. You may feel very alone, but believe you are not. There are millions of people all over the world facing clutter problems. Chances are you know someone close to you that has overcome disorganization themselves. You would be surprised.
When you apply these three simple tips to your situation, it can help you to put things in a little better focus, and get a grip on things. Just remember, this problem is not bigger than you.
Home organization methods that really work.
Do you feel like putting a match to your mess and walking away? It does not have to be that way.
Declutter Fast will teach you:
* How To DeClutter in One Day
* The Painless Four-Pass Method of Decluttering
* Emergency Decluttering - When Clutter Must VANISH Now!
Learn the 2 Big Secrets that prevents most people from effectively dealing with their clutter problems.
Hi, my name is Austen Seekabow, and I want to help you get organized. You can can find more of my articles about organization at ezinearticles, they will help you to clear the clutter out of your life and bring your hope back.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austen_Seekabow
Monday, 7 January 2008
How the Israelites' Days in the Desert Relate to Us Today
By Ianny Lau
When God, through Moses, led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt some 4000 years ago, they complained about lack in the desert. Probably discomfort, too.
In Numbers chapter 13, the twelve men who explored the 'land flowing with milk and honey' had just returned to the camp. Ten of them were terrified by the magnitude of the task of taking over 'the fortified cities inhabited by people stronger and more powerful than they were'.
In Nu 14:2, the Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron, prefering their misery in Egypt to what they perceived as uncertainty in entering the promised land.
How does this relate to many of us today?
You see, we yearn to live meaningful lives without bondage to a means of livelihood. Many of us are enslaved to making ends meet, yet our efforts do not seem to yield.
There must be alternative paths out of stagnancy - haven't many others already claimed their success? But like the 10 Israelites (who actually saw the final outcome, ie the promised land, with their own eyes), we are paralyzed by what we perceive as an overwhelming task.
So, we are not willing to swap the known today for the unknown. That is understandable. But ponder yourself honestly for a second. Will you 'sacrifice' your position today even if you did know the final outcome with absolute certainty?
The point is this: contrary to our desire to set free, subconsciously, we do choose to stay put.
One way out of this dilemma is to take small steps. "A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step". The steps don't have to be drastic. They are essentially as simple as setting aside small affordable investments as seed to new streams of income.
Choose investments or businesses that do not tie up your time in the long run. Passive income streams take time to build, but once going, you only have to attend to them from time-to-time. Don't let them be full time jobs.
If you had taken the drastic step of leaving your job to dedicate to building alternate income streams, be watchful not regret when you remember 'Egypt'. You will encounter some ups and many downs. But count your blessings throughout the process. Recognise miracles that happen to you and journal them! (The Israelites had quite quickly forgotten that God was in charge. How could they not remember the awesome parting of the Red Sea?!)
Invest in yourself by continually educating yourself. There are many successful people from whom you can learn and get ideas. Avail yourself to listen them out. With the internet today, you can attend good seminars at your own time and convenience.
There is a web-based e-learning company that offers seminars by masters of their respective fields. Your subscription entitles you to Learning Channels in Personal Development, Corporate Training, Family, Lifestyle, and Language Mastery, among other learning and video conferencing resources, in addition to the right to distribute this product.
The greatest risk of all is the risk of not getting anywhere.
Ianny Lau is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, more by circumstances than by choice. He is an example of a very conservative person brought up to find virtue in getting a good job. In a rather different economy today, Ianny encourages and helps others start small in businesses. You can find one such opportunity at http://www.strategytofreedom.com
Ianny shares pictures and recordings of simple songs he plays on the piano at http://blog.strategytofreedom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ianny_Lau
Ianny Lau - EzineArticles Expert Author
When God, through Moses, led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt some 4000 years ago, they complained about lack in the desert. Probably discomfort, too.
In Numbers chapter 13, the twelve men who explored the 'land flowing with milk and honey' had just returned to the camp. Ten of them were terrified by the magnitude of the task of taking over 'the fortified cities inhabited by people stronger and more powerful than they were'.
In Nu 14:2, the Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron, prefering their misery in Egypt to what they perceived as uncertainty in entering the promised land.
How does this relate to many of us today?
You see, we yearn to live meaningful lives without bondage to a means of livelihood. Many of us are enslaved to making ends meet, yet our efforts do not seem to yield.
There must be alternative paths out of stagnancy - haven't many others already claimed their success? But like the 10 Israelites (who actually saw the final outcome, ie the promised land, with their own eyes), we are paralyzed by what we perceive as an overwhelming task.
So, we are not willing to swap the known today for the unknown. That is understandable. But ponder yourself honestly for a second. Will you 'sacrifice' your position today even if you did know the final outcome with absolute certainty?
The point is this: contrary to our desire to set free, subconsciously, we do choose to stay put.
One way out of this dilemma is to take small steps. "A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step". The steps don't have to be drastic. They are essentially as simple as setting aside small affordable investments as seed to new streams of income.
Choose investments or businesses that do not tie up your time in the long run. Passive income streams take time to build, but once going, you only have to attend to them from time-to-time. Don't let them be full time jobs.
If you had taken the drastic step of leaving your job to dedicate to building alternate income streams, be watchful not regret when you remember 'Egypt'. You will encounter some ups and many downs. But count your blessings throughout the process. Recognise miracles that happen to you and journal them! (The Israelites had quite quickly forgotten that God was in charge. How could they not remember the awesome parting of the Red Sea?!)
Invest in yourself by continually educating yourself. There are many successful people from whom you can learn and get ideas. Avail yourself to listen them out. With the internet today, you can attend good seminars at your own time and convenience.
There is a web-based e-learning company that offers seminars by masters of their respective fields. Your subscription entitles you to Learning Channels in Personal Development, Corporate Training, Family, Lifestyle, and Language Mastery, among other learning and video conferencing resources, in addition to the right to distribute this product.
The greatest risk of all is the risk of not getting anywhere.
Ianny Lau is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, more by circumstances than by choice. He is an example of a very conservative person brought up to find virtue in getting a good job. In a rather different economy today, Ianny encourages and helps others start small in businesses. You can find one such opportunity at http://www.strategytofreedom.com
Ianny shares pictures and recordings of simple songs he plays on the piano at http://blog.strategytofreedom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ianny_Lau
Ianny Lau - EzineArticles Expert Author
Your Intentions Are Talking About You
By Margaret Meloni
For many weeks now you have listened to one of your colleagues say, "I really should dust off my resume, this position is not growing my career." In spite of this it never occurs to you that your colleague is truly going to make a job change. You hear many people talk about what they should do or name actions they need to take. But actions speak louder than words and right now all you are observing is talk and no action.
Then one week you hear a new phrase. "This weekend I want to work on my resume", you even hear a different tone of voice emanating from your colleague. Now it sounds like after weeks of stating he should be starting a job search, he is really moving forward. And it occurs to you that perhaps he really is serious about looking for a new job.
Two months pass and you and your colleague meet for lunch. Excitedly he tells you, "I am accepting a Senior Manager position at Acme Software." And now you see that he has followed his intention from a spark of an idea, to the execution of an action plan. Now you believe that he is leaving the company.
In the above story you can follow the levels of intention:
• Level One: I should or I need - This indicates recognition of or a desire to make a change or take an action, but is not an action plan.
• Level Two: I want or I am going to - Now the talk about a change or action is being transformed into a plan, it may make the top of the to-do list.
• Level Three: I am - A clear statement of intention reflecting action and ownership for the results. This is the execution and this is where an intention becomes a reality.
Take note, if a team member looks at you and says, "I know I owe you that design document and I should have it by Friday." Or, "I should really get to work on your project." This is not the same as when that same team member looks at you and says, "I know I owe you that design document and I am going to send it to you on Friday." Or, "I am working on your deliverables right now."
In most instances the use of should, going to or I am will tell you the strength of the intention.
Margaret Meloni helps professionals create career strategies that bring them success and enhance their work experiences. She helps her clients focus on the importance of professional brand and reputation management.
Margaret is a people oriented leader with over eighteen years experience in Information Technology. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from California State University, Long Beach. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and an instructor at the University of California Los Angeles.
A dynamic speaker who combines inspiration, common sense and a dash of humor; Margaret has spoken at technology conferences and events hosted by the Association of Information Technology Professionals; The Project Management Institute and The International Institute of Business Analysis.
This same style keeps her UCLA and UC Irvine students and seminar attendees actively engaged during their learning experience.
To learn more please visit: http://www.melonicoaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Meloni
Margaret Meloni - EzineArticles Expert Author
For many weeks now you have listened to one of your colleagues say, "I really should dust off my resume, this position is not growing my career." In spite of this it never occurs to you that your colleague is truly going to make a job change. You hear many people talk about what they should do or name actions they need to take. But actions speak louder than words and right now all you are observing is talk and no action.
Then one week you hear a new phrase. "This weekend I want to work on my resume", you even hear a different tone of voice emanating from your colleague. Now it sounds like after weeks of stating he should be starting a job search, he is really moving forward. And it occurs to you that perhaps he really is serious about looking for a new job.
Two months pass and you and your colleague meet for lunch. Excitedly he tells you, "I am accepting a Senior Manager position at Acme Software." And now you see that he has followed his intention from a spark of an idea, to the execution of an action plan. Now you believe that he is leaving the company.
In the above story you can follow the levels of intention:
• Level One: I should or I need - This indicates recognition of or a desire to make a change or take an action, but is not an action plan.
• Level Two: I want or I am going to - Now the talk about a change or action is being transformed into a plan, it may make the top of the to-do list.
• Level Three: I am - A clear statement of intention reflecting action and ownership for the results. This is the execution and this is where an intention becomes a reality.
Take note, if a team member looks at you and says, "I know I owe you that design document and I should have it by Friday." Or, "I should really get to work on your project." This is not the same as when that same team member looks at you and says, "I know I owe you that design document and I am going to send it to you on Friday." Or, "I am working on your deliverables right now."
In most instances the use of should, going to or I am will tell you the strength of the intention.
Margaret Meloni helps professionals create career strategies that bring them success and enhance their work experiences. She helps her clients focus on the importance of professional brand and reputation management.
Margaret is a people oriented leader with over eighteen years experience in Information Technology. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from California State University, Long Beach. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and an instructor at the University of California Los Angeles.
A dynamic speaker who combines inspiration, common sense and a dash of humor; Margaret has spoken at technology conferences and events hosted by the Association of Information Technology Professionals; The Project Management Institute and The International Institute of Business Analysis.
This same style keeps her UCLA and UC Irvine students and seminar attendees actively engaged during their learning experience.
To learn more please visit: http://www.melonicoaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Meloni
Margaret Meloni - EzineArticles Expert Author
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
