Positive Thinking Power Worked for this Bartender

This is an amazing story of a bartender from Calgary who had the dream of of hiking through the Peruvian mountains to the mystical and sacred Lost City of the Incas at Machu Picchu.  Realizing that he did not have enough money, he began visualizing money coming to him.  Three weeks after he began he received a check in the mail for $7000.

Read his story.  It’s really cool!

Congratulations Brett.  I wish you a world of fun and excitement!

Positive thinking: Reduce stress, enjoy life more

Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Overcome negative self-talk by recognizing it and practicing with some examples provided.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic.

In fact, some studies show that these personality traits — optimism and pessimism — can affect many areas of your health and well-being. Positive thinking also is a key part of effective stress management. Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. It just means that you approach the unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way.

With all this in mind, take a refresher course in positive thinking. Learn how to put positive thinking into action in your own life, and reap the benefits.

Understanding positive thinking and self-talk

Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.

The health benefits of positive thinking

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and have reduced rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Identifying negative thinking

Some common forms of negative self-talk include:

• Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all of the positive ones. For example, say you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. But you forgot one minor step. That evening, you focus only on your oversight and forget about the compliments you received.
• Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled, and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you.
• Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst. You refuse to go out with friends for fear that you’ll make a fool of yourself. Or one change in your daily routine leads you to think the entire day will be a disaster.
• Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad, black or white. There is no middle ground. You feel that you have to be perfect or that you’re a total failure.

Focusing on positive thinking

Because your self-talk is mainly negative doesn’t mean you’re doomed to an unhappy or unhealthy life. You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice — you’re creating a new habit, after all. Here are some ways to think and behave in a more positive way:

• Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you’re thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.
• Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you feel less stressed.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle. Exercise at least three times a week to positively affect mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body. And learn to manage stress.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people, those who believe they have no power over their lives, may increase your stress level and may make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways.
• Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about yourself.

Examples of typical negative self-talk and how you might apply a positive twist include:

Negative self-talk	Positive spin
I’ve never done it before.	It’s an opportunity to learn something new.
It’s too complicated.	I’ll tackle it from a different angle.
I don’t have the resources.	Necessity is the mother of invention.
I’m too lazy to get this done.	I wasn’t able to fit it into my schedule but can re-examine some priorities.
There’s no way it will work.	I can try to make it work.
It’s too radical a change.	Let’s take a chance.
No one bothers to communicate with me.	I’ll see if I can open the channels of communication.
I’m not going to get any better at this.	I’ll give it another try.

Practicing positive thinking every day

If you tend to have a negative outlook, don’t expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you. Plus, when you share your positive mood and positive experience, both you and those around you enjoy an emotional boost.

Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

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Source

Allison ONeill’s 7 Personal Rituals to Improve Her Life

Stumbled upon this great article by Allison ONeill on 7 personal rituals she uses to improve her life.  I started this year my own personal Gratitude list where I write down each day what I am grateful for.  Things such as my healthy body (legs, eyes, ears, taste buds), food, transportation, whatever I feel grateful in the day comes up.  Like she says, it reminds you of how blessed you are.  Check out Allison ONeills 7 Personal Rituals to Improve Her Life, it may also help you.

The law of attraction: what you pay attention to grows

Cute article by author Alex Marcoux of the Denver examiner whose 14 year old son reminds her of the “I can afford that!” mentallity of the Secret.

Did you have your 400 laughs today?

Here’s a great article about the number of times adults laugh vs the number of times children laugh.

I’ve always heard that laughter is good medicine and it seems that the scientist see that as well because it can also alleviate the tensions in relationships with others while putting our life into perspective.

Laughter is also a great way to change your frequency. If you’re in a down mood read or listen to a good joke. That will definately cheer you up. When you’re cheered up, your energy level will rise to a higher frequency than which it came resulting in a better out look on life and a greater perspective on all things. So laugh…better yet lol (laugh out loud).

Great ways to bring more laughter into your life includ:

Practice laughing 5 minutes a day. Fake it if you must. Your body will take over eventually.

Here’s a funny joke to raise your frequency.

Four best friends met at the hospital since their wives were giving births to their babies. The nurse comes up to the first man and says, “Congratulations, you got twins.” The man said “How strange, I’m the manager of Minnesota Twins.” After awhile the nurse comes up to the second man and says, “Congratulations, you got triplets.” Man was like “Hmmm, strange I worked as a director for the “3 musketeers.” Finally, the nurse comes up to the third man and says “Congratulations, you got twins x2.” Man is happy and says, “Ironic, I work for the hotel “4 Seasons.” All three of them are happy until they see their last buddy jumping all over the place, cursing God and banging his head on the wall. They asked him what’s wrong and he answered, “What’s wrong? I work for 7up”!

Check out the laughter article.

Lisa Nichols: Living the Life You Love

Lisa Nichols, one of the speakers on The Secret has a new book out called “You can overcome any obstacle, no matter what”.  This will definately be on my next to read after I’m done with The Mystery of 2012.  Check out the article.

Check out a recent seminar she did below.

Book: The Mystery of 2012

Just started reading it. Right now I’m at the information about the Mayan Calendar and the new age of wisdom which sounds vaguely familiar to all the new awakenings that The Secret has created.

Check it out…

Product Description - taken from Amazon.com

What Will Happen in 2012? Will there be an age of awakening, a new step in human evolution, or even an end to the world we know? For years, archaeologists have known the Mayan calendar predicts this date as the end of an era on Earth. Today, more and more researchers, spiritual explorers, and even scientists are witnessing signs that 2012 will mark a critical shift in the history of our planet. Now, the leading authorities on the 2012 phenomenon present their insights about this enigmatic date.

Featuring essays from 25 renowned experts on the question of 2012, this invaluable anthology examines the mystery from every angle–spiritual, economic, ecological, and scientific–and to decide for yourself whether 2012 will end with a whimper or a bang. In The Mystery of 2012, you will discover the startling predictions and revelations of prominent thinkers, including: * John Major Jenkins’ journey to the source for answers–the original Mayan calendar * Gregg Braden’s examination of the scientific evidence for a shift in the Earth’s magnetic field, and how it will affect all life * Barbara Marx Hubbard’s and Peter Russell’s explorations of the accelerating pace of evolution–why we may literally be transforming into a new species * Ecologist Joanna R. Macy’s vision of “The Great Turning,” and how we can take part in this shift to a life-sustaining culture * Daniel Pinchbeck’s investigation of the shift of consciousness that will be necessary for humanity to survive 2012 * Jean Houston’s predictions on the coming “Jump Time,” and her practical advice for dealing with the impact it will have on your life * Corinne MacLaughlin’s discussion of using spirituality and consciousness to influence business and political trends

Soulmate Secret Newsletter # 8

So I’ve signed up for the Soulmate Secret Newsletters from Arielle Ford author of The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction after reading her book.  I found it to be very inspirational and true, that if you focus on making yourself a better person, you will attract the person that’s best for you.  She emphasizes that you must become the person you want to attract. ie Like attracts like.

This is one of her newsletters. I found it very touching.

Soulmate Secret newsletter #8 May 2009

My dear friend, Kute Blackson, sent out a newsletter the other day that touched me deeply and he has given me permission to share this story with you.

Kute’s teaching is all about expressing your deepest love RIGHT NOW. Several times each year he takes one client to India for what he calls a Liberation Experience. Once they arrive India, Kute takes away his clients passport and money, leaving them with a backpack and one change of clothes. They then spend the next 14 days with him, 24/7, for a non-stop transformational journey/process designed to strip away all the layers that are in the way of their full self expression. www.kuteblackson.net

On one of these journeys, Kute and his client were sitting at a train station in some remote part of India. It was filled with the handicapped, beggars, and homeless children. In a state of disbelief his client said “Kute, this is so overwhelming to see all this suffering. What can one do to help. I guess when I have billions in resources then I can really help and make a difference”.

“You don’t need to wait. Neither do you need to save the entire world. All you need to do is to do the little that you can, with what you have”. Kute replied.

Later that day Kute proceeded to take him out to the bridge over looking the train station, where a small group of homeless families lived, sprawled across the pavement. It was a heart shocking sight. He carried a bag filled with large bunches of bananas. As they walked up to the bridge Kute told his client that he was to go up to each man, woman and child on the bridge, and give them 2 bananas each. That he was to do this with as much love and compassion in his heart that he could muster. That each banana was to represent a part of his love.

Within seconds the client was swarmed by a dozen or so children looking at him with a deep hunger of hope in their eyes, asking him for bananas. One by one he gave them all bananas. When they had passed out the last banana, Kute took his client to the opposite side of the road and they sat on the pavement and watched the homeless folk as they ate their bananas.

The sight was truly amazing. The children were jumping for joy. Singing, shouting and dancing, as they ate the bananas. It was as though they had won the lottery! Tears began to stream down the clients face and he began to sob uncontrollably, as he witnessed the profound impact his simple gift had on these people, even if only for a brief moment. The impact of one banana on a child. The impact of one banana to give hope, and bring joy. It may have o nly been only one banana and yet it was powerful to see how it impacted each of these people. The client sobbed, as he imagined the impact he could have with the resources already in his life to make a difference.

Each of you has the gift of your love to share with the world. As you go through your personal process of manifesting a soulmate, don’t forget to share your love each day with everyone you come in contact with. Do as Kute says, LOVE NOW.

Wishing you love, laughter and magical kisses,

Arielle

Be Still and Listen to Spirit

“I have learned to listen to the voice of spirit within me, instead of the voice of the world outside of me. Spirit lives in me and I am careful of what I hear from the universe.” I came across this beautiful thought for today and I wish to share it with others who believe in positive thinking and would like to change their frequency for the day.

Drop me a line with your own thoughts of positive thinking.

Gain Confidence with the Power of Positive Thinking

7 Ways to Achieve Greater Confidence
By Maya Bailey, Ph.D.

What is your definition of confidence? A client asked me recently how I would define confidence. I paused for a moment and replied, “Confidence is the inner knowing that you can achieve whatever you want.”

In my 30 years of coaching professionals to be successful, I have found that at the core of everything is confidence. Call it a belief in yourself or whatever you want, there is no sense in creating a marketing plan without it. Confidence is not necessarily something you are born with, rather, like a muscle, it is developed over time with practice. This article will give you some key tips on how you can gain more confidence.

1. Focus on What You Want

Where do you put your focus most of the time? Here’s a hint: if you feel happy, grateful and hopeful, then you’re probably putting your attention on what you want. If you’re feeling discouraged, depressed or anxious, then you’re focusing on what you don’t want.

One of my clients today discussed her increasing feelings of anxiety as she was working with her clients in selling their house. When I asked her, “So what are you focusing on?” she admitted that she had been thinking about the possible failure of the transaction. When she changed her perspective and focused on the transaction closing, her feelings immediately changed into hope.

Here’s a tip: Whenever you find yourself focusing on what you don’t want, just ask yourself, “So, what do I want?” Most likely you’ll choose positive thoughts, images and feelings as you focus on your desired outcome. Not only will this brighten your mood and give you more confidence, but also, it will increase your chances of the deal closing.

2. Tame your Inner Gremlin

Have you ever noticed that there is a part of you that picks on you, beats you up, expects you to be perfect and is very hard on you if you make a mistake? That voice is called your Inner Gremlin, also known as your Inner Critic, or Inner Judge.

We all have one. The question is whether it’s running you or whether you are running it. Does it have power over you? Guess what? It only has the power that you give it. Stop listening to it and over time, it will be tamed.

So how do you tame it? Here’s a simple technique: When you notice that there is a voice in your head either putting you down, or berating you in any way, use a simple “stop” technique. First, interrupt the pattern of thoughts by saying to yourself, stop. Next, take a deep breath. Finally, use this opportunity to put in a positive new thought. For example, if your old thought was, “I don’t have what it takes to succeed”, stop it, breathe, and put in your new thought, “I have all the resources I need to succeed.”

3. Clear your Inner Conflicts

How do you know if you have an inner conflict? Most of my clients aren’t immediately aware of their inner conflicts but it becomes revealed through resistance. How many times have you told yourself “I need to get on the phone and call my sphere of influence,” and then you don’t do it?

That’s a typical example of how an inner conflict would be noticed. You’ll notice resistance to what you told yourself you should do. In this example, one part of you is saying, “Make the calls” and the other part of you is saying, “I don’t want to intrude. I don’t want them to think I am soliciting.” The reasons could go on and on.

Whenever you find yourself in resistance and you just can’t force yourself to do something no matter how hard you try, do a little introspection, and identify the voices in your head that are in conflict. Then assume the role of the mediator. Just as you mediate in your business between two or more people, do the same within yourself and find a solution that pleases both parts.

4. Create a Successful Future Self

Often when I work with a client who needs more confidence, I help them create a successful future self. They visualize what they are going to look like in the future, having accomplished their goals. Then they practice feeling what it feels like to be that future self. As they sink deeply into the feelings of accomplishment, contentment and confidence, they are creating a vision that inspires them.

You can be in business either pushing yourself to succeed, which creates “burn out” or you can allow yourself to be pulled towards success by a vision. Creating your future self is one way to have a vision. Perhaps you can picture your future self on a vacation, lying on the beach. Now, that’s inspiring.

Here’s a tip: To reinforce this idea of a successful future self, make a collage. Get several magazines and take out photos that inspire you. Photos that you’d like to see happen in your future. See yourself having outlets for all that money that you’ll be making.

5. Only engage in interactions that are win/win

How many times have you gone into a situation with a prospective client while at the same time a voice in your head was saying something like, “Don’t do it. This doesn’t feel right?”

Here’s a tip: Trust your hunches. If you have doubts about a client or a situation, most likely you’re right.

I’ve had dozens of clients who are recovering from burn out because they forgot to ask themselves, one thing, “Is this going to be a win/win?” According to Dr. Steven Covey, it’s either win/win or no deal. Next time your gut feelings are telling you to back out, listen to them. It’s better to back out in the beginning than to get involved in a situation where you can’t back out later.

6. Practice extreme self care and self maintenance

Think about it for a moment. What is your most valuable asset? Is it your home or your car? No, it’s your health. Yet I see so many people who try to be successful but then neglect their basic physical needs for rest, for sleep and for healthy foods.

Remember you are your business. Your most important asset is you, your health and your personal production capacity. The healthier you are, the more energy you’ll have and the more you’ll produce. What are the areas you need to improve in self maintenance?

Dr. Steven Covey talks about “sharpening the saw”. He recommends taking an hour a day for making sure that your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs are met. Maybe taking an hour a day is beyond your reach at the moment. Then what small steps can you take to improve your energy level and vitality?

7. Know that what you have to offer is valuable

Effective marketing is based on the idea that you know your services are valuable and you are willing to communicate that in the marketplace on a consistent basis. So, how valuable are your services? What is your unique selling point? What do people get when they work with you that they can’t get anywhere else?

When someone asks you what you do, what do you say? Let me demonstrate a “so-so” response compared to a response that will get someone’s attention. Suppose you’re a real estate agent and someone says, “So, what do you do?” A “so-so” answer would be, “I am a real estate agent with_________ company.” Compare that to this. Someone asks you what you do and you say, “Well, you know how people get stressed out when they are buying or selling a home? Well, I take care of all the details and make sure that the process goes smoothly so that my clients can relax. I am a real estate agent with __________ company.” Which real estate agent would you like to work with?

Here’s a tip: This kind of answer will only work if you totally believe in yourself and know your services are valuable.

There are many aspects to becoming more successful. These seven powerful tips are just the beginning. Before you create your next marketing plan, check inside and take a reading of your confidence level. If it needs a boost be sure to take care of that before you do anything else. When you are overflowing with confidence, that’s the time to get out there and start marketing.

______________________________

Dr. Maya Bailey, author of, Law of Attraction for Real Estate Professionals, integrates 20 years of experience as a psychologist and 12 years as a business coach with her expertise in the Law of Attraction. Her powerful work creates a success formula for real estate professionals ready to double and triple their incomes. Get Dr. Maya’s free report, 7 Simple Strategies For More Clients in 90 Days, by visiting www.90DaystoMoreClients.com. Also, check out her new Success Program, designed to help you get focused , motivated, stay on track and create a Positive Mindset, no matter what. Download The Law of Attraction: The Secret to an Easier, Smoother, and Faster way to Magnetize What you Want e-book.

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