Michael Jackson's Memorial Service was today, and his brother, Jermaine, sang one of Michael's favorite songs - "Smile." I don't know if Michael ever recorded this song. I know that Nat King Cole sang it. I thought I'd post the lyrics here:
Smile
Words by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons and Music by Charlie Chaplin
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you
Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
(Interlude)
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
PTD
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
What's Your Positivity Rating?
According to Dr. Barbara Frederickson's website:
"World renowned researcher Dr. Barbara Fredrickson gives you the lab-tested tools necessary to create a healthier, more vibrant, and flourishing life. She discovered that experiencing positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio with negative ones leads people to a tipping point beyond which they naturally become more resilient to adversity and effortlessly achieve what they once could only imagine. With Positivity, you’ll learn to see new possibilities, bounce back from setbacks, connect with others, and become the best version of yourself.
Click here to take Dr. Fredrickson’s 2-minute on-line quiz and see how you score. "
Be prepared to score low! My score was 1! Not sure what to make of it!
PTD
"World renowned researcher Dr. Barbara Fredrickson gives you the lab-tested tools necessary to create a healthier, more vibrant, and flourishing life. She discovered that experiencing positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio with negative ones leads people to a tipping point beyond which they naturally become more resilient to adversity and effortlessly achieve what they once could only imagine. With Positivity, you’ll learn to see new possibilities, bounce back from setbacks, connect with others, and become the best version of yourself.
Click here to take Dr. Fredrickson’s 2-minute on-line quiz and see how you score. "
Be prepared to score low! My score was 1! Not sure what to make of it!
PTD
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Spend Time with Loved Ones and Save!
I should have posted this before Father's Day, but it's still not too late to go someplace with Dad or take him out to dinner and save a few bucks on something you'd do anyway.
Spending time with Dad, family or friends is time well spent. Whether you go on a hike, visit a museum, have a home-cooked meal, or go out to dinner - spending time with those we love is one of the great simple pleasures in life.
Here are some things you can do to spend time and save some money at the same time!
Restaurant.com
Select from a list of local restaurants in your area, and buy a coupon good for up to $25 off! Coupons usually cost $10 each, but if you use the following code at checkout by 6/25/09, you'll save 80%! So spend $2, and save $25! Use coupon code: DISH. If you don't see this post until after that code expires, go to Techbargains.com and check the right hand column for current coupon codes.
Take a Hike!
For a list of favorite hiking trails in your area, go to LocalHikes.com and select your city or type in your zip code and find all sorts of great places to take your Dad and family! All levels of hikes are listed, with user reviews! Check it out at LocalHikes.com
PTD
Spending time with Dad, family or friends is time well spent. Whether you go on a hike, visit a museum, have a home-cooked meal, or go out to dinner - spending time with those we love is one of the great simple pleasures in life.
Here are some things you can do to spend time and save some money at the same time!
Restaurant.com
Select from a list of local restaurants in your area, and buy a coupon good for up to $25 off! Coupons usually cost $10 each, but if you use the following code at checkout by 6/25/09, you'll save 80%! So spend $2, and save $25! Use coupon code: DISH. If you don't see this post until after that code expires, go to Techbargains.com and check the right hand column for current coupon codes.
Take a Hike!
For a list of favorite hiking trails in your area, go to LocalHikes.com and select your city or type in your zip code and find all sorts of great places to take your Dad and family! All levels of hikes are listed, with user reviews! Check it out at LocalHikes.com
PTD
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Sometimes, without any particular reason, our thoughts start moving in the wrong direction - towards our fears and worries. If you catch yourself in this negative frame of mind, you need to do whatever you can to turn your thoughts in a more positive direction.
For me, music can help. And one of my favorite songs for this is Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy." The video and lyrics are below. See if it doesn't raise your spirits a little.
Lyrics for "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon pass
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy
PTD
For me, music can help. And one of my favorite songs for this is Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy." The video and lyrics are below. See if it doesn't raise your spirits a little.
Lyrics for "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin
Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don't worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don't worry, be happy
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got not girl to make you smile
But don't worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don't worry, be happy (now).....
There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don't worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon pass
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy
PTD
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A journey of a thousand miles...Lao Tzu
Here's a great quote from Lao Tzu, known as the father of Taoism:
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Where do you want to go?
What's stopping you from taking that first step?
Take that step...
And another, and another....
Keep on going!
You'll be on your way!
More on Lao Tzu:
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96Jun/laotzu.html
PTD
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Where do you want to go?
What's stopping you from taking that first step?
Take that step...
And another, and another....
Keep on going!
You'll be on your way!
More on Lao Tzu:
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96Jun/laotzu.html
PTD
On Being Yourself
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
~Oscar Wilde
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
~e.e. cummings
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
~Confucius
~Oscar Wilde
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. ~Judy Garland
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
~e.e. cummings
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
~Confucius
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Guantanamera and Celia Cruz (video link)
Ever since I was a kid, I loved the song, Guanatamera, even though I had no idea what the words meant. I loved the melody and the chorus. When the movie, Buena Vista Social Club, came out, I learned that Guantamera was a Cuban song and the most common lyrics were from a famous Cuban poet. Many artists have recorded the song, but none sings it more joyously than the late Celia Cruz, one of Cuba's most famous entertainers. Coincidentally, I once shared a Southwest airlines plane ride with Celia's band then traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco/Oakland. They were half the passengers. I had never heard of her at the time. A few years later, she became one of my favorites.
Here are the most popular lyrics in Spanish, then English.
Spanish Lyrics:
Yo soy un hombre sincero
De donde crece la palma
Y antes de morirme quiero
Echar mis versos del alma
Chorus:
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Mi verso es de un verde claro
Y de un carmín encendido
Mi verso es de un ciervo herido
Que busca en el monte
Chorus
Con los pobres de la tierra
Quiero yo mi suerte echar
El arroyo de la sierra
Me complace más que el
Chorus
English Lyrics:
I am an honest man
From the land of the palm trees
And before dying
I want to share the poems of my soul.
Chorus:
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
My verse is light green
And it is flaming crimson
My verse is a wounded deer
Who seeks refuge in the woods.
Chorus
With the poor people of the earth
I want to share my fate
The brook of the mountains
Gives me more pleasure than the sea
Chorus
To listen to Celia Cruz and her band perform Guantanamera, go to:
Studio recording with photos from Cuba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GTbqevebZo
Live performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xl-jq08AGU
P.S. My friend, Socko, would love to meet others who have instruments and know how to play the song and would like to play it together. Contact me and I'll put you in touch.
Here are the most popular lyrics in Spanish, then English.
Spanish Lyrics:
Yo soy un hombre sincero
De donde crece la palma
Y antes de morirme quiero
Echar mis versos del alma
Chorus:
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Mi verso es de un verde claro
Y de un carmín encendido
Mi verso es de un ciervo herido
Que busca en el monte
Chorus
Con los pobres de la tierra
Quiero yo mi suerte echar
El arroyo de la sierra
Me complace más que el
Chorus
English Lyrics:
I am an honest man
From the land of the palm trees
And before dying
I want to share the poems of my soul.
Chorus:
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
Guantanamera, guajira, Guantanamera
My verse is light green
And it is flaming crimson
My verse is a wounded deer
Who seeks refuge in the woods.
Chorus
With the poor people of the earth
I want to share my fate
The brook of the mountains
Gives me more pleasure than the sea
Chorus
To listen to Celia Cruz and her band perform Guantanamera, go to:
Studio recording with photos from Cuba:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GTbqevebZo
Live performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xl-jq08AGU
P.S. My friend, Socko, would love to meet others who have instruments and know how to play the song and would like to play it together. Contact me and I'll put you in touch.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Socko Joins Twitter
My good friend, Socko, joined Twitter yesterday and already has 20 followers! They're all strangers. It's very interesting. So far, Socko has only made a few posts. He's sure to make a few more, just to see what happens. Socko is also following people on Twitter like Oprah, Guy Kawasaki, Tony Robbins, and Ashton Kutcher (come on, he had to join Ashton's challenge).
If you're already on Twitter and want to follow Socko - do a search for the user "Sockosays".
Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
If you haven't joined Twitter and want to see what's happening there, and Socko's profile, go to:
Or if you just want to watch Socko's fun videos, go to:
PTD
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Louise Hay - You Can Heal Your Life
I'm watching a video that was recommended to me - Louise Hay & Friends - You Can Heal Your Life. If you ever watched "The Secret," this video is like the series of interviews there without the dramatic over-embellishments. It's very simple and clear and no nonsense. You will see some famous people and best-selling authors in it.
Louise Hay's message is basically the same message as you hear everywhere else - that your own thoughts create your life - and you have the power to change your thoughts and change your life for the better. But the way Louise presents the material is, in my opinion, much more accessible and palatable. You don't need to make big grand wishes and send them out into the universe. You can take baby steps. You can start where you are right now to move in the direction of something you want. Just keep taking those steps.
Louise is known for promoting the practice of making daily positive affirmations - such as "I love and accept myself - just the way I am" - and many others - which slowly shift your consciousness and help you feel good enough about yourself to start healing yourself and attracting positive things into your life.
Louise's website also has daily affirmations like today's:
"What I think and say goes out from me, the Universe responds, and it comes back to me."
I highly recommend visiting her website at:
http://www.louisehay.com/about/index.php
And if you are interested, you can buy her books and videos on Amazon or elsewhere. Links below.
http://www.amazon.com/You-Heal-Your-Life-Gift/dp/1561706280/ref=bxgy_cc_d_img_b
Also in Movie form:
http://www.amazon.com/You-Heal-Your-Life-movie/dp/B000Y04R8W/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_a
Louise Hay's message is basically the same message as you hear everywhere else - that your own thoughts create your life - and you have the power to change your thoughts and change your life for the better. But the way Louise presents the material is, in my opinion, much more accessible and palatable. You don't need to make big grand wishes and send them out into the universe. You can take baby steps. You can start where you are right now to move in the direction of something you want. Just keep taking those steps.
Louise is known for promoting the practice of making daily positive affirmations - such as "I love and accept myself - just the way I am" - and many others - which slowly shift your consciousness and help you feel good enough about yourself to start healing yourself and attracting positive things into your life.
Louise's website also has daily affirmations like today's:
"What I think and say goes out from me, the Universe responds, and it comes back to me."
I highly recommend visiting her website at:
http://www.louisehay.com/about/index.php
And if you are interested, you can buy her books and videos on Amazon or elsewhere. Links below.
http://www.amazon.com/You-Heal-Your-Life-Gift/dp/1561706280/ref=bxgy_cc_d_img_b
Also in Movie form:
http://www.amazon.com/You-Heal-Your-Life-movie/dp/B000Y04R8W/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_a
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Art of Non-Conformity
For all you non-conformists out there - or those who would like to be non-conformists:
My friend, Leah, turned me on to this website for Artists and other non-conformists - trying to live their lives and be true to their values and need to express their individuality and independence. It's called "The Art of Non-Conformity: Unconventional Strategies for Life, Work and Travel" by Chris Guillebeau. It features articles such as:
6 Ways to Change the World
Unconventional Products
Las Manifestos (such as A Brief Guide to World Domination)
Will Success Follow If I Do What I Love?
Why You Should Quit Your Job and Travel Around the World
Check it out at:
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/
My friend, Leah, turned me on to this website for Artists and other non-conformists - trying to live their lives and be true to their values and need to express their individuality and independence. It's called "The Art of Non-Conformity: Unconventional Strategies for Life, Work and Travel" by Chris Guillebeau. It features articles such as:
6 Ways to Change the World
Unconventional Products
Las Manifestos (such as A Brief Guide to World Domination)
Will Success Follow If I Do What I Love?
Why You Should Quit Your Job and Travel Around the World
Check it out at:
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Team Hoyt - Boston Marathon and Ironman
In honor of yesterday's running of the Boston Marathon, I thought I'd post something about the father/son team of Team Hoyt, whom I have encountered at the Boston Marathon myself, as well as other marathons. Dick Hoyt, the father, is well into his 60's. His son, Rick, has cerebral palsy and cannot walk or talk. However, that doesn't mean he can't compete! Instead, Dick pushes (and pulls) Dick around in special wheelchairs and other contraptions and together they make the entire 26.2 miles (or more in the case of Triathlons) and actually finish with good times! They both do this with such enthusiasm! Whenever I see them, I know that nothing is impossible, if you put all your heart into it. You don't have to win the race to be a winner. Whoever starts the race is already a winner.
From Wikipedia:
Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt, b. ca. 1940) and son (Rick Hoyt, b. 1962) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick pulls him in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
Doctors told his parents that Rick would live in a vegatative state, but his parents, with the help of Tufts University engineers, recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence. At the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.
Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.
As of August 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 984 events, including 229 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 66 Marathons, including 26 Boston Marathons.[1] They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
For more information on Team Hoyt, go to:
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
From Wikipedia:
Team Hoyt is a father (Dick Hoyt, b. ca. 1940) and son (Rick Hoyt, b. 1962) in Massachusetts who compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other athletic endeavors. Rick has cerebral palsy, caused by loss of oxygen to his brain at birth because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Dick pulls him in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat up front as they bike, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they run.
Doctors told his parents that Rick would live in a vegatative state, but his parents, with the help of Tufts University engineers, recognized that his sense of humor indicated intelligence. At the age of 12, Rick was able to learn how to use a special computer to communicate using movements from his head. The first words he typed were, "Go Bruins!", and the family learned he was a sports fan. They entered their first race in 1977, a 5 mile benefit run for an injured lacrosse player who was a schoolmate of Rick's.
Dick is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick earned a college degree from Boston University in special education, and now works at Boston College. They continue to compete in races, and are also motivational speakers.
As of August 31, 2008, Team Hoyt had participated in a total of 984 events, including 229 Triathlons (6 of which were Ironman competitions), 20 Duathlons, and 66 Marathons, including 26 Boston Marathons.[1] They have also biked and run across the USA, in 1992 — a 3,735 mile journey that took them 45 days.
For more information on Team Hoyt, go to:
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
Friday, April 17, 2009
Susan Boyle - I Dreamed a Dream
I know millions of people have already watched this video on YouTube, and I'm a few days late in writing about it - but it deserved mention here.
Susan Boyle, an unemployed, frumpy 47-year-old spinster from Scotland, stunned the audiences and judges of Britain's Got Talent a few days ago, with her inspiring rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical, Les Miserables.
Susan not only doesn't look like the young Fantine, whose character sings this song in Les Mis, she looks far older than her 47 years and resembles a grandmother. Apparently, she spent the last several years caring for her elderly mother. Nobody in the room expected much out of her - until the music started and she opened her mouth.
The song has always been one of my favorites - both inspiring and sad. It's about how Fantine has given up her dreams, feels like her chances for happiness have passed her by, and has resigned herself to remaining where she is. I don't like the message of the song - but it's still a lovely song. And it was so appropriate for Susan - who looks like life has passsed her by - but has taken this one last chance for recognition by singing this song on Britain's Got Talent. And now, the "old maid" has turned into an overnight star!
I can't wait to see what's next for Susan. And I've watched the below video about 5 times already, I love it so much. Take a look!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
PTD
Susan Boyle, an unemployed, frumpy 47-year-old spinster from Scotland, stunned the audiences and judges of Britain's Got Talent a few days ago, with her inspiring rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical, Les Miserables.
Susan not only doesn't look like the young Fantine, whose character sings this song in Les Mis, she looks far older than her 47 years and resembles a grandmother. Apparently, she spent the last several years caring for her elderly mother. Nobody in the room expected much out of her - until the music started and she opened her mouth.
The song has always been one of my favorites - both inspiring and sad. It's about how Fantine has given up her dreams, feels like her chances for happiness have passed her by, and has resigned herself to remaining where she is. I don't like the message of the song - but it's still a lovely song. And it was so appropriate for Susan - who looks like life has passsed her by - but has taken this one last chance for recognition by singing this song on Britain's Got Talent. And now, the "old maid" has turned into an overnight star!
I can't wait to see what's next for Susan. And I've watched the below video about 5 times already, I love it so much. Take a look!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY
PTD
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Four Agreements, By Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements, a book by Don Miguel Ruiz, talks about the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob people of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements he writes about are:
- be impeccable with your word,
- don't take anything personally
- don't make assumptions, and
- always do your best
Click on the links below for more information.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom By Don Miguel Ruiz
Don Miguel Ruiz Website
Google Book
- be impeccable with your word,
- don't take anything personally
- don't make assumptions, and
- always do your best
Click on the links below for more information.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom By Don Miguel Ruiz
Don Miguel Ruiz Website
Google Book
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Being Grateful...for YELP!
I am grateful today for the smallest of things...the existence of Yelp.com!
Yelp.com is a website where people who live in certain major cities - such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Jose, Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, Honolulu and more - can find and write reviews of their local neighborhood establishments, including restaurants, dry cleaners, grocery stores, shops, hair salons and whatever you want.
So this morning, when I needed to locate a 24-hour Pharmacy near me in Seattle, I found the Walgreens in Ballard on Yelp! Google was a waste of time. Yelp got me the info I needed right away. I filled my prescription and am now starting to feel better.
So thank you, Yelp.com, for being there!
Go to:
http:://www.yelp.com
PTD
Yelp.com is a website where people who live in certain major cities - such as San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Jose, Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, Honolulu and more - can find and write reviews of their local neighborhood establishments, including restaurants, dry cleaners, grocery stores, shops, hair salons and whatever you want.
So this morning, when I needed to locate a 24-hour Pharmacy near me in Seattle, I found the Walgreens in Ballard on Yelp! Google was a waste of time. Yelp got me the info I needed right away. I filled my prescription and am now starting to feel better.
So thank you, Yelp.com, for being there!
Go to:
http:://www.yelp.com
PTD
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Journey of a Thousand Miles...Lao Tzu
A great quote from the father of Taoism, Lao Tzu:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
Where do you want to go?
What's stopping you from taking that first step towards your destination?
Take that first step...
And then another...
And another...
You'll be on your way!
More on Lao Tzu:
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96Jun/laotzu.html
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
Where do you want to go?
What's stopping you from taking that first step towards your destination?
Take that first step...
And then another...
And another...
You'll be on your way!
More on Lao Tzu:
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96Jun/laotzu.html
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The I Ching
I Ching:
"It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events, by which the path to success may be recognized."
"It is only when we have the courage to face things exactly as they are, without any self-deception or illusion, that a light will develop out of events, by which the path to success may be recognized."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Life is....Part 2
Friedrich Nietzsche:
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh.
Helen Keller:
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Henry David Thoreau:
However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.
John Lennon:
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Marcus Aurelius:
The universe is transformation; our life is what our thoughts make it.
Marcus Aurelius:
And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.
Mark Twain:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Norman Vincent Peale:
Live your life and forget your age.
William James:
These, then, are my last words to you: Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create that fact.
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh.
Helen Keller:
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Henry David Thoreau:
However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.
John Lennon:
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
Marcus Aurelius:
The universe is transformation; our life is what our thoughts make it.
Marcus Aurelius:
And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.
Mark Twain:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Norman Vincent Peale:
Live your life and forget your age.
William James:
These, then, are my last words to you: Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create that fact.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Life is...Part 1
Forrest Gump:
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your going to get.
Anais Nin:
Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.
Benjamin Franklin:
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that the stuff life is made of.
Carl Sandburg:
Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.
Eleanor Roosevelt:
I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what your going to get.
Anais Nin:
Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.
Benjamin Franklin:
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that the stuff life is made of.
Carl Sandburg:
Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.
Eleanor Roosevelt:
I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Woody Allen Quotes - Good For A Few Laughs!
Eighty percent of success is showing up.
I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying.
Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon.
My one regret in life is that I am not someone else.
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.
To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore to love is to suffer. Not to love is to suffer. To suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer. But suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness. (from Love and Death)
Nothing worth knowing can be understood with the mind.
No matter how cynical you are, you can't keep up.
I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying.
Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon.
My one regret in life is that I am not someone else.
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.
To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore to love is to suffer. Not to love is to suffer. To suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer. But suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness. (from Love and Death)
Nothing worth knowing can be understood with the mind.
No matter how cynical you are, you can't keep up.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Helen Keller Quote
"Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles."
Helen Keller
(1880-1968)
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Daily Good
I had breakfast with my friends, John and Erica, on New Year's Eve, and I told them about my desire to post more frequently to the Positive Thinking Diet Blog, and to get friends and readers to contribute their ideas and suggestions for things that help them think more positively.
So of course, they had a suggestion! They both subscribe to a daily email called the "Daily Good" which sends them a positive/inspirational story every day - often about small acts of kindness which have a bigger than expected payoff. Or even a small payoff. But positive deeds always have positive results. To subscribe to the Daily Good, just go to
http://www.dailygood.org/
and enter your email address. Really simple. Here's more information about them, from their website:
"DailyGood is a free, daily email service that delivers a little bit of good news to thousands of people all over the world. It is a fully volunteer-run project of CharityFocus.
Watching the nightly news and reading the daily newspapers, it's hard to imagine that there is good in the world. But it's often right under our noses in the ordinary, small and simple things that have sustained life for ages. DailyGood, then, aims to promote that good, change the nature of our conversations and spread a few more smiles.
The project started many years when one college student started emailing a daily quote to a couple of his friends. Today, that list is called DailyGood but it now reaches more than 50,000 readers with a wide variety of uplifting stories. The growth of the project has been, and continues to be, organic and largely word of mouth.
Our philosophy is quite simple: be the change. The entire project is run by volunteers. All our content is distributed and syndicated for free. We don't sell advertising or promote any products. We don't ask for anything with the trust whatever is needed will come to us. And in the end, we are thankful that so many benefit from DailyGood because it gives us a meaningful opportunity to serve.
Thank you for your partnership in spreading the good."
So of course, they had a suggestion! They both subscribe to a daily email called the "Daily Good" which sends them a positive/inspirational story every day - often about small acts of kindness which have a bigger than expected payoff. Or even a small payoff. But positive deeds always have positive results. To subscribe to the Daily Good, just go to
http://www.dailygood.org/
and enter your email address. Really simple. Here's more information about them, from their website:
"DailyGood is a free, daily email service that delivers a little bit of good news to thousands of people all over the world. It is a fully volunteer-run project of CharityFocus.
Watching the nightly news and reading the daily newspapers, it's hard to imagine that there is good in the world. But it's often right under our noses in the ordinary, small and simple things that have sustained life for ages. DailyGood, then, aims to promote that good, change the nature of our conversations and spread a few more smiles.
The project started many years when one college student started emailing a daily quote to a couple of his friends. Today, that list is called DailyGood but it now reaches more than 50,000 readers with a wide variety of uplifting stories. The growth of the project has been, and continues to be, organic and largely word of mouth.
Our philosophy is quite simple: be the change. The entire project is run by volunteers. All our content is distributed and syndicated for free. We don't sell advertising or promote any products. We don't ask for anything with the trust whatever is needed will come to us. And in the end, we are thankful that so many benefit from DailyGood because it gives us a meaningful opportunity to serve.
Thank you for your partnership in spreading the good."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Need a Kick-Start to Make Your New Year's Resolutions?
It's a few days before New Year's, and for many people, this is the time to reflect upon the last year and to make some resolutions for the New Year.
It's best to start with reflecting on what's gone well for you in the past year, and in your life in general. What are you grateful for? What people, activities or other things have brought you the most joy? What are you doing that you want to keep on doing? Don't skip this step, and don't skimp on what you are truly grateful for. Make your list and think about all the things that are good in your life.
Next, make a *short* list of things that you'd really like to do or accomplish in the next year. They can be big things. They can be small things. But keep the list short enough - 3 things is a good number - so that you might actually be able to do all of these things in the next year. Maybe you want to run a Marathon, or lose 20 pounds, or find a boyfriend/girlfriend, or write a book or a screenplay, or travel to another continent, or visit some friends or family that you haven't seen in a long time.
Now, take that short list and make it very specific. Which Marathon do you want to run? Pick a race that's far enough away (in time) that you have enough time to properly train for it. Maybe join a group or training program that will help you keep on track for that particular marathon. Team-in-Training, RoadRunners, LA Leggers, are some groups to look at. If you want to lose weight (Marathon running might help!) you might join an exercise class, and join Weight Watchers, or another program. Getting support will help. If you want to write a book or screenplay, take a class or workshop where you must share what you are writing with other people who are trying to do the same thing. If you want to travel, pick the place and find a tour that goes there. Figure out your budget and how you are going to pay for it. Start putting aside money regularly and make sure your work/boss is fine with those dates. Hey, maybe you can even do some business in this place and make it a partial business trip.
Next, determine your next steps and milestones. How will you get started? By when will you have lost 5 pounds? 10? You have to work up to 20, and it won't happen overnight. You want to break it up into smaller steps and accomplishments, and celebrate reaching those smaller milestones to keep building your confidence that you are making progress towards the larger goal. If you are writing a book, what are the chapters? When will you finish the outline? The first chapter? The 2nd? What daily habits must you adopt to accomplish your goals. Do you need to set aside an hour a day? Do you need to wake up an hour earlier every morning to do your exercises, or write your journal, blog or book?
These steps may sound easy enough, but everyone can use support. Joining a group or finding others who share your goals or want to do the same thing is VERY important. Unless you are a loner and don't need anyone else to keep you motivated and on track. This post is for those of you who think you can use the support of others, and at the same time, support other people in reaching their goals, too.
If you need some inspiration in setting goals or making your New Years resolutions, I highly recommend checking out a website called Superviva, started by an acquaintance of mine, Susie, in San Francisco. It's at http://www.superviva.com. There, you'll find a community of people who have many, many different goals and things they want to do, not only in the next year, but in many years to come. You can see their "life lists" and what things they have already accompished and what they have yet to do. You can post your own lists, ask for advice, give and get support from others. Check it out!
Happy New Year's Resolution-making!
PTD
http://www.superviva.com
It's best to start with reflecting on what's gone well for you in the past year, and in your life in general. What are you grateful for? What people, activities or other things have brought you the most joy? What are you doing that you want to keep on doing? Don't skip this step, and don't skimp on what you are truly grateful for. Make your list and think about all the things that are good in your life.
Next, make a *short* list of things that you'd really like to do or accomplish in the next year. They can be big things. They can be small things. But keep the list short enough - 3 things is a good number - so that you might actually be able to do all of these things in the next year. Maybe you want to run a Marathon, or lose 20 pounds, or find a boyfriend/girlfriend, or write a book or a screenplay, or travel to another continent, or visit some friends or family that you haven't seen in a long time.
Now, take that short list and make it very specific. Which Marathon do you want to run? Pick a race that's far enough away (in time) that you have enough time to properly train for it. Maybe join a group or training program that will help you keep on track for that particular marathon. Team-in-Training, RoadRunners, LA Leggers, are some groups to look at. If you want to lose weight (Marathon running might help!) you might join an exercise class, and join Weight Watchers, or another program. Getting support will help. If you want to write a book or screenplay, take a class or workshop where you must share what you are writing with other people who are trying to do the same thing. If you want to travel, pick the place and find a tour that goes there. Figure out your budget and how you are going to pay for it. Start putting aside money regularly and make sure your work/boss is fine with those dates. Hey, maybe you can even do some business in this place and make it a partial business trip.
Next, determine your next steps and milestones. How will you get started? By when will you have lost 5 pounds? 10? You have to work up to 20, and it won't happen overnight. You want to break it up into smaller steps and accomplishments, and celebrate reaching those smaller milestones to keep building your confidence that you are making progress towards the larger goal. If you are writing a book, what are the chapters? When will you finish the outline? The first chapter? The 2nd? What daily habits must you adopt to accomplish your goals. Do you need to set aside an hour a day? Do you need to wake up an hour earlier every morning to do your exercises, or write your journal, blog or book?
These steps may sound easy enough, but everyone can use support. Joining a group or finding others who share your goals or want to do the same thing is VERY important. Unless you are a loner and don't need anyone else to keep you motivated and on track. This post is for those of you who think you can use the support of others, and at the same time, support other people in reaching their goals, too.
If you need some inspiration in setting goals or making your New Years resolutions, I highly recommend checking out a website called Superviva, started by an acquaintance of mine, Susie, in San Francisco. It's at http://www.superviva.com. There, you'll find a community of people who have many, many different goals and things they want to do, not only in the next year, but in many years to come. You can see their "life lists" and what things they have already accompished and what they have yet to do. You can post your own lists, ask for advice, give and get support from others. Check it out!
Happy New Year's Resolution-making!
PTD
http://www.superviva.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What's Already There, That You Haven't Seen Before?
Yesterday morning, I woke up to the most incredible sunrise. From my bedroom window, I have a lovely view of Green Lake and the Cascade Mountain Range. That's one of the reasons I rented this house - the view from the bedroom.
However, little did I know, until yesterday, that I also had a peek-a-boo view of Mount Rainier - if I looked way to the right. Yes, the view is semi-obstructed by some tall connifers, but Mount Rainier is so huge, you cannot miss it! It's the most impressive mountain I have ever seen.
Mount Rainier been there all along, right there in my peripheral vision, and I didn't know it. Wow. That mountain is definitely calling me.
Anyhow, it makes you wonder - what other great thing is right there in front of me or next to me - that I didn't know was there - or didn't take the time to focus on? There are probably great things and great people and wonderful situations all around us that we are not seeing, because we are focusing on something else instead.
So when things are not going great, and you're not happy where you are, take a look around you and try to notice those things that are there that ARE good. And try to look around and notice things that you might not have noticed before. Take a walk. Look around. Look in a different direction. Something else that's great is there, that you haven't really seen before.
PTD
However, little did I know, until yesterday, that I also had a peek-a-boo view of Mount Rainier - if I looked way to the right. Yes, the view is semi-obstructed by some tall connifers, but Mount Rainier is so huge, you cannot miss it! It's the most impressive mountain I have ever seen.
Mount Rainier been there all along, right there in my peripheral vision, and I didn't know it. Wow. That mountain is definitely calling me.
Anyhow, it makes you wonder - what other great thing is right there in front of me or next to me - that I didn't know was there - or didn't take the time to focus on? There are probably great things and great people and wonderful situations all around us that we are not seeing, because we are focusing on something else instead.
So when things are not going great, and you're not happy where you are, take a look around you and try to notice those things that are there that ARE good. And try to look around and notice things that you might not have noticed before. Take a walk. Look around. Look in a different direction. Something else that's great is there, that you haven't really seen before.
PTD
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Proud to be an American
Something wonderful happened this Tuesday, November 4, 2008. The United States of America elected it's first African American President. And he was elected by a landslide.
He was elected not because of his race, but because of his ideas and because he was the best person for the job. He won among younger voters and new voters by 2:1, showing that he was truly the choice of the new generation. The old politics weren't working. It was time for a change. We elected change.
After so many years suffering under the embarrassing leadership and failed policies of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, who led this country into a disastrous war in Iraq and trampled out anyone who disagreed as if disagreement was un-American, we now have a chance to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the rest of the world. And now, the rest of the world wants to give us that chance. They want to see us succeed and become the "land of opportunity" again. They all want us to become again that beacon in the world that says "there is a place on earth where you can be whatever you want to be."
We elected someone who represents hope. Someone who came from modest circumstances and got an education, and through hard work, application, and considerable charm and talent, made his way up the ladder to reach the highest office in the land. And he made it look so easy. That Barack Oabama is truly "Mr. Cool."
His campaign focused on hope. He had reasonable plans to help this country move forward towards better times.
We have a lot to be grateful for. To all of those Americans who got out there and voted, whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, I thank you for participating in our democratic system. You can't have a fair election without everyone getting out and voting. To all those Americans who did vote for Barack Obama, thank you twice for voting to take this country in a new and more positive direction.
I hope we can all come together now to start picking ourselves up and doing everything we can to get our economy back on track, extracting ourselves from ill-advised foreign wars, and restoring our reputation in the world as a good citizen who plays well with others and even helps lead others towards peace and prosperity. Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All who share our planet.
PTD
He was elected not because of his race, but because of his ideas and because he was the best person for the job. He won among younger voters and new voters by 2:1, showing that he was truly the choice of the new generation. The old politics weren't working. It was time for a change. We elected change.
After so many years suffering under the embarrassing leadership and failed policies of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, who led this country into a disastrous war in Iraq and trampled out anyone who disagreed as if disagreement was un-American, we now have a chance to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the rest of the world. And now, the rest of the world wants to give us that chance. They want to see us succeed and become the "land of opportunity" again. They all want us to become again that beacon in the world that says "there is a place on earth where you can be whatever you want to be."
We elected someone who represents hope. Someone who came from modest circumstances and got an education, and through hard work, application, and considerable charm and talent, made his way up the ladder to reach the highest office in the land. And he made it look so easy. That Barack Oabama is truly "Mr. Cool."
His campaign focused on hope. He had reasonable plans to help this country move forward towards better times.
We have a lot to be grateful for. To all of those Americans who got out there and voted, whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, I thank you for participating in our democratic system. You can't have a fair election without everyone getting out and voting. To all those Americans who did vote for Barack Obama, thank you twice for voting to take this country in a new and more positive direction.
I hope we can all come together now to start picking ourselves up and doing everything we can to get our economy back on track, extracting ourselves from ill-advised foreign wars, and restoring our reputation in the world as a good citizen who plays well with others and even helps lead others towards peace and prosperity. Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All who share our planet.
PTD
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Don't Be Depressed by a Depression!
I know, I know. Everyone is worried about the Economy. The economy is something you cannot control. So what CAN you do?
Control the things you CAN control and make choices that make you feel like you are doing what you CAN do to improve the situation.
- Take control of your discretionary spending and cut out those things that you can live without.
- Make sure you are putting away money into your savings account, as much as you can, with no account being more than $100K to take advantage of federal bank security laws.
- Help take care of those who may fall through the cracks, especially in a down economy. They will need help more than ever. Volunteer, donate, and do whatever you can to help those who are less fortunate. We are our brother's keepers.
- Continue to invest in things that are good for you, your family, your community, and the economy. For instance, investing in renewable energy technologies is good for the economy and good for the earth.
- Remember, life will go on, no matter what. The world has seen far greater tragedies than a down economy, and we will recover.
- Accept that things are going to be different. Accept change. Be adaptable. Look for new opportunities that will be created by all the change. You will find that there will be many new opportunities.
- Expect the best from yourself and from other people. Do the right thing. Be someone other people can trust and count on. Expect the same from others. You will be rarely disappointed.
Good luck and take care!
PTD
Control the things you CAN control and make choices that make you feel like you are doing what you CAN do to improve the situation.
- Take control of your discretionary spending and cut out those things that you can live without.
- Make sure you are putting away money into your savings account, as much as you can, with no account being more than $100K to take advantage of federal bank security laws.
- Help take care of those who may fall through the cracks, especially in a down economy. They will need help more than ever. Volunteer, donate, and do whatever you can to help those who are less fortunate. We are our brother's keepers.
- Continue to invest in things that are good for you, your family, your community, and the economy. For instance, investing in renewable energy technologies is good for the economy and good for the earth.
- Remember, life will go on, no matter what. The world has seen far greater tragedies than a down economy, and we will recover.
- Accept that things are going to be different. Accept change. Be adaptable. Look for new opportunities that will be created by all the change. You will find that there will be many new opportunities.
- Expect the best from yourself and from other people. Do the right thing. Be someone other people can trust and count on. Expect the same from others. You will be rarely disappointed.
Good luck and take care!
PTD
Monday, July 14, 2008
Personal Update and Being Thankful
So many great things have happened to me recently that I attribute, in part, to working on my blog about Positive Thinking.
- I went to my 20th Reunion for B-School at the end of May, and was in a lecture sitting next to a man in his late 70's who was there for his 50th Reunion. We were sharing our impressions of the lecture, when he asked me if I was a STUDENT! So I said, "No, I'm here for my 20th! There must be something wrong with your glasses!" And he looked at me, and he looked at me again and then said, "I have to tell you something." "OK, what?" I replied. "Now, don't get the wrong impression -" he said, "...nothing is gonna happen." "OK, fine. What is it?" So he said "You're beautiful!" I was taken aback. "Wow, thank you! You made my day" I said. I was really surprised. And the lecture was finished and we were heading out the door, but he was moving slowly with his cane. I saw my friend, Sue ahead of us, so I told him it was nice meeting him, but I had to catch up with my friend. As I moved ahead he called out to me and said "Don't tell her what I told you!". I think he was embarrassed and worried that his compliment would be considered a proposition, which definitely did not occur to me. I assured him I wouldn't tell anyone. I don't even know his name. But I am so grateful for his compliment. And I hope he doesn't still feel embarrassed by it, because it was taken in only the right way and I am so thankful for the boost in my confidence!
- Soon after my reunion, I was scheduled for job interviews, one in NYC and the other in Seattle. I flew cross country to NYC on a Sunday night, and had interviews at the company all day on Monday, then flew home. I barely got home that night because of flight cancellations for thunderstorms. Thanks goodness! The very next day, I had a flight to Seattle at 6:30 AM for another full day of interviews with the other company. I met with 8-9 people there in one day and then flew home. I was exhausted! Very quickly, I received job offers from BOTH companies! Both opportunities were great, but I could only pick one. Seattle has more outdoor recreation opportunities than NYC, so that was one of the factors in my picking that job. I am moving there at the end of this month and looking forward to some new adventures in the Great Pacific Northwest!
- I have also been experiencing more attention from male members of the species lately. Since I'm leaving town soon, it's not a good time for me to focus on romance. But it's nice to have the attention all the same!
So the bottom line is, I've got to keep up this blog and post more regularly to make sure these good things keep on happening in my life! Focusing on the positive in our lives on a regular or habitual basis really does make good things happen!
PTD
- I went to my 20th Reunion for B-School at the end of May, and was in a lecture sitting next to a man in his late 70's who was there for his 50th Reunion. We were sharing our impressions of the lecture, when he asked me if I was a STUDENT! So I said, "No, I'm here for my 20th! There must be something wrong with your glasses!" And he looked at me, and he looked at me again and then said, "I have to tell you something." "OK, what?" I replied. "Now, don't get the wrong impression -" he said, "...nothing is gonna happen." "OK, fine. What is it?" So he said "You're beautiful!" I was taken aback. "Wow, thank you! You made my day" I said. I was really surprised. And the lecture was finished and we were heading out the door, but he was moving slowly with his cane. I saw my friend, Sue ahead of us, so I told him it was nice meeting him, but I had to catch up with my friend. As I moved ahead he called out to me and said "Don't tell her what I told you!". I think he was embarrassed and worried that his compliment would be considered a proposition, which definitely did not occur to me. I assured him I wouldn't tell anyone. I don't even know his name. But I am so grateful for his compliment. And I hope he doesn't still feel embarrassed by it, because it was taken in only the right way and I am so thankful for the boost in my confidence!
- Soon after my reunion, I was scheduled for job interviews, one in NYC and the other in Seattle. I flew cross country to NYC on a Sunday night, and had interviews at the company all day on Monday, then flew home. I barely got home that night because of flight cancellations for thunderstorms. Thanks goodness! The very next day, I had a flight to Seattle at 6:30 AM for another full day of interviews with the other company. I met with 8-9 people there in one day and then flew home. I was exhausted! Very quickly, I received job offers from BOTH companies! Both opportunities were great, but I could only pick one. Seattle has more outdoor recreation opportunities than NYC, so that was one of the factors in my picking that job. I am moving there at the end of this month and looking forward to some new adventures in the Great Pacific Northwest!
- I have also been experiencing more attention from male members of the species lately. Since I'm leaving town soon, it's not a good time for me to focus on romance. But it's nice to have the attention all the same!
So the bottom line is, I've got to keep up this blog and post more regularly to make sure these good things keep on happening in my life! Focusing on the positive in our lives on a regular or habitual basis really does make good things happen!
PTD
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mark Twain Quotes
According to Wikipedia, Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 – 1910), better known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American humorist, satirist, lecturer and writer. Twain is most noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which has since been called the Great American Novel,and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Do something every day that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.
I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.
Whatever you say, say it with conviction."
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
For more information on Mark Twain, you might start at Wikipedia.
PTD
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Pareto Principle
The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 Rule, states that for many events, 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. For example, 80% of a company’s revenue would come from 20% of their customers.
Business management thinker Joseph M. Juran suggested the principle and named it after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who observed that 80% of income in Italy went to 20% of the population.
The numbers 80/20 really don't matter, and are should mostly be considered as an example. What's most important to take away from the Pareto Principle is that by concentrating our efforts and thoughts on what's MOST IMPORTANT, and what's MOST EFFECTIVE, and not wasting our time on things that don't really matter or add much value to our lives, we'll have more time and success than if we don't focus our efforts and thoughts this way.
So the first thing to do is to figure out which activities and thoughts bring us the most happiness, success, and positive results (that could mean money, or good relationships, or health). Make those your top priorities. Try to figure out ways to bring more of those thoughts and activities into your life.
Next, identify which activities and thoughts are producing bad results for you, or no results, or few results. Do you really want to continue to practice those those thoughts or activities? Of course not. So when you find yourself starting to think these unproductive thoughts or starting to perform these unproductive activities, step back a minute, and start focusing instead on one of the POSITIVE and PRODUCTIVE thoughts or activities that bring you the best results. Keep on doing this.
Things ought to start going better for you!
PTD
Business management thinker Joseph M. Juran suggested the principle and named it after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who observed that 80% of income in Italy went to 20% of the population.
The numbers 80/20 really don't matter, and are should mostly be considered as an example. What's most important to take away from the Pareto Principle is that by concentrating our efforts and thoughts on what's MOST IMPORTANT, and what's MOST EFFECTIVE, and not wasting our time on things that don't really matter or add much value to our lives, we'll have more time and success than if we don't focus our efforts and thoughts this way.
So the first thing to do is to figure out which activities and thoughts bring us the most happiness, success, and positive results (that could mean money, or good relationships, or health). Make those your top priorities. Try to figure out ways to bring more of those thoughts and activities into your life.
Next, identify which activities and thoughts are producing bad results for you, or no results, or few results. Do you really want to continue to practice those those thoughts or activities? Of course not. So when you find yourself starting to think these unproductive thoughts or starting to perform these unproductive activities, step back a minute, and start focusing instead on one of the POSITIVE and PRODUCTIVE thoughts or activities that bring you the best results. Keep on doing this.
Things ought to start going better for you!
PTD
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Words of Encouragement to a Friend
A friend recently reached out to me who was having trouble in their relationship, and I wrote back with the following words of encouragement (with some editing to preserve their privacy.) I often wish I was as good at following my own advice as I am giving it out!
*****
Great to hear from you! But sorry to hear about your troubles. I've gone through rough times in relationships, too. I want you to remember that in the end, everything is going to be OK. You are going to be OK. Everyone else is going to be OK, too. Whatever is not working has to be addressed. But don't forget about all the things that ARE working, or have worked well in the past. Be grateful for all the good qualities and good things that you have noticed or experienced about or with each other. Whatever the point of conflict is, acknowledge it without judgement, and then focus on how you'd like things to be in the future. Your partner's choices are their own. You can't control their feelings or thoughts, but you CAN direct your own mind to focus on what's good about today, and where you'd like to be in the future.
Sometimes, change is a good thing. It's very scary to leave the life you've known and to make big changes. But sometimes, making a change is the best thing you ever did. Envision a wonderful future doing what you love, with people who love and appreciate you. Focus on the things you can do and that make you feel good about yourself and your life. Ignore the bad stuff. Accept that it exists and move on.
PTD
*****
Great to hear from you! But sorry to hear about your troubles. I've gone through rough times in relationships, too. I want you to remember that in the end, everything is going to be OK. You are going to be OK. Everyone else is going to be OK, too. Whatever is not working has to be addressed. But don't forget about all the things that ARE working, or have worked well in the past. Be grateful for all the good qualities and good things that you have noticed or experienced about or with each other. Whatever the point of conflict is, acknowledge it without judgement, and then focus on how you'd like things to be in the future. Your partner's choices are their own. You can't control their feelings or thoughts, but you CAN direct your own mind to focus on what's good about today, and where you'd like to be in the future.
Sometimes, change is a good thing. It's very scary to leave the life you've known and to make big changes. But sometimes, making a change is the best thing you ever did. Envision a wonderful future doing what you love, with people who love and appreciate you. Focus on the things you can do and that make you feel good about yourself and your life. Ignore the bad stuff. Accept that it exists and move on.
PTD
Monday, May 19, 2008
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
According to Wikipedia, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) was the 32nd President of the United States. Elected to four terms in office, he served from 1933 to 1945, and is the only U.S. president to have served more than two terms. He was a central figure of the 20th century during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war. He is consistently ranked as one of the greatest US presidents in historial rankings.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Roosevelt created the New Deal to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the economic and banking systems.[1] Roosevelt introduced new taxes that affected all income groups. Conservatives vehemently fought back, but Roosevelt usually prevailed until he tried to pack the Supreme Court in 1937. Although recovery of the economy was incomplete until almost 1940, the programs he initiated such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have instrumental roles in the nation's commerce. One of his most important legacies is the Social Security system.
While the Roosevelts were vacationing at Campobello Island, New Brunswick in 1921, Roosevelt contracted what was believed to be polio, which resulted in Roosevelt's total and permanent paralysis from the waist down. For the rest of his life, Roosevelt refused to accept that he was permanently paralyzed. He tried a wide range of therapies, including hydrotherapy, and, in 1926, he purchased a resort at Warm Springs, Georgia, where he founded a hydrotherapy center for the treatment of polio patients which still operates as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. After he became President, he helped to found the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes). His leadership in this organization is one reason he is commemorated on the dime.
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Obviously, Roosevelt was an inspiration to millions of people. He refused to allow his own handicap to get in the way of his political career. He knew that the U.S.'s economic recovery depended on Americans believing that things would get better. Taking the office of President in the height of "The Great Depression," Roosevelt's "New Deal" gave Americans hope that there was a light at the end of the tunnel, and America's fortunes began to turn around slowly but surely.
FDR made so many memorable quotes - below are just a few:
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.
There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.
There are as many opinions as there are experts.
We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.
Remember you are just an extra in everyone else's play.
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Happiness - Chinese Proverb
If you want happiness for an hour—take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day—go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month—get married.
If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime—help someone else.
– Chinese Proverb
If you want happiness for a day—go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month—get married.
If you want happiness for a year—inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime—help someone else.
– Chinese Proverb
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Mahatma Gandhi Quotes
Famous Indian Leader, Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), preached non-violent civil disobedience and living simply and self-sufficiently. He was instrumental in India's independence movement and was beloved world-wide for his work to alleviate poverty, liberate women, and end discrimination. His birthday, October 2, is a national holiday in India. I came across a few quotes from him today and thought I would share them.
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"A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.”
"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well."
"Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."
"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it."
PTD
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wayne Gretzky Quotes
This post will be short and sweet. A few words of wisdom from hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, came up the other day and I thought they bear repeating.
My favorite:
- "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Also:
- "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."
PTD
My favorite:
- "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Also:
- "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."
PTD
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Big Sur Marathon Results and Sports Basement Coupon!
I finished the Big Sur Marathon on Sunday, April 27 in approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes. It was a glorious day! The weather was sunny and cool along the coast. The headwinds were a bit cold and that made it impossible to stay warm unless I kept running! My time was slower than last year, but I can't complain, since I wasn't that well trained! Today, I'm just a bit achy but otherwise, feeling good!
This was my 5th Big Sur Marathon and one of over 30 marathons and ultras I have finished since 1992. Woo-hoo! And I can still remember when I thought that running 2 miles was a long way! Just goes to show that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and follow through!
For a photo of me at the finish line, go to:
http://www.marathonfoto.com/view_watermark.cfm?CustomerNumber=K93196&NegsNumber=48089202&Orientation=P&Website=false
FYI - I'd like to share with you the 20% Discount Code for Sports Basement in my goodie bag for the Big Sur Marathon. It's good through May 27, 2008.
Go to http://www.sportsbasement.com and use code:
BIGSUR_20_4/08
And that should get you 20% off everything. Only use this code online.
PTD
This was my 5th Big Sur Marathon and one of over 30 marathons and ultras I have finished since 1992. Woo-hoo! And I can still remember when I thought that running 2 miles was a long way! Just goes to show that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and follow through!
For a photo of me at the finish line, go to:
http://www.marathonfoto.com/view_watermark.cfm?CustomerNumber=K93196&NegsNumber=48089202&Orientation=P&Website=false
FYI - I'd like to share with you the 20% Discount Code for Sports Basement in my goodie bag for the Big Sur Marathon. It's good through May 27, 2008.
Go to http://www.sportsbasement.com and use code:
BIGSUR_20_4/08
And that should get you 20% off everything. Only use this code online.
PTD
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Big Sur Marathon
I'm on my way to Monterey today to run the Big Sur Marathon tomorrow. It's the fifth time that I have run this Marathon, but only the 2nd time as an "individual" runner. The first 3 times, I was Leg One of a Relay Team, and I transferred the team wristlet to my team-mate for Leg Two, but just kept on running until the end.
Big Sur is my favorite Marathon course, pretty much ever. If any of you have ever had the pleasure of driving up Route 1 from San Simeon to Monterey, you know it is one of the most heavenly places on Earth. The cliffs overlooking the ocean, the crashing waves against the rocks, the mountains, the cows, the bridges. It's hard to beat. So no matter how difficult or how hilly this marathon gets, you just take a look around and see all the beauty of this Earth, and then continue on. I'll never qualify for Boston at Big Sur. It's not a fast course. Just the most beautiful.
I see a lot of older runners at this Marathon - men and women in their 60's and 70's. Looking fit and happy to be alive. I hope to be one of them - still out there running Big Sur in a couple of decades! They are my heroes, too.
PTD
Big Sur is my favorite Marathon course, pretty much ever. If any of you have ever had the pleasure of driving up Route 1 from San Simeon to Monterey, you know it is one of the most heavenly places on Earth. The cliffs overlooking the ocean, the crashing waves against the rocks, the mountains, the cows, the bridges. It's hard to beat. So no matter how difficult or how hilly this marathon gets, you just take a look around and see all the beauty of this Earth, and then continue on. I'll never qualify for Boston at Big Sur. It's not a fast course. Just the most beautiful.
I see a lot of older runners at this Marathon - men and women in their 60's and 70's. Looking fit and happy to be alive. I hope to be one of them - still out there running Big Sur in a couple of decades! They are my heroes, too.
PTD
Friday, April 25, 2008
Restaurant.com and Techbargains.com
OK - This post may not not technically be about positive thinking. But it is about something positive!
If you like dining out and saving money, Restaurant.com has a great un-publicized promotion going on right now. Normally when you go to their website, you can find restaurants in your area and buy coupons good for $25 off a minimum $35 purchase - for about $10. So you spend $10 to get $25 off - for a net savings of $15.
Well, for a limited time, if you use the special code: GOURMET, you'll save 70% off their restaurant coupons! So instead of paying $10 to get $25 off, you can spend $3 to get $25 off - a $22 net savings!
How do I find these special offers? I check out a website called Techbargains.com where deals from Restaurant.com and tons of other online vendors can be found.
Remember - use the code: GOURMET during checkout to get 70% off! And visit Techbargains for more deals.
http://www.restaurant.com
http://www.techbargains.com
PTD
If you like dining out and saving money, Restaurant.com has a great un-publicized promotion going on right now. Normally when you go to their website, you can find restaurants in your area and buy coupons good for $25 off a minimum $35 purchase - for about $10. So you spend $10 to get $25 off - for a net savings of $15.
Well, for a limited time, if you use the special code: GOURMET, you'll save 70% off their restaurant coupons! So instead of paying $10 to get $25 off, you can spend $3 to get $25 off - a $22 net savings!
How do I find these special offers? I check out a website called Techbargains.com where deals from Restaurant.com and tons of other online vendors can be found.
Remember - use the code: GOURMET during checkout to get 70% off! And visit Techbargains for more deals.
http://www.restaurant.com
http://www.techbargains.com
PTD
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ask and It is Given, by Esther and Jerry Hicks
I am in the midst of reading a wonderful book called "Ask and It is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks. Those of you who saw "The Secret" (the original version) may have seen Esther Hicks, who was replaced by Lisa Nichols in the second version of the DVD.
Esther Hicks may have been replaced because of the controversial nature of her claims. In this book, she is supposedly "channeling' the spirit of a non-physical entity named Abraham, and is presenting his teachings on the Universal laws (such as the Law of Attraction) that govern our relationships, health, finances, careers, and just our happiness in general.
If you can get over the hurdle of whether of not Abraham exists or Esther is just presenting her own ideas, and listen to the concepts this book presents, this is a great book.
Here's a passage from the book so you can get a sense of it:
When Your Practiced Thought Becomes a Dominant Thought
Whenever you have consistently focused upon a subject, causing a consistent vibrational activation of it within you, it becomes a practiced or dominant thought. And once that happens, things that match it will begin to manifest around your dominant thought. In the same way that your earlier thought was joined by other thoughts that matched it - now things that match your dominant thought will begin to show up in your experience: magazine articles, conversations with friends, personal observations...the attraction process will become very apparent. Once your focused attention has sufficiently activated a dominant vibration within you, things - wanted or unwanted - will begin to make their way into your personal experience. It is Law.
On their website:
(http://www.abraham-hicks.com/mp3downloads.php)
there are some free audio tracks providing an "Introduction to Abraham". According to their website, "it's a message about experiencing joy and well-being and creating the life you want. For some it's self-help or answers to life's great questions. For others, it's simply a way to feel good and allow the universe to provide all we desire."
There are also links to where you can buy their books. Ask and It is Given
is also available from Amazon.com for about $10.17.
PTD
Esther Hicks may have been replaced because of the controversial nature of her claims. In this book, she is supposedly "channeling' the spirit of a non-physical entity named Abraham, and is presenting his teachings on the Universal laws (such as the Law of Attraction) that govern our relationships, health, finances, careers, and just our happiness in general.
If you can get over the hurdle of whether of not Abraham exists or Esther is just presenting her own ideas, and listen to the concepts this book presents, this is a great book.
Here's a passage from the book so you can get a sense of it:
When Your Practiced Thought Becomes a Dominant Thought
Whenever you have consistently focused upon a subject, causing a consistent vibrational activation of it within you, it becomes a practiced or dominant thought. And once that happens, things that match it will begin to manifest around your dominant thought. In the same way that your earlier thought was joined by other thoughts that matched it - now things that match your dominant thought will begin to show up in your experience: magazine articles, conversations with friends, personal observations...the attraction process will become very apparent. Once your focused attention has sufficiently activated a dominant vibration within you, things - wanted or unwanted - will begin to make their way into your personal experience. It is Law.
On their website:
(http://www.abraham-hicks.com/mp3downloads.php)
there are some free audio tracks providing an "Introduction to Abraham". According to their website, "it's a message about experiencing joy and well-being and creating the life you want. For some it's self-help or answers to life's great questions. For others, it's simply a way to feel good and allow the universe to provide all we desire."
There are also links to where you can buy their books. Ask and It is Given
is also available from Amazon.com for about $10.17.PTD
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Paul Potts, Opera Singer
This viral video was an internet hit about a year ago. It's still very inspiring to watch again today or any other day. And the music will stick with you and remind you not to judge a book by its cover - or yourself - or anyone else.
Paul went on to win the entire first season of "Britain's Got Talent" competition in June 2007.
Update: "One Chance" is the debut album from Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts. The album was released on July 16, 2007. It has reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album had been at number one from its release until August 12, and it was certified gold on its first week for sales of almost 130,000 copies sold. The album has now sold over 300,000 copies and is a platinum certification.
In Australia, the album opened at #4 on the ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. It has so far reached Gold Status (35,000 copies sold). Four weeks later (2 September 2007), it reached #1.
In Sweden, One Chance debuted at #1, reaching Gold Status (20,000 copies sold) the first week of its release.
In the US, the re-release of One Chance debuted at #30 on the week of September 29, 2007. It has peaked #21 and has sold over 200,000 copies there.
According to Wikipedia, "on January 17, 2008, exactly six months to the day after winning Britain's Got Talent, he began his 2008 Concert Series at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl, U.K., which will be covering 65 cities across 13 countries. His current concert schedule ends on June 9, 2008, exactly one year after his first appearance on Britain's Got Talent."
Congratulations, Paul. You deserved it!
Watch this! PTD
Paul went on to win the entire first season of "Britain's Got Talent" competition in June 2007.
Update: "One Chance" is the debut album from Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts. The album was released on July 16, 2007. It has reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album had been at number one from its release until August 12, and it was certified gold on its first week for sales of almost 130,000 copies sold. The album has now sold over 300,000 copies and is a platinum certification.
In Australia, the album opened at #4 on the ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. It has so far reached Gold Status (35,000 copies sold). Four weeks later (2 September 2007), it reached #1.
In Sweden, One Chance debuted at #1, reaching Gold Status (20,000 copies sold) the first week of its release.
In the US, the re-release of One Chance debuted at #30 on the week of September 29, 2007. It has peaked #21 and has sold over 200,000 copies there.
According to Wikipedia, "on January 17, 2008, exactly six months to the day after winning Britain's Got Talent, he began his 2008 Concert Series at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl, U.K., which will be covering 65 cities across 13 countries. His current concert schedule ends on June 9, 2008, exactly one year after his first appearance on Britain's Got Talent."
Congratulations, Paul. You deserved it!
Watch this! PTD
Paul Potts, a mobile phone salesman from South Wales, sings opera at Britain's Got Talent.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Procrastination and Taxes
Today is April 15th, the last day to file your 2007 Tax Return and thus qualify for the $600 "economic stimulus" check from the US government.
Many people, like myself, hate doing their taxes and put it off until the last minute. I finally did my taxes YESTERDAY, and it did take me all day, but I finally got it done and e-filed and also paid what I owed online. Whoo-hoo!
Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to finish my taxes that I missed a HUGE error that the program made, and didn't realize it until my taxes were already filed and I had sent my payment. This means that I paid a lot more than I needed to and now have to file an ammended tax return in a few weeks to try to get my money back!
As they say, haste makes waste! Why? Why? Why did I wait so long to do my taxes??? When I finally sat down and pulled out my files and did my income and expenses, it really was not so bad. Sure, it was not my favorite activity. I'd much rather be doing something else!
But the giant RELIEF I felt after I e-filed and paid my taxes was HUGE!!! I mean, it was like a TRUCK-LOAD of bad feelings had been lifted off my shoulders!!! I felt immediately happier, lighter, freer! Before I filed my taxes, I was having trouble sleeping. It was awful. Last night, I slept like a baby! Oh, what a difference!
So, facing your fears and doing what you most dread - first - makes total sense to me. If you do what you least want to do - FIRST - and get it done, you'll feel so much BETTER! If I had only listened to that wisdom and started my taxes weeks ago, I wouldn't have felt so terrible all this time, and I would not have been in such a hurry as to make the mistake that resulted in an overpayment. Oh well.
The lesson I learned from this - or hope that I've learned - is to face your fears, bite the bullet, and just do the one thing that you HAVE TO DO, that you LEAST WANT TO DO, and DO IT FIRST. Get it out of the way. YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
PTD
Many people, like myself, hate doing their taxes and put it off until the last minute. I finally did my taxes YESTERDAY, and it did take me all day, but I finally got it done and e-filed and also paid what I owed online. Whoo-hoo!
Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to finish my taxes that I missed a HUGE error that the program made, and didn't realize it until my taxes were already filed and I had sent my payment. This means that I paid a lot more than I needed to and now have to file an ammended tax return in a few weeks to try to get my money back!
As they say, haste makes waste! Why? Why? Why did I wait so long to do my taxes??? When I finally sat down and pulled out my files and did my income and expenses, it really was not so bad. Sure, it was not my favorite activity. I'd much rather be doing something else!
But the giant RELIEF I felt after I e-filed and paid my taxes was HUGE!!! I mean, it was like a TRUCK-LOAD of bad feelings had been lifted off my shoulders!!! I felt immediately happier, lighter, freer! Before I filed my taxes, I was having trouble sleeping. It was awful. Last night, I slept like a baby! Oh, what a difference!
So, facing your fears and doing what you most dread - first - makes total sense to me. If you do what you least want to do - FIRST - and get it done, you'll feel so much BETTER! If I had only listened to that wisdom and started my taxes weeks ago, I wouldn't have felt so terrible all this time, and I would not have been in such a hurry as to make the mistake that resulted in an overpayment. Oh well.
The lesson I learned from this - or hope that I've learned - is to face your fears, bite the bullet, and just do the one thing that you HAVE TO DO, that you LEAST WANT TO DO, and DO IT FIRST. Get it out of the way. YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
PTD
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Eddie Lawrence, The Old Philosopher - Never Give Up!
An alumni relations staffer from my alma mater emailed me and my fellow section correspondents today to remind us to submit our "Class Notes" columns for the quarterly alumni magazine. He said he hated to be so strict, but the deadline was tomorrow and there would be no "extensions." In closing he mentioned the famous words of the late comedian, Eddie Lawrence (aka "The Old Philosopher") whom I had never heard of before. So I googled him and here's what I found on Wikipedia and You Tube.
In 1956, Eddie Lawrence (born Lawrence Eisler), produced a comedy single entitled "The Old Philosopher" which rose to the Billboard Top 40 chart, a rare distinction for a comedy record by a little-known performer. It turned out to be a one-hit wonder for Eddie Lawrence, but nonetheless paved the way for his long comedy career. In a four-minute routine, a crotchety, ridiculous-sounding character recounts a litany of nonsensical calamities. Speaking in a comically downtrodden, empathetic voice, he begins, "Hey there friend, you say that..." followed by a list of idiotic disasters, ending with, "Is that what's troubling you, friend?" At that point, music of a military, patriotic or marching nature loudly plays and the fellow declaims in full voice, "Lift your head up high and take a walk in the sun with that dignity and stick-to-it-iveness that you'll show the world, you'll show them where to get off, you'll never give up, never give up, never give up that ship!" Those sentiments are followed by a recitation of another round of silly disasters and foolish optimism and then still another round.
It sort of reminds me of the tale of "Candide" - a literary character who befell all sorts of tragedies and phenomenal bad luck, but still carried on as an eternal optimist. I never heard of Eddie Lawrence before today, but I have often heard the phrase "Don't Give Up The Ship!" which Lawrence paraphrases in his routine and undoubtedly made more popular! It's very funny - if you can get beyond the schtick.
Now watch it on You Tube!
PTD
In 1956, Eddie Lawrence (born Lawrence Eisler), produced a comedy single entitled "The Old Philosopher" which rose to the Billboard Top 40 chart, a rare distinction for a comedy record by a little-known performer. It turned out to be a one-hit wonder for Eddie Lawrence, but nonetheless paved the way for his long comedy career. In a four-minute routine, a crotchety, ridiculous-sounding character recounts a litany of nonsensical calamities. Speaking in a comically downtrodden, empathetic voice, he begins, "Hey there friend, you say that..." followed by a list of idiotic disasters, ending with, "Is that what's troubling you, friend?" At that point, music of a military, patriotic or marching nature loudly plays and the fellow declaims in full voice, "Lift your head up high and take a walk in the sun with that dignity and stick-to-it-iveness that you'll show the world, you'll show them where to get off, you'll never give up, never give up, never give up that ship!" Those sentiments are followed by a recitation of another round of silly disasters and foolish optimism and then still another round.
It sort of reminds me of the tale of "Candide" - a literary character who befell all sorts of tragedies and phenomenal bad luck, but still carried on as an eternal optimist. I never heard of Eddie Lawrence before today, but I have often heard the phrase "Don't Give Up The Ship!" which Lawrence paraphrases in his routine and undoubtedly made more popular! It's very funny - if you can get beyond the schtick.
Now watch it on You Tube!
PTD
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Happiness Test?
Oprah Winfrey does so many shows on topics related to positive thinking and personal development that her website has some great information and links that I highly recommend.
There is a whole section on her site about The Pursuit of Happiness at:
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200704/tows_past_20070411.jhtml
In that section, you can link to such topics as:
- How Happy Are You? Take the Happiness Test
- Studying Satisfaction. Dr. Robert Holden talks about things you can do to become happier with yourself and your life.
- Sexual Healing. Can More Sex Make you happy?
Check out Oprah's site!
PTD
There is a whole section on her site about The Pursuit of Happiness at:
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200704/tows_past_20070411.jhtml
In that section, you can link to such topics as:
- How Happy Are You? Take the Happiness Test
- Studying Satisfaction. Dr. Robert Holden talks about things you can do to become happier with yourself and your life.
- Sexual Healing. Can More Sex Make you happy?
Check out Oprah's site!
PTD
Monday, March 17, 2008
A Prayer from Saint Theresa
I just received a chain email today - the kind you are supposed to pass on to X-number of friends make your prayer come true in X-number of days. I got it from a good friend in LA, who normally doesn't send this stuff, knowing we all really hate to SPAM our friends.
But today, I was ready for this prayer. I really needed it. And yes, I sent it off to 11 friends, some of whom passed it on, while others tossed it away. But even if they didn't care to pass it on, I thought the prayer itself was worth reading.
No matter what your religion or spiritual beliefs - if you put your wishes out to the Universe - as in a prayer to a Saint or a God - you are hopefully sending out the kind of energy that will help make your wishes come true. At the very least, it helps to clarify your goals or your wishes and then to "put them out there" and see what happens. If you are down, it might make you a little more hopeful for the future.
There's no need to pass this on to 11 friends. Just enjoy the prayer! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!
PTD
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A Prayer from Saint Theresa
Look at the picture read the prayer and then make a wish and read the prayer again.
In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses.
May everyone who receives this message be blessed. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the prayer. That's all you have to do. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
But today, I was ready for this prayer. I really needed it. And yes, I sent it off to 11 friends, some of whom passed it on, while others tossed it away. But even if they didn't care to pass it on, I thought the prayer itself was worth reading.
No matter what your religion or spiritual beliefs - if you put your wishes out to the Universe - as in a prayer to a Saint or a God - you are hopefully sending out the kind of energy that will help make your wishes come true. At the very least, it helps to clarify your goals or your wishes and then to "put them out there" and see what happens. If you are down, it might make you a little more hopeful for the future.
There's no need to pass this on to 11 friends. Just enjoy the prayer! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!
PTD
********************
A Prayer from Saint Theresa
Look at the picture read the prayer and then make a wish and read the prayer again.
In case you are not aware, Saint Theresa is known as the Saint of the Little Ways, meaning she believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love. She is represented by roses.
May everyone who receives this message be blessed. REMEMBER to make a wish before you read the prayer. That's all you have to do. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Your "Positive Thinking" Reading List - Part One
What's on YOUR Positive Thinking Reading List?
Here are some of the books that I have come across over the years that I can recommend.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 1952
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
Seven Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
The Secret (DVD) - http://www.secret.tv
The Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Ekker
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles
What's missing from this list? Let me know!
PTD
Here are some of the books that I have come across over the years that I can recommend.
The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, 1952
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
Seven Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
The Secret (DVD) - http://www.secret.tv
The Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Ekker
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles
What's missing from this list? Let me know!
PTD
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Complete Goals Program Worksheet
I recently joined a new service call DocStoc (http://www.docstoc.com) where people upload documents and forms that can be shared with other people. For instance, if you're looking for a "Sublease Contract" or "Business Plan Outline" or "Non-Disclosure Agreement" or WHATEVER - you might find helpful documents here that can be used or modified for your own purposes! One of the helpful documents I found there today was "The Complete Goals Program" which is basically a worksheet with several questions you can answer to "help you define your passions and set goals so you can live the life of your dreams!" I thought I'd share it. If it does not appear embedded below, then click on the URL at the bottom. Cheers! PTD
The complete goals program - Get more free documents
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=267601
The complete goals program - Get more free documents
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=267601
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Your Daily OM with Debbie Ford
I've missed a whole week of blogs for the Positive Thinking Diet, but don't want you to think that I've forgotten you!
Despite not keeping up with these posts, I continue to read books, listen to webscasts, participate in workshops, and be inspired by other people who are currently working in the field of personal development. I plan on "filling in" the past dates when I have not posted anything with "back-dated" posts. These posts will not just "fill in the gaps" but will have interesting and important information and positive thoughts that I hope everyone will read. Periodically, I'll include links to these "back-dated posts" so that you won't miss the valuable content that's there. Also, you should be able to do a search of this blog on keywords and find information on many topics that interest you.
Moving on... one of the online workshops that I am currently taking is "Overcoming Self-Sabotage" by Debbie Ford. Right now, I'm on Lesson 10 of her course, which involves an email about every 4 days that includes a 10-minute or so audio portion where Debbie leads you through an exercise to help you overcome some of your self-inflicted blockage areas. This course has been very enlightening so far and I would recommend it to anyone.
Debbie Ford's website is at http://www.dailyom.com and she also offers a couple of different FREE email subscriptions with positive thoughts and more. I recommend the one at the link below.
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?subsribe=1
Until next time!
PTD
Despite not keeping up with these posts, I continue to read books, listen to webscasts, participate in workshops, and be inspired by other people who are currently working in the field of personal development. I plan on "filling in" the past dates when I have not posted anything with "back-dated" posts. These posts will not just "fill in the gaps" but will have interesting and important information and positive thoughts that I hope everyone will read. Periodically, I'll include links to these "back-dated posts" so that you won't miss the valuable content that's there. Also, you should be able to do a search of this blog on keywords and find information on many topics that interest you.
Moving on... one of the online workshops that I am currently taking is "Overcoming Self-Sabotage" by Debbie Ford. Right now, I'm on Lesson 10 of her course, which involves an email about every 4 days that includes a 10-minute or so audio portion where Debbie leads you through an exercise to help you overcome some of your self-inflicted blockage areas. This course has been very enlightening so far and I would recommend it to anyone.
Debbie Ford's website is at http://www.dailyom.com and she also offers a couple of different FREE email subscriptions with positive thoughts and more. I recommend the one at the link below.
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?subsribe=1
Until next time!
PTD
Friday, February 15, 2008
Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"
Napoleon Hill (October 26, 1883–November 8, 1970) was an American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature. His most famous work, Think and Grow Rich, is one of the best-selling books of all time. In America, Hill stated in his writings, people are free to believe what they want to believe, and this is what sets the United States apart from all other countries in the world. Hill's works examined the power of personal beliefs, and the role they play in personal success. "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve" is one of Hill's hallmark expressions. How achievement actually occurs, and a formula for it that puts success in reach for the average person, were the promise of Hill's books.
For more information, check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Hill
The Napoleon Hill Foundation - http://www.naphill.org/
And be sure to read his book - FOR FREE - by going to:
Free Online Google Book - Think and Grow Rich
PTD
For more information, check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Hill
The Napoleon Hill Foundation - http://www.naphill.org/
And be sure to read his book - FOR FREE - by going to:
Free Online Google Book - Think and Grow Rich
PTD
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day (Funny Video)
It doesn't matter who you are or what you are doing - just be with someone you love today!
And enjoy this funny video I produced entitled "Socko & Aroma's Valentine's Day Date"! Kids especially love this! Please forward to your friends and your friends' kids!! It's short - only 90 seconds!
Socko is a sock who lost his parter (his evil twin, Sicko) and decided that there must be more to life than what he'd done before. So now he goes out and tries to experience all that life has to offer! He's got a positive attitude and message for both kids and adults. For more videos featuring the adventures of Socko & Friends, go to: http://www.socko.com/.
For more adventures of Socko and Friends, go to http://www.socko.com/
PTD
And enjoy this funny video I produced entitled "Socko & Aroma's Valentine's Day Date"! Kids especially love this! Please forward to your friends and your friends' kids!! It's short - only 90 seconds!
Socko is a sock who lost his parter (his evil twin, Sicko) and decided that there must be more to life than what he'd done before. So now he goes out and tries to experience all that life has to offer! He's got a positive attitude and message for both kids and adults. For more videos featuring the adventures of Socko & Friends, go to: http://www.socko.com/.
For more adventures of Socko and Friends, go to http://www.socko.com/
PTD
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Need a Valentine? Online Dating Services
In honor of Valentine's Day (tomorrow), I thought some people might be interested in checking out some popular Online Dating Services! Online dating has never been more popular. Millions of people meet this way every day. Being "selective" is still extremely important. And best not to give out your personal information such as your last name and phone number until you are sure you can trust this person.
You may or may not find true love by meeting someone online, but sometimes it can be an ego boost to know that people are potentially interested in meeting you. And when you feel good about yourself, more people are attracted to you!
Here are some of the most popular online dating sites in the US:
Match.com - Supposed to be the largest internet dating site in the US.
Yahoo! Personals
Eharmony.com - Claims to have the highest success rate in terms of resulting marriages.
Craigslist - FREE online personals
Lavalife.com
Chemistry.com - An alternative to Eharmony that accepts people Eharmony rejects.
Happy Dating!
PTD
You may or may not find true love by meeting someone online, but sometimes it can be an ego boost to know that people are potentially interested in meeting you. And when you feel good about yourself, more people are attracted to you!
Here are some of the most popular online dating sites in the US:
Match.com - Supposed to be the largest internet dating site in the US.
Yahoo! Personals
Eharmony.com - Claims to have the highest success rate in terms of resulting marriages.
Craigslist - FREE online personals
Lavalife.com
Chemistry.com - An alternative to Eharmony that accepts people Eharmony rejects.
Happy Dating!
PTD
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
When You Wish Upon a Star
"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them."
~Walt Disney
And from the movie, Pinnochio:
When You Wish Upon a Star
Writer: Leigh Harline; Lyrics: Ned Washington
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you
If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star as dreamers do
(Fate is kind, she brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing)
Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you thru
When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.
~Walt Disney
And from the movie, Pinnochio:
When You Wish Upon a Star
Writer: Leigh Harline; Lyrics: Ned Washington
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you
If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star as dreamers do
(Fate is kind, she brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing)
Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you thru
When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.
Monday, February 11, 2008
2008: Chinese Year of the Earth Rat, New Beginnings
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth). It began on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs, the Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelve years.
A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. People born in an Earth Rat are said to be logical realists, shrewd, charming, ambitious, and inventive. Of course, the entire horoscope must be considered when making any personality assessment.
In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes.
They are gifted in many ways and have an easy going manner. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They seem to have interests in everything and hope to participate in doing it and usually do it very well.
Take advantage of the Year of the Rat! Start something new! Prospects are looking up!
PTD
A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. People born in an Earth Rat are said to be logical realists, shrewd, charming, ambitious, and inventive. Of course, the entire horoscope must be considered when making any personality assessment.
In Chinese, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. People born in the Year of Rat are clever and bright, sociable and family-minded. They have broad interests and strong ability in adapting to the environment and able to react adequately to any changes.
They are gifted in many ways and have an easy going manner. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They seem to have interests in everything and hope to participate in doing it and usually do it very well.
Take advantage of the Year of the Rat! Start something new! Prospects are looking up!
PTD
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Passion and Intentions - From James Arthur Ray
Popular Motivational Speaker, James Arthur Ray recently wrote the following in an email newsletter, that I thought I'd share here.
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As you choose your intentions, measure them against the following criteria:
1) Does this intention create passion in my heart and soul? Do I have a burning desire to achieve this intention?
2) Does this intention (and its due date) scare me and excite me at the same time? Is it "teetering edge"?
3) Will this intention cause me to stretch and grow? Do I need to become a bigger person to accomplish it?
4) Will achieving this intention bless and provide value to others? If I achieve this will I be able to give more?
5) Will I need help from my Higher Source to accomplish this intention?
If you answer yes to these 5 qualities, put it in high gear and get moving! If you answered no to ANY ONE of them, reevaluate your intention.
Remember a few key principles about intentions:
- You are worthy of any intention you choose... You must answer the question, "Is this intention worthy of me?" Are you willing to trade your life (time, energy, commitment) for it to be accomplished?
- Growth is the only intention, so learn to enjoy the journey. Once you achieve your intention, it'll automatically be time for a new one. The process of getting there is where the wealth, excitement and experience lie.
- Make sure your intention is a BHAG (Harvard's "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal") that you aren't quiet sure HOW you're going to achieve. By doing this, you'll build your creativity and faith.
- Have a big, hairy, audacious week and make your life magnificent!
To your continued wealth and happiness,
James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International
For more information on James Arthur Ray, click here.
PTD
*************************************
As you choose your intentions, measure them against the following criteria:
1) Does this intention create passion in my heart and soul? Do I have a burning desire to achieve this intention?
2) Does this intention (and its due date) scare me and excite me at the same time? Is it "teetering edge"?
3) Will this intention cause me to stretch and grow? Do I need to become a bigger person to accomplish it?
4) Will achieving this intention bless and provide value to others? If I achieve this will I be able to give more?
5) Will I need help from my Higher Source to accomplish this intention?
If you answer yes to these 5 qualities, put it in high gear and get moving! If you answered no to ANY ONE of them, reevaluate your intention.
Remember a few key principles about intentions:
- You are worthy of any intention you choose... You must answer the question, "Is this intention worthy of me?" Are you willing to trade your life (time, energy, commitment) for it to be accomplished?
- Growth is the only intention, so learn to enjoy the journey. Once you achieve your intention, it'll automatically be time for a new one. The process of getting there is where the wealth, excitement and experience lie.
- Make sure your intention is a BHAG (Harvard's "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal") that you aren't quiet sure HOW you're going to achieve. By doing this, you'll build your creativity and faith.
- Have a big, hairy, audacious week and make your life magnificent!
To your continued wealth and happiness,
James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International
For more information on James Arthur Ray, click here.
PTD
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Smile! What your smile says about you!
This morning I have an appointment with my dental hygenist to get my teeth cleaned. It's something we should all do at least twice a year.
Many people don't realize that taking care of their teeth is just as important as taking care of the rest of their body. We only get 2 sets of teeth. Our first set of teeth comes in when we are babies and toddlers. Our heads are small then, and so are our teeth! Then, when we are about six years old, our baby teeth start falling out and are replaced by our larger, adult size teeth. And those have to last us the rest of our lives!
I'm not going to get into all the dental health issues (like gum disease) that can shorten your life - just know that keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy will help you live longer!
Plus, good dental hygiene makes you want to SMILE! If you have clean, whiter teeth, you'll look YOUNGER and feel more CONFIDENT about yourself!
Flossing and brushing daily - will get you far.
Teeth whitening is also more widely available and less expensive than ever before. Many home whitening products are on the market right now - like Crest White Strips. They are very easy to use and very effective.
Your dentist's office also has some stronger and more expensive teeth whitening procedures, but they take less time and generally produce whiter results.
Why do movie stars look so good? Because they get their teeth whitened!
So get up right now and brush your teeth! You'll feel better! And then, make an appointment with your dental hygenist! It's time, and you know it!
For more information on dental health, go to the American Dental Association website.
PTD
Many people don't realize that taking care of their teeth is just as important as taking care of the rest of their body. We only get 2 sets of teeth. Our first set of teeth comes in when we are babies and toddlers. Our heads are small then, and so are our teeth! Then, when we are about six years old, our baby teeth start falling out and are replaced by our larger, adult size teeth. And those have to last us the rest of our lives!
I'm not going to get into all the dental health issues (like gum disease) that can shorten your life - just know that keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy will help you live longer!
Plus, good dental hygiene makes you want to SMILE! If you have clean, whiter teeth, you'll look YOUNGER and feel more CONFIDENT about yourself!
Flossing and brushing daily - will get you far.
Teeth whitening is also more widely available and less expensive than ever before. Many home whitening products are on the market right now - like Crest White Strips. They are very easy to use and very effective.
Your dentist's office also has some stronger and more expensive teeth whitening procedures, but they take less time and generally produce whiter results.
Why do movie stars look so good? Because they get their teeth whitened!
So get up right now and brush your teeth! You'll feel better! And then, make an appointment with your dental hygenist! It's time, and you know it!
For more information on dental health, go to the American Dental Association website.
PTD
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
BigThink.com - We Area What You Think
I just ran across this great website with video interviews with all sorts of people, authors, and experts on a variety of topics - such as Inspiration, Life and Death, Love and Happiness, Business and Economics, Science and Technology, and you-name-it.
Check out the top video on the page about "Inspiration" with people answering the question - "What Inspires You?" or "Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?"
Check it out at
http://www.bigthink.com/inspiration
Then please comment below about "What Inspires YOU!"
Thanks!
PTD
Check out the top video on the page about "Inspiration" with people answering the question - "What Inspires You?" or "Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?"
Check it out at
http://www.bigthink.com/inspiration
Then please comment below about "What Inspires YOU!"
Thanks!
PTD
Friday, February 1, 2008
Tell Your Children (and yourself) That You Can Be Whatever You Want to Be
Today, more than ever before, we can see the progress that has been made in the United States, toward equal rights for women and minorities.
Who would have ever thought that in 2008, the race for the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States, would be between a white woman and a black man? It's inspiring. Both candidates are smart, well-spoken, and accomplished. We should all be proud that our society has progressed to a point where your gender, race and religion are less important than your policies and stands on the issues.
Now, more than ever, it's TRUE that "you can grow up to be whatever you want to be!" It's true when you're born, it's true when you're 10 years old, and it's true when you're 40 or 50 years old! Times change, and what you thought might have been an obstacle a few years ago, may no longer be an obstacle! You should never give up on your dreams! Keep them alive and do whatever you can to be ready for the opportunities!
To watch the last Democratic Party debate in California on 1/31/08 between Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama (or just watch the first few minutes), click on the link below!
http://www.youdecide2008.com/video/video-cnn-democratic-debate-from-california-13108/
PTD
Who would have ever thought that in 2008, the race for the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States, would be between a white woman and a black man? It's inspiring. Both candidates are smart, well-spoken, and accomplished. We should all be proud that our society has progressed to a point where your gender, race and religion are less important than your policies and stands on the issues.
Now, more than ever, it's TRUE that "you can grow up to be whatever you want to be!" It's true when you're born, it's true when you're 10 years old, and it's true when you're 40 or 50 years old! Times change, and what you thought might have been an obstacle a few years ago, may no longer be an obstacle! You should never give up on your dreams! Keep them alive and do whatever you can to be ready for the opportunities!
To watch the last Democratic Party debate in California on 1/31/08 between Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama (or just watch the first few minutes), click on the link below!
http://www.youdecide2008.com/video/video-cnn-democratic-debate-from-california-13108/
PTD
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Matthieu Ricard: Habits of Happiness, Video from TED Conference
What is happiness, and how can we all get some? Buddhist monk, photographer and author Matthieu Ricard has devoted his life to these questions, and his answer is influenced by his faith as well as by his scientific turn of mind: We can train our minds in habits of happiness. Interwoven with his talk are stunning photographs of the Himalayas and of his spiritual community. He is sometimes called the "happiest man in the world."
To view this funny and inspiring video taping of his presentation at the TED Conference in Monterey, CA in 2004, click here. It's 21 minutes and worth every minute of your time!
PTD
To view this funny and inspiring video taping of his presentation at the TED Conference in Monterey, CA in 2004, click here. It's 21 minutes and worth every minute of your time!
PTD
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Oprah's Free Online Class on "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle
Today, Oprah Winfrey announced that Oprah's Book Club is sponsoring a FREE online class about the principals in Eckhart Tolle's latest book, A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose.
The FREE online class starts this Monday night, February 3 at 8 PM Central time (that's 9 PM EST, and 6 PM PST).
Free excerpts from the book are posted on Oprah's Book Club's website.
To sign up for the class, go to Oprah.com or click here.
You can buy A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose on Amazon.com.
PTD
The FREE online class starts this Monday night, February 3 at 8 PM Central time (that's 9 PM EST, and 6 PM PST).
Free excerpts from the book are posted on Oprah's Book Club's website.
To sign up for the class, go to Oprah.com or click here.
You can buy A New Earth: Awakening Your Life's Purpose on Amazon.com.
PTD
SuperViva.com - Make a life list & live a full life
A few years ago, I was invited to a "Lifestorm" party, where friends and acquaintances made nametags that listed their 5 top goals for the year, and were encouraged to talk to each other about their goals and get encouragement and maybe helpful suggestions from each other. It was a lot of fun!
The hostess of that party was Susie,who is the San Francisco-based life coach who started Superviva.com (http://www.superviva.com) - a totally FREE website that you can use to inspire yourself, set short and long term goals, and find helpful suggestions, tips and inspiration from other members of the Superviva community!
Superviva has been recommended by many leading lifestyle magazines, and since I know the founder, I can totally recommend this site!
Check it out at http://www.superviva.com
PTD
The hostess of that party was Susie,who is the San Francisco-based life coach who started Superviva.com (http://www.superviva.com) - a totally FREE website that you can use to inspire yourself, set short and long term goals, and find helpful suggestions, tips and inspiration from other members of the Superviva community!
Superviva has been recommended by many leading lifestyle magazines, and since I know the founder, I can totally recommend this site!
Check it out at http://www.superviva.com
PTD
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
One Mile at a Time to 26.2 and Beyond! Part 2
For Part One, click here.
As it happened, the LA Leggers Running Club had regular group runs every Saturday, at the Santa Monica Senior Center in Palisades Park, just a few blocks from where I was living. Every fall, they started training for the LA Marathon (early March), and it only cost $25 to join. For that, you could participate in the group trainings and runs, with great coaches and mentors. Many first time Marathoners joined the group every year, and they really made the program fun and easy - stepping up the distances every other week - from 2 miles to 4 to 6 to 10, all the way to about 28 miles in fact, because we were following the "Jeff Galloway" program. We'd run 10 minutes, then walk a minute. Or it might be run 9 minutes and walk a minute. In any case, the program was meant to make it easy for average people like me to learn to run a Marathon and not kill yourself in the process!
What was most inspiring, I have to say, was meeting all the really old and not skinny people who were also training to run a Marathon. There were people in their 60's and 70's, some of them overweight, some of them who were cancer survivors, and they were all doing the training, same as me. Some of them had already completed one or more marathons in the past, and were just training with the LA Leggers for the comraderie and to help others along. And they did! They were so great! And again I thought "if they can do it, then so can I!"
It didn't hurt that my boyfriend, at the time, had run the LA Marathon a few years prior and was very encouraging. Even though one marathon was enough for him, he thought it was a worthy goal, and offered tips and occasionally ran with me. As my training progressed, I became more and more excited. Especially after I surpassed 13.1 miles and was moving up to 16 and 18 miles. The vision of crossing the finish line at 26.2 miles was becoming more and more real. It all seemed possible.
Of course, not everyone I knew was as encouraging. When I told my mother that I was training for the LA Marathon, she once said, "Why would you want to do THAT?" In her mind, running a marathon was only something done by "real athletes" and it was an extreme distance that regular people like me were crazy to even attempt. Of course, she lived in Cleveland, Ohio and didn't know any runners. She didn't even know many joggers. So her reference points were different from mine. Whereas, living in Santa Monica, California, I saw lots of people running every day! The running community was friendly and encouraging! Old and fat people were finishing Marathons! They might not be fast, but they were finishing, and they weren't killing themselves! Far from it! They were healthy and excited about living and were having a ball!
Anyhow, when I finished my first LA Marathon, I was joyous! It was a cloudy day, but then the sun popped out a little. The course took us through the many diverse and ethnic neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Japantown, Hollywood, Hancock Park (where one family has a big party every year with an Opera Singer and they serve hors d'oevres to the passing runners) and you finish up in the Olympic Stadium. Very cool! I think I finished in about 4 hours 30 minutes. Which was great! I finished! I got my medal! I went home and took a nice hot bath and couldn't walk down stairs without great pain for the next few days. But it was so worth it!
And after that, my Mom started telling all her friends that "my daughter ran a Marathon!" She was so proud! So she went from being "unencouraging" to being "thrilled" about my accomplishment! I'm tearing up now just thinking about the change in her reaction. It meant a lot to me - and still does - that she was proud of me.
But of course, I didn't run my first Marathon for my mother. I ran it for myself. Having her in my corner after that was a side benefit and one that I had not anticipated. By the way, my Dad and my brothers were proud of me too. I think whenever someone you know as being just a normal person - accomplishes something that you thought was difficult or even impossible - it changes you in some way. You begin to see that the impossible might really be possible. That your preconceptions might have been wrong.
And I had a medal to prove it! Now what was I going to do? Was that it? Was one marathon enough like it was for my boyfriend? What did I want to do next?
To be continued.....
As it happened, the LA Leggers Running Club had regular group runs every Saturday, at the Santa Monica Senior Center in Palisades Park, just a few blocks from where I was living. Every fall, they started training for the LA Marathon (early March), and it only cost $25 to join. For that, you could participate in the group trainings and runs, with great coaches and mentors. Many first time Marathoners joined the group every year, and they really made the program fun and easy - stepping up the distances every other week - from 2 miles to 4 to 6 to 10, all the way to about 28 miles in fact, because we were following the "Jeff Galloway" program. We'd run 10 minutes, then walk a minute. Or it might be run 9 minutes and walk a minute. In any case, the program was meant to make it easy for average people like me to learn to run a Marathon and not kill yourself in the process!
What was most inspiring, I have to say, was meeting all the really old and not skinny people who were also training to run a Marathon. There were people in their 60's and 70's, some of them overweight, some of them who were cancer survivors, and they were all doing the training, same as me. Some of them had already completed one or more marathons in the past, and were just training with the LA Leggers for the comraderie and to help others along. And they did! They were so great! And again I thought "if they can do it, then so can I!"
It didn't hurt that my boyfriend, at the time, had run the LA Marathon a few years prior and was very encouraging. Even though one marathon was enough for him, he thought it was a worthy goal, and offered tips and occasionally ran with me. As my training progressed, I became more and more excited. Especially after I surpassed 13.1 miles and was moving up to 16 and 18 miles. The vision of crossing the finish line at 26.2 miles was becoming more and more real. It all seemed possible.
Of course, not everyone I knew was as encouraging. When I told my mother that I was training for the LA Marathon, she once said, "Why would you want to do THAT?" In her mind, running a marathon was only something done by "real athletes" and it was an extreme distance that regular people like me were crazy to even attempt. Of course, she lived in Cleveland, Ohio and didn't know any runners. She didn't even know many joggers. So her reference points were different from mine. Whereas, living in Santa Monica, California, I saw lots of people running every day! The running community was friendly and encouraging! Old and fat people were finishing Marathons! They might not be fast, but they were finishing, and they weren't killing themselves! Far from it! They were healthy and excited about living and were having a ball!
Anyhow, when I finished my first LA Marathon, I was joyous! It was a cloudy day, but then the sun popped out a little. The course took us through the many diverse and ethnic neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Japantown, Hollywood, Hancock Park (where one family has a big party every year with an Opera Singer and they serve hors d'oevres to the passing runners) and you finish up in the Olympic Stadium. Very cool! I think I finished in about 4 hours 30 minutes. Which was great! I finished! I got my medal! I went home and took a nice hot bath and couldn't walk down stairs without great pain for the next few days. But it was so worth it!
And after that, my Mom started telling all her friends that "my daughter ran a Marathon!" She was so proud! So she went from being "unencouraging" to being "thrilled" about my accomplishment! I'm tearing up now just thinking about the change in her reaction. It meant a lot to me - and still does - that she was proud of me.
But of course, I didn't run my first Marathon for my mother. I ran it for myself. Having her in my corner after that was a side benefit and one that I had not anticipated. By the way, my Dad and my brothers were proud of me too. I think whenever someone you know as being just a normal person - accomplishes something that you thought was difficult or even impossible - it changes you in some way. You begin to see that the impossible might really be possible. That your preconceptions might have been wrong.
And I had a medal to prove it! Now what was I going to do? Was that it? Was one marathon enough like it was for my boyfriend? What did I want to do next?
To be continued.....
Monday, January 28, 2008
One Mile at a Time Up to 26.2 and Beyond! Part 1
As some of you know, I have run over 30 marathons and several ultra-marathons in the past 15 years. But it didn't happen overnight by any means! It took me a long time to get where I am now. I remember when I thought running 1 mile was a lot and 2 miles was a great accomplishment! For a very long time, it didn't even occur to me that it might be possible for a regular person like me to run a Marathon. Marathons were only for super athletes and Olympians!
As a child, I always did well in Gym class and Physical Education. I wasn't a star athlete, but I knew I was faster and stronger than my younger brother, at least until he got taller than me! In high school, I ran the 1 and 2 mile events for the girls track team. Since this was prior to the passage of Title Nine, we weren't very competitive and not much was expected of us. In fact, I was the only person on the team who cared to run 1 or 2 miles, so I didn't have anyone on my own team to compete with. And I was pretty slow compared to girls running the same distance in other schools. I think my fastest time was 7 minutes per 1 mile. My high school track team was so "uncompetitive" that when the high jumper was sick, I got to do high jump at a track meet. And I'm only 5 feet tall and I'm a pathetic high jumper! Still, I probably could jump higher than many other short girls. Too bad most high jumpers were way taller than me!
In college, I ran only occasionally - just for exercise. I never ran longer than 2 miles. I thought that was plenty! Especially during the bitter cold Chicago winters. Tip: Don't run when your hair is wet, because it will freeze!
After graduation, I continued to run occasionally along Lake Michigan. What a beautiful place! But it wasn't until I moved to Boston (Cambridge actually), when I started to run up to 5 miles. That's because my brother had started running along the Charles River with a friend, and they were running up to 5 miles. And he was never much of a runner before that! So I thought to myself, "hey, if Mark can do it, then so can I!" And I did. And it was beautiful to run along the Charles River and it was so easy to just run out my front door and be at the river in 10 minutes or less. But I still never ran regularly.
Not until I finished graduate school and moved to Santa Monica, CA did I start running on a regular basis. I was 30ish. The weather was sunny and beautiful almost every day! So I couldn't use the weather as an excuse to stay inside. And I was about 10 pounds overweight. My apartment-mate, Karl, also wanted to lose weight. He had bad knees, so he couldn't run. But he could walk fast, and had a 6 mile loop mapped out from our apartment to San Vicente Boulevard, to Palisades Park (overlooking the Pacific Ocean) to Arizona Street, and back to our apartment. It took him a little more than an hour to walk this loop fast. So one day, I decided to go with him. Except that I couldn't walk as fast as Karl. In order to keep up, I had to jog it! But it was a nice, comfortable jog. The route was pretty - even gorgeous by the ocean, and we were going slow enough to talk. So basically, the time flew by and before we knew it, we were done. The 6 miles felt so easy - because I was jogging at a comfortable slow pace, talking with a friend, and just enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. I felt so good afterwards!
My schedule was different from Karl's, though, so if I wanted to continue running this loop, I had to do it on my own, and so I did. I would vary the course - try different streets, and look for interesting places along the way. I would run by one of Frank Gehry's first homes (looks like a Chicken coop), and a house with a fence that looks like big pencils. Some of the most spectacular views (and homes) were on Adelaide Street overlooking Santa Monica Canyon and "The Steps". I incorporated "The steps" into my routine and would occasionally see some stars doing their workouts there. Another great street to run on was La Mesa Drive, where I once passed Mel Brooks taking a walk. And I still ran on San Vicente, where you'd see stars running all the time, like Bruce Dern, Jack Scalia, Sally Field, and others. It was fun! And I lost my extra 10 pounds very quickly, and started feeling better about my appearance. A friend took me clothes shopping at Betsy Johnson, and so I even bought a few spandex items which I wore confidently to parties or dance places. And boy, did that work! Guys started noticing me more than they had ever before! Was it the new body? Or the confidence? Probably a bit of both.
Anyhow, I kept on running on my own and was basically running 6 miles 3-4 days a week (and got it down to about an hour each time, so 10 minutes per mile. So I finally signed up for my first 10K race, which is 6.2 miles. It was a local race and hundreds of casual runners signed up like me and it was really fun! I wasn't fast, but I wasn't the slowest person either. And I felt good! So I registered for more 10K's. After doing several 10K's and improving my time as I went along, I decided I was ready for another challege - so I signed up for a Half Marathon. Basically, it was 2 loops of a 10K course (+ a little more) in Santa Monica. 13.1 miles total. The first loop was easy. The second loop I started to get a little achy and by the end, I was quite tired. I didn't know anything about eating for energy at the time. I just drank water at the aid stations. In any case, I finished a Half Marathon and started to wonder - could I possible finish a Marathon some day? There were many Marathoners running the Half Marathon, so it was a slightly different crowd from the 10K races. But the people didn't look any fitter or more intimidating. In fact, the Marathoners I began to meet were of all shapes and sizes, and all ages as well! You could be fat or skinny or old or young, and you might even have a funny gait - but there were all of these people who looked like normal, average people - and they had all finished a Marathon! So I thought - why can't I?
To be continued tomorrow....
PTD
As a child, I always did well in Gym class and Physical Education. I wasn't a star athlete, but I knew I was faster and stronger than my younger brother, at least until he got taller than me! In high school, I ran the 1 and 2 mile events for the girls track team. Since this was prior to the passage of Title Nine, we weren't very competitive and not much was expected of us. In fact, I was the only person on the team who cared to run 1 or 2 miles, so I didn't have anyone on my own team to compete with. And I was pretty slow compared to girls running the same distance in other schools. I think my fastest time was 7 minutes per 1 mile. My high school track team was so "uncompetitive" that when the high jumper was sick, I got to do high jump at a track meet. And I'm only 5 feet tall and I'm a pathetic high jumper! Still, I probably could jump higher than many other short girls. Too bad most high jumpers were way taller than me!
In college, I ran only occasionally - just for exercise. I never ran longer than 2 miles. I thought that was plenty! Especially during the bitter cold Chicago winters. Tip: Don't run when your hair is wet, because it will freeze!
After graduation, I continued to run occasionally along Lake Michigan. What a beautiful place! But it wasn't until I moved to Boston (Cambridge actually), when I started to run up to 5 miles. That's because my brother had started running along the Charles River with a friend, and they were running up to 5 miles. And he was never much of a runner before that! So I thought to myself, "hey, if Mark can do it, then so can I!" And I did. And it was beautiful to run along the Charles River and it was so easy to just run out my front door and be at the river in 10 minutes or less. But I still never ran regularly.
Not until I finished graduate school and moved to Santa Monica, CA did I start running on a regular basis. I was 30ish. The weather was sunny and beautiful almost every day! So I couldn't use the weather as an excuse to stay inside. And I was about 10 pounds overweight. My apartment-mate, Karl, also wanted to lose weight. He had bad knees, so he couldn't run. But he could walk fast, and had a 6 mile loop mapped out from our apartment to San Vicente Boulevard, to Palisades Park (overlooking the Pacific Ocean) to Arizona Street, and back to our apartment. It took him a little more than an hour to walk this loop fast. So one day, I decided to go with him. Except that I couldn't walk as fast as Karl. In order to keep up, I had to jog it! But it was a nice, comfortable jog. The route was pretty - even gorgeous by the ocean, and we were going slow enough to talk. So basically, the time flew by and before we knew it, we were done. The 6 miles felt so easy - because I was jogging at a comfortable slow pace, talking with a friend, and just enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. I felt so good afterwards!
My schedule was different from Karl's, though, so if I wanted to continue running this loop, I had to do it on my own, and so I did. I would vary the course - try different streets, and look for interesting places along the way. I would run by one of Frank Gehry's first homes (looks like a Chicken coop), and a house with a fence that looks like big pencils. Some of the most spectacular views (and homes) were on Adelaide Street overlooking Santa Monica Canyon and "The Steps". I incorporated "The steps" into my routine and would occasionally see some stars doing their workouts there. Another great street to run on was La Mesa Drive, where I once passed Mel Brooks taking a walk. And I still ran on San Vicente, where you'd see stars running all the time, like Bruce Dern, Jack Scalia, Sally Field, and others. It was fun! And I lost my extra 10 pounds very quickly, and started feeling better about my appearance. A friend took me clothes shopping at Betsy Johnson, and so I even bought a few spandex items which I wore confidently to parties or dance places. And boy, did that work! Guys started noticing me more than they had ever before! Was it the new body? Or the confidence? Probably a bit of both.
Anyhow, I kept on running on my own and was basically running 6 miles 3-4 days a week (and got it down to about an hour each time, so 10 minutes per mile. So I finally signed up for my first 10K race, which is 6.2 miles. It was a local race and hundreds of casual runners signed up like me and it was really fun! I wasn't fast, but I wasn't the slowest person either. And I felt good! So I registered for more 10K's. After doing several 10K's and improving my time as I went along, I decided I was ready for another challege - so I signed up for a Half Marathon. Basically, it was 2 loops of a 10K course (+ a little more) in Santa Monica. 13.1 miles total. The first loop was easy. The second loop I started to get a little achy and by the end, I was quite tired. I didn't know anything about eating for energy at the time. I just drank water at the aid stations. In any case, I finished a Half Marathon and started to wonder - could I possible finish a Marathon some day? There were many Marathoners running the Half Marathon, so it was a slightly different crowd from the 10K races. But the people didn't look any fitter or more intimidating. In fact, the Marathoners I began to meet were of all shapes and sizes, and all ages as well! You could be fat or skinny or old or young, and you might even have a funny gait - but there were all of these people who looked like normal, average people - and they had all finished a Marathon! So I thought - why can't I?
To be continued tomorrow....
PTD
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Way Up From Down, by Dr. Priscilla Slagle
In a previous post on "The Science of Happiness", it was mentioned that studies show that about 50% of our disposition towards feeling happy or sad comes from our parents and/or genetics. About 40% is a result of our own thoughts and actions. Lastly, about 10% of our propensity for happiness comes from our circumstances - where we live, how much money we have, whether or not we are married or have kids, our jobs, etc.
If 50% of the "causes" for our being happy or sad come from our parents or genetics, does that mean that there is NOTHING we can do to change those "presets" in ourselves? If being "happy" is caused in part by our genetics and body chemistry, is there nothing we can do in that area to increase our happiness?
Consider this. Thousands of people are diagnosed every year with Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and other psychological maladies. Many years ago, people would be embarrassed to discuss their problems or seek outside help. There was a stigma. People were afraid that they'd be seen as crazy, and besides, there was nothing that could be done for them. Right?
Wrong! Nowadays, these conditions are considered to be REAL MEDICAL DISORDERS! And REAL doctors are giving REAL help and REAL treatments to these people! Sometimes doctors are prescribed drugs like Prozac or Paxil. Other times, exercise and light therapy are prescribed. Yes, we CAN alter our body and brain chemistry to help overcome what may be genetic predispositions towards various psychological problems, including depression. Genetics may partially determine your biochemistry and brain chemistry - but it doesn't mean that you are powerless to change these underlying causes of depression! Far from it!
In her book, The Way Up From Down, Dr. Priscilla Slagle, MD, discusses how nutrition and dietary supplements can naturally and effectively treat depression and low moods - all without prescription medications! Published in 1987 by Random House, her book discusses how amino acids and nutritional supplements, along with healthy eating and exercise, can make you happier. As someone who suffered from depression herself for many years, Dr. Slagle has devoted her career to help others overcome depression naturally and without prescription medications - although she is not against those medications for those who need immediate help. But in the long term, most people can really change and improve the biochemistry of their brains - and become happier - simply by eating more of certain foods, less of others, and by taking common vitamins and nutritional supplements that help the body produce more of certain amino acids.
New and used copies of The Way Up From Down are available for purchase at Amazon.com.
You can get more info by going to Dr. Slagle's website, www.thewayup.com.
P.S. On her website, Dr. Slagle also sells some of the nutritional supplements that she recommends in her book. She says that not all brands and supplements are equally effective and the ones she sells on her website have had the best results for her patients. However, the supplements she sells are sometimes more expensive than those you can find elsewhere. If you are on a tighter budget, I highly recommend the quality and low prices of Swanson Vitamins. I buy most of my vitamins from them and have yet to find better prices anywhere. Their website also has great information on what supplements are good for what ailments, and much more. Check them out at www.Swansonvitamins.com
PTD
If 50% of the "causes" for our being happy or sad come from our parents or genetics, does that mean that there is NOTHING we can do to change those "presets" in ourselves? If being "happy" is caused in part by our genetics and body chemistry, is there nothing we can do in that area to increase our happiness?
Consider this. Thousands of people are diagnosed every year with Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and other psychological maladies. Many years ago, people would be embarrassed to discuss their problems or seek outside help. There was a stigma. People were afraid that they'd be seen as crazy, and besides, there was nothing that could be done for them. Right?
Wrong! Nowadays, these conditions are considered to be REAL MEDICAL DISORDERS! And REAL doctors are giving REAL help and REAL treatments to these people! Sometimes doctors are prescribed drugs like Prozac or Paxil. Other times, exercise and light therapy are prescribed. Yes, we CAN alter our body and brain chemistry to help overcome what may be genetic predispositions towards various psychological problems, including depression. Genetics may partially determine your biochemistry and brain chemistry - but it doesn't mean that you are powerless to change these underlying causes of depression! Far from it!
In her book, The Way Up From Down, Dr. Priscilla Slagle, MD, discusses how nutrition and dietary supplements can naturally and effectively treat depression and low moods - all without prescription medications! Published in 1987 by Random House, her book discusses how amino acids and nutritional supplements, along with healthy eating and exercise, can make you happier. As someone who suffered from depression herself for many years, Dr. Slagle has devoted her career to help others overcome depression naturally and without prescription medications - although she is not against those medications for those who need immediate help. But in the long term, most people can really change and improve the biochemistry of their brains - and become happier - simply by eating more of certain foods, less of others, and by taking common vitamins and nutritional supplements that help the body produce more of certain amino acids.
New and used copies of The Way Up From Down are available for purchase at Amazon.com.
You can get more info by going to Dr. Slagle's website, www.thewayup.com.
P.S. On her website, Dr. Slagle also sells some of the nutritional supplements that she recommends in her book. She says that not all brands and supplements are equally effective and the ones she sells on her website have had the best results for her patients. However, the supplements she sells are sometimes more expensive than those you can find elsewhere. If you are on a tighter budget, I highly recommend the quality and low prices of Swanson Vitamins. I buy most of my vitamins from them and have yet to find better prices anywhere. Their website also has great information on what supplements are good for what ailments, and much more. Check them out at www.Swansonvitamins.com
PTD
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I think I can - I think I can!
One of the most popular children's books of all time is "The Little Engine that Could." Published in 1930 by Platt & Munk, it has sold many millions of copies. Its theme of "I think I can" resonates with both children and adults, and well expresses the power of positive thinking.
Interestingly, other versions of the story were published as early as 1906 and there is some controversy about who exactly originated the story. You can read more about the mysterious origins of the story at:
In Search of Watty Piper: A Brief History of the "Little Engine" Story
But for today, I wanted to repeat part of the story because it is so relevant and meaningful, even now. From the 1906 version, Thinking One Can:
A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches.
One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill "I can't; that is too much a pull for me," said the the great engine built for hard work.
Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused.
At last in desperation the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. "I think I can," puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train.
As is went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
Then as it near the top of the grade, that had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly, but still kept saying, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can."
It reached the top by dint of brave effort and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself, "I thought I could, I thought I could."
To think of hard things and say, "I can't" is sure to mean "Nothing done." To refuse to be daunted and insist on saying, "I think I can," is to make sure of of being able to say triumphantly by and by, "I thought I could, I thought I could."
PTD
Interestingly, other versions of the story were published as early as 1906 and there is some controversy about who exactly originated the story. You can read more about the mysterious origins of the story at:
In Search of Watty Piper: A Brief History of the "Little Engine" Story
But for today, I wanted to repeat part of the story because it is so relevant and meaningful, even now. From the 1906 version, Thinking One Can:
A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches.
One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill "I can't; that is too much a pull for me," said the the great engine built for hard work.
Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused.
At last in desperation the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. "I think I can," puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train.
As is went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
Then as it near the top of the grade, that had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly, but still kept saying, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can."
It reached the top by dint of brave effort and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself, "I thought I could, I thought I could."
To think of hard things and say, "I can't" is sure to mean "Nothing done." To refuse to be daunted and insist on saying, "I think I can," is to make sure of of being able to say triumphantly by and by, "I thought I could, I thought I could."
PTD
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The World's Healthiest Foods!
I just found this website about the world's healthiest foods and it's fantastic!
It lists 129 foods - vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, lowfat dairy, beans and legumes, poultry and lean meats, spices and herbs, grains, natural sweeteners, and more - that provide the highest density of nutrients per serving and per calorie of all other foods!
For instance, did you know that a 1-cup serving of boiled shredded cabbage will provide you with 50% your daily value of Vitamin C and 13.8% of your daily value for Dietary Fiber? All this and only 33 calories!
1 cup of boiled spinach (41.4 calories) delivers a powerful punch of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Tryptophan!
Bananas are a great source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and potassium!
And Lentils - oh my! - are a fantastic source for Molybdenum, Folate, Dietary Fiber, Tryptophan, Manganese and Protein. And only 198 calories per 1 cup serving!
A 4 ounce serving of Halibut (159 calories) will provide all the Tryptophan you need, plus Selenium, Protein, Vitamin B-3, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Just 2 servings of baked or broiled fish per week will give you at least as much Omega 3 Fatty Acids as if you took fish oil supplements daily. Why swallow a pill when you can get the nutrients from good food!
In any case, this website is chock full of great information and serving suggestions to make these foods as delicious as they are nutritious. Check it out!
The World's Healthiest Foods website
PTD
It lists 129 foods - vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, lowfat dairy, beans and legumes, poultry and lean meats, spices and herbs, grains, natural sweeteners, and more - that provide the highest density of nutrients per serving and per calorie of all other foods!
For instance, did you know that a 1-cup serving of boiled shredded cabbage will provide you with 50% your daily value of Vitamin C and 13.8% of your daily value for Dietary Fiber? All this and only 33 calories!
1 cup of boiled spinach (41.4 calories) delivers a powerful punch of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Tryptophan!
Bananas are a great source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and potassium!
And Lentils - oh my! - are a fantastic source for Molybdenum, Folate, Dietary Fiber, Tryptophan, Manganese and Protein. And only 198 calories per 1 cup serving!
A 4 ounce serving of Halibut (159 calories) will provide all the Tryptophan you need, plus Selenium, Protein, Vitamin B-3, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Just 2 servings of baked or broiled fish per week will give you at least as much Omega 3 Fatty Acids as if you took fish oil supplements daily. Why swallow a pill when you can get the nutrients from good food!
In any case, this website is chock full of great information and serving suggestions to make these foods as delicious as they are nutritious. Check it out!
The World's Healthiest Foods website
PTD
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Overcoming Self Sabotage Course with Debbie Ford
I'm in the process of taking this 8 week online course with author and personal coach, Debbie Ford, and can recommend it highly after just a few sessions. Check it out!
From the DailyOm.com website:
"If you are not moving steadily in the direction of what you say you want, you can be certain that you are sabotaging yourself somewhere. In this on-line course from #1 New York Times best-selling author Debbie Ford, you will learn 14 key lessons to help you overcome self-sabotage.
As we come to understand the mechanisms and patterns that underlie self-sabotage, we begin to free ourselves...we begin to allow ourselves to interact with ourselves and the world with greater success, joy, and fulfillment. Overcoming self-sabotage and finding the wisdom inside the wounds you've endured is one of the most important conversations you'll ever have with yourself. Honor it and know that it will change your life.
This 8 week course contains powerful lessons every 4 days that includes specific information about how to overcome different aspects of self-sabotage, a new audio guided meditation each lesson to help you directly access your innate wisdom, and tangible action steps to help you take the steps to release the past and step into a new level of consciousness."
The suggested price for this 8 week online course is $39.95, but you can also get it for FREE, or start the course on a free basis and choose to pay for it later.
"We have made this price optional but we are asking for a small donation of $39.95 (less than $3.00 a lesson.) Just enter the amount you can afford in the above box and click "Enroll In Course." If you can't afford anything right now, just enter 0 in the above box and you can take the course for free."
Debbie Ford is the founder of the Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching at John F. Kennedy University, the leader in emotional education. Having co-taught with Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Neale Donald Walsch, Jeremiah Abrams, Ph.D. and other acclaimed teachers, Debbie is beloved for her heart-penetrating wisdom, her compassionate humor, and her remarkable gift for inspiring people to reach for their highest potential. Many of the great leaders and thinkers of our time have sought her out for her profound coaching and guidance. In addition to her work training coaches, Debbie gives lectures and workshops around the country to an estimated 10,000 people each year, inspiring them to reclaim the totality of their humanity.
http://www.dailyom.com/
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/courses/courseoverview.cgi?cid=15
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From the DailyOm.com website:
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This 8 week course contains powerful lessons every 4 days that includes specific information about how to overcome different aspects of self-sabotage, a new audio guided meditation each lesson to help you directly access your innate wisdom, and tangible action steps to help you take the steps to release the past and step into a new level of consciousness."
The suggested price for this 8 week online course is $39.95, but you can also get it for FREE, or start the course on a free basis and choose to pay for it later.
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Debbie Ford is the founder of the Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching at John F. Kennedy University, the leader in emotional education. Having co-taught with Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, Neale Donald Walsch, Jeremiah Abrams, Ph.D. and other acclaimed teachers, Debbie is beloved for her heart-penetrating wisdom, her compassionate humor, and her remarkable gift for inspiring people to reach for their highest potential. Many of the great leaders and thinkers of our time have sought her out for her profound coaching and guidance. In addition to her work training coaches, Debbie gives lectures and workshops around the country to an estimated 10,000 people each year, inspiring them to reclaim the totality of their humanity.
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Sunday, January 20, 2008
Positive House Cleaning
Nothing makes you feel better than living in a healthy environment.
Is your home a mess? Is your car a mess? Are your bills piling up? Time to clean house!
- Wash your dishes, pots and pans. Clean up your kitchen. Toss out old food. Sweep the floors. Take out the garbage.
- Clean the bathroom. Scrub the sinks, bathtub, and toilet. Mop the floor. Toss the towels in the laundry.
- Take the sheets off your bed and toss them in the laundry. Put aside your dry cleaning.
- Do your laundry. Put stuff aside for the dry cleaners.
- While doing the wash, clean your living room, dining room and bedroom. Toss out old magazines and papers. Put stuff away. Dust. Vaccuum Carpets.
- Next - clean your office! Pay your bills. File things that you're done with. Make a pile (in-box) of things that need to be done - in order of priorty. Top priorities go on top! Get the easy stuff out of the way pronto. Then, you'll see the scary stuff that's very important that you have allowed to wait because it was covered up by all the clutter.
- Start on the scary stuff! Nothing feels better than finally opening the file and taking a look at what's inside. It might not be so bad after all, once you take a closer look!
- Then, reward yourself by getting out of the house to run errands! Drop off your dry cleaning! Put the checks in the mail! Then head to the car wash! Treat yourself to the complete inside/outside job - vacuuming and window cleaning on the inside, as well as wash on the outside. It will feel so good!
No better time to clean than today!
Is your home a mess? Is your car a mess? Are your bills piling up? Time to clean house!
- Wash your dishes, pots and pans. Clean up your kitchen. Toss out old food. Sweep the floors. Take out the garbage.
- Clean the bathroom. Scrub the sinks, bathtub, and toilet. Mop the floor. Toss the towels in the laundry.
- Take the sheets off your bed and toss them in the laundry. Put aside your dry cleaning.
- Do your laundry. Put stuff aside for the dry cleaners.
- While doing the wash, clean your living room, dining room and bedroom. Toss out old magazines and papers. Put stuff away. Dust. Vaccuum Carpets.
- Next - clean your office! Pay your bills. File things that you're done with. Make a pile (in-box) of things that need to be done - in order of priorty. Top priorities go on top! Get the easy stuff out of the way pronto. Then, you'll see the scary stuff that's very important that you have allowed to wait because it was covered up by all the clutter.
- Start on the scary stuff! Nothing feels better than finally opening the file and taking a look at what's inside. It might not be so bad after all, once you take a closer look!
- Then, reward yourself by getting out of the house to run errands! Drop off your dry cleaning! Put the checks in the mail! Then head to the car wash! Treat yourself to the complete inside/outside job - vacuuming and window cleaning on the inside, as well as wash on the outside. It will feel so good!
No better time to clean than today!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday's Positive Deals - Jan. 18, 2007
It's Friday, January 18, 2008 and time for another installment of Friday's Positive Deals!
Some of these deals are FREE! Others are just great values. Remember to only spend money on things that will help you move forwards towards your goals!
- Google recently acquired a company called GrandCentral.com which is currently a FREE service (at least during Beta), that gives you a single phone number that you can use FOR LIFE to forward your calls to any other phone numbers you want. For instance, you may live in Los Angeles, but choose a phone number with an area code for New York City. So when your NYC friends call that number, it is a local call for them, even if it forwards the calls to your phone in Los Angeles! It will even email you the recording of any voice message someone leaves you! Check it out at Grand Central.
Some of these deals are FREE! Others are just great values. Remember to only spend money on things that will help you move forwards towards your goals!
- Google recently acquired a company called GrandCentral.com which is currently a FREE service (at least during Beta), that gives you a single phone number that you can use FOR LIFE to forward your calls to any other phone numbers you want. For instance, you may live in Los Angeles, but choose a phone number with an area code for New York City. So when your NYC friends call that number, it is a local call for them, even if it forwards the calls to your phone in Los Angeles! It will even email you the recording of any voice message someone leaves you! Check it out at Grand Central.
- Is it time that you got your life organized better? Maybe you need some daily calendar pages or productivity tools from Franklin Covey! Through the end of the month, you can get $15 off and Free Shipping on any order over $80. Or save 30% on the book or audio program of the month. The "Covey" in Franklin Covey is Steven R. Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," among other books.
- At today's Amazon Friday Sale
- Not part of Amazon's Friday Sale, but still only available for a short while, you can find more Amazon Deals and Bargains
- Hungry for a healthy meal? Take yourself and a friend out to lunch or dinner with a coupon for $25 off a $35 minimum purchase when you buy coupons from Restaurant.com. Use the code below at Checkout, and you'll get 50% off the normal price of $10. Coupon Code: DINE (expires 1/20/08). So basically, you'll pay $5 for a coupon that gives you $25 off a meal at one of the restaurants on their list. Their list includes some surprisingly popular restaurants all over the US!
- Do you have any other "Positive Deals" that you would like to recommend? Please tell us by clicking "Comment" below!
PTD
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Science of Happiness
What is happiness?
According to a recent episode of 20/20 on ABC TV, our level of happiness involves several factors.
- Our personal circumstance - such as where we live, how much money we have, whether or not we are married or have kids, only account for about 10% of our propensity for happiness. However, the happiest place to live in the US appears to be Asheville, North Carolina! And the happiest country in the world is Denmark! (Link to Article)
- Our genes and parents account for about 50% of our propensity for happiness.
- The remaining 40% is due to our own personal choices and thoughts. For many, this means "Happiness is a choice". It's up to you to do things or think things that will bring you more happiness.
According to the show, there are several things people can do that generally result in more happiness:
- Understand that money and possessions don't bring happiness in and of themselves.
- Find meaningful work - where you know you are making a positive difference for others - often is a source of happiness. Follow your calling or follow your bliss. You might call this "finding your purpose."
- If you like the people you work with and have positive work relationships, that can bring much happiness and satisfaction. "It's not what you do, it's who you do it with."
- Find "flow." Flow is when you are so focused or involved in what you are doing, that you "get into the groove" or "the zone" and forget completely about yourself. It often happens when you are doing something you love. For instance, I sometimes get into "the zone" when I'm doing a long trail run at a moderate pace, usually while talking to friends. Fresh air, sunshine, mountains, woods, good conversation and my body moving joyfully from one beautiful place to another. Flow also happens to me when I'm in a brainstorm meeting - coming up with new product ideas, product names, creative solutions to problems, etc. Where do you find "flow"?
- Do something for the benefit of others. For instance, there's the taxi-driver in New York City who makes it his mission to make each of his clients laugh and brighten their day. Another example is the improv group that stages elaborate stunts in public to make strangers laugh. Perhaps the easiest example is anyone who volunteers at their local soup kitchen or Habitat for Humanity of any of many charities. It makes us feel good to know that we have done something to help others.
- Be social. Spend time with friends and family. Go to dinner parties. Smile and talk to strangers. Even hard work becomes fun when you are doing it with other people who can talk and share with each other while doing it.
What activities have brought YOU the most happiness? What would you recommend to others? Please add your thoughts and comments below!
According to a recent episode of 20/20 on ABC TV, our level of happiness involves several factors.
- Our personal circumstance - such as where we live, how much money we have, whether or not we are married or have kids, only account for about 10% of our propensity for happiness. However, the happiest place to live in the US appears to be Asheville, North Carolina! And the happiest country in the world is Denmark! (Link to Article)
- Our genes and parents account for about 50% of our propensity for happiness.
- The remaining 40% is due to our own personal choices and thoughts. For many, this means "Happiness is a choice". It's up to you to do things or think things that will bring you more happiness.
According to the show, there are several things people can do that generally result in more happiness:
- Understand that money and possessions don't bring happiness in and of themselves.
- Find meaningful work - where you know you are making a positive difference for others - often is a source of happiness. Follow your calling or follow your bliss. You might call this "finding your purpose."
- If you like the people you work with and have positive work relationships, that can bring much happiness and satisfaction. "It's not what you do, it's who you do it with."
- Find "flow." Flow is when you are so focused or involved in what you are doing, that you "get into the groove" or "the zone" and forget completely about yourself. It often happens when you are doing something you love. For instance, I sometimes get into "the zone" when I'm doing a long trail run at a moderate pace, usually while talking to friends. Fresh air, sunshine, mountains, woods, good conversation and my body moving joyfully from one beautiful place to another. Flow also happens to me when I'm in a brainstorm meeting - coming up with new product ideas, product names, creative solutions to problems, etc. Where do you find "flow"?
- Do something for the benefit of others. For instance, there's the taxi-driver in New York City who makes it his mission to make each of his clients laugh and brighten their day. Another example is the improv group that stages elaborate stunts in public to make strangers laugh. Perhaps the easiest example is anyone who volunteers at their local soup kitchen or Habitat for Humanity of any of many charities. It makes us feel good to know that we have done something to help others.
- Be social. Spend time with friends and family. Go to dinner parties. Smile and talk to strangers. Even hard work becomes fun when you are doing it with other people who can talk and share with each other while doing it.
What activities have brought YOU the most happiness? What would you recommend to others? Please add your thoughts and comments below!
Revised Super Healthy Carrot Muffins Recipe
These muffins are even tastier and healthier than the first batch I baked for New Years Day!
The first version of the recipe, which I posted on January 9, 2008, had both Shredded Carrots and Cranberries. This version just has carrots.
Even Healthier! Carrot Muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded carrots (or mix of 3 cups of carrots or cranberries)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pumpkin seeds_
2 eggs
12 oz (1 1/2 cups) Agave Syrup (or 1 11.75 oz bottle from Trader Joe's)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water or green tea
1 cup flax seed meal
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons psyllium husks (fiber)
2 tablespoons Protein Powder
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Spray muffin pans with non-stick coating - or use paper muffin cups
3) In a large bowl, blend the Agave Syrup with the eggs.
4)Add 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup water (or green tea), 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract, and mix well.
5) Mix in the flax seed meal, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, psyllium husks, protein powder, salt and baking soda.
6) Stir in the carrots and chopped walnuts.
7) Spoon batter into muffin pan (with or without muffin cups)
8) Bake for 30 minutes or until done.
Makes about 24 muffins depending on how much batter you use per muffin.
Happy Eating!
PTD
The first version of the recipe, which I posted on January 9, 2008, had both Shredded Carrots and Cranberries. This version just has carrots.
Even Healthier! Carrot Muffins
Ingredients:
3 cups shredded carrots (or mix of 3 cups of carrots or cranberries)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pumpkin seeds_
2 eggs
12 oz (1 1/2 cups) Agave Syrup (or 1 11.75 oz bottle from Trader Joe's)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water or green tea
1 cup flax seed meal
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons psyllium husks (fiber)
2 tablespoons Protein Powder
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Spray muffin pans with non-stick coating - or use paper muffin cups
3) In a large bowl, blend the Agave Syrup with the eggs.
4)Add 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup water (or green tea), 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract, and mix well.
5) Mix in the flax seed meal, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, psyllium husks, protein powder, salt and baking soda.
6) Stir in the carrots and chopped walnuts.
7) Spoon batter into muffin pan (with or without muffin cups)
8) Bake for 30 minutes or until done.
Makes about 24 muffins depending on how much batter you use per muffin.
Happy Eating!
PTD
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Positive Workout Music - The Scatman
It's been scientifically proven that listening to high energy music, somewhere between 130 - 180 beats per minute (BPM), can help you burn more calories during a workout or a jog or even cleaning the house - than you would otherwise. Mostly, it's the rhythm and melodies that make us prefer one tune over another. Occasionaly, the words may also be motivating. I find that listening to high energy music in the background, no matter what I'm doing, can put me in a good mood.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, Haile Gebrselassie, the Olympian from Ethiopia who has won the gold medal at 10,000 meters, often requested that the techno song “Scatman,” which has a B.P.M. of around 135, be played over the sound system during his races.
I had never heard of this song or this artist, Scatman John, before. So I googled him and found the song "Scatman" on YouTube. It has great rhythm, a great melody, and uplifting lyrics as well! "As a matter of fact, don't let nothin' hold you back - cuz if the Scatman can do it, then so can you!"
So take a listen-look below. Scatman John will put you in a good mood!
According to a recent article in the New York Times, Haile Gebrselassie, the Olympian from Ethiopia who has won the gold medal at 10,000 meters, often requested that the techno song “Scatman,” which has a B.P.M. of around 135, be played over the sound system during his races.
I had never heard of this song or this artist, Scatman John, before. So I googled him and found the song "Scatman" on YouTube. It has great rhythm, a great melody, and uplifting lyrics as well! "As a matter of fact, don't let nothin' hold you back - cuz if the Scatman can do it, then so can you!"
So take a listen-look below. Scatman John will put you in a good mood!
Friday, January 11, 2008
It's All in the State of Mind - Poem by Napoleon Hill
If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will-
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!
- Napoleon Hill, from his book "Think and Grow Rich"
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will-
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!
- Napoleon Hill, from his book "Think and Grow Rich"
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Positive Movies - Good Movies for the Soul
If you put good, uplifting and happy thoughts into your head, body and environment, that's what you'll also put out! "Put Good In - Get Good Out!" As long as you're going to watch or rent a movie, you might as well see something that's going to inspire you, make you laugh, be hopeful for the future, have faith in yourself and mankind, and just make you feel good!
The below list is certainly not complete, but includes many films have made ME feel good about being alive. Yes, "Animal House" is on my list! It's one of the funniest films of all time. "Groundhog Day," is also on my list and I've included a trailer below. It's hilarious, but also has some great positive messages and lessons about life. You can rent most of these films at Netflix.com or Blockbuster. Maybe even download them from the internet and watch them on your computer! Check them out!
The African Queen (1951)
Animal House (1978)
Being There (1979)
Breaking Away (1979)
Cars (2006)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
The Color Purple (1985)
Dave (1993)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dream Girls (2006)
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Fame (1980)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Full Monty (1997)
Ghostbusters (1984)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
The Great Escape (1963)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Hairspray (2007)
Harold and Maude (1972)
The Incredibles (2004)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Lion King (1994)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Meet John Doe (1941)
Millions (2005)
The Miracle Worker (1962)
Miss Potter (2006)
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Pay It Forward (2000)
Pinocchio (1940)
Pocket Full of Miracles (1961)
The Producers (1968)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Rain Man (1988)
Ratatouille (2007)
Ray (2004)
Remember the Titans (2000)
The Right Stuff (1983)
Rocky (1976)
Rudy (1993)
Seabiscuit (2003)
The Secret (2006)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Shrek (2001)
Singing in the Rain (1952)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Stand and Deliver (1988)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Sullivan's Travels (1941)
Touching the Void (2003)
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Waitress (2007)
What the #$*! Do We Know!? (2004)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1970)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Working Girl (1988)
Again, you can rent most of these films at Netflix.com or Blockbuster.
What uplifting movies are on your list? Please comment!
PTD
The below list is certainly not complete, but includes many films have made ME feel good about being alive. Yes, "Animal House" is on my list! It's one of the funniest films of all time. "Groundhog Day," is also on my list and I've included a trailer below. It's hilarious, but also has some great positive messages and lessons about life. You can rent most of these films at Netflix.com or Blockbuster. Maybe even download them from the internet and watch them on your computer! Check them out!
The African Queen (1951)
Animal House (1978)
Being There (1979)
Breaking Away (1979)
Cars (2006)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
The Color Purple (1985)
Dave (1993)
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dream Girls (2006)
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Fame (1980)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Forrest Gump (1994)
The Full Monty (1997)
Ghostbusters (1984)
Good Will Hunting (1997)
The Great Escape (1963)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Hairspray (2007)
Harold and Maude (1972)
The Incredibles (2004)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
The Lion King (1994)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Meet John Doe (1941)
Millions (2005)
The Miracle Worker (1962)
Miss Potter (2006)
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Pay It Forward (2000)
Pinocchio (1940)
Pocket Full of Miracles (1961)
The Producers (1968)
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Rain Man (1988)
Ratatouille (2007)
Ray (2004)
Remember the Titans (2000)
The Right Stuff (1983)
Rocky (1976)
Rudy (1993)
Seabiscuit (2003)
The Secret (2006)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Shrek (2001)
Singing in the Rain (1952)
The Sound of Music (1965)
Stand and Deliver (1988)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Sullivan's Travels (1941)
Touching the Void (2003)
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Waitress (2007)
What the #$*! Do We Know!? (2004)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1970)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Working Girl (1988)
Again, you can rent most of these films at Netflix.com or Blockbuster.
What uplifting movies are on your list? Please comment!
PTD
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Positive Thinking Diet Carrot Muffins Recipe
Eating healthy foods makes us feel good! These are super healthy and delicious muffins improvised from a traditional carrot cake recipe. I made them for my New Year's Day Run this year, from Marina Green Park in San Francisco to the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge and back! After the run, we had a tailgate brunch. Everyone loved my muffins and wanted the recipe!
What makes these muffins so healthy?
- Agave Syrup (or Agave Nectar) is substituted for sugar. Agave Syrup is slightly sweeter than sugar, but has a low glycemic value so you won't get the big bump in blood sugar as result. It's similar to honey but with a very mild taste that won't interfere with other flavors. You can find it at many health food stores and also at Whole Foods Market and even at Bev-Mo (Beverages and More). I bought mine at Berkeley Bowl, where all the local foodies go for the freshest ingredients!
- High fiber ingredients. I used Flax Seed Meal and Whole Wheat Flour instead of traditional highly refined baking flour. And I added Psyllium Husks. These muffins will help keep you "regular"! You can also find Flax Seed Meal and Psyllium Husks at most health food stores and places like Whole Foods Market. Trader Joe's also carries Flax Seed Meal.
- Fresh ingredients - Carrots, Cranberries, Raisins and Raw Pumpkin Seeds
- No dairy products
- Canola Oil is high in monounsaturated fat (the best fat) and high in Omega 3's, as are flax seeds. It's also great for baking, as opposed to many oils which react poorly to heat.
- Cinnamon! Cinnamon is also shown to help regulate/moderate blood sugar levels, and it's so tasty!
These measurements are NOT exact. I don't remember exactly how much of everything I used on New Year's Day - I'm just guestimating! You may want to vary the ingredients or amounts based on your own preferences. For instance, use a little less Agave Syrup or a little more oil or add water, add a little Vanilla extract, or maybe some protein powder, and so on. So try this recipe out sometime and let me know what you think! Happy baking!
Positive Thinking Diet Carrot Muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded carrots
1+ cup cranberries (I chopped in a blender first)
1 cup raisins
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (or walnuts)
2 eggs
2 cups Agave Nectar (instead of sugar)
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder (recipe said baking soda but I didn't have any)
1/2 to 1 cup canola oil
1 cup flax seed meal
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons psyllium husks (fiber)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Spray Muffin pans with PAM or non-stick coating - or use paper muffin cups
3) In a large bowl, blend the Agave Syrup with the eggs. Add 1/2 cup oil and mix well. Mix in the flax seed meal, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, psyllium husks, salt and baking power (or baking soda). Stir in the pumpkin seeds, carrots and cranberries. Add extra oil, flour, flax seed meal or water to create desire consistency.
4) Spoon batter into muffin pan (with or without muffin cups)
5) Bake for 30 minutes or until done.
Makes about 24 muffins depending on how much batter you use per muffin.
Happy Eating!
PTD
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
What's stopping you? An Introduction to EFT
EFT or "Emotional Freedom Techniques" are about helping you to eliminate or neutralize the self-imposed negative attitudes, feelings and fears that keep things from happening the way you want them to. They are a set of practices and exercises (such as the "Sedona Method", the "Tapping Method" or "Ho'oponopono") devised to help you to deal with any specific negative and self-defeating feelings, fears, thoughts and beliefs that may be holding you back from accomplishing your true potential.
Theoretically, whatever you think about yourself affects your reality. So if you "think" you CANNOT do something, you're right! If you think you CAN do it, you're also right! So what can you do about these negative feelings and thoughts that creep into your head and may be preventing you from moving towards more happiness? Well, EFT offers some different solutions for addressing your negative thoughts - that may be able to help you starting today.
For instance, if you believe that you are not good enough to get that promotion, or if you believe that you are incapable of losing weight, or if you think that you are unlovable, or whatever, these exercises may help you face and neutralize your negative and self-limiting feelings and thoughts so that you are better able to move forward towards positive outcomes.
One popular EFT method, that requires answering a series of probing questions, is called The Sedona Method. The idea is to release your negative or limiting emotions (apathy, grief, disappointment, fear, lust/envy, anger, frustration and pride) to uncover your courageousness, acceptance, and peace, and more clearly hear and follow your intuition towards your unlimited potential. Even letting go of your positive emotions can help make these emotions more accessible because you are more open to the possibilities. For each negative feeling, emotion or thought you now hold, here are the questions to ask yourself. "Could you let it go? Would you let it go? When will you let it go?" And then go forward and release that feeling. At the link here, you can listen to an interview with Hale Dwoskin, a well-known practioner and instructor of The Sedona Method, who discusses his techniques, step by step.
Ho'oponopono is the ancient Hawaiian tradition of "making right." Originally, this was meant in the context of one's own family - trying to heal relationships. More recently, the principles of Ho'oponopono are being extended to the idea of healing oneself - and "making right" with your own internal world. Self-forgiveness is part of this process. Many self-help practitioners are now teaching Ho'oponopono as an Emotional Freedom Technique.
Below are 2 video clips from YouTube.com with some how-to's about the "Tapping Method." Finally, there are some links for further information.
Bob Doyle explains his understanding of EFT
Brad Yates explains his "Tap of the Morning" EFT Wake-Up Routine
For more information, go to:
Brad Yates' EFT in a Nutshell
EFT Page of Bob Doyle
The Sedona Method
Brad Yates' website
Wikipedia Definition of Ho'oponopono
Have a great day!
PTD
Theoretically, whatever you think about yourself affects your reality. So if you "think" you CANNOT do something, you're right! If you think you CAN do it, you're also right! So what can you do about these negative feelings and thoughts that creep into your head and may be preventing you from moving towards more happiness? Well, EFT offers some different solutions for addressing your negative thoughts - that may be able to help you starting today.
For instance, if you believe that you are not good enough to get that promotion, or if you believe that you are incapable of losing weight, or if you think that you are unlovable, or whatever, these exercises may help you face and neutralize your negative and self-limiting feelings and thoughts so that you are better able to move forward towards positive outcomes.
One popular EFT method, that requires answering a series of probing questions, is called The Sedona Method. The idea is to release your negative or limiting emotions (apathy, grief, disappointment, fear, lust/envy, anger, frustration and pride) to uncover your courageousness, acceptance, and peace, and more clearly hear and follow your intuition towards your unlimited potential. Even letting go of your positive emotions can help make these emotions more accessible because you are more open to the possibilities. For each negative feeling, emotion or thought you now hold, here are the questions to ask yourself. "Could you let it go? Would you let it go? When will you let it go?" And then go forward and release that feeling. At the link here, you can listen to an interview with Hale Dwoskin, a well-known practioner and instructor of The Sedona Method, who discusses his techniques, step by step.
Ho'oponopono is the ancient Hawaiian tradition of "making right." Originally, this was meant in the context of one's own family - trying to heal relationships. More recently, the principles of Ho'oponopono are being extended to the idea of healing oneself - and "making right" with your own internal world. Self-forgiveness is part of this process. Many self-help practitioners are now teaching Ho'oponopono as an Emotional Freedom Technique.
Below are 2 video clips from YouTube.com with some how-to's about the "Tapping Method." Finally, there are some links for further information.
Bob Doyle explains his understanding of EFT
Brad Yates explains his "Tap of the Morning" EFT Wake-Up Routine
For more information, go to:
Brad Yates' EFT in a Nutshell
EFT Page of Bob Doyle
The Sedona Method
Brad Yates' website
Wikipedia Definition of Ho'oponopono
Have a great day!
PTD
Monday, January 7, 2008
Positive Eating - Ingredients Count!
You are what you eat...so what have you been eating lately? Are you putting in good stuff or bad stuff?
As all great chefs know, it's not just the recipe that counts. The most important thing is to have the highest quality ingredients!
Why eat fruit from a can, when you can eat fresh fruit! Fresh fruit will boost your mood! Canned fruit contains tons of extra sugar. Canned vegetables contain tons of extra salt/sodium. And they don't taste good!
Are you drinking a lot of sugary, carbonated beverages? Instead, try buying fresh lemons or limes and putting slices into a pitcher of fresh water (maybe filtered or spring water) and drink that instead. It's delicious! And zero calories! And a lot cheaper!
Are you eating enough colorful fresh veggies - like fresh salads, broccoli, carrots, green and red peppers, green beans, tomatoes or spinach? Fresh is best, but if you prefer, steam some veggies and season them with lemon juice and sea salt! If you like, spritz with a bit of extra virgin olive oil!
Yes, even Sea Salt tastes better than regular iodized salt. And fresh ground pepper tastes better than the pre-ground stuff.
What about your carbohydrates like pasta, bread and flour products. Are you eating the regular, highly processed stuff? Or are you buying whole grain products that have more fiber and vitamins? Read the labels carefully. Not all whole grain products have enough whole grain to get the benefits. Pay attention to the FIBER content on the label. Rule of thumb - try to find foods that contain at least 5% of the daily recommended daily allowance for fiber per 100 calorie serving (based on a 2000 calorie per day diet). Getting enough fiber will make you feel good!
Are you eating greasy salty snacks like potato or tortilla chips? Well, substitute an apple, banana, orange or your favorite fruit instead. You'll get a boost, and start feeling fuller. Add a glass of lemon or lime water and you'll be satisfied enough to wait for your next good meal. Of if you're going to eat chips - select ones that have lower trans fats and higher fiber - like whole grains and flax seed.
Pay attention to your ingredients and see how much better you'll feel!
As all great chefs know, it's not just the recipe that counts. The most important thing is to have the highest quality ingredients!
Why eat fruit from a can, when you can eat fresh fruit! Fresh fruit will boost your mood! Canned fruit contains tons of extra sugar. Canned vegetables contain tons of extra salt/sodium. And they don't taste good!
Are you drinking a lot of sugary, carbonated beverages? Instead, try buying fresh lemons or limes and putting slices into a pitcher of fresh water (maybe filtered or spring water) and drink that instead. It's delicious! And zero calories! And a lot cheaper!
Are you eating enough colorful fresh veggies - like fresh salads, broccoli, carrots, green and red peppers, green beans, tomatoes or spinach? Fresh is best, but if you prefer, steam some veggies and season them with lemon juice and sea salt! If you like, spritz with a bit of extra virgin olive oil!
Yes, even Sea Salt tastes better than regular iodized salt. And fresh ground pepper tastes better than the pre-ground stuff.
What about your carbohydrates like pasta, bread and flour products. Are you eating the regular, highly processed stuff? Or are you buying whole grain products that have more fiber and vitamins? Read the labels carefully. Not all whole grain products have enough whole grain to get the benefits. Pay attention to the FIBER content on the label. Rule of thumb - try to find foods that contain at least 5% of the daily recommended daily allowance for fiber per 100 calorie serving (based on a 2000 calorie per day diet). Getting enough fiber will make you feel good!
Are you eating greasy salty snacks like potato or tortilla chips? Well, substitute an apple, banana, orange or your favorite fruit instead. You'll get a boost, and start feeling fuller. Add a glass of lemon or lime water and you'll be satisfied enough to wait for your next good meal. Of if you're going to eat chips - select ones that have lower trans fats and higher fiber - like whole grains and flax seed.
Pay attention to your ingredients and see how much better you'll feel!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Positive Gratefulness
One really helpful habit to get into every day (first thing when you wake up or last thing before you go to bed) is to take a look at all the good things and all the good people in your life, and be grateful.
What people are in your life whom you are most grateful for? Your family? Your friends? Your neighbors? Your coworkers? Your auto mechanic? The fruit stand lady who always picks the best looking produce for you? Your old teacher who encouraged you to follow your dreams? Your trusty dog or affectionate cat? Who's on your list? Be grateful they are in your life.
What else are you grateful for? Are you in good health? Do you have enough to eat? Do you have a warm place to sleep every night? Do you live where there is fresh air, sunshine and beautiful views? Did the sun come up this morning?
Do you have another day where you can be with the people you love and make someone smile?
Take a look at your life right now and be grateful for all that is good and positive.
And go forth with gratefulness in your heart!
What people are in your life whom you are most grateful for? Your family? Your friends? Your neighbors? Your coworkers? Your auto mechanic? The fruit stand lady who always picks the best looking produce for you? Your old teacher who encouraged you to follow your dreams? Your trusty dog or affectionate cat? Who's on your list? Be grateful they are in your life.
What else are you grateful for? Are you in good health? Do you have enough to eat? Do you have a warm place to sleep every night? Do you live where there is fresh air, sunshine and beautiful views? Did the sun come up this morning?
Do you have another day where you can be with the people you love and make someone smile?
Take a look at your life right now and be grateful for all that is good and positive.
And go forth with gratefulness in your heart!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Norman Vicent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking"
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (May 31, 1898 – December 24, 1993) was a Protestant preacher and author whose most famous book, "The Power of Positive Thinking," was first published in 1952 and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
Although some people may find Dr. Peale's books to be "too religious" for their tastes, I suggest that readers look beyond his references to Christ and the Bible and pay more attention to the message of keeping your mind focused on what's positive. I personally am not a religious person, and had to look beyond the religious references to find the many principals that I found helpful and relevant.
The book starts like this:
I recommend The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale as one of the classic books on anyone's "Positive Thinking Diet Reading List." You can buy this book on Amazon for as little as $2.20 for a used copy of the paperback version. You can also instantly download an E-Book version of this book for $9.99 at eBooks.com.
What books do YOU recommend for the "Positive Thinking Diet Reading List"? Please add your comments below!
PTD
Although some people may find Dr. Peale's books to be "too religious" for their tastes, I suggest that readers look beyond his references to Christ and the Bible and pay more attention to the message of keeping your mind focused on what's positive. I personally am not a religious person, and had to look beyond the religious references to find the many principals that I found helpful and relevant.
The book starts like this:
- "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. But with sound self-confidence you can succeed. A sense of inferiority and inadequacy interferes with the attainment of your hopes, but self-confidence leads to self-realization and successful achievement. Because of the importance of this mental attitude, this book will help you believe in yourself and release your inner powers."
More quotes:
- "There is a deep tendency in human nature ultimately to become precisely what you visualize yourself as being. If you see yourself as tense and nervous and frustrated, if that is your image of yourself, that assuredly is what you will be. If you see yourself as inferior in any way, and you hold that image in your conscious mind, it will presently by the process of intellectual osmosis sink into the unconscious, and you will be what you visualize. If, on the contrary, you see yourself as organized, controlled, studious, a thinker, a worker, believing in your talent and ability and yourself, over a period of time, that is what you will become."
- "Thought are things" is another recurring theme in Dr. Peale's writings.
I recommend The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale as one of the classic books on anyone's "Positive Thinking Diet Reading List." You can buy this book on Amazon for as little as $2.20 for a used copy of the paperback version. You can also instantly download an E-Book version of this book for $9.99 at eBooks.com.
What books do YOU recommend for the "Positive Thinking Diet Reading List"? Please add your comments below!
PTD
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friday's Positive Deals! Free or Cheap!
It's a very rainy Friday here in the San Francisco Bay Area. But rainy Fridays mean staying inside and maybe making progress towards one of your goals - or taking advantage of some great deals on the internet - or both!
You don't actually have to spend any money to take advantage of most of these opportunities. I'm calling them "POSITIVE DEALS" because some of these may help you take that first step towards something you've been wanting to do, but maybe have been putting off. There's no better time than today to make a move in the direction of your goals. Sieze the day!
POSITIVE DEALS for today:
1) Start Your Own Free Website with Microsoft Office Live. Microsoft has a free Office Live Basics. Free Domain name, 2GB email, and 500MB of web hosting with 10GB/transfer per month. Free $50 search advertising credit. They will ask for your credit card but only to validate your identity.
2) Start Your Own Blog, like this one, with Google's Blogger! It's Free! You will need to create a free google account to start using Blogger.
3) Get FREE phone and email reminders including wake-up calls and more with Jott.com - now in free beta. With Jott, you call a free number, say who or what you want to Jott (like yourself, or your Blog), record your message, set a delivery time, and Jott does the rest! Check it out!
4) Amazon's Friday Sale. Every Friday, Amazon has a sale. You can get free shipping on most orders over $25. This isn't FREE, but there are some good deals here. Remember only to buy something that's going to help move you forward towards a positive goal! For instance, if you want to walk more, you might get the Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer for $18.
There are also plenty of deals at Amazon that are NOT part of the Friday Sale. Asics Running Shoes are currently on sale at Amazon around 25% off. Some items that I bought this year from Amazon and recommend highly include the Garmin Foreunner 305 GPS with Heart Rate Monitor, and a set of 2 Valeo 5-pound hand weights.
What are YOUR suggestions for Positive Deals? They must be FREE or CHEAP, or at least, a good value. Please send your comments!
PTD
You don't actually have to spend any money to take advantage of most of these opportunities. I'm calling them "POSITIVE DEALS" because some of these may help you take that first step towards something you've been wanting to do, but maybe have been putting off. There's no better time than today to make a move in the direction of your goals. Sieze the day!
POSITIVE DEALS for today:
1) Start Your Own Free Website with Microsoft Office Live. Microsoft has a free Office Live Basics. Free Domain name, 2GB email, and 500MB of web hosting with 10GB/transfer per month. Free $50 search advertising credit. They will ask for your credit card but only to validate your identity.
2) Start Your Own Blog, like this one, with Google's Blogger! It's Free! You will need to create a free google account to start using Blogger.
3) Get FREE phone and email reminders including wake-up calls and more with Jott.com - now in free beta. With Jott, you call a free number, say who or what you want to Jott (like yourself, or your Blog), record your message, set a delivery time, and Jott does the rest! Check it out!
4) Amazon's Friday Sale. Every Friday, Amazon has a sale. You can get free shipping on most orders over $25. This isn't FREE, but there are some good deals here. Remember only to buy something that's going to help move you forward towards a positive goal! For instance, if you want to walk more, you might get the Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer for $18.
There are also plenty of deals at Amazon that are NOT part of the Friday Sale. Asics Running Shoes are currently on sale at Amazon around 25% off. Some items that I bought this year from Amazon and recommend highly include the Garmin Foreunner 305 GPS with Heart Rate Monitor, and a set of 2 Valeo 5-pound hand weights.
What are YOUR suggestions for Positive Deals? They must be FREE or CHEAP, or at least, a good value. Please send your comments!
PTD
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Sunshine Makes Us Happy - and Full Spectrum Lights?
Most people feel happier when the sun is shining than when it's cloudy outside. And some people get depressed in winter months when the days are shorter and the sunshine is less direct. They call this "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or SAD.
When I first moved from the East Coast to Southern California, I noticed an immediate improvement in my mood. There was hardly a day that wasn't sunny and warm. There was no excuse to stay indoors. I could go outside every day and take a walk or jog to the beach or into the mountains. Wow, what a revelation!
However, the days are still shorter during the winter months, and now that I live in Northern California, there are a few more cloudy days as well. So I've purchased a portable "Full Spectrum Light" that I can use at home or take to work with me to get the energy and mood boost that I would normally get when the sun is shining.
Unfortunately, different manufacturers have different definitions of what constitutes a "full spectrum light" and such lights can cost many times more than traditional light bulbs. Many companies tout the wondrous benefits of using "light therapy" to enhance mood, clear acne, or improve other health issues. So does light therapy with full spectrum lights really work? If so, what products are the best that won't break your pocket book?
So I tried to find some answers.
In any case, I do sit in front of my light many days a week, especially at work. Does it help? I can't say yet. I can tell you it doesn't hurt! I would rather hope that it's helping!
The Apollo Health website does have a lot of good information about full spectrum lights and how to combat SAD. It's at: http://www.apollolight.com/full-spectrum_controversy.html
However, I don't have the proof yet that this light works better than other lights. It's a light! It's bright! It's darn expensive! Sunlight is obviously preferable!
In any case, stay tuned as I will be researching this topic further so I can give you some real info and better recommendations.
In the meantime, grab all the sunshine you can get!
PTD
When I first moved from the East Coast to Southern California, I noticed an immediate improvement in my mood. There was hardly a day that wasn't sunny and warm. There was no excuse to stay indoors. I could go outside every day and take a walk or jog to the beach or into the mountains. Wow, what a revelation!
However, the days are still shorter during the winter months, and now that I live in Northern California, there are a few more cloudy days as well. So I've purchased a portable "Full Spectrum Light" that I can use at home or take to work with me to get the energy and mood boost that I would normally get when the sun is shining.
Unfortunately, different manufacturers have different definitions of what constitutes a "full spectrum light" and such lights can cost many times more than traditional light bulbs. Many companies tout the wondrous benefits of using "light therapy" to enhance mood, clear acne, or improve other health issues. So does light therapy with full spectrum lights really work? If so, what products are the best that won't break your pocket book?
So I tried to find some answers.
The Lighting Research Center, a non-profit group of utility companies, experts and government agencies, established the National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP) to provide objective information about the effectiveness of different lighting systems. According to the NLPIP, full-spectrum light does not provide any improved benefits over similar light systems:
“Full-spectrum light sources will not provide better health than most other electric light sources. Recent research has shown that human daily activities are strongly influenced by the solar light/dark cycle. The most notable of these daily, or circadian, cycles is the sleep/wake cycle; but other activities including mental awareness, mood, and perhaps even the effectiveness of the immune system go through regular daily patterns. Light is the most important environmental stimulus for regulating these circadian cycles and synchronizing them to the solar day. Short wavelength (blue) light is particularly effective at regulating the circadian system; long wavelength (red) light is apparently inconsequential to the circadian system. Thus, to maximize efficiency in affecting the circadian system, a light source should not mimic a full spectrum, but instead should maximize only short wavelengths. Even if a full-spectrum light source includes short wavelength light in its spectrum, it will not necessarily ensure proper circadian regulation because, in addition, the proper intensity, timing and duration of the light exposure are all equally important for satisfactory circadian regulation (Rea et. al, 2002).
Light therapy treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually involves regulated exposure to a white light source, commonly 10,000 lux at the eye for 30 minutes per day (Partonen and Lönnqvist, 1998). Any white light source will be effective at these levels (Lam and Levitt, 1999), so full-spectrum light sources are in no way special for treatment of SAD.”
For more information from the NLPIP and full-spectrum lighting, visit the following link: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/fullSpectrum/abstract.asp
For technical information showing spectral radiances of different light sources, visit the following link: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/lightingAnswers/fullSpectrum/comparisons.asp
Their main website is at: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/index.asp
Unfortunately, this abstract suggests that many normal lights are just as effective as some products that are marketed as "full spectrum lights" for seasonal affective disorder. But it didn't give examples of which normal lights were the ones that were as good as those fancy schmancy light therapy lights. So I have to do more research on the subject.
In any case, I do sit in front of my light many days a week, especially at work. Does it help? I can't say yet. I can tell you it doesn't hurt! I would rather hope that it's helping!
The Apollo Health website does have a lot of good information about full spectrum lights and how to combat SAD. It's at: http://www.apollolight.com/full-spectrum_controversy.html
However, I don't have the proof yet that this light works better than other lights. It's a light! It's bright! It's darn expensive! Sunlight is obviously preferable!
In any case, stay tuned as I will be researching this topic further so I can give you some real info and better recommendations.
In the meantime, grab all the sunshine you can get!
PTD
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Getting Off to a Good Start
How many times does the alarm clock have to ring before you finally get out of bed to start your day? Why is it so difficult to just get out of bed? Perhaps we are not looking forward to what lies ahead. All the things we have to do that are not necessarily fun or pleasant.
But we have the ability to change our habits, starting with how we get out of bed each morning and what we do during that first 30 minutes to an hour of the day.
Here are some ideas for new "positive wake-up routines" to get into the habit of doing. Feel free to pick and choose from this list. The main point is to find things that will make you look forward to getting out of bed and starting your day right.
- Prepare the night before for stuff you need in the morning that requires a bit more mental agility. For instance:
- Do a set of push-ups, sit-ups, pilates, yoga, weights or make an appointment to meet a friend at the gym or for a run first thing in the morning. I find that making appointments to meet friends for exercise gives both of us the extra incentive to keep to our plan and not skip our exercise for that day. Signing up for an early morning spinning class at the gym is another idea. Make friends with other spinners and your instructor to give you more reason not to skip classes!
- Wash your face and brush your teeth again. Take your shower or bath. Get fresh - after your exercise!
- If you have a daily project - like writing a blog! - do this as part of your morning wake-up routine.
- Have your coffee or breakfast while going over your list of projects and priorities for the day.
- Remember all the things that you are grateful for in your life. Your health, your family, your home, the weather, having the freedom to make the choice to "THINK POSITIVE" and make the most out of your day and your life!
Every day is a new beginning - or the opportunity for a new beginning. How you start each day and your mental attitude will affect the rest of your day.
Make a decision to start each day with Positive Thoughts and Positive Actions!
PTD
But we have the ability to change our habits, starting with how we get out of bed each morning and what we do during that first 30 minutes to an hour of the day.
Here are some ideas for new "positive wake-up routines" to get into the habit of doing. Feel free to pick and choose from this list. The main point is to find things that will make you look forward to getting out of bed and starting your day right.
- Prepare the night before for stuff you need in the morning that requires a bit more mental agility. For instance:
- Set out your clothes for the next day the night before so you don't have to think about them in the morning.
- If you have a coffee maker, put the water and coffee grounds in so that all you have to do is flick it on in the morning. Or if you have an auto-timer on your coffee maker, even better. Just set to start a few minutes before you wake up!
- If you have an alarm clock that allows you to select a song or music to wake you up instead of an alarm, select that "positive music" to wake you up in the morning. Today I selected "Let the River Run" by Carly Simon. Tomorrow it might be "You Gotta Be" by Desiree.
- Make a list the night before for all you have to do the next day - at least - your top priorities.
- Wash your face and brush your teeth well the night before. Add flossing and earn yourself extra points! Going to bed with a clean face and mouth somehow makes us feel better.
- Do a set of push-ups, sit-ups, pilates, yoga, weights or make an appointment to meet a friend at the gym or for a run first thing in the morning. I find that making appointments to meet friends for exercise gives both of us the extra incentive to keep to our plan and not skip our exercise for that day. Signing up for an early morning spinning class at the gym is another idea. Make friends with other spinners and your instructor to give you more reason not to skip classes!
- Wash your face and brush your teeth again. Take your shower or bath. Get fresh - after your exercise!
- If you have a daily project - like writing a blog! - do this as part of your morning wake-up routine.
- Have your coffee or breakfast while going over your list of projects and priorities for the day.
- Remember all the things that you are grateful for in your life. Your health, your family, your home, the weather, having the freedom to make the choice to "THINK POSITIVE" and make the most out of your day and your life!
Every day is a new beginning - or the opportunity for a new beginning. How you start each day and your mental attitude will affect the rest of your day.
Make a decision to start each day with Positive Thoughts and Positive Actions!
PTD
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Positive Music: Music That Makes You Feel Happy!
Listening to the right music can help put you in a good mood and make you feel happy and positive. Music is one of those things, like smells, which can send you instantly into a particular emotional state - often what you were feeling when you first heard the song or smelled the smell.
Each of us has different tastes in music and different memories associated with different songs. So my list of POSITIVE MUSIC may be different from your list and your friend's list. But sharing our lists - we might just find a few NEW songs or add a few new artists to our lists of POSITIVE FAVORITES! So PLEASE, add your comments to this blog and tell us what YOUR favorite songs or tunes are that put you into a POSITIVE STATE OF MIND!
Some of these might be Positive "Wake Up" Music - tunes to put on my alarm clock CD to wake me up in the morning. Others may be good to exercise or listen to at work. The following songs are in no particular order.
- Let the River Run, Carly Simon - From the movie, Working Girl
- Coming Around Again, Carly Simon
- What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
- I Got You (I Feel Good), James Brown
- Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
- Love Shack, B-52's
- Roam, B-52's
- Linus and Lucy (by Vince Guaraldi), George Winston
- That's the Way of the World, Earth, Wind and Fire
- Stayin' Alive, Bee Gees
- Respect, Aretha Franklin
- Love Overboard, Gladys Night and the Pips
- Ladder, Joan Osborne
- Dancing Queen, Abba
- Levon, Elton John
- The Circle of Life, Elton John (From the movie, The Lion King)
- Don't Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
- Cantaloop (Flip Version), US3
- Praise You, Fat Boy Slim
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwi'ole (IZ)
- Sweet Home Alabama - Lynryd Skynnrd
- For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
- The Bonny Swans, Loreena McKennitt
- Fields of Gold - Sting
- Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
- Classical Gas - Mason Williams
- Switched On Bach - Wendy Carlos Williams
- Green Onions - Booker T. and the MG's
- I'll Take You There - Staple Singers
- The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell
- A Sorta Fairytale - Tori Amos
- I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
- I Can't Get Next to You - Annie Lennox
You can buy most of these songs on iTunes.
What are YOUR favorite Positive Tunes? Please click "Comment" below and add your thoughts!
PTD
Each of us has different tastes in music and different memories associated with different songs. So my list of POSITIVE MUSIC may be different from your list and your friend's list. But sharing our lists - we might just find a few NEW songs or add a few new artists to our lists of POSITIVE FAVORITES! So PLEASE, add your comments to this blog and tell us what YOUR favorite songs or tunes are that put you into a POSITIVE STATE OF MIND!
Some of these might be Positive "Wake Up" Music - tunes to put on my alarm clock CD to wake me up in the morning. Others may be good to exercise or listen to at work. The following songs are in no particular order.
- Let the River Run, Carly Simon - From the movie, Working Girl
- Coming Around Again, Carly Simon
- What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong
- I Got You (I Feel Good), James Brown
- Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
- Love Shack, B-52's
- Roam, B-52's
- Linus and Lucy (by Vince Guaraldi), George Winston
- That's the Way of the World, Earth, Wind and Fire
- Stayin' Alive, Bee Gees
- Respect, Aretha Franklin
- Love Overboard, Gladys Night and the Pips
- Ladder, Joan Osborne
- Dancing Queen, Abba
- Levon, Elton John
- The Circle of Life, Elton John (From the movie, The Lion King)
- Don't Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
- Cantaloop (Flip Version), US3
- Praise You, Fat Boy Slim
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwi'ole (IZ)
- Sweet Home Alabama - Lynryd Skynnrd
- For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
- The Bonny Swans, Loreena McKennitt
- Fields of Gold - Sting
- Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
- Classical Gas - Mason Williams
- Switched On Bach - Wendy Carlos Williams
- Green Onions - Booker T. and the MG's
- I'll Take You There - Staple Singers
- The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell
- A Sorta Fairytale - Tori Amos
- I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
- I Can't Get Next to You - Annie Lennox
You can buy most of these songs on iTunes.
What are YOUR favorite Positive Tunes? Please click "Comment" below and add your thoughts!
PTD
A New Beginning
Today is January 1, 2008 and this is the start of what will be at least a weekly blog, if not several times a week.
The Positive Thinking Diet is a work in progress. I intend to provide words of wisdom and suggestions for bringing more positive thoughts and influences into our daily lives.
As with any diet, if you adhere to your plan with daily attention and practice, positive thinking can become second nature. This blog is not just for you, the readers. I'm also using this blog as a way to keep myself on track with positive thoughts and actions. I welcome reader comments and suggestions! I am also interested in guest bloggers.
Although today this blog is part of Blogger at http://positivethinkingdiet.blogspot.com, I plan to move it over to http://www.positivethinkingdiet.com as soon as I can figure out how that works. But for now, I just wanted to at least get this started!
Onward!
My first blog's topic: Positive Music: Music That Makes You Feel Happy!
Cheers and please add your comments and thoughts!
PTD
The Positive Thinking Diet is a work in progress. I intend to provide words of wisdom and suggestions for bringing more positive thoughts and influences into our daily lives.
As with any diet, if you adhere to your plan with daily attention and practice, positive thinking can become second nature. This blog is not just for you, the readers. I'm also using this blog as a way to keep myself on track with positive thoughts and actions. I welcome reader comments and suggestions! I am also interested in guest bloggers.
Although today this blog is part of Blogger at http://positivethinkingdiet.blogspot.com, I plan to move it over to http://www.positivethinkingdiet.com as soon as I can figure out how that works. But for now, I just wanted to at least get this started!
Onward!
My first blog's topic: Positive Music: Music That Makes You Feel Happy!
Cheers and please add your comments and thoughts!
PTD
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