Look to be satisfied in ALL things!

Many jobs seem lackluster and unfulfilling at first glance. Let's take for example the school lunch server. Do you think there's any satisfaction, peace, tranquility in that elementary school cafeteria come 12:00 noon? For sure. See that little third-grade boy over there, in the corner, wolfing down his food? This is the only balanced meal he'll have the whole day.

Just having an active role in that scenario, should make the server feel lifted and satisfied,-"I'm helping to make a difference."

How would you answer this call?

It's disheartening to hear people say that they have no hope- especially when that cry comes from the young. I saw a T.V. program the other night about street gangs and their "activities". A young man, about 18 years old, was talking to a mediator who had come to relieve a volatile situation.

"Man, I feel like leaving here and trying the other side. They say there's a Heaven...right?" He was expressing no hope for this life. His world is defined by the neighborhood blocks that trap his body and tries to cage his mind. He can see no further than out his window. We, as responsible adults, must spearhead ( and otherwise support)opportunities where inner city youth can travel, see other places and know that the world, indeed, moves and operates beyond their neighborhood confines.

Naysayers say, coming back into their impoverished communities after seeing another view of the world will lead to restlessness and an added discontentment. I disagree. Buds of hope sprout and take root, opening their minds to other possibilities, ie pursuing educational goals, positive extracurricular activities, mentoring, etc.

Yes, it's not as easy as it sounds. Hard work and money are big issues that come into play. But it all begins with a plan. What if money wasn't an issue...how would YOU answer this call?

3 Ways to Build Optimism!

Add your own to these three of mine~

1) Set reasonable, "in touch" goals.

     Don't set goals that are impossible to reach. When you are unable to attain said goals, you feel like a failure, 

     making it hard to feel good about the future.

2)  Surround yourself with positive, like-minded, people who have your best interests at heart.

     Your circle of friends and business associates should be made up of people who are "going your way."

     Disassociate from people who are complainers, whiners and naysayers.

3)  Encourage your neighbor to do his best.

     When you help someone up, you get up with them. Be an example and lead the way!

                                            
Have a nice day and stay in the light!

5 Simple, inexpensive twists that can change a sour day into a sweet one!

1) Add fragrance~ Burn a new incense, candle or try a different oil in your diffuser. The introduction of fragrance into your day, will refresh a tired and foggy mind!

2) Indulge in that peach soap or peppermint bath salts~ Yes, it costs more than the store brand you usually buy, but go ahead and splurge! Your body enveloped in that special bath water concoction, will take away all the day's woes and brighten your outlook instantly!

3) Yummy!~ So you like chocolate bars, do you? Well, instead of the same ole Hersheys at lunch, purchase a Lady Godiva Truffle Bar. Taste is personal, but changing "it" up will tickle your palate and put a giggle in your spirit!

4) Wow...blast me with your color gun!~ White napkins, white towels, white note paper, white____, well you get the idea! Add COLOR, for a shot of life and a quick burst of energy!

5) Let me hear from me!~ Instead of waiting for someone else to say it, record "I love you" on a soundbite( try SoundCloud.com) and play it back to yourself during the day. Uplifting and encouraging!

As you see, it doesn't cost much to let the sun shine in, on an otherwise cloudy, gloomy day! Stay in the light!

  

...tell your own truth!

Write your own story...don't let strangers tell your tale. They weren't there when you were going through it. Only you know how you felt, the joy and/or the pain.

Some would have your beginnings meager and poor but you experienced plenty and richness.

Some would have said your adolescent years were stunted and slowed, but you remember loving parents that encouraged growth and release.

Some would say your young adult life was dull and dark, but you had more love than MOST people experience in their whole lifetime....

Today, some would say you're living a wasted and blocked life. But you live in openess and vibrancy...daily overflow.

Tell your own story..you're the only one who knows it...

Procrastination is straight from HELL!

Procrastination: Putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. Yes, procrastination is straight from Hell. It is meant to destroy you and bring you to naught.

Let me give you a real example:

After a two year stay in New York City's shelter system, I found an apartment. I lived there, happily, for three years then procrastination reared it's ugly head ( and I opened the door for it). Even though I was paying my rent, the landlord had fallen back on his promises of repairing the damages in the apartment. "I" decided that I would make no more rent payments until the damages were repaired. Putting aside the fact, that this is NOT correct procedure, I was always going to the rent office "tomorrow" to speak about it. I even "heard" the enemy say, "You don't bother us about the repairs and we (the Landlord) won't bother you about the rent"-satan's lies!

So, of course, you know what happened! The city marshall knocked on my door, one morning, and gave me minutes to get my essentials out and leave the premises. EVICTED!!!!!

Beware.Sometimes I still struggle with this ugly habit, but I am much better. As soon as you can, deal with the task at hand, even though you see an unpleasant outcome. All in all, you'll be in a better place, mentally and financially, because you dealt with the situation and didn't have the situation deal with you.

It is time to turn your hobby into a business and make that CASH!

So, you've been getting rave reviews from friends and family, about that luscious cinnamon soap you make and hand out for Christmas and birthday gifts. Crank it up a few notches and "do bizness"!

I plan to do just that and I'm finding that it's not as complicated as you would think. Research and find the county clerk's office in your town, so you can register as a legit business. Pick a name (do an online name search to see if it's available to use) and forge onward, step by step.

Marketing your business is easy AND low cost these days with available social networks, at your fingertips! Try Facebook and YOUTUBE, initially. Do flea markets, fairs and home parties. Although family and friends are the first to support you, word-of-mouth and good networking skills will explode your products into homes all over the world. Read up on business etiquette and ethics, stay prepared AND THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!

Offer opportunities to help others learn your skills and/or give a percentage of your sales to the charity of your choice. Doing this will keep you advancing and prospering! Get paid for what you love to do and always keep the "hobby" in your business.

Dreams do come true.....