As of this writing over 155,000 of our brothers and sisters have died in Asia from the natural disaster of a tsunami. As Ann and I have watched the death toll climb over the past week, Ann reminded me that we are not simply citizens of Flat Rock, or of North Carolina, or of the United States — we are world citizens. We are all on this planet together, playing the game called life full out, doing the best we can in each situation, and if we’re ever to truly experience a World On Purpose we can no longer isolate ourselves by made up borders or beliefs.

Another interesting number that I heard related to the tsunami disaster was that over 1 billion dollars had been pledged to help the victims. One thing that we did as a family on New Year’s Eve was to discuss what we felt we could do as ‘world citizens’ to help our world family through this challenging time. Here’s what we came up with. I share this simply to encourage and to inspire others to explore for themselves what they can do.

It has evolved into a simple 4 Step Plan:

1. Pray for those most affected. You might include in your prayer something like this: “Please help us recognize that what has happened is an opportunity masquerading as a natural disaster. It is an opportunity for us all to come together as ONE in love and harmony. Help me stay mindful to this opportunity.”

2. Contribute some ‘good green energy’ of money now to help the people of Asia to get through these next few weeks. Our 12-year old daughter, Amber, asked if she could contribute from her “Future Fund”– money that has been set aside for her future/college. Realizing she has no future that doesn’t include the rest of the world, we agreed.

3. Pledge to continue giving throughout the year. After all, the rebuilding process will take years. Long after this matter is no longer in the news, there will still be much to do, so we felt some continual support was important. One way we’re planning to provide ongoing support is by ‘adopting’ or sponsoring one or more children. Here are a couple of the agencies through which this can be done:

www.savethechildren.org
As a child sponsor, you’ll see up close and personal, through corresponding with your sponsored child, how you are helping to create a better, brighter future for children in need. For less than a $1 a day, your sponsored child and others in the community can benefit from quality education, school health and nutrition programs and many other initiatives.

www.planusa.org
Child sponsorship makes a difference in a child’s life. Your participation results in benefits like safe, clean drinking water, improved education and health care, increased family income, and more in countries where such benefits are often unattainable. You’ll be helping to provide the most basic needs of your sponsored child.

Another way to provide support is through the Heifer Project:

www.heifer.org/
After immediate needs for food, shelter, fresh water, clothing and other necessities have been met, Heifer works within communities to empower disaster survivors with the economic means - such as livestock, training and other resources - to rebuild their families, their neighborhoods and their hope for sustainable futures.

4. Share with others and invite their participation in whatever way works for them. (Like I’m doing right now.)

If you realize that you’re a world citizen also and want to contribute as well, here’s a web site that has a list of organizations that are at work in disaster relief:
www.redcross.org/
www.networkforgood.org/

Help Support Disaster Relief in Southeast Asia
People across Southeast Asia, stricken by the Tsunami Disaster, need your help to recover and rebuild - many have lost everything. Please join millions of other generous Americans and support one or many of the important relief organizations with a safe and easy contribution now. Your cash contributions are desperately needed and will provide assistance to those whose lives have been devastated by this terrible disaster.

©2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc.
This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.
PPE 1/10/05

Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it. Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun & insightful Self Test at:
http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/self-test.php?source=ezart
Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine:
http://lifeonpurpose.com/index.php?dir=_ezines&task=view-ezines

We have just inherited a rag, tag and bobtail of a dog called ‘Footsie’. She was found three weeks ago wandering around outside a local restaurant for a couple of days looking for food. Paula, a woman who takes responsibility for stray animals in this part of the island, took her in and started to look after her. She soon found that, Footsie has such a quiet, loving nature but is definitely not a ‘looker’. She wouldn’t win any awards at Crufts. Pure white coat, almost albino type eyes but a protruding bottom set of teeth which means she always has the canine tooth on the left and several of her other teeth showing. But, as we said, a lovely temperament. Very playful, loving and peaceful.

Paula took her to the local vet for a check up and found that Footsie is about 12 to 13 months old and had recently, within the last three weeks or so, had puppies. The vet gave the appropriate medicines to help her during the whelping period. But otherwise was in good health. She also had a chip in her ear but when they checked the computer system found that the registration had not been completed properly and only an out of use phone number was registered. So: no chance of finding the original owner.

For the next few days you could see Paula and Footsie walking around the village and after a couple of days it became more and more obvious that Paula was getting very attached to ‘Footsie and Footsie to her. After all, Paula had taken her off the street and shown her a lot of love and affection. The only problem is that Paula specialises in cats. Wild street cats; and so there was no room in the apartment for Footsie. The result: Footsie spent the nights in Paula’s car and the days in her office.

It wasn’t long, no more than a couple of days before people in the village began to notice Footsie. About a week later a young guy approached Paula and asked if he could take her for his parents. Their dog had recently died and so he thought she would be an ideal replacement. An ideal loving dog, especially for an older couple. Footsie loves sitting on people’s laps!

The deal was done. Paula agreed and Footsie was taken by the young man, placed in his car and taken on the local ferry to the next island where his parents live. Unfortunately his father did not like Footsie. For whatever reason he said he did not want her in the house. Although his mother quite liked her it was an impossible situation. So she had to make the return journey.

All was not lost though because the young man had fallen in love with Footsie and decided to keep him. He took Footsie home and he and his wife immediately fell in love with her. Unfortunately their female dog didn’t. She played hell. She gave Footsie a very hard time and did not like the invasion of her space and territory. So after a night of constant fighting and quarrelling between the dogs the young couple decided, regrettably, Footsie had to go back to Paula.

So, four days and many experiences later, Footsie returned to Paula. She was so happy to see her and back to the office and the car at night.

When Paula was explaining the experience to Julie on the telephone, guess what! Julie said, Oh! She’s such a sweet thing, we’ll have her.

We have had her for all of 18 hours now and what an animal. She walked in as if she had always lived here, put her footmarks everywhere, ate some supper, watched the football match whilst sitting on my foot cushion and has carried on as though she has always been here.

This made us think of us human beings. Would we have behaved in this way? Or would we be bitching and slating people and telling everyone what a bad world it was and how terrible people are.

Footsie taught us three things:

1. how important it is to keep your self respect, no matter what, and respect others, no matter what.

2. live in the present. It’s no good being wedded to what you told yourself you were going to do at the beginning of the day.

3. the way to people hearts is through giving. In her case, giving love. Just give love and don’t expect anything in return and you will gain all the benefits.

It’s a Doggy story but Footsie has taught us all, and we’re sure there’s more to come.

Good Luck

Graham and Julie

www.desktop-meditation.com

About The Author

Graham and Julie

To see more of our work please go to: www.desktop-meditation.com

graham@desktop-meditation.com

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12, 2004

I’m hoping you can help me with a moral problem that crops up every now and then in my personal and professional life. Sometimes I find myself being blamed for an error or lack of judgment that actually occurred on someone else’s part. For example, I asked someone at work about using a certain location for a display, was given the go-ahead, then chastised for using that location.

When the only way I can defend myself involves pointing the finger at someone else, I’m in a real quandary. I am rarely prepared to defend myself if it means making someone else look bad. I handle the problem by saying nothing. I simply don’t know what to say.

There is usually ample opportunity for the person responsible to come forward, but I find that hardly ever happens. How can I handle this type of problem without taking the low road of attacking others? What is the moral or ethical thing to do?

Karla

Karla, each of us has principles of behavior rattling around in our head. These principles range from the Golden Rule to Miss Manners’ etiquette to the Boy Scout Creed. Often we are not sure which principle to apply.

The principle you are applying here is the playground and schoolyard rule which says one shouldn’t snitch to a parent or teacher. It is not an ethical rule so much as a rule children employ in play. A much more basic rule applies. That is the rule which says, in simple justice, each of us deserves to be known for the person we are.

Your lack of explanations makes you look guilty. Coming forward and explaining why you acted as you did should not be a moral or ethical problem for you. It is simply a matter of fact. If you acted because Sheila told you to do it that way, or the employee handbook says to do it that way, or you have always done it that way and no one told you otherwise, you are simply reporting a fact.

You should look at this as an impersonal matter, much as if you are reporting the time or the weather. When you report facts in these situations, there are three rules to remember. The three rules are: don’t apologize, don’t apologize, and don’t apologize. An apology is due when you have done something wrong; no apology is called for when stating the reality of a situation.

Karla, you don’t have an ethical problem here, but the people who know the truth and remain silent do.

Wayne

Missing Holiday Spirit

This Christmas I went to a lot of trouble to find special gifts for my grandchildren. I have some health challenges, and it was a stretch physically to shop for these gifts. Since I was in their neighborhood the week before Christmas, I left my presents under the tree ahead of time.

They expected me Christmas morning, and I called ahead to say I was on my way. When I arrived carrying two grocery bags with food, my grandson met me at the door saying he really liked the books. I couldn’t believe my ears. They had opened my gifts without me!

I told my daughter I was disappointed, and she said she was “sorry” I hadn’t left “instructions.” Her husband told me they have a rule in their house: no whining. What should I do? Skip Christmas for them? Forgive and forget? Move?

Clara

Clara, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound? If a child receives a gift and you are not there, is he still filled with joy?

Don’t skip Christmas with your family. Next year take the gifts with you on Christmas morning, and be grateful for a son-in-law with such a wise rule for his household.

Tamara

About The Author

Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.

Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.

The early months of this year brought major challenges, as well as blessings, for many folks. They certainly brought many unique challenges and blessings for me.

We live through series of highs and lows. We need the good times, but with them come challenges that teach and build faith.

People talk about escaping from reality when times get tough, but how about turning that around? Why not “escape into reality” instead? By escaping into reality, we can begin to see those highs and lows for what they are.

So where do we find that elusive venue called reality, and how can we be sure we’re escaping into it rather than from it? Here are some clues.

Reality is found in many very ordinary things. We hear it in a grandparent’s gentle voice and feel it in a child’s big warm hug. We also experience it in compassion during adversity and see it in thrilling visions for the future. However, it is easy to confuse self-limiting beliefs with reality.

Several years ago, I had a huge goal for a fund-raiser to help a local cancer victim and his family. Someone said to me, “Get real! You can’t possibly do that.” I smiled and said, “You’re right. It seems like a lot, and it would be tough doing it alone. But I am certainly real, so if you’ll help lead this, we could do even more.” We did outdistance our goal because we
invited enough people to “get real” about a worthy cause.

Escaping into reality can also uncover more of the happiness hiding in life’s shadows. In other words, we can view situations from perspectives of love rather than fear.

We can create visions of hope based on new behaviors rather than regret based on past mistakes. We can look beyond appearances to find more love and abundance in every aspect of our lives. The vision of a goal must become as tangible a reality in the mind and heart as if you had reached out and touched it with your hand.

Begin by giving thanks for all you have now. Just for a moment, imagine you are a child discovering newness in everything. Then fast-forward with a child’s faith, honoring what you intend to accomplish in your lifetime.

An anonymous author wrote, “Happiness lies for those who cry, who hurt, who have searched, and who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of the people who have touched their lives.”

God has blessed us with a treasure trove of reality: His unending love for us. Love is the one true reality, and when your feelings and motives are based on love rather than fear, you’ll know your escape was successful. Share the reality of God’s love with someone who needs encouragement today.

Looking and listening for the many small miracles in your life will reveal what is actually possible. Do you need some time away? Escape into reality today. The Creator’s love will guide every step you take.

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

A delightful Bed and Breakfast on the quietest section of the Ortigia seafront, only a few meters from the sea wall. The specially designed and well-equipped rooms, part of a traditional nineteenth-century townhouse, have as their central focus a small internal courtyard, the ‘cortiletto’, that serves as a recreation point. Breakfast, however, which includes water ices, croissants, fruit tart, home-made jams, and Sicilian sweets, is served on the terrace above, from which one can enjoy a vast wide-ranging view of the open sea. This is one of the very special features of our warm and sincere hospitality
The rooms, recently refitted and tastefully decorated, are in fact true suites, consisting of livingroom, bedroom, independent bathroom with shower, cooking area. All have air-conditioning and satellite tv. The suites, all with independent access from the street, are on the ground floor, except for one which is on two floors. One suite has a seaview.
At only a short distance (a few meters) from the Bed and Breakfast there is an open area leading down to the water’s edge that is open all day and offers immediate access to the limpid waters of the Ionian sea. The Historic Centre of Ortigia all around, with its buildings of great cultural value, make Siracusa a favourite tourist destination. Especially at night, when the streetlights of this little island create a very special atmosphere, as if one were in a stately home full of works of art and beautiful buildings for one to discover and explore. We will be most happy to receive you into our pleasant and relaxing environment and to help you appreciate to the full the wonderful area in which we live.

FACILITIES
Satellite tv
Air-Conditioning
Refrigerator
Cooking facililities
En suite bathroom
Daily room service
Breakfast on the Terrace
Internet Access
Small Library
Cortiletto (courtyard)

How to reach Siracusa :
By Car
From Messina: Take the motorway Messina-Catania, then follow directions to Siracusa. Leave the motorway at SIRACUSA SUD then after about 1 Km at the roundabout follow the directions to ORTIGIA.

By Train
Direct trains from
MILAN, TURIN, ROME, NAPLES

By Plane
Non-stop flight to Catania Fontanarossa from TURIN,MILAN,VERONA,FLORENCE,PISA, ROME,NAPLES, LONDON,FRANKFURT
Catania Airport is connected to Siracusa by public and private transportatio

If you are interested in a cheap hotel in Syracuse, pls visit our catalogue of Hotels all over Italy, where you can find also a wide range of Bed and Breakfast in Rome and Hotels in Florence, from cheap to luxury, togheter with Sorrento Tours

About fifteen years ago I was rummaging through some old boxes in my basement when I discovered a stack of poems that I had written during my childhood. As I began reading, I discovered a long-forgotten world - one that sang with romance, adventure, and mystery. It was a world of princesses, heroes, and castles, where the princess was always rescued and the dragon always slain.

I felt an aching sense of loss. A part of me was packed away with these poems, neatly mummified in coffins of mediocrity. Somewhere along the way, my world had begun to shrink from one that sang with unlimited possibilities to one that conformed to narrow, predictable boundaries. Dream thieves had skulked into my heart and captured the inner visionary.

Most of us become prey to the dream thieves at one time or another. They infiltrate our hearts through failure and heartache, setbacks and tragedy, criticism, and pressure to conform to the status quo.

I had to make a decision that I was no longer willing to be held hostage by the dream thieves. Once I made that decision, I was launched on an adventure of discovery, transformation, and growth. Along the way, my inner dreamer awoke from slumber, shook off the grave clothes, and learned to dance again.

What about you? Do you have a passion that grips your heart, a clear sense of purpose for your life? Are you living your dream? Or have the dream thieves robbed you of your destiny?

You may think God didn’t give you a dream. But the Bible says that God has “called us with a holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9).

KEYS TO REACHING YOUR DREAMS

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Fruit must continually draw nourishment from the vine to grow. Likewise, we must remain intimately connected with Jesus to bear fruit and reach our purpose.

You can never truly know yourself - or your passions, dreams, and calling - without also intimately knowing God.

Also, the pathway of purpose is fraught with obstacles, setbacks, and demonic traps. As Frank A. Clark said, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” To have the faith and wisdom to overcome these obstacles, you must continually fill yourself with the Word and the Holy Spirit.

Explore Your Passions

A calling is not something you choose; it is something you discover. And one of the truest evidences of a calling is having a passion for it.

“It is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you - energizing and creating in you the power and desire - both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” Phil 2:13 AMP

God places desires in us to motivate, inspire, and equip us to fulfill our destiny. Ask yourself, What makes my heart sing? What produces a deep inner assurance that this is what I was born to do? What inspires creativity, ideas and vision?

Sometimes, God-inspired passions and dreams can be buried under the rubble of fears and brokenness. The Holy Spirit is the only One who can excavate these precious jewels from their hiding place. So pray for revelation. In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prayed that “the eyes or your heart would be enlightened.” Why? The Message paraphrase says, “to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes and focused and clear, so you can see exactly what he is calling you to do.”

Face Your Fears

Fear is the number one reason why many people never reach their dreams and purpose. No wonder the Bible has 366 verses of scripture that say fear not, or similar verses such as be bold, be strong and courageous, do not be anxious.

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is boldly obeying God despite feelings of fear and inadequacy. Each time you step out in faith despite fear, your faith and courage grow. Each step of obedience propels your further along your personal pathway of purpose.

Remember, the desire security and comfort will stand between you and your dreams. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. … You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

Choose Your Path

In “The Road Less Travelled,” the famous poet Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Each day we stand at the intersection of two paths - the path of mediocrity, and the path of purpose. Each day we must choose which way we will go.

The path of mediocrity is much easier, of course. Safe, wide, and predictable, it is the path of least resistance and the road most travelled.

The pathway of purpose, on the other hand, is often difficult, dangerous, and lonely. You will be challenged to step out of your comfort zone. Fears and doubts will emerge when you enter uncharted territory. Critics will mock you from without and discouragement will assail you from within.

But your life will also change in ways you never dared imagine! God will liberate your inner dreamer from captivity, ignite vision in your heart, and release you to soar into your destiny.

If you yearn to step out of your comfort zone and reach your dreams, get ready for the most exciting adventure of your life. You will never be the same!

Judy Rushfeldt is an author, speaker, and publisher of the online women’s magazine, LifeToolsforWomen.com. Her passion is to inspire and equip women to reach their dreams. Her latest book, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny - a woman’s guide to awakening your passions and fulfilling your purpose, is available in quality bookstores. For more information about this life-changing book, or to order online, visit: http://www.MakingYourDreams.com

Change hits hard, fast, and often. It shifts our focus, changes our direction and alters our plans. Change leaves us stumped by questions we’re not prepared to answer and searching for questions that we never thought to ask. Left on the road, between what we were once sure of and the indecision of which way to go, a problem awaits to be solved.

Problems Begin with One Unanswered Question

Hearing the word problem, we automatically think of some catastrophic event requiring kick-off meetings, project teams, and an all-out hunt for the illustrious root cause. Usually, however, problems are much more subtle than that. They move in quietly, riding the coattails of change or they drag change along, bringing it to our doorsteps. Problems both follow and precede change. Most problems don’t need a grand introduction. All we need to is to look for them, wait for them, and prepare for them. They are always there, just beneath the surface. And before they took a life of their own, even those problems with the deepest roots usually started simply enough as an unanswered question.

What issues currently have your organization tied up in knots? What was the last problem that you attempted to solve? What was the last problem that you ignored?

Problems don’t need official-sounding names and formally outfitted team leaders wearing colored belts. Problems are not only exposed through formal processes but are revealed in a moment of curiosity. Just around the corner of expectation and at the intersection of “why; why not; and if not me, who?” is a chance for every employee to positively influence the course of events.

The following is a case in point of a problem in the making:

Friday morning a shipment of boxes was delivered to a distribution warehouse in a small North Carolina town. As had happened on many Friday mornings before, Jason Checkins received the shipment and pointed to the area where the pallets should be placed. As the boxes were stacked, Jason noticed that the boxes all had yellow stickers. He thought that it was odd and wondered to himself, “Why don’t these boxes have the blue labels that they normally do?” He thought about it for a moment and moved on. He never mentioned the blue labels to anyone in the facility until the following Friday, a week later.

What Happens to a Problem Deferred?

Problems often come first in unseen whispers. They are more than headaches to avoid; they are signals of things to come - flashes of lights drawing us to attention and calling us to action. Before we can resolve them, we have to increase our ability to predict them, sense them, see them, and examine them.

When I think of organizational problem solving, it brings a poem written by Langston Hughes, “What Happens to a Dream Deferred?”. We sense that something may be wrong, but we stand back. We watch and we wait to see what is going to happen. We watch the market; we see the effects on our competitors and our suppliers. We watch what’s happening around us, to our employees, and to our co-workers. We read the headlines and hear the news of industry fallout and thousands of jobs being lost. Still we fail to consider what those signs might mean for us. Only rarely do we look for opportunities to make a difference.

Pointing his pen at the corporation, today Mr. Hughes might ask:

What happens to a problem deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore–
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over–
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Problems Don’t Just Go Away. You don’t usually have six months to form an assessment committee or three months to train all your people. You can’t afford to lose time pretending that the problem does not exist, or even one day wondering why someone else has not taken action. It is the job of every person in the company to do what he can, when he can–and hopefully before it is too late.

To read the complete article please go to: http://www.changethis.com/21.ThinkingThrough

Valarie is CEO of Think 6 Results — a knowledge broker passionate about learning and improving performance in organizations. She’s a writer, presenter, and executive coach on a mission to get every employee and organization focused on and thinking about the SIX business driving goals that matter.

The complete Thinking Through Problem Solving article is found at http://www.changethis.com/21.ThinkingThrough.

Contact Valarie at washington@think6results.com or by calling 630-705-1189. Visit us at http://www.Think6Results.com.

Each of us possesses an untapped potential within. We are all destined to be someone and achieve something in the course of our lives. However, due to the multitude of challenges and obstacles that we encounter everyday, we neglect that we have this capacity to achieve our goals, and be the best person we can become. The fire of potential is not kindled but instead seized. What most people fail to understand is that it is only in accepting and utilizing this potential that we will fully realize its amazing and powerful impact in improving our lives.

In the course of our pursuit to reaching our full potential, several obstacles may get in the way. Often, these hindrances are not material. Instead, they are nothing more than self-limiting beliefs that stop as from getting to where we want to be or being what we are meant to become. It is fear, anguish and worry that tops the list in hampering people from finding the positive that life has to offer.

Foremost, this is brought about by fear. In psychology, “fear of failure” or “fear of success” are terms often used to explain why people hold themselves back. “Fear of failure” is what it literally suggests. Nobody wants to fail utterly. It is difficult to accept defeat. On the other hand, “fear of success” is not as easy to analyze. Success is not universally a positive thing. It changes one’s life in one way or another. Fear of success somehow translates to the fear of what may come with success. Achieving success for some people may lead to one’s losing a sense of purpose. Since the goal he was aiming at has already been attained, he finds no more purpose in pursuing any more goals. Also take for example, someone who aspires to make a breakthrough in science may just be able to achieve his goal, but succeeding may cause that person to be in the limelight - giving speeches at conferences, facing both praises and criticisms, and even incurring the envy of his colleagues. Because of this fear of being exposed and succumbing to a public life, people may just be content with being themselves and blend with the crowd. They no longer seek for more by furthering or enhancing their chosen craft. Somewhere along the way, progress stops and the full potential within waiting to be freed is curtailed.

Though imagining success maybe able to bring out your desire to reach for your full potential, it is rather important to aim for development and not really focus on victory. To fail is inevitable, while success may be short-lived, but the lessons and learning you will derive from it will definitely allow you to understand and appreciate yourself more. It will aid you in knowing your limits and/or how much further you are able to push yourself.

Psychologists encourage people who are seeking to reach their full potential to not focus on the material aspects of achieving something. Instead, they must aim more for personal development, which comes with a longer-lasting effect than tangible rewards. Looking towards personal fulfillment gives the much-needed inspiration to discover how far you can go.

It is a must to set your targets high, but be sure to keep your expectations level with reality as well. Do not satisfy yourself with the way things are. Crave to discover your capabilities. Challenge yourself; do not settle for just what is served. Know that there are infinite possibilities and a myriad of opportunities before you. These opportunities are like fruits dangling from a tree which are all yours for the taking. Understand that you deserve as much success and fulfillment as anybody else.

After realizing the importance of having a goal that allows you to reach inside and release that full potential within, you should also see that there is danger in setting too many targets. There is nothing wrong in being enthusiastic and giving yourself several targets to keep you active and moving. But you must also understand that you can only do so much at one time. A sense of purpose may not always promise success. There is also a matter of “resources” that may not be enough to support your enthusiasm - health, time, funding. There is such a thing as stress, and also burnout. So, stick to your own pace. There is no need to rush. Give yourself some time to appreciate the little milestones you come across after overcoming the little challenges you pass.

Clear your mind. Overcome fear. Stay active. Engage yourself with your world. Savor your accomplishments. It is through a sound mind, setting clear priorities, living a phased lifestyle and proving to yourself how capable you are that you can and will realize and reach your full potential.

Daegan Smith is the leader of the fastest growing team of successful home business enterpernuers on the net. Find out how we’re creating financial freedom all across the globe and how to get in on the action FREE =>http://www.comlev.com Team Blog: http://www.turnkeyinternetbusiness.blogspot.com

“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. -Epictetus, the 1st Century Greek Philosopher

Courage is daring to be… Brave. Enterprising. Bold. In your business or personal life, how often do you question your thoughts, your actions, or your motives? When you don’t exercise the ability to always test yourself, you may lose not only your confidence, but more importantly, you lose the ability to focus, to know yourself, your friends, and your customers.

When faced with decisions and challenges, asking yourself questions every day, every hour, every moment gives you the courage to discover what is important to you and what a particular situation means to you, and what result or solution you’d like to accomplish.

Not many people experience life the way they want it to be. If things don’t work out the way you want, don’t find someone else to blame. Know what goals you want, then question your actions in reaching them. Compare your answers to what others may wish for you. After all, having a successful business or a life of contentment, requires you to know yourself and the goals that are best for you.

Courage is getting in the habit of looking inward and going with your highest feeling of what’s true and what feels right for you. Apply this inner evaluation in your business and in your personal life. This is important if you wish to grow and stay successful. It works!

Have the courage to be curious (not nosy!). A quest for knowledge about life and the people you interact with is good. Look for answers to whatever you plan to do. This keeps you thoughtful. Keep a journal if it helps. Over time, you can look back and discover the results of your actions (or reactions) to certain problems. Then when faced with future or similar problems, you’ll have a ready solution.

Realize your weaknesses and work toward improving them. Continue to renew yourself and remember that life has a way of constantly testing your ability and courage to deal with it. When you can learn to appreciate the challenges in both your business and personal life, you find inner strength. Then you’re able to bring about an inner peace and spirituality that gives you a good tool for building self-confidence and self esteem.

There’s something inside each of us that fuels our motivation, our passion, and our reason to succeed. Keep encouraging yourself to take the necessary risks to refuel your confidence. Question your motives. Then search for the answer. Question any doubts you or others may have about your courage to succeed. You are what’s important.

Don’t let negative thoughts get in the way of your progress and your goals. Control your thoughts. Think about what’s important to you. When your thoughts are positive, they have a way of replenishing your courage. No matter how often unpleasant or difficult challenges get you down, don’t give in to negative thinking. Just pick yourself up and move on. Focus on what gives you your strength and uniqueness.

Remember: motivation, passion, and your reason to succeed in life, as well as in business, are essential requirements to reaching your goals. Live life in a constant state of awareness, with peaceful thoughts, a dash of forcefulness, and a good measure of faith and spirituality. You will then be exercising your gift of courage.

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About The Author

Gerri D Smith is publisher and host of multiple Gateways to inspiration, motivation, and information for individuals, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Gerri’s internet business resource creates ways for you to unlock the doors to success and income. To help you reach more of your personal and financial goals, become one of the exclusive subscribers to her Free Monthly Newsletter.

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Here’s an interesting quote of W.H. Murray, from the Scottish Himalayan Expedition. Read it carefully. “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

Some people, when they encounter a success story or someone “who has made it”, say he/she’s been “lucky”. Nothing could be further from the truth, luck has nothing to do with it. You can do as much affirmations as you want, but nothing really changes until you start to act. You can do affirmations, you can pray, you can visualize, you can meditate, set goals and write them on paper, you can brainstorm, etc… You can do all kinds of things and this isn’t bad at all. There’s nothing wrong with it; all these techniques can indeed be very helpful and effective. BUT in the end, nothing really changes until you take action. It’s not that action in itself is a kind of magic formula or that success is guaranteed just because you finally took action. Yet once you commit and really take forceful, decisive action to realise your goal, nice things start to happen. Some people call that “luck”. (The strange thing is that the people who start this luck, mostly never take any action themselves to realise their dreams , they prefer watching TV or playing computer games instead). It’s as if the Universe all of a sudden starts to cooperate with you, but only once you’ve proven that you really mean it! If you still doubt in some way, if you only take some action from time to time, or if you work on a Plan A and on Plan B at the same time because you’re afraid to fail at Plan A, success might escape you. But once you really commit and burn your bridges behind you and really go for it, goofy thing start to happen. This is what the cynical people call “luck”. Not that everything will go automatically all of a sudden or so. Sometimes this can be rather subtle yet important. As if “the force is with you” So whatever it is, you want to achieve, GO FOR IT. Take action. Start to act right now. Stop procrastinating. You know that you must take action or you will never be satisfied, so start right NOW !