Way Markers

My Pops had a habit of taking a road or hiking trail just "to see where it goes." He was never too worried about whether or not there were signs, maps, trail markers or directionals. He was gifted with a sense of direction that almost always got us to where we needed to go, albeit there were some interesting turns and twists along the way! There are quite a number of family stories that can be told as a result of these little jaunts and adventures and my brothers and I often laugh with remembering! His spirit of adventure and need to explore is a gift that he handed down to each of us.

Our lives are filled with way markers put into place by the different things we experience, people we encounter, family, mentors and friends. Our enemies, too, can put a way marker in front of us. It is how we choose to read these signs, and learn from them, that determines the directions our lives will take. We may choose a detour that helps us to learn a valuable or important lesson, or, we may choose to take a scenic route that takes us a bit longer to get to our destination, but restores our soul or enriches our lives with beauty.

If we choose to let God lead in our lives we will be able to navigate around and through all that comes before us. John 14:6 tell us, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life.." Invite God into your life each day. Study His Word and ask for His help to read the way markers. He will guide you on a journey "of a lifetime" that is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting road trips you will ever experience!

Just as my father's meandering about the countryside enabled us to learn and experience new sights, so will God's word be your map and travel guide. Be an adventurer, be willing to "see where it goes" with Him leading the way!

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

Patience is a Virtue

Last week I travelled to the West Coast for my nephew's high school graduation. The weekend was wonderful, Kevin graduated with honors and our family had opportunity to spend some time together. On the return trip home, even though I enjoyed my time away, I discovered that like most of my fellow travellers, I was eager to get to my destination and home.

The first leg of the journey went very well. The airline left on time and we arrived in Chicago early. Wow! I was feeling pretty good and had a nice break on the ground before boarding the plane for the last leg of the journey into the Cincinnati International Airport. Not too long after the plane was fully loaded, the captain came onto the loudspeaker. Immediately we all knew that something wasn't quite right and that we probably were not going to like his message. Sure enough, he explained that the front tires of the airplane were worn and that we would have to wait to have them changed. And, unfortunately, the "NASCAR pit crew was not available..." so it was expected to take them 45-60 minutes from that moment to get the job done.

Well, not wanting to take off with bald tires on the front of the aircraft was understandable. Understanding why it would take so long is not so easy to comprehend, but we all settled in for a long wait.

Then, after a full hour had passed the captain comes back on the loudspeaker. Well, it was going to take us at least another 15-20 minutes to get the job done and then we could taxi out for take-off. Finally, we taxi out and then, we wait another 15-20 minutes. Our 1 hour layover ended up being about 3 hours in length and by the time we took off it was after 11:30 pm EST. We were all exhausted and cranky and the children on board were beginning to display behaviors more akin to little devils!

As I was sitting in my seat feeling sorry for myself, getting anxious and moving about restlessly my seat mate turned to me and asked if I lived in the Cincinnati area and proceeded to ask directions to one of the local hospitals. She went on to explain that she had been travelling since about 6:30 am that morning to be with her parents. Her father had suffered a major stroke earlier that morning and was not expected to live. In fact, they were not sure he would live long enough for her to see him alive again. Clearly the delay had been incredibly stressful for her and her husband!

It was at this point in time that I realized that patience really is a virtue, and something that I am not blessed with! I felt incredibly sorry for, and could empathize with this woman and her family. And, finally, after our arrival and during the journey home I was able to thank God for having blessed me for this seat mate. You see, I need to develop more patience and I had lost sight of what that meant, until that night. I was a bit embarrassed that I had been impatient, frustrated with the airline and stressed about the delay in time. Clearly any inconvenience to me could not compare to this person's anxiety.

This morning I prayed to God for this woman and her family, particularly regarding the health of her father and asked that God's will be done. Whatever the outcome I pray for peace and acceptance on their parts. Then, I thanked God for delivering yet another lesson and asked for his continued "fine-tuning" of my behavior and personality deficits. Isn't it amazing how God sends us these little reminders, when we need them the most, of his amazing power!

Source: http://mawebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

Blessed Are the Birds

This morning I was up just as the sun was starting to rise. I absolutely love this time of day. The red-orange streaks of light coming from the East were beautiful. As I stood in my backyard I was treated to a chorus from the many birds that live in the trees surrounding my house. The warblers, finches, cardinals, morning doves, blue jays and even the woodpecker treated to me a symphony of their own making. Standing there with the sunrise in the sky, the dew in the grass and listening to the birds was one of those moments that help balance a busy work day or soothe my own rough edges. Some might call it "a good thing" or even a "perfect moment." Whatever you call it, it was good!

There's a wonderful verse in the Bible, Psalm 84:3 that says, “Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. God of the Angel Armies! King! God! How blessed they are to live and sing there!”

David was so right when he made this observation and, today, I was blessed by the beautiful music made by the birds who live in my yard. Sometimes I get so busy and so caught up in the mundane parts of my life that I forget the simple blessings that God has given me. Little reminders, even if it comes from a tiny little finch who is singing its heart out, are everywhere and give us an opportunity to worshop God and all the blessings and opportunities He has given us.

My hope for you today is that you hear a bird sing and are reminded of God's goodness. When you do, stop and take a few moments to thank Him for our feathered friends and their wonderful songs of praise.

That reminds me ... I've got to go fill the bird feeders! See ya!

Source: http://mawebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

Out of Adversity Comes ....

In October, 2005 I moved across the country. There were a number of "good" reasons for doing so, but at the time of the move I was confident that after I arrived in my new home that I would find a great job, meet lots of new friends and just "love" the change. I should have known better, but it did not turn out quite like I had envisioned.

The good news is that it has not been all bad either, thankfully! But, the great new job, lots of new friends and everything turning out perfect in a rosy-colored world didn't materialize. Today I still believe that the move was blessed by God and that, for some reason still not yet known to me, I was supposed to come here. If adversity, challenges, trials and difficulties are supposed to make us better individuals and children of God, then I have been in the boot camp for those in distress!

David, who certainly had his fair share of distress, said in Psalm 4:1, "God you have enlarged me in my time of distress." Here is what I am learning from David:

• God never "wastes" a trial or challenge on us. He uses this to help us to grow and build our faith.
  
• Just as with any sport or physical challenge, resistance builds strength. To grow and make the best of a difficult time we must resist the devil and all his sneaky ways to make us stumble or fail.
  
• God's Word, the Bible, is our map and guidebook. We need to read and use His Word to help us to understand our situation and to help us build our faith and trust in God's plan for us.
  
• Develop a good attitude filled with positive thoughts and gratefulness for the blessings that we do have AND for being entrusted with the challenges before you. We should pray and sing God's praises for the blessings in our lives.
  
• Trust that God is on your side and that He has every intention of giving us a life that is filled with happiness, success and good things!
  

I hope that as you go throughout your day that you will take time out to thank God for His goodness and blessings and to not forget that He is helping you to grow by giving you challenges and life experiences that require us to exercise our minds and attitudes.

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

Inspiration

A couple of weeks ago I was channel surfing on TV, looking for ANY program that had some sort of value. I happened across a public television channel when I saw Dr. Wayne Dyer. His new book and lecture series is all about finding inspiration in your life. He shares with his readers and audience people who have inspired him, and his introduction of Immaculee Ilibagiza was so thought-provoking that I went out and bought her book. NEVER have I read a book that has been as thought-provoking and inspirational as this one!

The author, Immaculée, shares her story of how she survived during the Rwanda genocide in 1994 when she and seven other women were crowded together, in silence, in a tiny little bathroom of a local pastor's home for 91 days! Her story is not only captivating, but it also discusses the awesome power of prayer, building a lasting relationship with God and an incredible sense of forgiveness and unconditional love and understanding. Immaculée's ability to forgive those who so cruelly slaughtered her family, friends and neighbors is truly remarkable and certainly God-given!

If you have not yet read this book, you must get it! I found my copy at my local bookstore in the biography section. Please share your thoughts and comments about it too, by adding a comment to this post for others to read. Feel free to share personal thoughts, how the book or author inspired you, how reading it has helped others, etc. Books like this one should never sit on a shelf to collect dust. I hope to hear from you soon!

Title: Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

Author: Immaculée Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin

Publisher: Hay House, Inc., Carlsbad, California

Year Published: 2006

Website: http://LeftToTell.com

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

How Wonderful It Is ...

"How wonderful it is
that nobody need wait
a single minute before
starting to improve the world."

-- Anne Frank

New Year's Resolutions

After the New Year's revelry has died down, we are bombarded with setting resolution's and ways to change our lives "for the better." According to Kimberly & Albrecht Powell, in Your Guide to Pittsburgh, PA, here are the top 10 New Year's Resolutions in 2006:

1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

2) Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

3) Tame the Bulge

Fifty-five percent of adults in America are overweight, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4) Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

5) Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years.

6) Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

7) Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8) Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.

9) Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, these nonprofit volunteer organizations could really use your help.

10) Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and links should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

Information used from: http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/holidays/tp/resolutions_p.htm

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2006. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

What Are Your Dreams?

"What are your dreams for today? What would you like to see happen in your job, your family, your world? Our capacity to be dreamers of daytime is one of the distinct human qualities we possess, and yet without practice, it withers. Are you ready to be a "dangerous" person? Someone bold enough to create out of your own intuitions, a vision of something important you want to accomplish. Spend some time today and this week reflecting on the dream you need to now be cultivating in your moments of opportunity that present themselves to you. Then, take the next step, and with open eyes begin to start making this dream come alive."

- John Keenan

Larger Than Ourselves

"It is this belief in

a power larger than myself

and other than myself

which allows me to

venture into the unknown

and even the unknowable."

--Maya Angelou

Track Lighting for the Soul

It was still very early in the morning and the hallway was very dark as I stumbled around the corner. As I was feeling my way through the darkness I saw light coming from my office at the end of the hall. Thankfully it was enough light to guide me down the hall to navigate around the inevitable pet toy that was in my way. As I settled into my desk I thought of how God's word is like track lighting.

When you board an airplane for a flight, just before take-off there is a small presentation in case of an emergency. One of the safety features mentioned is the track lighting in the aisles. You are told that in the event of an emergency the track lighting on the floor on each side of the aisle, will guide you to safety. The lights are bright enough to penetrate even some of the worst possible conditions such as complete darkness or dense smoke.

Our lives are much like this. As we stumble through the darkness of our daily lives, trying to find our way, or do our jobs, or care for our families, we often bump into things that bruise or hurt us. Things that we did not see or anticipate in the darkness. God's Word can help to penetrate our minds and shed light on even the darkest moments we experience.

God's word, the Bible, is much like the track lighting for our soul. It contains the information we need to make the journey down the hallway of life to God. He is the light we see shining ahead of us, drawing us closer and closer to Him. If we focus on Him, and study His word, He will guide us.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."

-- Psalm 109:105

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

How to "Recharge" Your Life

Recently I moved from Nevada to Ohio and I have been amazed at the differences in landscape I see on a daily basis. The desert can certainly be a beautiful place, too, and every state or city I have lived in has had its own unique charm and beauty. But, I picked a great time to move to the East as the Fall leaves were at the height of the season when I arrived. What a treat! To see all that color and to experience the smells that Fall brings with it: leaves falling; crisp, cold mornings; Harvest moons and so forth!

A maple tree in my neighbor's back yard has been particularly beautiful and I noticed today that its leaves are finally dropping as it gets ready for winter. I couldn't help but ponder, too, how many of our lives are preparing for the winter as well. We all tend to go into "hibernation" in the winter and I, for one, really do not have the luxury of hibernating this winter. There are things I need to do in my life and I need to not waste any time reaching some very basic, and necessary, goals financially, emotionally and in my physical space. So, I went in search of information on how to "recharge" my life.

There are a lot of presumed "experts" in this field and some have some pretty wacky and wild ideas of what "recharge" means. Everything from removing all the toxins from your body, to mind-bending exercises and more. I'm a bit skeptical of what I call "hocus-pocus" and not a big risk taker at all. I want something that is logical, easy-to-do, simple and "normal" that will keep me on track. So, back to the drawing board I went.

At last I was successful and found some great advice that is reasonable. Henry Ford was quoted to having said:

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs."

Now that is something that I can relate to and seems logical enough. But, how do I apply this to my life as it is now? Life coaches, mentors and psychologists will tell you that your life is all connected in one way or the other. Goals are always good, but that in and of itself is not enough. You need to know how to "chunk down" the goals into manageable "baby steps" so that you can keep going on a day-by-day basis. Henry Ford was right, divide it into small "jobs" and nothing can stop you.

With Fall almost over and winter approaching now is a good time to start planning for the coming year. Don't wait for New Years to suddenly be upon you to make some half-baked, insincere resolution, and then go merrily on your way.

Instead, sit down and take an honest assessment of what you have done, and will do in 2005 and where you want to be in 2006. Break that down into manageable "chunks" or small jobs or tasks. Then, in the Fall of 2005 use these goals as a launching pad to connect your life to a more successful future. This is a great way to begin a fresh new 2006 year. You will feel revitalized and recharged and ready to continue on your life's journey with a new fresh perspective!

I'm heading over to my desk now with paper and pen in hand ... good luck on your endeavors as well!

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

Appreciation Attracts Prosperity

Did you know that appreciation is one of the most powerful forces in the Universe for manifesting and attracting prosperity? According to teachers like L. Ron Hubbard (father of Dianetics), Abraham-Hicks and Drunvalo Melchizedek, appreciating yourself and your life can literally boost you to the highest vibrations.

If you’re a student of prosperity or manifestation, you probably know that the higher your vibration, the easier it is to attract positive things into your life. Because most of us are so busy and stressed by the pace of life, we find it difficult to get to and stay in a high vibration. Yet, this is where the attraction of prosperity most easily occurs. According to Abraham-Hicks, 17 seconds of pure positive energy (translation: appreciation), is actually worth 2,000 hours of physical work! That means, if you want prosperity in your life and you don’t want to work so hard, then start appreciating as many things as you can.

How do you appreciate? It’s simple. Pick any topic in your life. Start by finding the best thought or feeling you can about it. Then, find the next better thought or feeling about that. Then, the next better one. Keep reaching for the next better thought or feeling, and pretty soon you will be in appreciation!

For instance, let’s say you’re not too fond of your place of work and you feel so stressed there that you have a hard time being appreciative. A good thought you might have about your work is that it pays your bills so you have food, shelter and gainful employment. Next, you might reach for a thought about a co-worker who is your friend, who keeps you laughing. After that, a thought about a good laugh the two of you shared will probably pop into your head. After that, a thought about how much better your current job is than your last one will appear. Next, you might appreciate the amount of vacation time you get. And so on.

The trick is to follow this process through, no matter how artificial it seems at first, until you actually feel a positive shift in your thoughts and feelings. You will feel lighter, brighter, happier, more uplifted and joyful. Many people have followed this process through until they are literally crying with appreciation. Think about how much prosperity that attracts!!

Even though Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, a little appreciation and gratitude (or giving of thanks) on a daily basis will take you far in the journey toward prosperity. Good luck and, most of all, have fun with this!

About the Author: Stephanie Yeh and her partner have helped many other people achieve and experience prosperity with the help of a strong 15 year network marketing business. Her current project, the Journeyman Wealth Program, is aimed at helping 15 people a year fully achieve their dreams. Stephanie’s Prosperity Abounds website works on the basic principle that “You are the creator of your own reality!”. Web Site : http://www.prosperity-abounds.com

True Success Defined

"Success is always temporary.

When it is all said and done,

the only thing you'll have left

is your character."

--Vince Gill

Society today determines "success" according to external and personal values. For human beings "judging a book by its cover" is a natural process and what you see, with your five senses, is often interpreted as reality or truth. Unfortunately, though, when you evaluate success using this criterion you are only scratching the surface.

Now, there is nothing wrong with material or external symbols of success. But the value, or measure of success, determined by our possessions is really a personal opinion. We place the value of our success on these items. An expensive sports car, or boat, has no real value on its own. The value comes from the symbol in which we want it to represent, or measure of success we want others to see that it portrays. When our "success" gets out of control then these symbols, or expressions of our success, are often illusions. Illusions are all too often the cause of frustration, anger, pain and lack of depth and soul that we see in the world today.

Let's turn the focus and root of success inward. Success is not what happens on the outside, but it is something that comes from within. Our real value, or spiritual successfulness, is the source of all that we are or have become. It is our true potential or the higher part of ourselves that makes us truly successful. Spiritual successfulness does not need outward symbols or possessions. It comes from "within" us and not "outside" of ourselves.

If you go about your life attempting to replace that which comes from within you, that spiritual part of yourself, with external symbols or possessions, we will never feel fulfilled or successful, no matter what you do. You will need to constantly replace, upgrade or "go to the next level." You will always want more because you have not tapped into the source of true happiness. Therefore, just as Vince Gill spoke of in the quote above, your success will be an illusion and only something temporary.

So, the definition of true success is that it is none other than the simple ability to connect with the "you" within. Nothing more and nothing less, that's all there is to it. True success is achieved when you strive to continually reach your highest spiritual potential. Real success is how you are inside rather than how successful you appear outside of your inner self.

Copyright M. A. Webb 2005. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

Opportunities Are Like Fine Wine

Opportunities are like a fine wine - they just better with age! No one should feel discouraged, or not pursue a dream or an opportunity simply on the basis of their age. As long as you have your health and are capable of thought there is a place for you in this world and the older you are the more valuable your experience and contribution!

You may have run across people who could have been doing some sort of useful or creative work, but repeat negative phrases such as:

• "I had a difficult childhood"
• "If I could only live my life over knowing what I know now"
• "I married too soon"
• "I am too old to do anything now"
• "They want younger people now"

People constantly gripe and complain about their lack of opportunity, when all around them are more opportunities than one person can possibly use. Some say they can't move forward because they don't have any cash, capital or assets. But, how many rich people are there that started with nothing? Unfortunately, it is not opportunity that people lack, but perseverance.

Human beings have a natural tendency for laziness. If you want to be successful in life, or business, you must lift yourself above this nasty character trait and set your will to work and your heart on fire to achieve the success you desire. Lack of decision, too, leads to procrastination and can easily rob you of your inheritance. It is so easy to say to yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow," and then find that tomorrow never comes. That single indecision can lead to a lifetime of neglect and delays.

Are you seeking some sort of achievement or success? If you are serious about this and have a goal in sight, seize this very moment and do what you can do to make your dream become a reality. Just start doing something! Stop using your age, or some other flimsy excuse, as a reason to not move forward. Be bold and self-confident. With a little patience and determination you can take that first step to success. The more little steps you take the easier they become and before long you will have achieved your goal.

Take the disappointments that come along the way in stride and turn these into learning opportunities. Leverage them to move you closer to your goal. NEVER let a roadblock stop you from becoming successful!

Susan Coolidge said:

"Every day is a fresh beginning; every morn is the world made new: you who are weary of sorrow and sinning, Here is a beautiful hope for you -- A hope for me, and a hope for you. Every day is a fresh beginning: Listen, my soul, to the glad refrain, and, spite of old sorrow and older sinning, and puzzles forecasted and possible pain. Take heart with the day, and begin again!"

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

Formula for Happiness

In highly developed countries there is a growing trend where people think about the meaning of life. Typically this is a spiritually based concern that is genuine and broader than the tradiational religious views practiced in numerous other countries in the world. And yet, it is unclear to most how they want to live their life in a meaningful way.

Many people think that they will achieve happiness "when...." But it is important to note that happiness is not something that you can buy or attain and it is not something that just happens to you. Happiness is an emotion that comes from deep within you. You are motivated from within to express happiness.

John Agno, a certified Executive and Business Coach has a great formula that I'd like to share with you. Write this down on a 3x5" index card and keep it with you as it is a very helpful tool.

Happiness = K x D x L

Where:

• K = knowing who you are
• D = discovering your life's work
• L = learning not to tolerate what's not important

This is his formula for happiness. Know yourself, what your true calling is and that you get what you tolerate.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

Daily Prayer

"Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the effort of rising, thank you, Lord that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord for the food we have. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for the gift of life."

-Author Unknown

How Do You Take Care of Yourself?

Taking care of ourselves is a topic that we often avoid, but warrants some thought from each of us. What do you think of when someone tells you to put yourself first? You may have a whole list of excuses or responses to this question, including: "That would be selfish," or "I've got to take care of my kids and family first," and the biggest excuse of all, "I'm too busy!"

There are two reasons that we should take care of ourselves:

• You are worth it!
• If you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to care for anyone else.

In a recent Dateline article found on the UCDavis website, they likened taking care of ourselves to an airplane trip. You will recall when they give their short presentation on safety and talk of oxygen masks, they tell you to put your mask on first then to assist others around you. If you put your mask on first, or take care of yourself first, then you will be able to assist many people around you. If you deprive yourself of what your body, heart and soul needs, then there will be very little of yourself left to share or help others.

There's a third reason we rarely heart about, but let's put all our cards on the table today:

• We need to take care of ourselves and not always take care of others because that sometimes hurts the other person.

For example, if you are a parent and you always take care of your child's problems or hurts, they will never learn from their mistakes or develop a healthy self-esteem or even learn how to take care of themselves. Uh-oh! How many times have you heard a parent say that they want to protect their child from getting hurt or having to deal with problems or difficulties. Think about what is best for that child, family member or friend before you jump in to solve a problem.

Now, in order to take care of yourself you will need balance in your life. Balance is something that we achieve when:

• We have a life work that is challenging and gives us a sense of accomplishment;
• We have time to play in order to relax, have fun and experience joy;
• We have love in our life, meaning not just a romantic or physical love but the love of one person to another;
• We experience a spirituality where we have some sort of connectivity to something larger than ourselves.

As you read this list you may find that you have all of these components for balance in your life. Next, determine what percent or proportion they represent in your life. In my opinion this is the whole crux to living our lives on a daily basis - keeping these elements in proportionate balance.

So, what are some things that you can start doing today to take care of yourself? When was the last time that you did something purely for fun? When was the last time you said "no" to someone without feeling guilty about it? When was the last time you let your child solve a problem on his/her own? When was the last time you put your personal needs, health or well-being ahead of another's lesser needs?

Taking care of yourself may be one of the hardest things you can do. It helps to have a friend or family member who is supportive and is someone you can talk openly with about what is going on in your life. Other ways to take care of yourself include talking over your concerns with another; exercise, diet and sleep; setting limits; and solving problems. You should also take mini stress breaks or mini vacations each day to refresh your energy and spirit. As you begin taking care of yourself you will find that you have more to give to others and that the balance in your life will once again be restored.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. The author would appreciate an email indicating you wish to post this article to a website, and the link to where it is posted.

Gratitude

"In ordinary life

we hardly realize that we receive

a great deal more than we give,

and that it is only with gratitude

that life becomes rich."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Tug-of-War With a Tiger

"If you are losing a tug-of-war with a tiger,

give him the rope before he gets to your arm.

You can always buy a new rope."

-Max Gunther

Happy Birthday Slinky!

Many of us have fond childhood memories of our first Slinky. We walked them down ramps, stairs and our school desktops, or just about anything that could remotely show off it's "magical" abilities. Being a huge fan of desk toys today, I have still have a mini-Slinky sitting on my desk. It's quite therapeutic at times and even comforting when I'm working through problems.

In 1943 Marine Engineer Richard James invented the Slinky after a tension spring from a meter he was using to test battleship horsepower fell off his desk and "walked" end-over-end across his office floor. Two years later the first 400 went one sale just before Christmas and they've been a huge retail item ever since.

In this month's Reader's Digest ("An Immortal Coil," November, 2005) it was written, "...here's to hoping this American classic springs eternal." Happy 60th Birthday Slinky!