Cleansing Your Face

Facial Cleansing

Washing your face is essential. It's the first step toward healthy skin, and it's the only way to effectively remove the grimy dirt, oils, and makeup that build up on your skin throughout the day.

Re[psted -- Original By the editors at Daily Glow

People ask me all the time what I do to take care of my skin and I tell them I don't spend a ton of money on expensive Face Products, I have tried a few but honestly I like Natural care and I use simple things, many that I make myself

But these Tips are important and I do follow them..

Wash your face daily. If you have normal, combination, or oily skin, can wash your face both in the morning and at night before bed. However, if you are prone to dry skin or if you have a skin condition, like eczema, you may want to limit yourself to a single face-washing at the end of the day to remove makeup and dirt without drying out your skin.

Wash with lukewarm water. Hot water can have a drying effect on your skin, so experts recommend washing with lukewarm water instead. The warm water will also help open up your pores and prepare them for cleansing.

Get a cleanser for the face. Regular soap and body washes are no-no’s when it comes to washing your face. Look for cleansers that have been specifically formulated for the face. They should be labeled with terms like, “facial cleanser,” “clear complexion cleanser,” or “face wash.”

Use a mild facial cleanser. Watch out for harsh soaps that can strip the natural oils from your skin. The key is to use a mild facial cleanser that is “non-comedogenic,” which means that it won’t clog your pores. Keeping your pores clear will also result in fewer breakouts.

Go fragrance-free. Look for mild facial cleansers that don’t have perfumes, alcohol, or dyes added to them, since these types of ingredients are more likely to cause irritation, rashes, and breakouts. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin. If you see “hypoallergenic” on the label, it’s a good sign that these products are in the clear.

Think about your skin type. Finding a cleanser that is suited to your skin type also may enhance the way your skin feels (and acts) after washing. For example, face soaps with added oils or fats will be gentler on dry skin. Glycerin-based or oil-free facial cleansers can benefit oily skin.

Basic Facial Cleansing Technique

• Make sure your hands are clean before you begin. If they’re not, wash them first.
• Wrap your hair in a towel or use elastics, barrettes, or a headband to keep your hair out of your face while cleansing.
• Use lukewarm water and a good facial cleanser to wash your face.
• Gently rub the cleanser into your face using circular motions.
• Massage your face with your fingers to promote good circulation.
• Use a washcloth or loofah to help gently scrub and exfoliate your skin.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water. Make sure all the soap is off your neck and ears, and has been cleaned from around your eyes and nose, and your hairline.
• Splash cool water on your face to refresh your skin and close your pores.
• Pat your skin dry with a towel, but leave some moisture on the skin.
• Moisturize immediately so that your moisturizer can seal the moisture into your skin.

If you have a skin condition, talk to your dermatologist about the best techniques and types of products to use when washing your face. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people with rosacea let the face dry thoroughly before applying any topical medication or moisturizers. They should also steer clear of facial cleansers that contain alcohol, witch hazel, salicylic acid, fragrance, and certain oils, according to the National Rosacea Society. On the other hand, the AAD acknowledges that products containing alcohol and acetone, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide are likely to benefit people with acne. For people with inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema, the AAD warns against excessive washing and encourages people to pay special attention even to mild cleansers, since they can irritate the skin and worsen eczema symptoms.

Washing your face properly with a mild cleanser will help remove makeup and clear away the day’s dirt and excess oil build-up, leaving your skin fresh, clean, and beautiful.

December Thoughts to Ponder

This Month I have Read and thought on these things:

***

“I should get that done; I’ll do it later.”

Sound familiar? It’s called procrastination and we all do it, but for some it’s a way of life.

Procrastination makes you feel both indecisive and guilty – indecisive because you choose to postpone what must be done and guilty for not doing, now, what you need to do. The more often you procrastinate, the weaker you feel.

If you’re in the habit of putting things off, try this. Next time you’re faced with a project, take a look at what you want to accomplish. Tune into the reasons for your resistance and then honestly ask yourself, “Is this something I can start, now?” Most of the time the answer is “Yes.” So, start!

See yourself as someone who makes solid decisions. When you commit to something honor yourself and stick with it until it’s done. You’ll empower yourself and the desire to procrastinate will, slowly, disappear.

©Jane Powell

***

One thought away

You are one thought away from being supremely and authentically confident. You are one thought away from stepping powerfully, effectively and decisively in the

direction of your dreams.

With just one positive, empowering thought, you can turn toward achievement, toward excellence, toward discipline and commitment. From nothing more than a thought that resonates with your true purpose, you can change your perception of the whole world.

Reach into the place within, where you nurture your vision of the very best life you can imagine. With all you have, with all you are, feel the beautiful reality of that vision.

And know that whatever you can imagine, whatever you can feel, you can create. In fact, it already exists within you.

Feel within yourself the reality of life as you know it can be. Then, with your words, your actions, your priorities and commitments, with your focus and discipline, express that beautiful, meaningful value.

In every moment, in every circumstance, through every challenge, let that immense value flow out from you. It is never more than just one thought away.

Ralph Marston

 

***

To gain happiness, you must learn to enjoy that which you have

''To gain happiness, you must learn to enjoy that which you

have. It is not how much you have. It is what we think about

that which we have that produces happiness. In building a

happy, contented life, you must give happiness to others. No

one living unto him or herself will ever be contented with his

or her lot. Your happiness is reflected upon you through the

service you give to others. And the thought you give to the

creation of happiness will attract a happiness-service from

others. Start creating the happiness-habit by producing

happy, love-filled thoughts. Happiness is an attribute of love;

therefore, you can never be happy until you give your love to

others .." 

***

“Persistence overcomes resistance.”

When you’re persistent you find the power to hold on and persevere in spite of anything. You’re able to overcome every obstacle and you do all that’s necessary to succeed.

Persistence does not mean you will not fail, but it does mean that when you feel defeated you rise above your disappointment and keep trying. Instead of giving up when all seems hopeless, you find a way to keep going. You simply refuse to give up.

Great things come your way when you endure what seems impossible. No, it’s not easy, but remember big achievements require time. Be patient and don’t give up.

Sow persistence and reap success!

©Jane Powell

***

“Anything that you should have done, but didn’t, ties you to your past.”

Is your mental and emotional clutter getting in the way of a fulfilling life? It’s time to clean out the “need-to’s,” “have-to’s,” and “ought-to’s,” from your past. When you have regrets it’s tough to move forward and grow.

Put the past in the past. Return anything you borrowed. Make apologies where needed. Get your bills up to date. Send the card or gift you forgot to send. Make the phone call you need to make.

Taking care of these things cleans your mental slate and eliminates any regrets or resentments you may harbor.

Now, take a deep breath; look ahead. Both your conscience, and your future vision, is clear.

©Jane Powell

***

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would soon be a fowl smell in

your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.

If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'

and emotional clutter. 

Empty your mental and emotional trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts. 

Each day you have the choice of living in a state of grumbling or gratitude. 

Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your

joy. Holding on to toxic emotions is not healthy or productive. Your toxic emotions

can negatively impact your health, peace of mind, relationships and work. Just 

as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind. 

Count your blessings. Change your point view. Each moment is a gift to you. 

Focus on your priority for this day. Do the best you can right now where are and

with what you have. It's only a matter of time before your change comes. 

Start giving thanks right now for the wonderful break through about to happen in

your life. That's right .... smile...sit up straight...shake off the heavy stress,

speak and walk with courage. 

Jewell Diamond Taylor 

***

When you care 

The way to be strong is to care. The way to be informed is to care, and to do something about what you care about. 

The way to be competent, effective, persuasive, inspiring and successful is to care about what you’re doing. Life responds in a positive way when you take a real, authentic interest and invest yourself in it. 

It isn’t what you’re doing that determines whether you’re wasting your time. It’s how much care you put into what you’re doing that matters. 

When you make the task meaningful, it will be meaningful. When you truly care, and act on what you care about, you’re able to create value in any situation. 

Do what you care about, and care about what you do. Be a real, live, genuine, original person, and not just an automaton. 

Give care to each moment, each task, each person, and each experience. Life’s best possibilities are fulfilled when you truly care. 

Ralph Marston

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would soon be a fowl smell in
your home. It's the same with your mind. Your mind is the home of your thoughts.
If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin'
and emotional clutter.

Empty your mental and emotional trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts.
Each day you have the choice of living in a state of grumbling or gratitude.

Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your
joy. Holding on to toxic emotions is not healthy or productive. Your toxic emotions
can negatively impact your health, peace of mind, relationships and work. Just
as you empty your trash at home often, you have to do the same with your mind.

Count your blessings. Change your point view. Each moment is a gift to you.
Focus on your priority for this day. Do the best you can right now where are and
with what you have. It's only a matter of time before your change comes.

Start giving thanks right now for the wonderful break through about to happen in
your life. That's right ... smile...sit up straight...shake off the heavy stress,
speak and walk with courage.
~~Jewell Diamond Taylor 

Open-ended miracle

You are alive, and that is amazing. You can make a difference, you can change things, right here and now, and that is a boundless opportunity.

There are challenges, and they are difficult, even painful. Yet they are nothing when compared to the possibilities.

What’s happened in the past makes you wary about the future. Fortunately, you can act in the present to influence the future in a positive and meaningful way.

Life is an open-ended miracle and it is yours today. Get clear about what you would most like to do with it, and get busy working to make that happen.

You are immersed in a sea of energy and abundance. You have the outstandingly good fortune of being in a position to make something truly meaningful out of it all.

Make your beautiful, amazing presence known in a positive, creative and loving way. The miracle is yours to live right now.

Ralph Marston

***

“Claim your authentic self and live to your fullest potential.”
When you find happiness and success within yourself, you are an authentic person. You know who you really are, without reference to the expectations of peers or society.
To live an authentic life, you must free yourself from superficial values. You must think for yourself, decide what is right for you and get in touch with your own thoughts, needs and desires.  Lastly, you must embrace your own values and live what you believe to be true.
Then, and only then, are you authentic. Then and only then, can you live up to your full potential.
©Jane Powell

***

SOMETHING ONLY YOU CAN DO

Tallulah Bankhead quipped, "Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it." But the truth is...we DO have trouble being ourselves, don't we? Especially in a world that wants us to conform. "To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best day and night into making you like everybody else," said poet E. E. Cummings, "is to fight the hardest battle there is and never stop fighting."

One of the deepest cravings of young people, especially teens, is to be liked by their peers. Like all of us, they want to be accepted and they want to be valued. It's during those critical teen-age years that they begin to play a game that is sometimes called "Follow the Follower." The game is not the same as "Follow the Leader." Following the follower is about conforming ... talking, dressing, acting and even thinking like one another. The goal is to fit in.

In adulthood, we are supposed to discover who we really are and do our best to grow into that person. We find our value, not in acceptance by others, but because we believe in our worth. It doesn't always happen. But it's a wonderful day when we can say in honesty, "I know who I am and I'm glad I am me."

The lovable children's author Dr. Seuss got it right when he wrote, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." It takes strength to swim against the tide. It takes courage to speak your convictions. And it takes trust to act on your own intuition. It's hard and rewarding work to grow up and become who you really are. But in the end, whatever real success you find in life will be a result of your being true to yourself rather than an imitation of somebody else.

I'll never have to give an account for not being more like my favorite celebrity, that shining star in my chosen field or anybody else. And at the end of my life, the question I never want to be asked is, "How come you weren't more like YOU? You had such great potential. You were a wholly unique person -- unrepeatable and irreplaceable. Why you weren't more like YOU?"

It took me far too long to realize that, in a world that wants me to conform, my greatest job is to be myself. It's a challenging and rewarding job and nobody can do it as well as me.

Steve Goodier

***

A kind and generous heart

It would be of no value to have love if you could not also give love. There would be no satisfaction in having the world’s greatest fortune if there was no one with whom to share your good fortune.

Don’t obsess over getting what’s coming to you. Focus your energy on giving and expanding all the good things that can come from you.

You’ll rarely gain anything by proving that you’re right. Instead, put your efforts into doing what is right.

If your ego controls every moment of your life, that life will be little more then an empty shell. To fill your life with richness, live with a kind and generous heart.

If you seek to take without giving, you create bitterness in every direction. The only wealth that will ever bring fulfillment is the wealth you create and give.

Don’t settle for a shallow, empty life when you can enjoy so much more. Give your best, with a kind and generous heart, and truly live life at its highest level.

Ralph Marston
***

Time to Dump Negative Friends – Here’s Why

 

by Jane Powell 
“You have the opportunity and the responsibility to choose the people in your life.”

You are a grown up and you can and should choose who you spend your time with.

It’s important to have people in your life who you know will support you in being your best. People who are there to celebrate your highs and there to support you through your lows. People who support you in living a life that reflects your values, not values of others.

Develop your own personal quality relationships. Forget about being obligated or pressured  to spend time with people who don’t support you. In the end you’ll be richly fulfilled and SO much happier.

 

Emotional Eating and Weight Loss

Emotional eating is the practice of consuming large quantities of food -- usually "comfort" or junk foods -- in response to feelings instead of hunger. Experts estimate that 75% of overeating is caused by emotions.

Many of us learn that food can bring comfort, at least in the short-term. As a result, we often turn to food to heal emotional problems. Eating becomes a habit preventing us from learning skills that can effectively resolve our emotional distress.

Depression, boredom, loneliness, chronic anger, anxiety, frustration, stress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and poor self-esteem can result in overeating and unwanted weight gain.

By identifying what triggers our emotional eating, we can substitute more appropriate techniques to manage our emotional problems and take food and weight gain out of the equation.

How to Identify Eating Triggers

Situations and emotions that trigger us to eat fall into five main categories.

• Social. Eating when around other people. For example, excessive eating can result from being encouraged by others to eat; eating to fit in; arguing; or feelings of inadequacy around other people.
• Emotional. Eating in response to boredom, stress, fatigue, tension, depression, anger, anxiety, or loneliness as a way to "fill the void."
• Situational. Eating because the opportunity is there. For example, at a restaurant, seeing an advertisement for a particular food, passing by a bakery. Eating may also be associated with certain activities such as watching TV, going to the movies or a sporting event, etc.
• Thoughts. Eating as a result of negative self-worth or making excuses for eating. For example, scolding oneself for looks or a lack of will power.
• Physiological. Eating in response to physical cues. For example, increased hunger due to skipping meals or eating to cure headaches or other pain.

To identify what triggers excessive eating in you, keep a food diary that records what and when you eat as well as what stressors, thoughts, or emotions you identify as you eat. You should begin to identify patterns to your excessive eating fairly quickly.

How to Stop Emotional Eating

Identifying emotional eating triggers and bad eating habits is the first step; however, this alone is not sufficient to alter eating behavior. Usually, by the time you have identified a pattern, eating in response to emotions or certain situations has become a habit. Now you have to break that habit.

Developing alternatives to eating is the second step. When you start to reach for food in response to an eating trigger, try one of the following activities instead.

• Read a good book or magazine or listen to music.
• Go for a walk or jog.
• Take a bubble bath.
• Do deep breathing exercises.
• Play cards or a board game.
• Talk to a friend.
• Do housework, laundry, or yard work.
• Wash the car.
• Write a letter.
• Or do any other pleasurable or necessary activity until the urge to eat passes

Other Emotional Eating Tips

Sometimes simply distracting yourself from eating and developing alternative habits is not enough to manage the emotional distress that leads to excessive eating. To more effectively cope with emotional stress, try

• Relaxation exercises
• Meditation
• Individual or group counseling

These techniques address the underlying emotional problems which are causing you to binge and teach you to cope in more effective and healthier ways. For more information on these techniques, contact your doctor.

As you learn to incorporate more appropriate coping strategies and to curb excessive eating, remember to reward yourself for a job well done. We tend to repeat behaviors that have been reinforced, so reward yourself when you meet your weight loss goals. Buy that blouse, take that vacation, or get that massage you wanted. By rewarding yourself for a job well done you increase the likelihood that you will maintain your new healthy habits. 

Morning Coffee or Brunch Time My way

“When waiting is the hardest choice.”
Are you facing a difficult time in your life?
Give yourself the gift of patience. Patience is the main ingredient necessary to get through difficult times.
Yes, it’s hard to be patient! But, without patience, you would have no hope. And, if the universe was organized so that your desires materialized instantly, that wouldn’t serve you either.
Patience helps you grow. It nourishes both compassion and empathy. So, embrace patience. Ultimately this makes you a stronger person.Be patient!
©Jane Powell

****

To keep yourself focused, keep yourself moving. To keep
Yourself focused, keep taking on meaningful challenges.
Watch yourself as you make a difference in the world.
Experience firsthand that your actions have consequences,
And that will motivate you to take more focused action.
Continue reminding yourself of the reasons why you have
Chosen to do what you do. Make sure your daily tasks are
Aligned with the goals you've set for yourself.
Keep the objective in sight. When you can clearly see where
You are going, you'll naturally keep working your way there.
You have the power to achieve what you choose to achieve.
Focus each moment and each action on your dream, and the
Dream will surely and steadily become real.

 Feel good at the core

Life is increasingly filled with distractions, and they can be very compelling. Yet the distractions are not what bring fulfillment.

Fulfillment, by its very definition, requires that you focus your energy and attention on what’s truly important to you. In order to fulfill your purpose, you must live with that purpose at the center of your awareness.

Distractions can be exciting, fun, interesting, informative and enabling. However, there is more to life than just bouncing from one distraction to another.

The pleasures that only take a moment to achieve will be completely gone in the next moment. Yet the joys in which you invest great time, effort and substance will last a lifetime and beyond.

To truly enjoy life’s many pleasures and diversions, you must have a solid perspective from which to experience them. That perspective, that foundation, is built with focus, discipline and authentic purpose.

The distractions can make you feel good, for a moment or two, on the outside. Choose also to continually build the substance of your life, and to feel good about yourself at the very core of your being.

Ralph Marston
***


Feel the appreciation, happiness, and gratefulness for all that surrounds you and all that is within you.
Imagine having the life that you have always wanted. Then feel inside those feelings that you would have if you were already experiencing all that you desire. Combine that with these feelings of gratitude now for what you do have.
Focus on the positive things in your life. Release the negative thoughts, feeling, and actions. Release those feelings, the people and the things that bring you down or affect you negatively in anyway or at least set boundaries for yourself.
Live your life as if you already have the things that you desire. How? By believing and expressing yourself as if you had them or are living your dreams.
Be grateful for all that you have, for the life you have been given, for your family and friends, your job, and your home. Be thankful and give thanks for the abundance and prosperity that blesses you each and every day.
Feel the appreciation, happiness, and gratefulness for all that surrounds you and all that is within you.
***

Being rich

Being rich is not about how much money you get. It’s about how much meaning you give.

You don’t need a lot of stuff to be rich. In fact, the less you need, the richer you are.

Be genuinely joyful, and you are as rich as anyone can ever be. See the real beauty in even the smallest things, and every day, every situation becomes an unending source of richness.

Being rich is being able to lovingly give of yourself. And that depends not on the size of your bank account, but on your simple choice to do so.

When it comes to being rich, what’s on the inside is vastly more important than what’s on the outside. Being rich is feeling rich, and you can do that in any circumstance.

Being rich is fully appreciating and expressing the immense value your life has in every moment. Being rich is how you can be right now, and always.

Ralph Marston

 **&**

“In the quest to have more, be more and do more, you may lose yourself.”

 

It seems that each one of us is in a never-ending quest to have more, be more and do more. Our lives become a blur of activities that we don’t necessarily enjoy. As for the things that we do enjoy, the pleasures and pastimes that recharged our souls remain forever on a “to-do” list. In all the hustle and bustle, it is too easy to lose yourself.

 

Take control! Don’t be afraid to ask for help with those mundane, daily tasks. And, most important, don’t feel afraid or guilty about saying “No!” when you need time to recharge.

 

Deep inside, you know what’s most important. Always putting yourself second doesn’t serve anyone. Now, take out your “to-do” list and start doing! It’s the best way to keep in touch with who you really are.

 

©Jane Powell

***

Beginning today...
Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy
of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time
with and someone I would like to get to know better.
Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly
share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.
Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to
revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for
growth and self-improvement.
Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.
Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope
for a brighter and better future.
Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.
Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do
things that make me happy . . .
admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . ..
pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.
Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something
different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

 ***

At peace with right now

 

Choose to be in a beautiful place, right here, right now, just as you are. Make your experience beautiful simply by the way you choose to see life and to live it.

 

There is nothing you need before you can have joy. Be joyful just because you can, and because your true joy gives so much value to life.

 

Be at peace with right now. Embrace the beauty and magnificent possibility of what is.

 

Feel the massive strength that comes over you when you make the choice to no longer fight against life. Feel the joy of acting positively and purposefully to make your most treasured dreams real.

 

Cast out any remnants of worry, blame, envy, resentment or fear. You have much more positive, meaningful and beneficial things to focus upon.

 

Be here right now in this beautiful, powerful place. Live and expand upon the treasure that is yours right now.

 

Ralph Marston

Reprinted from

-

" Morning Coffee"
Created, and maintained by:
Dizzyrizzy2U@aol.comGrandmaGail2BC@aol.com
Copyright © 1996 -2013
" Morning Coffee" all rights reserved.

Creative Thoughts

“Unleash your creative power.”

Many of us do not see ourselves as naturally creative. We fail to recognize and appreciate our innate abilities. That’s because we hold limiting concepts of ourselves, and what it means to be creative. The thesaurus says that creativity is also originality, inspiration and imagination. That describes you, doesn’t it?

Whatever your calling is in life you have the ability to express creativity through it. Whether you want to improve your personal relationships, plant a garden, furnish a home, or cook a gourmet meal – all these avenues offer opportunities for inspired self-expression.

So, see yourself as original, inspired and imaginative. Then, unleash the creativity within and watch your attitude and accomplishments reach new heights you never thought imaginable.

©Jane Powell

Be Free    

If you are quick to take offense, then you'll be under the control of those whom you find offensive. If you are easily angered, then your actions will be dictated by those who anger you. If you are obsessed by what other people think, then you will be imprisoned by their thoughts.

If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions, you'll fall prey to people who offer nothing but promises. If you find the truth too difficult to bear, you'll be enslaved to those who tell you what you want to hear.

When you have the courage to think for yourself, the strength to accept what is, the commitment and discipline to make a difference, then you are free. You are truly free to live with purpose, joy and fulfillment.

Let your life be defined not by your reactions to what others do, say or think, but rather by your own unique vision. Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the greatness that is within you.  

****
Live with honesty
Often, honesty is not easy. Yet ultimately, honesty is much easier than dishonesty.
Being dishonest is never worth the price you must pay. It is impossible to be truly at peace when you are living a lie.
With each bit of dishonesty, you narrow your options. Eventually, you squeeze yourself into a corner from which there is no escape.
A commitment to honesty puts the power of truth on your side. Honesty expands your options and gives durability to your relationships.
Being honest with others compels you to be honest with yourself. And it is only when you are honest with yourself that you can fulfill your awesome positive possibilities.
Deceit can often be tempting, yet honesty is always the best path. Live with truth and you truly live.

Ralph Marston

Today is different

 

If life has been good, today it can be good in a new and exciting way. If life has been difficult, today you can move beyond the difficulties into a more rewarding and fulfilling experience.

 

Whatever may have been before, today is different. And you can choose, right now, to make it different in a good way.

 

Your future is determined not by your past, but by your expectations. Today you can set those expectations at the highest level you can imagine.

 

If you expect to be a victim, that’s what you’ll end up being. Yet today is different, and today you can do much, much better.

 

Today is filled with great challenge, and with even greater promise. Make the decision to step up to the challenge, and to fulfill the highest promise of this day.

 

Today is different, and is yours to live with purpose, discipline, enthusiasm and joy. Today is different, and you can make it the best one yet.

 

Ralph Marston

****

Examining Your Life

 

Two brothers fulfilled their mother's last wish by hiring a small plane to carry them out to sea where they might scatter her ashes. One of the two pilots opened the cockpit door and the brothers immediately emptied the contents of the urn into the wind. But a stiff breeze blew the ashes back into the cabin, dusting the four startled occupants. A moment’s stunned silence, and then one of the young men sighed, “Just like Mom – she was always all over everyone.”

 

Maybe she was a critical person. But children, especially, often feel as if parents are “always all over them” when all those parents usually want is for their children to be the best they can be.

 

Humorist Franklin Jones said, “Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger.” And Norman Vincent Peale adds this: “Most of us would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” Few of us enjoy the experience when others point out areas for improvement. After all, who wants to hear what they don't want to hear?

 

Criticism IS hard to take and I'll opt for praise over criticism every time. I hold that encouragement is often more effective than criticism. I will work harder and with more enthusiasm when I am encouraged, and I know I can get the best out of others if I spend more time pointing out what they did right than what they did wrong.

 

But that said – honest and objective feedback is a necessity. To shy away from fair criticism, spoken by someone trusted, may be a great mistake. Those who are wise will occasionally seek out somebody they trust to hold a mirror before them in order to see themselves more accurately. To know the truth and to see ourselves clearly, as reflected in the eyes of a friend, is an immeasurable gift.

 

And here's the surprising truth: As you gaze at yourself in the mirror held by another, you will see far more than your flaws. You also will see the beauty that is uniquely you; beauty that others see clearly and you may hardly know exists. That is also part of the truth about you.

 

If you're courageous enough, allow a trusted friend to hold that mirror before you. Plato says, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” But a life properly examined makes living worthwhile.

 

Steve Goodier

 “Waiting gives you time for thought.”

Try something different today. If you happen to be standing in line and it’s moving slowly, instead of becoming agitated by the wait, focus on the positive side.
You now have a few extra minutes to review your errands and make sure you have not forgotten anything; a few extra minutes to think about a project at work; a few extra minutes to chuckle about something funny your child said earlier in the day.
Don’t tie up your emotional energy or become agitated or anxious about situations you can’t control. Instead, go with the flow. This change of attitude will make a huge difference in your day.
©Jane Powell 

Morning Coffee and Thoughts to Think About

“Never apologize for being nervous.”

Whether it’s a job interview, a speech or auditioning for a part in a community play, nervous feelings are inevitable. They happen to everyone.

The difference is how each woman deals with her nervous feelings. First, you should accept them as part of you and know you are not alone in your feelings. Second, don’t feel the need to apologize for being nervous. When you do, you only draw attention to it. Keep in mind that even if most of the time you see yourself as nervous, your audience doesn’t. And, they don’t need to know.

Instead, take a deep breath, stand tall and speak. You are a confident woman with something important to say – nervousness and all.

Jane Powell

Walk your path one step at a time 

Life's circumstances are not always what you might wish them to be.The pattern of life does not necessarily go as you plan. Beyond any understanding , you may at times be led in different directions that you never imagined , dreamed,or designed. Yet if you have never put any effort into choosing a path , or tried to carry out your dream , then perhaps you would have no direction at all. 

Rather than wondering about or questioning the direction your life has taken , accept the fact that there is a path before you now. Shake off the ''why's'' and ''what if's'' ,and rid yourself of confusion. Whatever was- is in the past. Whatever is - is what's important.The past is a brief reflection.The future is yet to be realized. Today is here. 

Walk your path one step at a time - with courage , faith , and determination.Keep your head up , and cast your dreams to the stars. Soon your steps will become firm and your footing will be solid again.  A path that you never imagined will become the most comfortable direction you could have ever hoped to follow. 

Keep your belief in yourself and walk into your new journey.You will find it magnificent , spectacular , and beyond your wildest imaginings. 

The best of now
Now is the time to make a difference. Now is the moment to do what you know you must do.
Now is when you can transform possibility into reality. Now is when you can bring your dreams to life.
Is there a problem that’s been frustrating you? Now is when you can take real, focused action to work your way through it.
Sure, there are plenty of ways to waste this day. But you now have the chance to choose to make good and valuable use of it.
Now is an opportunity to create value. And that opportunity cannot be delayed until later.
Now is yours to use for whatever rich and fulfilling purpose you can imagine. Stand up, step forward, and get busy making the very best of now.
Ralph Marston

Your life will always be, to a large extent, what you make it.”
Your life is yours. You own it, and what you make of it is purely up to you. Others may support you in your aspirations, but, in the end, it’s your creation. You are your one and only boss, and with that awareness comes a special responsibility.
Once you accept this responsibility and stop waiting around for others to make you happy, you will become unstoppable. There will be no denying you. Your life will change, all because of you.
So, turn on the green light and go!
©Jane Powell

“Commitment is a decision”
Commitment is not just a simple act of wishing for something. Commitment is a decision to do whatever it takes.
You may wish to be in awesome shape. But, you won’t succeed until you decide to put down the chocolates, get off the couch, and start exercising, regularly!
Yes, this is hard to hear, but that’s what commitment is all about – deciding to put in the sweat and effort and sacrifice, to achieve the goals you hold dear.
The sweat and effort may come from your head, as in commitment to your workplace or achieving your goals. It may come from your heart, as in commitment to a relationship or your children.
But, wherever it comes from, it requires a decision not only to start, but persevere. Remember, the rewards you seek are priceless, and worth every moment of dedicated effort.

Get on with living
Avoid trouble, but not so much that you avoid life. Anticipate possible problems, but don’t obsess over them so much that you miss the opportunities.
When you set out on an ambitious path, there are plenty of things that might go wrong. Prepare yourself to deal with those possible pitfalls, but don’t allow them to become excuses even before they become reality.
Don’t let yourself be stopped by what might not even happen. Rather, let yourself be pushed forward by the positive value of what you intend to achieve, to experience, to create.
Put your time and effort into growing stronger, more capable, more experienced and effective. Focus your thoughts not on worrying about what might stand in your way, but on visualizing where you desire to go.
You’ve already made your way through every challenge to date. You have every reason to be confident that you can successfully deal with whatever life sends your way.
There are plenty of reasons and ways to be careful, yet there’s no reason to constantly live in fear. Go ahead and get on with living a positive, meaningful life.
Ralph Marston

 *************

“Concentrate on the few, not the many.”

You can think of many things that you want to change or achieve. The problem is, when you set out to do too many things at once, nothing gets the full attention it needs – and, in the end, very little is accomplished.

To succeed, you need to set priorities. Choose only one or two things that you want to achieve. Concentrate your efforts exclusively on these goals. Very quickly your efficiency will soar and you will see results.

©Jane Powell

This is my life, and my dreams are worth it
Life is a courageous journey or nothing at all. We cannot become who we want to be by continuing to do exactly what we’ve been doing. If you are passionate about something, pursue it, no matter what anyone else thinks. That’s how dreams are achieved. Be deaf when people tell you that you can’t fulfill your dreams. The only place where your goals and dreams are impossible is inside your head. Once you’ve dreamed of it, you’re halfway there. So go ahead and follow through. Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than your words. Follow your heart regardless of what others tell you to do. At the end of the day it’s you who has to live with your decisions, not them.

The positive side

Your attitude may be the biggest thing holding you back. And that’s great news, because you can change it very quickly.

Other challenges and limitations can take much time and energy to overcome. Yet if your attitude is what’s limiting you, then you have the key right here and now to break free.

Your attitude does not define you and it doesn’t really control you. It does, however, exert a powerful influence on the way you see the world.

The simple fact is that with a positive, purposeful and loving attitude, you are able to see and to connect with life’s best possibilities. And simply by deciding to choose it, you can immediately benefit from such an attitude.

You don’t have to let your attitude be held hostage by negative people, events or circumstances. You can choose whatever attitude you wish, no matter what may be going on around you.

So give yourself a powerful advantage. Choose an attitude, right now, that will illuminate the positive side of life, and begin right away to reap the great rewards of your empowering focus.

Ralph Marston

By Margaret Paul, Ph.D.


"I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others." - Thomas Jefferson
When your intent is to control others, are you thinking about happiness or are you more concerned about safety? Are you confusing the two - thinking that trying to feel safe by attempting to control others will make you feel happy?
It is my experience that people try to control out of fear, and that the motivating factor is the need for safety.

Take a moment to think about your own experience. Since we all try to control at times (please take all judgment off 'being controlling' so that you can learn), it is likely that you can remember a time when you were trying to control how someone felt about you or how they behaved - with anger, shaming, blaming, guilting, compliance, people-pleasing, withdrawal, resistance or many of the more subtle ways we try to control each other. Our ego-wounded self has learned many ways to try to control others so as not to feel helpless over them, and not to feel the loneliness and heartbreak of others' unloving behavior.
When you think about a time you were controlling with someone, was happiness even a consideration? Do you recall ever actually feeling happy or joyful when you managed to get someone's approval, or when you managed to bully someone into complying? You might have felt the momentary relief that comes from feeling some power over another, rather than feeling helpless over the other person, but did it fill your heart with peace and joy?
If you are honest with yourself, you will discover that the momentary feeling of safety derived from not feeling powerless over another person was what you were seeking. And if you continue to be honest with yourself, you will discover that, not only did this not bring you happiness or joy, but knowing that you manipulated someone might have even undermined your self-esteem. I have many clients who tell me that they are often afraid someone will find out they are a fraud - that they are not who they seem to be - because of their controlling behavior. They are willing to pay a high price for the illusion of safety.
Illusion? Yes. The kind of 'safety' that comes from controlling behavior is very different than the true safety that comes from loving yourself and taking responsibility for your feelings - rather than making others responsible for you. Even if another does seem to give you the love, approval or behavior you are seeking, they can always change their mind, or they can leave. How is that safe?
Real emotional safety, happiness and joy come from being loving to yourself and to others - not from trying to get love, approval or compliance through your controlling behavior.
When you are willing to shift your intent from trying to control others, to learning to love yourself, you will experience the huge difference between the 'safety' and relief that you may momentarily experience, and the true inner peace and joy that is possible when you learn to love yourself.
I know it is scary to the ego-wounded self to even contemplate learning about your controlling behaviors and how they make you feel, but I can assure you that it is worth it. I never felt true joy until I opened to learning about my controlling behaviors and to learning to love myself.
In order to learn about the many ways you might be trying to control, it's vitally important that you see this learning as an exciting discovery process, which you can do only when you take all judgment off your controlling behaviors. We all try to control, so let's not make it a bad word or a bad thing to do!
***

Your good life
Live the good life you have, as it comes. Don’t be overly concerned about losing it, or obsessed with making it into something it’s not.
Enjoy the goodness of your existence in a universe filled with abundance. Feel the sacred uniqueness of each moment and find joy in fulfilling the best possibilities.
It is good to plan and to remember. Yet you are alive in this moment to live the special beauty of this moment.
Your good life is not in some fondly remembered past or some hoped for future. It is here and now.
Appreciate the good life you now have. It is truly beautiful, and the miracle of you is that you can experience that beauty.
Your good life is here today, flowing gently through your experience. Now is your moment to live it all.

Ralph Marston

excerpts from

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