Category Archives: Acceptance

The Secret To Success Few Realize: Actor’s Improv Training

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“Among other things I am an actor. Since I was three. I love it. As an actor there are many forms of training. Scene work, theater or on camera, commercials, audition, and improv. Believe me, there are many other approaches to this art and craft too. I mention this because there is an important concept I hope you will grasp.

The art of improv means spontaneous, extemporaneous, think on your feet, (comedic as is popularized by clubs  but there is also dramatic improv) acting entertainment. So let’s deal with what most people might know. The improv club. You go, have a few drinks or food and watch people respond to audience requests.

Topics blended together in unique ways, chosen out of a hat, so to speak. Actors then work together to entertain. A rule of improv, an important rule, in order to advance the premise and the scene is to say ‘Yes’ to whatever is offered. Say ‘yes’ and you have forward progress. Say no and the scene stops.

Live Love Laugh Celebrate And Enjoy

A lot of training goes into getting talent to go for the ‘yes’ right out of the gate. It keeps the ball rolling as long as the actors say ‘yes’. This is not uttered verbally, necessarily, while it can be, it is a concept.

A principle for good improv. Whatever is offered you you accept it, say yes to it, and add to it. Steer it. Your partner respond likewise. Together you keep it moving.

I am quote, a wonderful current talent, Tina Fey, who posted, back in 2011 her ‘4 Rules Of Innovation’ from her book ‘Bossypants’. ‘The first rule of improvisation is to AGREE. Saying “no” grinds invention, innovation  (and improv) to a screeching halt.

‘Obviously in real life you’re not always going to agree with what everyone says. But saying YES reminds you to respect what your partner has created and to start from an open-minded place. Start with a YES and see where that takes you.’

Wake Up And Live

‘The second rule of improv is to not only say YES, say YES, AND. In improv, you agree and then add something of your own. If your partner starts with, “I can’t believe it’s so hot in here,” and you just say “Yeah…” the skit has stalled. But if you respond with, “What did you expect? We’re in hell!” things keep moving forward.’

I’ll let you go find the other two rules, but I will nutshell it for you by briefly quoting her again. ‘Whatever the problem be part of the solution.’ and ‘there are no mistakes only opportunities. The next big laugh is around the corner.’  I love this and it fits so well with the philosophy and approaches I have been sharing in my blog.

I was reminded of this listening to friend and Casting Director, and expert, Amy Jo Berman implore actors to get improv training so that when things get switched up on them at an audition; when the sides (pages of script) are changed on them moments prior to going before the casting director, they are prepared, they are skilled, well trained talent and able to say ‘yes’. Nothing throws them!

Be Happy Smile More

I want to thank Tina and Amy for such great insight. I want to thank all those from ancient texts to modern day authors who have said the same thing, forever, in so many inspiring ways.

What we need to do is hear the message and then act on it. This is another reason why repetition is so necessary. Too often we miss what is really important!

As an actor in life we need to accept and affirm what is handed to us. Say ‘yes’ and add to it. Don’t let it stop there. We can steer it, just don’t resist it. Direct the energies in productive ways.

See it all the way through to the conclusion. Let go of preconceived notions of how things should be and go with the flow. Create some flow. Allow it to become better. Attitude is everything. Have fun and learn!

The more you practice these life skills the better you get at it, just as actors do practicing and rehearsing their craft. If you do it, repeat it, again and again, correctly, the logical outgrowth is you get better at it. You develop reliable, habitual skills. You evolve new neural pathways that serve you better.

Yes I Can

‘Start with a yes and see where that takes you’. Get in the habit of affirming life, of co-operating with others. moving forward, and adding value to all.

Keep moving it forward in positive ways. SO when life or someone throws you a curve ball you step in to bat. You aren’t thrown by changes.

Step up to the plate when life switches things up. Go for the run. Say ‘yes’ and move forward. Opportunity exists and the next big one is around the corner. Remember that! Set you attitude right and you can be, do and have anything. Live, love, laugh and say ‘yes’ to life! Celebrate! Rex Sikes

Enjoy each day more than the last!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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How To Stop Struggling And Really Start Living!

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“Most people don’t want it. You can bet on that. They will do anything they can to avoid  it. Yet, through it greatness is often born. Success is not possible without it. Those who go the furthest are often challenged the most.

Nature may have provided it for us to help us evolve.  Whether it is a horrible experience or an incredible one is up to what we think it is. We decide, by our attitude to embrace it or try to avoid it. Through it we develop as people and expand our consciousness.

Napoleon Hill said, in adversity or challenge is the equivalent seed of opportunity. It is true. Someone else said, ‘I never lose. I either win or I learn’. Emerson said, ‘Do the thing and you shall have the power’. Make struggle your friend you will benefit in marvelous ways.

The More We Do The More We Can Do

Struggle toughens us up. It makes us strong. It makes us encounter the face in the mirror; our belief in ourself, our integrity, our abilities, the strength of our desires, our sense of humor, our persistence. We discover who we are and what we are made of.

It makes us move forward. It causes us to consider things we might otherwise never encounter. Most people don’t want it. They want the easy way, the path of least resistance. They want life comfy and cushy. Without struggle we will never know our true strength.

We would never know our true self without it. You can tell much about a person by how that person handles hardship. We grow in experience and wisdom. In these ways alone struggle provides us with opportunities. Magnificent opportunity if we only allow them.

Whatever We Want To Do With Ease We First Do With Diligence

Everything in life comes at some cost. Anything worthwhile comes with effort. If it were easy anyone would do it. Success seems elusive to all, except those who strive for it and make it happen. There is a price. Those who make dreams come true have struggled and pay it.

Hill pointed out, that of the 500 people he studied who were the top achievers and wealth generators of his day, most, nearly all threw in the towel prior to breaking through. He concluded that how high you rose seemed to depend on how low you had to battle hardship.

Those who made it didn’t stop because of struggles. The continued on in spite of them. They mastered their struggles and broke through. As a result, they got the rewards, and moved on to the next struggle. Everest is there for those who aren’t afraid of challenge.

Struggle! You Need Something To Talk About At The Top

Some people look for challenges to overcome others run away. Stop struggling with your struggles. Stop fighting. I know it seems tough to want to do this, but when you are able to say, ‘okay, bring it, give me your best shot,  I will prevail’ you are ready to come out on top.

Embrace the obstacles and challenges in your life and you will learn much. You will  move through them quicker when you don’t make an issue of them.  What you resist persists! Of course, some people love struggles because they can whine, complain and blame something!

I don’t know whether struggles are given to you from some god in the sky or a random result of evolution. It doesn’t matter. What matters is your attitude about them. You either sink or you swim. You either finish the race or you don’t.  Whatever your experience IS, is due to your decisions about it.

You May See Me Struggle But You Will Never See Me Quit

Consider this. Physical exercise, such as weightlifting, is a struggle to lift weight, to break down the muscle tissue so it will grow stronger and more capable. Facing challenge is our mental and spiritual exercise. We can expand ourselves because of it. We can become better people. We are better off for it.

If you can go through whatever suffering you have and learn from it you are better off than going through it and being broken from it. If you can look back on it and see the value, as you most likely will, why wait? Why not begin to value its lessons right now. Appreciate that you have an opportunity to learn, to grow and to become stronger.

Recognize it for the opportunity it is and you can start living in new and more productive ways. When you stop struggling with your struggles you are free to move through them and on to your successes. When you develop the attitude that you can handle anything life throws at you life may stop throwing things. If it doesn’t you’ll still be able to handle it. Either way, you win or you learn!!” Rex Sikes

The day will be what you make it!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Well, What Did You Expect? What Is The Basis Of Your Pain?

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“Hey, sorry the blog is late! Actually, no it isn’t. It is right on time. I wanted to do something a bit different today to try to illustrate something in a small way. A very small way, perhaps.

What did you expect? Did you expect it to be there in your mail box at the usual time? When it wasn’t then what? Maybe, no big deal. It doesn’t matter, you may not have even noticed. BUT what if you did?

Our expectations shape our world. It is an inner phenomenon more than an outer world one. It is in the category of believing is seeing. We are creatures of habit.

What You Say Is What You Get

We tend to like things the same. We get used to it. We expect there to be a consistency in others and events. We want it. This is quite normal. All part of being human.

So regarding this blog. If you are fairly new to receiving it you may not have time to have developed any expectation of delivery. On the other, had you already received the 500 plus, then you may have.

You may not care about the blog. It is nice but not necessary. It doesn’t have high signal value. That is fine. What about things that do? What about the people in our life?

What You See Is What You Get

What happens inside us? What do we see or visualize in our mind when a loved one is uncharacteristically late? Do you have a change in self-talk as well? What do you begin to say to yourself?

Is it positive or negative? We either feel good or not so good based on what we expect, or imagine to be the case. In the loved one example, if they show up, but late, we may be relieved.

We may be relieved and angry. They could be surprised by our reaction saying ‘RELAX!!!’ The point is something changed in us because we got used to things being a certain way.

You Already Affirm Your Experience – Good Or Bad

When they aren’t as we are used to extra activity begins inside us. We believe things about ourself, others, events and the world. We tend to see things not as they are but as we imagine.

Something changes out of the ordinary, what happens within? How do we react? Do we react out of habit? Do we find ourselves traveling chronic old ways of behavior and self talk. Well?

This blog thing is a tiny, insignificant, example. Whether you noticed it being late or not, perhaps, you will consider and evaluate how ‘things’ or ‘circumstances’ affect you. Think about it? Take time.

You Thoughts, You, Shape Your Results And Your Reality

What expectations do you live from? Yes, we expect sunrise, start there. What do you expect to happen each day? What do you expect of yourself? Loved ones? Friends? Strangers? The barista?

See if you can discover how sometimes you create your own pain because of your expectations? Sometimes, you create your own joy? Explore. Discover? Expectations is another word for beliefs?

What do you believe should be the case? What are your rules? How should things be? When, where and according to whom? Who says it should be any way? You, THEM, who decides?

Exploration Is The Doorway To Adventure

Do you think this is a worthwhile exercise? Why? Why not? Will you do it? Who knows, you may notice or learn something you were not aware of. Then what? Will that be good or not so good?

Figure it out. Let me know. Use the comment box if you want. More to come. Meanwhile, whether you engage in this or not, however, you spend your time, I hope it will be marvelous!” Rex Sikes

Could you be any more delighted?

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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In Order To Not Drown You Have To Know How To Float

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“Many people lose their life struggling to live. They fall into water and exhaust themselves fighting the current. Do  you know what you can do that will increase the likelihood you will survive?

If you fall into quicksand, lie back. Lie on your back and stop moving. The more you struggle the more you get sucked down. The same is true when swimming. People go under because they fight.

All you have to do is lie back and breath and you will float. You float when you relax Let go and let the water hold you up. You won’t float vertically in the water, you will sink unless you can tread.

Relax and lie back. You can float longer than you can tread. You float naturally when you lie back. It is one of the first things you learn when you learn to swim. Once on your back, gently navigate.

Your Attitude Determines You Altitude

Gently use your arms, hands and legs to move across the surface of the quicksand. Go with the current gently navigating toward the river bank. Float until spotted on a body of water.

Obviously, you can’t float forever but by floating you can save your life. You can extend the time you are alive in the water by floating on the water instead of fighting it.

The same is true in life. Sometimes, you have to surrender. Stop struggling. Stop trying. Stop doing anything. Relax. When you relax you will feel yourself held up. You’ll float. You can begin to trust.

A worried, anxious mind brings about more of the same. A fearful, doubtful mind becomes even more so. A relaxed, peaceful, accepting, loving mind attracts more of the same. Remember, what you want to create and attract first begins with your thoughts.

What You Resist Persists

Let go! Trust that all will be okay. I am not particularly religious, spiritual, yes, but religious no. Still, I like this concept. ‘God is never late’. Whatever IS is. All will work out if you have faith and trust. Everything tends to work out for the best in the long run.

We fear loss. We fear change. We fear many things. We struggle to keep things the same. Sometimes, a shake up is a good thing. Often, people look back on the worst time of their life and remark, that it was actually the best thing that could have ever happened.

We resist. Sometimes, we need to make room for newness. We need to get rid of the old shoes in the closet, taking up space, so we can have room for the new ones. Accurate or not, trust that everything will be fine no matter what. Create some space for yourself.

You have a cash deadline on a certain date and you don’t get the money until much later. Maybe, being late was perfect and getting it when you do IS the perfect time. I don’t know if that is true or not but I do know attitude is everything. Think, god is never late!

Turn Resistance Into Assistance

What you believes determines so much. If you declare it to be good it can be. You bring about what you think about. Remember, the phrase ‘when it rains it pours’.  If that IS true then one should always think only the very best thoughts, don’t you think?

For goodness sake, don’t waste time with less than glorious thoughts. Focus on love, gratitude, peace, and happiness. Create what you want to have more of. Think the thoughts that bring you these. Good judgement and good taste is important.

Let go and let god, is another key thought about trust. Keep in mind whatever happens can work out for the best. What IS is. The time is always right no matter what. Things will always work out for the best, though they may not seem like it in the present.

God is never late.  Let go, trust and let it all work out. Have faith. Maintain your positive thoughts. No matter what is happening seek, joy, love, peace and gratitude! Celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Have a fabulous day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Why The Heck Are You Here? Have You A Clue What To Do?

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“Why do you think you are here? What is your purpose? Do you think you are here to succeed in a career? Are you here to find your soul mate? What is life all about? Why you and why are you here?

Some may say they are here to do great things. Some may say they are here to solve world problems. Some may say they are here to be famous. Some may say they are here to pass genes along.

Some claim we are here because we are part of a creation. Some will state we are part of the creator. Some say we are here by random happenstance. Some may argue there is no reason why we are here.

I don’t honestly know why we are here. Do you? Honestly? I know what I believe or think about it. I hear what others think about it who claim to ‘know’. I imagine there are many answers and reasons.

I’d say you are here because you are. Whatever else may be the case, you are here. NOW what are you going to do about it? How are you going to spend your days? What are you going to do?

It seems, for whatever reason, you and I have an opportunity. An incredible opportunity. On the face of it, we are here for a short period of time. We never seem to know how long we actually have.

How we spend the time we have seems to be then most critical. We can consider it a gift or a sentence. We can say ‘WOW’ or ‘I didn’t ask to be born’. What we think about it is really up to each of us.

So what will you do? Will you spend it struggling and hating and resenting it? Will you oppose others who are here to because they differ from you? Will you make it seem longer because it is painful?

Will you celebrate the opportunity to party? Will you enjoy it and delight in it no matter what? Will you celebrate with others the moments left? Will you live fully for as long as you have?

It seems most will have good times and bad. They will struggle and vacation when able. They will live ho-hum lives waiting for exhilarating moments. They will hope nothing terrible happens.

They will strive to get ahead. Collect things.They will hope these things make them happy. They’ll leave the things as they pass on. They will hope they make a mark. They will have kids. They’ll go.

Point: you are here. Now what? What is it going to be? How will you spend your remaining time? How would you like to spend it? You have some options? Make a choice.

You can spend it as a victim of circumstance. You didn’t want to be here. You aren’t sure what or how to do it. OR you can live it as a champion and call the shots. You can live like a victor or a emperor.

You can live it as a party goer. You have been invited. What do you bring to the party for all to enjoy? OR you can live it as the party host. You set the atmosphere, decide the banquet, invite the guests.

Choose to live deliberately or live haphazardly. That is what you can do. How do you want to spend your time? Decide.  Then make that happen. Determine your purpose and the effect you will have.

I don’t know why we are here. I have said that already. So it seems you can assign a reason or live without one. If you don’t have one you can still live to the utmost or to the ‘utleast’. It’s up to you.

As for me. I will celebrate. I will enjoy each moment as best I can. I will fill it with love, joy, peace, and happiness. I will attempt to be the best me I can be. I will help others the best I can.

After all this is my place. I own it with many other co-owners. I will care for myself, them and this place. When I go I will go having enjoyed it all. Hopefully, I leave behind a better place for everyone.

I don’t do this because I have to. I do this because I want to. The people around us are all we have. They are friends and friends we haven’t got to know yet. They are made from the same stardust.

I’ve decided it is my party and I am both host and guest. I will live deliberately and with intention to have the most wonderful time and share it with others, for no reason other than that is what I choose.

Then my career, my relationships, my life have meaning I assign AND I get to discover. I realize the people around me, the events and circumstances are a reflection of my thoughts and decisions.

I become more aware that I am creating my reality and the life I live. I am responsible for it all. When I take that responsibility fully then I have more power than I can ever imagine. I have ability to create.

So I want to create something more wonderful. I want to leave it and others better off than I found it. I want to create a marvelous life! I choose to live it fully, learn and grow and be the best me I can be. I have decided to design me and my life as I want it to be. And so it is!

You and I are already choosing. We are already doing. Is it what you want? If not change it. Choose again. Decide how you want to live your life. Capisci? Live, love and laugh. I’ll live in gratitude and celebrate everything! How about you?” Rex Sikes

Make today the day you want it to be!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

When S#%T Hits The Fan! How To Handle Crisis And Difficulties

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“Some times the excrement hits the fan. You hope it doesn’t but it does. From there it only seems to get worse. What do you do about it? Can you change things? What is the ‘enlightened’ approach. Some people think ‘this should not happen if I am a positive person!’ Well, should it?

I don’t know if it should or not. I only realize that it does. I say this from experience. Being a positive thinker makes everything better! It does! It truly does! There seem to be far fewer upheavals than otherwise, still things rock the boat from time to time. Perhaps, all the time, but most of them just don’t get to you.

I don’t think anyone should make a hard rule about it. Flexibility of mind and behavior is the key. Learning to control ones thoughts and feelings brings immense power and positive transformation in so many wonderful ways. It doesn’t matter if things get messed up once in a while. You learn and evolve through everything if open to it!

Stuff Happens Get Over It

I believe everything is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to shed old ways if we are alert to this and aware as it happens. We can learn from trials and difficulties and can even be grateful they push or prompt us to be different. Is it planned, predestined, calculated, or random happenstance? That’s  up to each of us to decide for ourselves.

Some get great comfort in assuming there is a divine plan  for their life. And it may be OR it may not. I think everything is perfect whether or not anyone or anything pulls the strings. It is what it is. Accept it, get over your complaints about it, suck it up if you have to. Learn from it. Learning from it IS what we can do that is useful!

It is what it is! It was what it was! Evolve and move forward. This blog is always my opinion since it is my blog. I may share my perception of other’s opinions but I am sharing my thoughts and learning and understanding from my perspective, whether or not I ever say I think or believe. You understand that, alright?

I don’t claim to have final ways for how you or anyone should act. It is always up to us to make our own decisions for ourselves. What I hope to do with this blog is share approaches I know work from decades of using them on myself, with others and from studying what has worked for people throughout the centuries.

Learn To Go With The Flow

Without going into immense detail, the past few days have been immensely blessed. There have been what some might call high highs, great accomplishments and forward movement. There have been multiple difficulties during the same time. Sometimes, that is how life seems to go. Again, maybe that is how it always is.

I don’t try to find assigned reasons for things but extract my own reasons for what I can do. I’ll explain more as we go along. I am discussing Friday. I write the blog during the early am hours Saturday so you get an idea of how this operates. The day began with an argument with a loved one. I didn’t want to have but did.

I reacted to some things.  A response would have been more appropriate. I could say I was tired, things had gone on in a particular way and I wanted to be done with it. I can point at numerous ways to interpret my behavior or the other person’s or the circumstance but the bottom line is my reaction made me party to an ensuing argument. The argument was significant.

Had I been more aware and responded differently, it may not have been the issue it was. Looking at it afterwards I examined it and realized I could make some other choices. I have vowed this won’t happen again. I looked at how else I might handle the situation more productively.

What You Resist Persists

What is it that I can change in me, and my thinking and doing, that would preempt it, stop it, from getting out of hand? I don’t want to blame the other party. I could. I could make it about them changing or the circumstances changing , or what we could do together differently, but at this moment, I only have my actions to examine.

I take responsibility because it does take two to have an argument. So how, and what, can I do differently to help make situations like that better? What do I, can I, and have I learned from this argument that can be of benefit for the future? If I expect the other party to change that will only ensure nothing changes.

Not because the other party doesn’t have responsibility but by putting conditions on anyone other than myself, and expecting another person to do something different would be setting myself up for disappointment. This seems to be what we do much of the time. We want others to be different, the world to be different.

When they aren’t, and it isn’t, we get bent out of shape. At least, I have. People who try to control the world and others usually end up miserably frustrated. It isn’t worth it. It is better for me to change what I can about me, than to attempt to change others. That should make sense. Hopefully, you have discovered the folly of this for yourself too.

The Only Person You Can Absolutely Control Is You

It is more important to me to become more flexible. I want to learn to be more resilient, and more resourceful to be able to handle situations that arise. It is more productive to change myself for the better than to hope or expect others to do it my way. I can hope and wish for things to turn out differently or I can make some positive changes for myself.

Work with what YOU CAN work with to make the adjustment. You CAN work on your self. You CAN’T work on others. Self is the starting place. Yes, you can negotiate with the other person and work things out. That is important too. Do what you can to get along, to have a win/win and settle things in positive ways. By all means, of course!

But when all is said and done, IF after that negotiations they don’t change, then YOU had better change, if you don’t want a repeat of that situation. If you get this point you get a lot? Change what you can about yourself. DO NOT expect the other person to change for you. If they do great. If they don’t great! That is what is. You change!

The buck stops here! The responsibility is mine. I don’t beat myself up or wallow about what happened even when sorry for what happens. I look at it and seek to discover what I can do differently to make it work out better for both of us. I hope I discover a win/win. If it is to be it is up to me and no one but me. SO I look to learn.

As Within So Without

Yes, I have repeated the same mistakes even after this examination. Remember, old habits can die hard. I seek to make new habits but in the mean time old challenging neural pathway routes, that are well entrenched, are firing while I endeavor to take a different path. Understanding this can bring great freedom.

It can also speed up the time in which you make changes and develop new habits. New insights and awareness leads to new changes in behavior AND yet you still have to repeat successfully the new behaviors often enough for them to become habit. Think of it this way. Driving a car becomes habit, right? You know this already.

You could learn to drive on a smooth, empty road and develop the habits for driving as you do. This is a given. Practice correctly long enough and habits take hold. You could also learn to drive on a horribly bumpy challenging road with tons or traffic comprised of horrible drivers. Either way you learn and make habit.

Conditions and circumstances will be whatever they are while you are learning new things. To expect the world to stop being the world and conform for you may be silly or it may be a great belief to have. OR it may be silly. You have to decide that. I find it useful to focus on what I can change and let the world be whatever it is.

As Above So Below

Sometimes I bristle at what is offered. Most of my life pain has come from resisting what the world offered. Once, I began to learn that it was up to me and my response to what was offered AND NOT WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS, life became far more incredible and enjoyable. Then I stopped trying to change the world and changed myself instead. This gives me so much more opportunity.

After the argument, other events unfolded.  I got injured. There were some big issues and problems but I won’t go into details as they don’t matter. It was frustrating, to say the least. I shouted out one major expletive, at one point, when I realized my entire day plans shifted.  My phone broke earlier, I had issues with my car, and I had an appointment that now began to appear unlikely.

I had a ADR session at Cinespace Studios in Chicago. For those who don’t know what this is, it means, I had to record some dialog to replace some lines in a feature film I acted in. I couldn’t reach the director and staff to let them know what went on or when I could now arrive. Eventually, I solved this and got an email through.

My morning appointment changed to mid afternoon, possibly, depending, on traffic. I had to leave. I bought a new phone prior to leaving but service never kicked in. I had no way to call the studio and let them know of delays, I couldn’t communicate with family, I had no GPS and now faced returning late in the evening instead of by mid afternoon.

We All Have An Incredible Opportunity To Learn To Be Better

There was a lot more going on that I am not reporting. I don’t mention any of this other than to point our, as we all already know, shit can hit the fan. It does.  Then I caught hold of myself. I took a deep breath! I didn’t like this at first, but had I survived the 80’s. Travel would be just fine.  In fact, everything would be fine.

I had let it spiral out of control for a little while. If truth be told, given the circumstances, I handled it far better than I would have years ago. My actions I was least please with involved the argument, so I sought to repair that prior to leaving. We worked it out which made us both feel better.  Still, I had been injured, and car problems.

I woke up! I woke up to the fact that all this was going on. Why? I don’t know? I don’t ask why. I am trying to point that out. Why doesn’t help me. What helps me is this: ‘Okay, this is as it is. What opportunity exists for me in the situation as it is? It is what it is. What can I learn? What do I need to learn?  How can I accept what is going on? What do I need to let go of? What is important and what is not?’

IN THAT MOMENT, as I ask myself questions and realize ALL is perfect, even when tumultuous, everything settles! I understand. IT does not matter what is going on ON the outside. It matters what is going on ON the inside! What matters is what I am thinking and feeling and whether I am responding or reacting. From within to without!

Transformation Occurs In An Instant

If I catch myself reacting I have an opportunity to respond. I CAN respond as I had reacted or I CAN respond differently. A choice point opens up because of awareness. It allows for a new and different decision to made. The opportunity arises to decide now, in this moment, to do things differently. Change! I CAN change!

Instead of being a victim to circumstances I take control of me. I accept what IS and I know that I can handle any circumstances life throws at me. There is the saying; ‘God won’t test you more than you are capable. Why does god think I am so strong?’ I don’t know or care if anyone is testing me. I know that when ‘tested’ I can make the difference when I take responsibility.

As I write this, I hope you realize this is not really about me. I am using my experiences as an example, that’s true. BUT I am attempting to focus on the process I have learned and not me the person. Any of us can do use this process. My main point is you can transform anything in a moment when you transform from within.

The world around may be tumultuous but you find calm and peace within. You may find confidence and strength, you may find a smile and delight. You might even think: ‘Okay bring it I can handle anything you bring’. When you think that way, YOU CAN handle anything. Your thoughts create your reality. If life hands you lemons you make lemonade by changing you attitude.

Power Comes From Making A Decision

Most of us try to change the circumstances. The circumstances are what they are. Change your thoughts first. Then whether or not circumstances change you will have. I can promise you this. First, change yourself so that you are in a more positive, confident, productive place and you have a better chance of helping the circumstances to improve. Otherwise, don’t count on it.

If circumstances don’t change you are still positive, confident and productive! Attitude determines your altitude. The drive to the studio was quite easy. It was relaxing and enjoyable. The parking guard and I chatted for awhile. I enjoyed him. The director, technicians and session, all good. I’m glad I got there to do it!

I left, chatted some more with guard. He noticed my new phone, still not working and recommend I get a case for it. We parted. I drove back. I got back late but not TOO late. The day went great. The drive was fine. It took longer than expected but I used the time to think and listen to inspiring audio. I learned a lot from all that happened. I also learned how to improve my relationship with a loved one.

I returned home and to my argument partner who surprised me by brining home a fabulous dinner from a classy restaurant! We hugged and enjoyed each other. All is good. It is what it is! Everything is and was perfect. You could assume it was all predestined or all haphazard. What matters most is what we take from it. Learn from it.

The Quality Of Your Decisions Determine The Quality Of Your Life

We can’t ever replace learning to improve. What we resist persists. The more flexible we are the more choices we have. The more choices the greater range of opportunity and to discover what works. If we only have one way of perceiving or one way of doing we will obviously be limited in what we can accomplish. Seek to be more aware.

Turns out my day was fabulous, I declare it. I learned an immense amount. I was challenged on numerous fronts. So what. I found my center and operated from it. Circumstances stayed what they were. I changed. It was what it was and it is what it is. I like days like this. Bring it! Bring more of them! I want to improve my relationships and live a marvelous life. Whatever helps me do more of that BRING IT!

Seek to be accepting, allowing, because it is when we allow, when we relax, when we let go, we can see more clearly what hampers us. As we learn better, how we can be different, we do need to implement what we learn and repeat it again and again to condition our minds, our feelings and our behaviors. We become aware, and then use it over an over to make the new learning habitual. Habits matter!

We evolve. We become more positive and as a result more capable. The more we do the MORE we are ABLE to do. I love this process of discovery and implementation. I love this life. I do! Even when it is rough at times. I think, if Job could endure I can. Bring it!

I will learn from it (eventually) and I will rise to meet any challenge. Ultimately I love and enjoy and celebrate my life. So bring it because I will transform!” Rex Sikes

Today is what you make of it!

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Things Are Rotten But A Better Day Is Coming: Do This!

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“I write for actors and artists, filmmakers and fans, people from all walks of life. This blog reveals how you maximize your potential to live the life you deserve and get what you want. So homemaker or business person, living in urban area or the sticks, these words, this message, is for you.

Some people spend more time worried and fearful. They hope against hope that things will change or be different. Yet, each day they repeat the same behaviors. They focus on what is wrong with the world, events or themselves. They focus on bills and problems.

How do you expect anything to be different if day in and day out you do the same things continuously. In order for your life to change you have to change some things in your life. If you always do what you always did YOU will ALWAYS get what YOU always got.

If You Do What You Always Did You Get What You Always Got

In order to be new you need to start new. Your past has nothing to do with your future. Change occurs the instant you decide to be different and then follow through and act on that decision. Change begins that very instant!

If you want things to be new you have to think new. If you spend more time worried about your circumstances than anything else you need to stop it and do something different. If your career, relationships, finances, or life is in the gutter it is time to take charge.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be really bad to want to change. You can change any time. It is simple. It is easy, but not always easy. If you stick with it though you can transform everything in great, new, positive ways.

Your Past Has Nothing To Do With Your Future

Here is how you start. Stop thinking about what is wrong and START thinking about what is right! Begin thinking about all the things YOU HAVE got going for you. If you have’t done this in a while perhaps you will only find or remember a few. The more you seek the more you will find.

Reflect on all your talents and abilities no matter how tiny or seemingly insignificant. Perhaps, you know how to fold a dinner napkin. Great count that! Celebrate that! I don’t know how to do it but you do! Count, list and celebrate your resources.

Take an inventory about all the cool, good, groovy, hip, sick, bad, rockin, things about yourself. Count them and add to them each day. Start recognizing your own worth a value bit by bit. Then add to it. Add to it by also counting the blessings in your life.

The Present And Future Are Yours To Create

Look at the friends or loved ones, past and present. Look at the good times back then and now. Dig out positive memories and examples all through your life to enjoy. Look at all the present things that are good in your life. Look for great things in your community and the world.

The process of searching for good may not be familiar to you. Not all that many people know to do it. If you begin and do it daily you will discover you find more and more examples and you start thinking and feeling better.

As you continue you will condition yourself and build positive habits. Takes at least 21 days so people say 3 months or routine, regular, spaced, repetition. So do it and keep doing it. You will surprise yourself with how powerful this exercise can be in helping you make changes, feel better and get on track.

To Be New Think And Do New Things

If you want you life to change you have to change things in your life. The one thing you have absolute control over is you. Not many people exercise that control but it is true. You have the ability to control your thoughts, feelings and actions.

You CAN make your life anything you want it to be. Start now by looking for all the good in you and around you. Stay focused on it. If you find your mind straying bring it back to that which is good. You can do this! Do it today.” Rex Sikes

Have a great day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Things Suck! Life Sucks! What You Can Do About It!

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“My career sucks! My relationship sucks! Life suck! Why bother with career, relationship and life goals? Why dream and want to make things better? What is the point?  It seems like it will always be this way. These are some questions I am asked.  Others include:

I’ve heard manifesting is easy, is it? I have heard the process of deliberate creation is difficult? Well? It’s can’t be both can it? What if I suck at it? Life sucks! What to do about it? Is working with the Law Of Attraction tough?

Yes, sometimes it may seem like it. What is going on? Why bother? What is the payoff? I might struggle and not end up getting my goals, then what was it all for? I am not sure it is worth my time. Have you heard or thought things like this? Many people do, I have. It’s okay if you do.

People Think Life Is A Certain Set Of Circumstances

Intentional, deliberate creation and the Law Of Attraction are simple, and easy. Truly! Yes, it can take some time to see results and it typically does. It takes time for plants to grow so patience is required.  Still, things can happen faster or slower depending on your attitude and approach. Let it go.  You can’t suck at it

Whether you get what you want precisely, the ultimate pay off is huge. The benefit beyond your desire and your belief. Some people are too narrowly focused and miss what else is available to them. It requires a blend of concentration and an open mind. Flexibility is desirable.

Dedication and commitment are required. Dabblers get dabbler results. When you dive in and immerse yourself you tend to get quicker results. Things change for the better all over. Still, you swim the length of the pool bit by bit. You are rarely beamed up anywhere. That is just the way nature unfolds. We work with nature!

Some things do seem instantaneous. Transformation can occur immediately. Aha’s can make everything miraculous in a moment. Still, everything is what it is. The best attitude is absolutely committed, and persistent. Yet you have fun and enjoy the process regardless of the speed. Speed isn’t the greatest benefit anyway.

Life Is Actually A Certain Set Of Attitudes

Take it lightly. After all you can’t push a rope. You can’t force things. When things are easy. you may coast a bit, while remaining dedicated. When the going gets rough,  hang in there, and remember that’s when ‘the tough get going’. Self discipline and persistence are required. A big benefit is you learn flexibility by going through it.

Working with creation and attraction isn’t about suddenly finding oneself in utopia. Indeed, there can be obstacles. Usually there are, perhaps numerous, you just have to accept that. Skiing down a hill you may frequently encounter some pretty big bumps, dips and jumps; that is what makes it fascinating and enjoyable.

Becoming skilled and hanging in there no matter what means you don’t quit or give up when you encounter obstacles.  You create more of what you want as necessary. Continue undaunted. You learn from whatever is going on to become more resilient. For most of us, this would be a really big benefit to learn. A major plus!

Life IS what it is. The biggest and most valuable lesson may be to learn how to go with the flow while you direct the current. Those may seem at odds but they aren’t. You get to discover how they work together. Once you  embark on the journey it is an amazing adventure. It is a blend of many different things! Allow it! Enjoy!

There Is A Time To Plant And A Time To Harvest

There are so many delights. There are times when it is challenging. So why bother? Why put yourself through it? I believe for the many reason I have already cited. You become deliberate and flexible. You create wonderful things, learn patience and dedication. You learn to maximize and utilize your resources but there is something greater.

The greatest benefit is discovering WHO you are. You find out what you are made of and capable of. As you peel an onion the layers come off. When you are challenged you uncover  your true self. Challenges are an opportunity to learn who you are and ‘what you got’ each moment. You discover new talents and abilities. AND it’s learning how to go with the flow!

There can be nothing better than becoming one with yourself. You never arrive but you get closer to home. It is exciting. It is relaxing to come into your own power. It is beyond words. In order to be at one with yourself, to embrace the true you, you must go through the process. Whatever that process is for you. Trust it.

At times you may be exhilarated, at other times bored. You might be challenged to your limits and other times coast or blast along at amazing speed. It IS what it is. You were born to discover who you are, and what life can be like!  It IS what you were born to do! You were born to enjoy the good life.

Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

You are here to maximize your potential. You were born to evolve and to realize your true nature. You are here to wake up. You are here to become aware of your real self.You are here to learn YOU create your reality. You have already been creating it all along. It is time to wake up to your power and your responsibility.

You are an amazing creator and attractor. If the results you previously have gotten aren’t to your liking you can change that. Learn from it and change it! You are here to delight! You are here to enjoy the fullness of life and all the good things that abound. You have been born to celebrate and to create all sorts of wonderful moments!  Seek yourself!” Rex Sikes

Enjoy your day!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

This Is The Missing Piece To Getting Everything You Want!

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“Do you want your career to take off? Do you need more money? Would you want a better connection with your loved ones? Perhaps, you’d like to travel or afford nice things. Whatever it is you want to have you can have it all once you learn this very important principle or secret. It has been hidden in plain site forever.

I am going to share it with you. I believe this is one of the most important messages you need to get. You need to know, understand and appreciate this about being a deliberate, intentional creator. This ‘secret’ is what  makes the Law Of Attraction work and I am giving it to you right now, right here. Celebrate and Share it!

It is absolutely critical. It is so simple. Even then, people miss it. Please don’t. Pay attention and keep an open mind. Once you recognize the truth in what I am saying, you may have an ‘aha’ mind opening experience. I hope you do. Enjoy learning how to make your important, good dreams and desires come true!

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe you can achieve, said Napoleon Hill. It has been said in different ways, by  different thought leaders from the dawn of recorded history. Everything begins with thought. Thought originates everything humans produce.

What You See Is What You Get

Thought precedes form. Thought precedes action. We know this is the case. It is not even in dispute. Everything that humans have made with their hands began first as an idea inside their minds. Said differently, In order to make it with your hands it must first exist in your mind.

Numerous people have stated this next concept in many ways. I’ll quote a scripture. ‘Ask, believing you have already received, and you shall receive.’ The key to getting is to believe you already have it. Imagine you already have the good you desire in your life

People have asked, how can they believe it when they look at their circumstances and those run counter to their thought? They find it difficult to believe since they don’t see it in the world. They are troubled by this scripture or concept. They are riddled with doubt.

How can I have faith first? How can I believe something is there, already, when it isn’t? Does this bother you? It certainly bothered me. I’m supposed to believe this invisible desire already exists and I am supposed to feel what it feels like to already have it. How? How exactly am I supposed to do that?

What You Say Is What You Get

We don’t understand that we are already doing it. It is there but we miss it. You create it prior to it existing in the real world. Remember, thought precedes action. Thought precedes form. Everything that exists first exists as an idea. Are you beginning to understand yet? It’s okay, keep reading.

When an architect imagines a bridge or a building they blueprint it. They plan it in every detail in their mind and put it down on paper. They create it inside their head, they visualize it or envision it. The actual building takes much longer to physically create. It first, only, exists in thought and plans.

Get it now? What you want DOES already exist. You say where? Where is it? Where does it exist? I don’t see it? OH, but you do! Yes, you do! YOU do ALREADY have it. You have it within you! It is in your thoughts you have already created it. BUT, BUT… BUT!!! IT EXISTS!!!!

It exists. As within so without! It hasn’t yet translated into physical reality but it IS already there in your mind. It exists FIRST there. What are the steps to getting your dominant chief purpose or your goals. Know what you want. Imagine it. Be specific. Be detailed and vidid. Write it down.

What You Feel Is What You Get

What does the architect do? Imagines it and writes it down or draws it out.  Conceive it, write it down, plan it. You already have what you want inside you. NOW believe you can make it happen. Think about it day and night. Make it more real and vivid. Really, truly want it!

Intensify the desire for it to transmute into form. It is already in your head ready for you to make with your hands. You repeat thinking about it, affirm it and give it over to your subconscious by repeated suggestion. Hillary climbed Everest. Edison invented the light bulb. The Wright Brothers flew. Everything starts on the inside!

Constantly think about it. See it, feel it, affirm it! Your subconscious takes over to help plan it. What you believe on the inside is what your subconscious mind works to match on the outside. That’s the job of the Reticular Activating System. Find opportunities, people and circumstances that match what you already believe inside.

Keep the faith in that inner vision. It WILL become reality. You create just as the architect does. You first think it, then believe you will have it and you can achieve it. You decide to make it real in the outer world. Stop looking at the present circumstances and complaining it isn’t there. Start making it happen!

Act As If You Already Have It – Because You Already Do

It doesn’t exist in the outer world, yet, BUT it can and it will if you stick with it. You have to keep at it. YOU DO already have it. You do already possess all the good you desire. It is already yours inside your thought world. This is great news! You already own what you want.

This is CRITICAL to understand! It will make your creating, manifesting and attracting so much easier and faster. Assume it, affirm it, declare it. Speak to yourself as if you already have it. See yourself already in possession of it. Feel these feelings. Expect it. Know it will happen. Believe it.

It is yours! Believe it. THIS is WHAT you WILL make happen! Command yourself to do it. If you were to build a chair. You would get the idea, imagine the chair. Plan it or draw it out. Get the materials and put them together. NO BIG DEAL! That IS what you would do. You wouldn’t fuss over whether you could or not.

The first step in creating what you want was accomplished when you thought it. You put the intention out there. It now exists. It exists as a thought seed. Just as an acorn seed needs nutrition and time to grow into a mighty oak so does your thought seed. Expect it to grow!

Once You Believe Your Mind Opens To What Is There

You do that much for the acorn seed you plant. Do as much for your thought seed. Plant it and expect it to grow. Give it nutrition and it will. You don’t doubt the flower seeds you plant, do you? You expect flowers to grow and bloom. Do as much with your thought seeds.

‘Ask, believing you have already received, and you shall receive.’ Your desire already exists. No question about that. It has a literal thought form. It is an idea! Thoughts are things. The results you get are from translating your thoughts into reality.

Once you make your thought a burning desire and think about it, obsess about it, you begin to get other ideas and plans how to make it happen. You attract like thoughts, like energy, like people, like events. Your brain is on the look out for these.

When you buy a brand new car you start seeing the same make and model everywhere you hadn’t noticed previously. Your brain now alerts you to them because YOU OWN IT! You notice what you hadn’t before. So keep the faith! You will make it happen. This is how it works. Conceive it, believe it and achieve it! Happy Creating!!” Rex Sikes

Delight in the day. Put a smile on your face and others!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!

What Are You Waiting For? Do This Now! Start Succeeding!

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“Some people wait until they feel ready to begin. They wait until they know what to do. They think if they wait they will feel more assured. Usually, that never happens and they just end up waiting. There is no perfect time. There is never THE perfect moment to begin. Consider this in the reverse.

Death always interrupts us from something we are doing. We don’t get to complete it. Whatever we are doing is left unfinished. Apply this thought to the beginning: We don’t have to be ready to begin. There is never THE right time.  We  just need to start it now. We will never be ready enough. Just do it.

It is now or never! Sure it might be scary. New things tend to  be. If you wait until the fear goes away you could wait for ever. It is normal for people to be apprehensive when doing something new. It is completely normal, so get over yourself and your drama around it and go do it! The longer you wait the longer it will take. Get it?

The Past Is Gone The Future Hasn’t Happened Now Is All We Have

In, ‘ A Year Of Growing Rich’ Hill states, ‘If you want to achieve success make today the day you stop drifting. Decide upon a definite goal. Write it down. Commit it to memory.’

‘Decide exactly how you plan to achieve it. Then begin putting your plan into immediate action. Your future is what you make it. Decide now what it shall be.’ Napoleon is pretty clear. This isn’t rocket science. Okay?

Don’t put it off. Do it now! He who waits, waits. That is all that will happen if you put it off; you will only delay it further. So begin now. Know this, your plan doesn’t have to be perfect. It most likely will change anyway, as you move forward. That is normal.

The Present Is A Gift To You

Once you are on the road, even though you’ve planned your trip, you may wish to deviate, take a side road, a detour, remain longer in one place than another, bypass a particular location altogether. Plans changes. Just make one you can implement and start doing it now.

Do something today. Do something tomorrow. Work you plan. Ask yourself each day, ‘What can I do today to move closer to getting my goal’. At the conclusion of the day ask, ‘What did I do today that moved me closer to having my goal?’ Both times and both questions are important.

Ask and answer. If you didn’t do much do more tomorrow. Make a list, a short list so it is manageable. Cross off things you accomplish. Little by little you will accomplish a lot. Don’t wait, Do! Feel how good it feels to get things done! Notice Napoleon Hill’s last two lines in the quote above.

‘Your future is what you make it. Decide now what it shall be.’ Whatever it is going to be you make it so. It is your decision. Decide now! No one else makes it for you. No one else can decide for you. No one else can do it for you. Only you choose your future and only you make it happen. Accept this and begin moving forward now.

The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself

The Wright Brothers didn’t know how to fly until they had already done it. Until they did it they were simply trying things to find out what worked. They kept doing until they succeeded. You should to. Keep doing, keep trying, keep experimenting. Your devotion will pay off. If you do nothing you get nothing. So what is it going to be?

Don’t wait for the perfect plan, you will never have it. It will never come and you will just waste time waiting and hoping. Instead just do it! Be grateful and acknowledge your positive productivity. Then determine what you will do tomorrow. The next morning begin again. In this manner each day you close in on your destiny. Feel proud as you move forward.

You’ll get further along and closer to where you want to be. Soon you will arrive! Have fun along the way. Take it all lightly! Then the journey will be enjoyable and seem to pass more quickly.  Celebrate and delight in everything. Enjoy each moment. Why not? If you have to do it anyway, you might as well make the best of it, right? Okay, get moving!” Rex Sikes

Celebrate and plan today!

If you like these posts please subscribe. If you think these posts would help others please share them. Help Spread the word. 

Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW BLOG SITE LAUNCHES SOON – Do you get this blog emailed to you? You will have  to again subscribe to this blog, newsletter. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude!