Category Archives: Patience

Affirmations, Attitude, Autosuggestion, Beliefs, Celebration, Confidence, Emotions, Energy, Expectations, Faith, Flow, Focus, Gratitude, Happiness, Intentional Thinking, Mindset, Patience, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Rehearsal And Practice, Self Talk

Attitude Determines Your Altitude! The Importance Of Mindset.

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horizons a-blustery-blue-phil-koch

“What is your mindset? How is your attitude? Are you a victim or a victor? The difference is in how and what you think. What are your predominant thoughts? Henry Ford said, ‘whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.’ Someone else said, ‘your attitude determines your altitude’. So, do you have a champion’s attitude or not?

Here are some thoughts you may wish to incorporate to develop and maintain that winning mindset. These are just samples. Tailor them or create one’s that work for you. The key to making affirmations work is to state them emphatically with loads of positive emotion. Have fun, be enthusiastic and fill your mind and being with positive powerful thoughts. Repeat these frequently throughout each day.

What You Say Is What You Get

I always move forward to success. I burn my ship. I leave no way out. I remain dedicated. I am passionate. I am faithful. I am always convinced, faithful and expectant even when there is no evidence of progress. Even when it seems the tides are against me and nothing is working, I remain true.

I intensify my desire for making my dreams come true. While waiting I make progress every day. I take action.  I am steadfast. I know I will prevail. I make progress during the journey. I enjoy and celebrate every moment. My thoughts and my feelings are aligned. I am congruent in my desires.

My concentration, my focus, my energy, is singular and on my purpose. I want being and doing and having what I want to be dominant in my conscious and unconscious mind. I want to learn each second how to be more positive, powerful, and purposeful. I am accepting, allowing and receptive. I am magnificent!

What You Say Is What You Get

I go after what I want fully. No way out. No excuses. No doubts or fears, but positive in every atom, ever cell, every fiber of my being. I want to believe in myself and discover that I am truly an emperor inside and out. I am a winner and a champion. I am a victor. I will never allow myself to be a victim of others, circumstances, events, or my own thinking.

I will be triumphant. I will win, conquer and evolve. I will succeed in ways currently beyond the limits of my imagination and discover myself delighted along the way.  I will celebrate and be grateful for everything always. Whatever IS is! I will look at the good within, and find it. I will celebrate because that IS what is in the moment.

What I cannot yet see is all the unexpected good coming my way. Goodness comes to me. I always land on my feet. I always win even in ways I don’t completely understand. Adversity has always been my friend even when I didn’t embrace it. There is always something marvelous to find. Seek and I will find it. Knock and it will be opened. I do and it is! I will keep an open mind and an open heart.

 Affirm Yourself – Declare What Is – Make It Happen – And So It Is

Remember to  ask.  Seek and continue to knock until you have the response from the universe you seek. Put your order in. Claim it. Wait for it as you do a meal in a cafe. Behind the scenes everything is being prepared. They are making a dish from your orders. They will deliver it. You only need to enjoy the time waiting. It is coming! It is yours!” Rex Sikes

Today is my day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Attitude, Creating The Future, Energy, Faith, Focus, Habit Formation, Intentional Thinking, Law Of Attraction, Mindset, Patience, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Self Improvement, Trust

Time Is Not The Enemy But Your Friend

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Horizons wandering-phil-koch

“You have changes you want to make in your career or your life. Perhaps, you are going through difficult times. You want relief. You have developed a better attitude and are moving in the right direction. Only it doesn’t seem fast enough, right?

Some people who learn about Intentional Creation, Positive Thinking, or the Law of Attraction give it a try and if they don’t get immediate success decide whatever they are doing isn’t working and abandon it. They want improvement overnight.

Instead of hanging in there they claim whatever they tried didn’t work, or at least not for them. No one can estimate the time it will take for you, because no one else is you. I can’t tell you how well, or even if, you actually apply the principles.

The More We Do The More We Can Do

My assessment of you doesn’t matter. Next concept. It takes whatever time it takes for a seed to grow and to flower. I’m sure you already understand this. Everything takes some time. Why is the question? One answer is because it does. Get over it already.

Another is, you actually wouldn’t be happy with immediate manifestation because it would work both ways. Instant success or failure depending on what your predominantly thinking. So that is why it takes some time to manifest. Be thankful in this regard.

I think there is a much better reason. Not because anyone ordains it the answer, but it just seems to work this way. The reason things take time is so that you can get to be better. The reason things take time is so it is attributable to YOUR efforts and not luck or accident.

Time Shows Us What Really Matters

Things don’t manifest right away to give you practice. Time allows you to develop good habits. You can build the habit of right thinking. Otherwise, you would think it is luck and you don’t benefit from luck. You greatest benefit is from truly conditioning your mind.

Once you condition your mind, once you learn how to control your thinking then anything can be yours. You become more powerful, and wise through experience BECAUSE things take time. You evolve and develop your attitude, abilities and talents. You improve!

The more we do the more we can do is one of my favorite sayings. Things take time so we can grow and develop our skills to become more of whomever and whatever we want to be. We learn the nuance of great power and deliberate attention and control.

The Way We Spend Our Time Defines Who We Are

When things don’t work out fast I accept, perhaps, I need to learn more patience while pursuing my goal. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. One can be patient and continue to act in one’s behalf. Some people haven’t learned this. Maybe, it is time to.

When things are troublesome or downright tough, perhaps, we learn persistence or the ability to be joyful anyway. When money is tight and debt looms we learn to think and focus on abundance instead. We learn concentration and where and how to focus our energy.

I am not saying there is a god or design to this. There very well may be, but that part doesn’t matter for my explanation. It is through trials we become stronger and well seasoned. We get more back than we could ever imagine. So, I say bring it! I want to learn.

Time Teaches Us How To Live

We learn patience, faith and trust and much more when things take longer. If it is wham, bam, thank you… it just isn’t as satisfying in the long run. Immediate results don’t always benefit us overall. We live life while waiting for actual seeds to sprout. That applies here too.

While we wait and see things through, life continues. We continue to exercise out focus to keep our attention on what we want even when it doesn’t seem to be happening. We build so many character muscles this way. We can improve in so many different dimensions.

I want to improve. I want to get better at what I have learned to do. I want mastery not accidental results. I want to learn to stick it out and make it happen and live the utmost! I don’t merely want to escape what is, if I don’t it. I want to rule what is. Don’y you?

You Are Where Your Thoughts Have Brought You

I have noticed that I am better off and far more happier because things didn’t manifest how or when I had hoped. I have become aware that I am far more delighted and well off because I went through some tough or long times without a quick remedy.

I have learned to be happy without regard to what is going on. Things can be tough or easy and that doesn’t change my happiness. It isn’t acquisition of money, things or people that make me happy but since I am happy I seem to be able to acquire and appreciate those even more. Happiness first is what time has helped me to be.

Time is not the enemy some people think it is. It can be a wonderful and useful friend. Learn to embrace it. Lean to embrace all things and life becomes much more wonderful. Time gives you more opportunities than you can even imagine. Become aware. Seek and you will find them. Meanwhile, celebrate everything!” Rex Sikes

Have a wonderful day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Act As If, Attitude, Creating The Future, Definite Chief Purpose, Intentional Thinking, Law Of Attraction, Mindset, Patience, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Success

Not Able To Get Law Of Attraction To Work? Well, Guess What!

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“Frustrated? Not able to get your career or life goals together? That darn Law of Attraction stuff doesn’t work. Well, does it? Have you been asked this question? Law of attraction not working for you?Perhaps, after giving it a shot, that was your conclusion.

Well, guess what? That premise is all wrong. Let me explain.

The Law Of Attraction is one of many laws. Laws, such as the Law of Gravity or the Law of Lift, always work. They do not work sometimes and then not at other times. They always work! Prior to humankind flying one might have said the law of lift doesn’t work except for birds.

The law of attraction is always working. It never stops working. If you are not getting what you want it is not because the law of attraction doesn’t work. It is because you are attracting the wrong things. The attraction is pulling in what you do not want.

Gravity Is Always Working

Consider the law of attraction as the law of gravity because that is what gravity is. Attraction. Little bodies pulled toward larger bodies. You are simply pulling in the stuff you would prefer you didn’t. Hey, it is not your fault. Like the rest of us, you grew up uninformed.

It isn’t your fault. Do not blame yourself. BUT you are responsible. That sounds like a contradiction but it is not. Don’t blame anyone or anything if you haven’t got it to work in your favor, yet. You can and you will if you start doing the correct things today. It is up to you!

Stop paying attention, concentrating, giving energy to, concerning yourself with anything you don’t want to have more of. Poor health, bills, poverty, distress, bad relationships, awful job, whatever! Stop giving anything you don’t want more back of any thought at all.

You Attract What You Are 

Switch your focus to what you DO want. Concentrate and put your energy on what you do want to attract. Yes, you still have to pay your bills but learn to do so gladly. You will stay pay them when you have all the money so accept that. Pay them gladly, monitor your mind. Attitude is everything. Develop a rich attitude! Mindset rules!

Being upset about you bills, debt, lack of money or poverty won’t help you get out of it. Doing something about it will. What can you do? You first start with your mind and your attitude. You decide that instead of being poor you are rich. That you have plenty. Life is good. There is plenty to go around and you have your share of it.

Focus on this. Imagine yourself already with all the money you need. Living the good life. Bills taken care of. Leisure time and pleasure accounted for. Doing what you want and when. THIS is what you can focus on. Visualize it and affirm it. Live it now in your mind!

Your Thoughts Determine Your Destiny

Why? Because when you do, AND if it makes you feel good to imagine living your dream, then you are sending a clear message to your subconscious mind that THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT MORE OF! Tell your brain what you want NOT what you don’t want.

The law is working you have just been applying it in the wrong way. If you don’t take charge of it you brain runs on default. It gives you whatever it learned to give you while growing up. It mirrors your mindset. It produces more and more of the same.  It gives you the crappy beliefs and programming you adopted and re-produces it.

THAT is WHY the statement – ‘doing the same thing over again but expecting a different result IS the definition of insanity.’ It is why the statement exists, ‘if you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.’ In order to get something else you must do something else! It is up to you! You ARE responsible.

What You Think You Create

In order to steer the law of attraction, because truthfully that is all you can do, you must take charge. You can’t turn it on or off you can only direct it. In order to direct it to get what you prefer your attention has to be on what you prefer exclusively. You have to let go and ignore the rest. Energy flows where your attention goes.

Many people try it and think positive for a few minutes and then fall back into their old default ways. Either they think negative or neutral which amounts to thinking the same thing. In order to create the life you want you must be mostly positive and focused on what you want, most of your time. Stop defeatist thinking. Think winner!

You must think positive and feel positive most of all your time. So learning to make the law of attraction work for you is learning to be more positive more of your waking hours. Frequently, think positive and focus on what you want during your waking hours. Quality and quantity are the rule.

What You Feel You Attract

Focus on what you don’t yet have, the invisible good in your future, as if you already have it. Ignore the present conditions and circumstances. Why? Because your present circumstances are the results of your former or prior thinking. Literally, from your past.

You have been too focused on what you didn’t want, or you didn’t focus on anything at all. Which is why you got poor results you don’t like. If you don’t run your brain your brain runs you. It learned to do all sorts or crummy, useless things. It does it reliably. Habitually!

Now you have the opportunity to change it. It is very simple but not always easy. Actually, it will be whatever you believe it to be. If you believe it difficult well, then it most likely will be. It is always only up to you. Only you make it work! Your present thinking will become your future reality.

What You Imagine You Become

No one can do it for you. Only you can transform you mindset to develop a winning, champion, creator attitude. If you want the best in life it begins with the best thoughts and feelings inside you. From within to without. Then you create and attract that best of everything.

You brain assists you. You brain evolves by how you think. Think positive and increase and your brain finds ways and examples and opportunities to have more of that. Think negative and decrease and you brain will find all those reasons and examples too.

The bottom line is the law of attraction never stops working. You can only, and only YOU can, steer it in the direction you want to move in. It is up to you what you get back. If you decide to be a positive, ‘I can do anything’ person you will be. Your decision.

The Only Limitations There Are Exist In Your Thinking 

Be patient though, it won’t work overnight. Your brain will change too! It will evolve to be more positive. Your brain changes with you! You are either negative with a negative brain or you become positive and your brain becomes positive too. Then it gets easier to be positive. Whichever you choose, gets easier.

Everything takes some time. Trees grow from seeds. Your results grow from your  thoughts in the same fashion. You condition your mind to be healthy the same way you condition your body to be healthy; over time by repeated exercise. If you exercise your mind right you can have whatever you desire. It works this way!

The law of attraction has its own timeline, not yours. Those of you who tried it for awhile and then threw in the towel; you quit! That is all. You decided you had tried it and now you were finished trying because you didn’t get results as soon as you thought you should. You gave up and blamed the process. Pretty normal.

Anything Can Be Possible

You can’t force the seed to grow faster. You can’t force the cake to bake sooner. It takes whatever time it takes. You can accelerate it some by how much effort you devote to making it work. You can accelerate it some by getting out of your own way and not setting conditions on it. It responds well to the proper nourishment.

You need to do the work and let the outcome go. If you keep at it you will eventually get there, come what may. You just have to keep traveling in the direction of your desired dream, for as long as it takes to get there. IF it is worth it to you, ultimately you will.

If you absolutely have to have it, you will do whatever positive things you can do, that are necessary, to keep you working towards achieving your goal. You won’t quit if you must, absolutely must, have it. Napoleon Hill said, ‘whatever the mind can conceive and believe you can achieve.’

Take Charge Of Your Mind And Your Life

Notice, he didn’t say you will achieve it. He said you CAN because whether or not you will is completely up to YOU. Only you will make it happen. If you marshall your resources and keep going until you do achieve it. That is the reality of it. You can if you will.  Will you?

Learn how to do it. Invest your time, energy and even your money in yourself. Learn to make it work for you because it is already working. Go where you want to go. Be the person in charge of your mind, your feelings and your life. Decide and then follow through!

If you are truly wise and smart you will realize the law of attraction is you. It is your mindset and your will. It is your determination that sees you through to the conclusion. It is not some magical force outside you that changes circumstance.

Take 100% Responsibility For What You Create

YOU are the force. It is all within you. Either YOU make it happen or you do not. You either bring it about or quit and accept whatever is. Either way, you are the law of attraction. Remember always, it is up to you! Only you!” Rex Sikes

Count today as a good one!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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Attitude, Beliefs, Emotions, Energy, Expectations, Focus, Forgiveness, Getting Over The Past, Gratitude, Habit Formation, Happiness, Intentional Thinking, Joy, Mental Movie Theater, Mindset, Overcoming Difficulty, Patience, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Self Talk, Success, Visualization

What You Need To Know About Negativity And Depression

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horizons an-audience-of-one-phil-koch

“Do you sometimes feel change is hard? Have you felt overwhelmed at times? We all go through it at different points in our life.  Someone who read my blog elsewhere reached out saying ‘great post’ and ‘thanks’. He then described some personal history and how he worked hard to make changes. I thought I’d share my reply.

‘Thanks for speaking out. Yes, I agree there is a way to use doubts fears and negative feelings. The best way is as an alert signal that let’s us know something is amiss with our thinking and that we need to change it.

We need to re-aim it so we think and feel better. So whenever we feel less than glorious that is the body’s way of saying ‘hey change your thinking. stop thinking about what you don’t want and begin to think positive!’

If we were always contented with love and non-critical we would probably never change. Why would we if we are always satisfied. So dissatisfaction has a place too. The trick is learning to be dissatisfied without being cruel to ourselves or others.

To love and nourish, to nurture ourselves when times are good and not so good is important. It has been reported for sometime now, by researchers, that too much right brain activity may be the cause of depressive feelings.

Many artists, of all types, display right brained dominance or that tendency. Happiness is mostly a left brain function. It is literally what we say to our self and how we say it. The words and the tone. The left hemisphere is the seat of our ability to understand and speak language.

How we talk to ourselves is important. Unfortunately, many of us, have made less than glorious self-talk a habit. This does result in feeling less than glorious too. Monitoring and changing what we say is important to be able to change and feel better.

It is is a conditioning process. It requires mental exercise or practice similar to physical exercise or practice. That means replacing a bad chronic habit with a better, more productive habit.That takes effort but it can be done.

It takes consistent effort and dedication. It is simple but not always easy. Similar to exercise you have to do it repeatedly, for long enough, before you begin to see results and then keep doing it to further develop and then maintain the results.

A lot of people don’t realize how truly wonderful they are. They don’t appreciate how strong they are or how much they have already overcome. They should fully appreciate themselves for it.

I believe credit where credit is due. If you make a mistake, own up and at the same time forgive yourself. A mistake is just a mistake. Take it easy. Be gentle and compassionate. Never critical or harsh.

Anyone who suffers or has suffered from negativity and reports on it is already a winner! It means somewhere inside the person there is more than enough resourcefulness to get through it. There is a very strong and resourceful person to make it through the tough times.

This is great when you think about it! EVEN thought times have been incredibly difficult the person has been victorious. I hope that you, and others realize that. When you over come difficult times pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a hug and some praise.

If you attempted to overcome some difficulties but didn’t do so well at the time, give yourself a hug and some praise for trying. Encourage and nurture yourself along. This is very important. Say nice things to yourself. Make this a a habit.

The brain is very adaptable and can and will make changes. It may have wired in some old negative programming, depressive thoughts, anxious or fearful thoughts in the past, but those can be changed. They really can be changed. We don’t have to be held captive by the past or by our conditioning or by our genes.

Science has made some great strides forward. It takes time for the word to disseminate before enough people actually understand what the updates are. Research in neuroscience actually does point out that it is really true.

If you choose to think different thoughts, positive thoughts, even though it may seem tough, it is a choice you can make and force if you have to, it will make a large positive difference in time.You must do it again and again, by sheer force if necessary, as much as you can.

Think happy, positive, optimistic changes and you will re-wire the brain for more happiness. The brain is adaptable and responsive to this. Think happy thoughts speak happy thoughts. The reason most people don’t is because can be tough, or at least seems like it is.

Your brain can be re-wired! Talk to yourself nicely, all the time, that is the major way to start. Create nice supportive, positive self-talk and enjoy and celebrate everything. You have been victorious through difficult times.

As someone who is a victor, you can continue to move forward. While difficult at first it can get easier through time if you know what to do and then actually do it. People need to know that it IS possible to learn the knack of transforming less than glorious times more easily than they might think.

You have already done it. Be sure to take inventory of your talents, skills, abilities and resourcefulness in doing this. Appreciate yourself for accomplishing this. Add to it if you wish but know that you proven to yourself that YOU are able. I think that is marvelous.

Thanks for commenting and all the best wishes! Stay in touch if you like.'” Rex Sikes

Enjoy today!!

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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!

Acceptance, Attitude, Celebration, Faith, Flow, Gratitude, Happiness, Joy, Love, Mindset, Patience, Positive Thinking, Responsibility

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

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horizons it-is-phil-koch

“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!

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!

Attitude, Beliefs, Creating The Future, Definite Chief Purpose, Expectations, Faith, Focus, Goals, Intentional Thinking, Mindset, Patience, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Talk

The Secret To Wealth: What A Surgeon Learned From A Poor Coal Miner

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horizons journeys-end-phil-koch

“Wouldn’t you like to believe you can succeed no matter what and then actually succeed? Don’t you want to believe you deserve of all good things and riches? What if you could develop a powerful, unstoppable mindset, would that be worth it to you?

Your beliefs determine whether you will succeed or fail. You will only go so far as the limitation of your own thinking. You won’t do what you don’t believe is possible for you to do. Whatever you believe determines the results you get in the world.

I have shared principles and approaches so you can work with your beliefs. Go back through this blog site re-read and study these articles. Learn to uncover and challenge your own beliefs when they limit you and you will have learned something of great value.

Our beliefs form the framework, the window, that we look at the world from. It is important we develop powerful and positive beliefs to see us through any hardship on the way to accomplish our goals. Wouldn’t you like to have your beliefs support you?

Author, researcher, lecturer Joseph Murphy related a wonderful and powerful story which I paraphrase here. I love this story. Perhaps, you will too.  We can learn much about ourselves from others experiences. This biographical tale was told to him by  an Irish surgeon, the son of a poor coal miner.

A Surgeon’s Tale

As the story goes, the miner and his family were very poor. Barely able to make ends meet, fruit and meat appeared on their dinner table twice a year for the holidays.

Mostly, they existed on potatoes, tea and buttermilk. The young son went to school barefoot because they could not afford to buy him shoes.

One day the boy announced to his father that he wanted to become a surgeon, because one of his schoolmates had cataracts removed and he, too, wanted to help people, as his classmate had been helped.

His father spoke these words. ‘Son I have saved and put aside 3000 pounds over 25 years for your education. It is yours but I prefer you do not touch it until you complete medical school. Then use it to open a nice office in a good section of town.

Meanwhile, it will draw interest, and upon your graduation it will make a nice egg for you. Leave it in the bank and let it accumulate.’ The young boy was thrilled.

He never expected such a wonderful gift. He promised to never touch the money until he graduated from medical school. He worked and scrimped. He  made his way through medical school on his own. He worked in a pharmacy in the evening.

He worked holidays. He earned money teaching classes in pharmacology and chemistry at the medical college. His goal was to live up to the vow he made his father that he would never touch the waiting money.

On his graduation day his father told him, ‘Son, I’ve been a poor miner all my life. I have gotten nowhere but you, I am so proud of you. You have put yourself through college and have graduated. I must tell you something.

There is not one shilling, nor one penny saved for you in a bank. There never was. I wanted you to dig deep inside yourself and discover the treasures there within. These treasures are limitless, inexhaustible and eternal.’

The surgeon told Murphy, his mind was blown for a moment. He was dumbfounded and unable to speak. It took a few moments to recover but then both, he and his father, had a hearty belly laugh. He got it. He understood what his father wanted him to learn on his own.

The father wanted his son to develop and appreciate the feeling wealth made possible by the thought that he had lot money in the bank to back him up, if needed. His father understood the value of a healthy mindset.

Because he believed he had that money, he told Murphy, this gave him the courage, the faith and the confidence to accomplish his dream of becoming a surgeon. He pushed ahead. He worked hard to make it happen and to keep his promise.

He said his belief in the money being there had accomplished this purpose just as well as if it had actually been deposited by his father. His belief saw him through to the end. He told Murphy that everything he accomplished was a symbol of his conviction, faith, commitment and vision.

‘For everyman in the world, the secret of success, achievement and fulfillment of his goal in life lies in the discovery of the miraculous power of thought and feeling. Our surgeon friend, ACTED CONFIDENTLY, just as if the money had always been there!’ Joseph Murphy.  From his book, Your Infinite Power To Be Rich.

Attitude Determines Your Altitude

I love this story! Don’t you? Celebrate and enjoy! How might you begin to develop positive beliefs that serve you in like fashion? Beliefs are thoughts we think over and over again and ultimately accept as if true. They may not be true at all, as in this case.

What can you do to believe the best about you? As I have stated many times, if you don’t like the TV show you are watching you change the channel to something better. The same is true of your thoughts. Make your thoughts and feelings work for you!

Switch negative limiting beliefs and feelings to positive, productive, enjoyable thoughts and feelings. Change the focus of your thinking. Withdraw your energy from the less than glorious and put your energy, focus and concentration on what you want instead.

If you knew you would succeed, no matter what, if you worked at it, would you try? Would you try harder? If you knew you couldn’t fail would this help propel you? If not this, what would? What beliefs do you need to have in place in order to accomplish everything you want?

You can develop those and believe them! Put autosuggestion and affirmations to work for you. Develop the very beliefs you need. Many times, I have shared with you how you can put this practice to work for you. The question is, will you?” Rex Sikes

What wonderful discovers can you make today?

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Do You Have What It Takes To Succeed Big?

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“People who acquire the ability to take full possession of their mind may take possession of everything else to which they are justly entitled.” said Napoleon Hill.

Hill studied over 500 of the most successful and richest people worldwide of his day, given entry from Andrew Carnegie who commissioned him to make the study.

From the study of the 500 certain behaviors, principles and laws, were extracted. These were then tested. Taught to others to see if they too could get the same or similar results. They did. It worked! Hill’s offering changed the world for many!

If It Is Possible For One Person It Is Possible For Any Person

Napoleon Hill, through his works and books, has been said to be responsible for the success and creation of more millionaires in history than anyone else. His works are just as relevant and applicable today as they were 80 years ago.

Hill and others have encouraged people to take possession of their own mind and make it give them the life they want. He taught how to develop and control one’s mind. It is the ONE thing in the universe over which a person MAY have complete control.

It is not unlike taming a wild beast. It takes dedication, patience and love. It takes persistence, repetition and reward. It may not be easy at times. The beast may appear to win some of the time but you must be in charge. The effort pays off big for those willing to pay the price.

Your Past Does Not Equal Your Future

It does not come cheap said  Hill. It costs you your time, energy, devotion and takes as long as it takes any individual. Some will be quicker than others for no known or apparent reason. If you are willing to commit to it, once learned, you can write your own ticket.

Through the process you control your mind, your emotions and learn how to aim and direct your mental faculties and behaviors at becoming successful. You must learn how to use your mind in a particular fashion.

The first step in becoming successful is knowing your Definite Chief Purpose in life. What are you born to do? Why are you here? What brings you the greatest amount of pleasure? What could you not live without doing or being?

You Must Be Willing To Pay The Price For Success

Through self examination, questioning, and reflection you determine you purpose. From there you set goals that are consistent with you fulfilling that purpose.  These goals can be stepping stones or rungs of the ladder to your ultimate destination.

You must want this more than anything. It must consume you. You must think on it day and night. You must imagine yourself already in possession of the good you desire. See, hear and feel your wants fulfilled. Visualize and affirm your success most of your time!

Feel those incredible feelings of gratitude and appreciation. It is through repeatedly thinking positively about it and feeling the good feelings you get your subconscious mind working on your behalf. Your subconscious is the gateway to getting your desires.

Correct Repetition Forms Reliable Positive Habits

It requires constant focus and repetition. You need to acquire the ability to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay focused on the acquisition of your desire regardless of what and while present circumstances may be contradictory.

You do that by developing an active faith. Not a religious belief in icons but the tenacious belief that you will have what you want. Because you KNOW someday you will have what you want you continue to strive toward making it happen without quitting.

One of the powerful practices to assist you along the way isn creating value for others. Going the extra mile or doing more than is expected of you, or more than your are being paid for AND following the Golden rule are critical.

Mastery Is An Ongoing Process Not A One Time Event

Through these practices and by developing and maintaining a pleasing personality Hill says you can attract to yourself others who are interested in helping you, support you and even invest in you or provide capital for your ventures.

You form a Master Mind Alliance. A small collection of  members are all of one deep abiding accord and work together in perfect harmony. Perfect Harmony is the key. The Master Mind works together in pursuit of one common goal in perfect harmony.

Otherwise, it is a mere collection of people interested in a topic It is popular these days since the term sounds important. These are not real mastermind alliances.  The true Master Mind Alliance exponentially enhances the members resources and abilities.

Success Breeds Success

It can because each member has different abilities pertinent to your pursuit. A Master Mind Alliance assembles based on the resources you need to fulfill your purpose. It’s not a club. A real Master Mind opens up incredible doorways you can’t begin to imagine.

Hill states that by cultivating these qualities and the ability to be a leader of your own self, make quick decisions based on accurate thinking and evidence, not gossip or opinion are important ingredients for making what you want to happen.

A leader must inspire others and must be willing to do whatever is asked of followers. A leader has to have a quality mindset and remain positive even when defeat appears imminent. One can not give up and run.

Learning: The More You Do The More You Are Able To Do

All in all Hills work is the science for learning how to make your career, your finances, your relationships and your life what you want them to be. It is simple but not always easy.

You must keep going and never quit. You develop the mind skills to learn from challenges instead of letting them defeat you. You pay a high price for all this but in the end the reward outweighs the price you paid.

Few will every take the journey. Many will begin but few will follow through. It is action and follow through that is important. If you want to drive to visit New York City you must keep going until you get there.

All Challenges Are Temporary – Failure Occurs When You Quit

If you quit anywhere along the way the truth is you stopped traveling toward you destination. You quit or gave up, whatever the reason. Some will say it is too difficult and never begin. Others will say it is all about money or not their values.

Everyone will have their own reason why or why not their life works or it doesn’t. Excuses and blaming others or circumstances will never get you the life or the riches or the relationships you desire. You must realize that.

Do not put it off until everything is right, or until you have enough knowledge, or friends, or money or whatever EXCUSE you use to delay moving forward, only DELAYS moving forward. The time is never right. The time is always NOW. There is no other time.

Now Is The Time – Right Here Is The Place – There Is No Other

Begin today. right where you are. You have everything you need right there within you to be a huge success. Yes, of course, you don’t believe it and you don’t know where it is otherwise you’d already be that big success. BUT YOU DO. Yes, it is like an acorn seed.

Everything about the mighty oak is contained in the seed. It simply has to be released. If released and nourished it will become an incredible oak tree. You will succeed when you release your inner resources and abilities and nourish those along the way.

Lastly, those who succeed, aren’t greedy. The true success doesn’t step on or crush others to win. The true success doesn’t need to. The genuine success celebrates the advancement of others, is not envious but realizes success never happens in isolation.

Success Never Happens Alone It Takes Cooperation From Others

It take others to succeed. The truly successful person succeeds with others and brings them along too. Celebration, gratitude and appreciation are inherent within those who are genuine. Enjoy being successful with others. Help them along.

Encourage and support. Reciprocate. Be kind, understanding and loving with people. Be relentless in your pursuit of your Definite Chief Purpose. Embody the principles, take possession of your mind and you can write your own ticket!” Rex Sikes

It is your day! How will you spend it?

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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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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It’s A New Year! Life Plans Change. So What? Do This

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“What do you do when life throws your a curve ball? Something happens other than what you hoped for. Everything gets shaken up a bit. You have an opportunity to go with the changes or try to fight to keep the old way from slipping away. What do you do? You can react or respond to whatever is happening.

It was New Year’s Eve and I was to dinner party with dear friends. I purchased a nice bottle of wine and some expensive cheese to bring. I was looking forward to the evening with fine people. I prepared, got ready and went out the door. The evening cold, in the 20s. F

I got about 2 blocks from the house and noticed the car ride a bit strange. I stopped, got out, but since it was dark I couldn’t see behind the headlights. I felt the passenger side front tire and it was pretty pancaked. I had a flat. Luckily, there is a service station another couple blocks.

Sometimes Things Don’t Go As Planned

If I can get there without slicing up the tire, great. I can purchase a can of ‘fix a flat’ hope that works and fill the tire with air and be on my way. I get there and park near the air pump. I go in to borrow a tire gauge and get the can of tire foam. These station doesn’t sell anything like that, I am told. WOW! Well okay, I actually have one in my car.

BUT it is too cold to use. I try but nothing will come out. So I go for the air. Nope, the pins don’t line up and the air won’t go in. My hands at this point are becoming numb. A guy, in a truck, pulls up, asks me what’s wrong. Turns out he overheard me while in the station trying to secure a warm can of ‘fix a flat’. He throws a spot on.

He tries to put air in the tire too. Nope, it is not going in. My hands hurt. He says, ‘why not leave it here. It is open 24 hours. I’ll give you a lift home.’ I move the car, grab the wine, but drop it, it shatters. Grab the cheese and go in to return the gage. Turns out I can keep the car there but not where I parked it. So I move it.

Do You React Or Respond

I get in Kevin’s truck. I asked his name, told him mine, we shook hands. ‘Do you like cheese?’ I asked the odd ball question. ‘Here is some nice cheese’. And I put it on his console. He drove me home. I said thanks and Happy New Year. Entered the house. Called my daughter, wished her a nice evening and hunkered down.

New Years Day, I have a date with a tow truck. Hopefully, I can get the tire fixed or replaced. I could have called a tow truck, put on spare and traveled on, but really didn’t want to spend time waiting in a gas station. I could have. Home was more comfortable. I called my friends, told my host the news, apologized, and enjoyed some time alone.

What IS is. What to do about it? I was pleased none of this ruffled my feathers. Years back, I would not have been so even about it. I would have reacted poorly. Now, this time, it was different. More how I would hope it to be. Still, I did nothing special other than accept what was going on. I simply responded to what was happening.

Do You Like Cheese

I was quickly able to realize this is what IS. There is no reason to fight it or be dismayed. No reason to curse or swear or get upset because things went differently than anticipated. Maybe something good will come of this I can’t yet see. Who knows? Maybe maybe not.

My practice of surrender on the roadway seems to be paying off. You can find it within this blog in other posts of mine. I have mentioned it before.  BUT in a nutshell here it is:

I have a theory that the best modern day opportunity to learn surrender and ‘going with the flow’ is in traffic. If anything presses our buttons it is getting stuck, a’hole drivers going to fast or riding our ass. Stupid slow drivers who can’t move fast enough or turn and get out of our way. Yup, traffic is a great place to let it all go.

Some may be tempted to think, ‘well that NYE thingee really is all that big of deal’ and no it wasn’t. Rehearse and practice acceptance with little things, and you can inch your way up to bigger things. Practice letting go and accepting what is in traffic, and in everyday life.  Ultimately you build a habit of learning to respond.

Life Is Ultimately What You Make It

Fewer things will get us. We freak out less. We increase our batting average but we may never be perfect. OR maybe we will, who knows. It is pretty much going to be up to what we believe it will be like. Our expectations shape our reality. Life seems to be about learning and evolving. We learn to evolve to let go and enjoy more!

So, I watched some TV, read a little. I was going to open a bottle of wine and pour a glass but I didn’t. Soon, I fell asleep, just nodded off. New Year’s Eve came and went. I must have needed the rest. I woke at 2:39 am and realized I had yet to write my blog. Well, this is it. Happy New Year Everyone!!!

If you can’t change it don’t fight it. Accept it. There is something else available for you when you allow for it. I had a pleasant, uneventful evening at home. The year changed over and now wonderful new opportunities exist. They always exist! Opportunity is there when you need it. As are good samaritan’s, frequently. Thanks Kevin!” Rex Sikes

It is a new day! Celebrate!

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!

Act As If, Beliefs, Blessings, Celebration, Confidence, Creating The Future, Definite Chief Purpose, Emotions, Energy, Expectations, Faith, Focus, Goals, Intentional Thinking, Mindset, Patience, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Visualization

How You Can Take Hold Of Your Destiny

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horizons in-memory-of-phil-koch

“How do you remain faithful to your dream when there is absolutely no evidence, yet, you can accomplish it? Not giving up  when nothing appears to be happening is probably the most difficult concept for people to embrace. Most people want immediate results, they feel they need to know what they are doing is working. If it isn’t they want to change direction and quickly.

Edwin C. Barnes, according to Napoleon Hill, in Think And Grow Rich, waited patiently for FIVE years. He never gave up or doubted. He worked a menial job with no outer evidence he would ever get what he wanted. During those five years Barnes remained true to his dream. He steadfastly focused on his goal.

Instead of seeking something else to do, instead of quitting, he intensified his desire! I repeat, he intensified his desire to have what he came for. He kept his dream alive within and felt it even more strongly. How do you remain faithful to your dream when there is no evidence you can accomplish it?

Perception Is Everything

You do what Barnes did. You intensify the desire. You keep the faith, keep doing and wait patiently. Patience is considered a virtue? How we wait determines our entire experience. How we wait truly matters! We can complain the entire time, blame, whine, weep, be fearful, angry and stressed out. This is often the experience of people stuck in traffic. Consider the following.

Traffic is stopped. You cannot get to your destination as you thought you would. What is there to do? Surrounded by stopped vehicles there is nothing you can do to move your vehicle. You are stuck. You just have to wait it out. How you wait is critical. It is critical to your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and well being. Many freak out.

Faith is the belief in things not seen. Some call that crazy. Atheists, and skeptics say it is not rational. You are wasting your time. The same kind of  thinkers said, ‘we don’t need a horseless carriage my horse is good enough’. ‘We don’t need an electric light bulb we’ve oil lamps’, and ‘We will never fly that is only for birds’.

All Things Work Together For Good

I am not talking about faith in an unseen god but about belief in yourself. Belief in your ability to make your future how you want it to be when nothing appears likely. I am talking about being true to your dreams when all physical reality runs counter. You have mountains of bills and debt but your dominant dream is wealth and financial freedom.

There are countless stories of people broke and down and out, who don’t have two nickels to rub together. They failed multiple times, again and again, but still climbed out of the cesspool of troubles into freedom and a life they now enjoy. There are more of these examples than you or I can ever imagine.

There are billions of dollars in flow, circulating the globe every second, if you don’t have a share it is only because you chose not to. There are 7 billion people on the planet. If you are lonely, it is only because, somehow, you chose to be alone. How can it be otherwise? With all that is possibly available if you don’t have, why not? The answer has to be YOU. That is okay, don’t fret.

If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me And No One Else

Determine what you want. Then claim what you want. Imagine yourself, already in possession of all the good you want for yourself. See yourself financially free with enough money to do the things you want to do. Imagine it happening right now not in the future some time. See yourself already in the perfect relationship, loving the partner right for you. Feel all the wonderful feelings.

Stay fast and true.  Remain fast and true even while times run counter to what you want. Remain convinced, keep you eye on the prize. Keep the faith.  Take even baby steps to make daily progress toward your dreams. When you do this eventually get them. SO HOW you wait is critical. What you do when nothing appears to be happening is extremely important!

Do you believe or doubt? Whichever it is you will get more the same. You get back whatever you put out there. YOU create more of the same! Either you will become more convinced or more doubtful. Which do you think works better for getting what you want in life? Some will say, ‘but… but… but’ because there is always some who will.

You Are Where Your Thoughts Take You

Some will say ‘but you have to be realistic’. Who says so? What does being realistic actually mean? Doe being realistic mean caving and giving up because it doesn’t yet look like you might be successful? Is that what you think realistic is? Do you think it is realistic to doubt yourself and your abilities more than believing in yourself?

Are there other ways to be realistic besides the way you think there are? Maybe you are only thinking along old chronic, habitual lines of thought that never served you very well. Perhaps, the reason you feel this is because you never thought differently or challenged yourself to go beyond these worn out thoughts.

Does realistic really mean doubting yourself is better than believing in yourself? Well, does it? Some will say, ‘but you might create false hope’. THAT is a stupid, silly notion. There is only hope or no hope. False hope means hoping against hope. That you may be disappointed by hoping. Disappointment is always a possibility.

Skill Comes From Doing

Would you rather try for something and get a little better and be disappointed or do nothing, remain the same and be disappointed? Which works better for your lifelong enjoyment?  Disappointment could be the very catalyst you need to catapult yourself into success and happiness.

Disappointment could be the ‘hitting rock bottom’ when you finally say, ‘never again’ or ‘I refuse to live like this’. Disappointment is when you ultimately clarify what you want and decide to never settle for what you do not want. Perhaps, it is far better to get disappointed than to be comfortable in laziness and to do nothing.

How you wait in the face of trying circumstances or when nothing seems to happen IS the measure of your character. How you wait defines you. How you waits tells others precisely who you are. How you wait reveals your true self to you, as well as, others. Everyone can see, although you may still be blinded by your own thoughts.

Habits Are Built By Repetition

Seeds germinate and the plants grow underground, in darkness, for a significant amount of time. There is lots going on but it is invisible to us. We can’t see it.  We wait for the plant to appear.. When you believe in yourself, when you live with the conviction that you will succeed, much is happening, inside that cannot be seen right now.

You just have to wait for it. So what do you do in the meantime? How do you spend your time. What if you knew that in five or ten years you would have everything you want what you would do in the meantime? How would you wait it out?

How would you live? What would you think? What would you do in the meantime. Would you bemoan the fact it hadn’t happened yet? Some would.   Would you be excited and eager for that coming day? Would you do anything different? Would you live every day fully during the troubled times or would you put off today for what tomorrow would bring?

The More We Do The More We Are Able To Do

Patience is a virtue for many reasons. Be patient and be persistent. Do what you can do to move forward. Continue to trust that you will succeed no matter what life seems to offer right now. Enjoy now, no matter how hard it is. This positive mindset, this  deliberate act of intentional thinking, will pay off for you big time. Enjoy now even when circumstances are tough. Have faith in better days.

When you can look at everything as a blessing, no matter what, you are free! You are powerful. You are capable of fulfilling your destiny. If you can find the seed of opportunity in adversity, if you can uncover the learning and keep going, then you are truly already blessed. You are blessed because you are one who can achieve anything.

Celebration, positive thoughts and feelings open the floodgates for more! What you put out you get back. What you sow you will reap. From one seed countless thousands of plants are possible. From your deliberate faith in the invisible, behind the scenes, positive action, great things can arise.

SO have faith! Be patient! Trust in yourself! There is more potential in having faith than not having faith.  When you stay true, and stay convinced in your abilities, though times seem to run counter, you will make you dreams come true.  Life is whatever you make it. How you make it what you want it to be starts within you. It begins with your thoughts. Control your thoughts and you will control your destiny.” Rex Sikes

Make today your day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

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