Category Archives: Self Improvement

Acceptance, Act As If, Affirmations, Autosuggestion, Beliefs, Confidence, Directed Questions™, Faith, Gratitude, Habit Formation, Intentional Thinking, Persistence, Personal Development, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Success, Trust

It Is Easier To Change Things Than You Think

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“We have been discussing beliefs. In my last post I mentioned that we would discuss changing beliefs. We can actually trade in our old limited ones for updates. It is easier than you may think. Instead of living from and getting poor results, we live from positive, powerful, tailor made beliefs and begin getting good results.

How do you change it? You tell yourself what you want to believe over and over and over again until you believe it! Repetition will make a habit. Our beliefs are only beliefs we have told ourselves again and again. Fortunately, though it seems difficult, beliefs can be easily changed.

Use the same method you did in the first place. Only this time chose a new, useful, positive belief that serves to get you what you want. Then repeat it again and again enthusiastically over time and you will come to believe it. THIS is how the military conditions minds.

Ask yourself, Directed Questions™ (see other posts on their use) and direct your mind to what you want. Ask again and again over time. Visualize yourself repeatedly already being, doing and having whatever it is you want. It is already yours. Act as if!

What you see you get! What you say you get! What you feel you get! Manage your imagination and see it fully! Manage your self talk and keep it nice. Speak only to bless, heal and prosper. Speak only to affirm what you want. Repeat your positive mantras over and over.

Feel it. Feel what it would feel like to have the perfect life. To already have the change you desire. Enjoy these feelings. Feel these feelings through out your day. Feel the best you can as much as you can. Think 80/20.

If you are feeling good and thinking good and speaking good 80% of your time I’d bet you are kicking serious butt. You are making your dreams come true. You are living an incredible life. AIM for it. You can make it happen. It is easy. DO IT. It is easier than you think.” Rex Sikes

Have a delightful day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Attitude, Beliefs, Creator, Decision, Expectations, Mindset, Personal Development, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Improvement

You Always Determine The Outcome!

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“We have been discussing beliefs. In my last post I mentioned that you are only one thought away from having what you want. I quoted Henry Ford.

‘Whether you think you can or you think you can’t; you are right.’

I mentioned the role of our Reticular Activating System. It finds proof for our beliefs.

I said, you are only a thought away!

Some readers, likely, thought, that is not true.

Others thought, yes, it is.

Some think, it is difficult to get what you want and unlikely.

Others think, it is easy and eminently possible.

And so it is!

Whichever you think you are right!

That IS Ford’s point!

What was your first thought? How did you react?

We’ll discuss how you change it the next time.” Rex SIkes

Have a beautiful day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Acceptance, Affirmations, Attitude, Beliefs, Celebration, Creating The Future, Energy, Faith, Focus, Gratitude, Intentional Thinking, Law Of Attraction, Mindset, Overcoming Difficulty, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Vibrations

Why Negative Things Happen To Positive People

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horizons pathway into sky

“A questioner asked me recently, ‘Why, if one is positive and practices the Law Of Attraction (LOA), do less than glorious things sometimes happen?’ Today, I am going to share an answer to this  question. This is my emailed reply. I delete the name and relevant details.

I don’t have all the answers. I only have my feelings for how some things may work or not. This was my answer to this individual. It is not meant to be a blanket answer to cover everything. Still, I hope it provides food for thought. Note: Bolded sentences were not part of the email answer to her. I use them here only.

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear about your accidents and glad you are alright. I have some thoughts but let me preface it by saying I am not at all sure they are correct or apply. BUT again, sorry to learn of your recent difficulties.

When You Don’t Know What To Do Celebrate And Be Glad

Having said that, yes, be grateful. Celebrate and be glad. Who knows why bad things happen to good people. They just do. It rains on the good and the bad – the sun shines on both too.

What to say? Perhaps, it is all still perfect in the scheme of things and you simply can’t see what is around the bend yet. One day looking back you may be able to connect the dots. For now it is obscured. That may be just the way it is. What to do?

Celebrate and be glad anyway. Expect good things to happen and for everything to work out for the best. Stay focused on the positive and what you want to create for yourself in your future. Don’t let present circumstances distract you. Keep the focus and the faith and persist.

One thing I learned to do, whether or not is is true or not. I learned to take 100% responsibility for everything that happens good or bad. That means if something bad happens I assume somehow I am responsible. MAYBE I am not but it doesn’t do me any good to try to find out who is or why or blame others.

Responsibility Is For Your Benefit – Really No Other Reason

I accept it as something I have created. It helps me to put my focus more clearly and steadily on the positive good I want to create.

Taking responsibility in this way puts me in charge and gives me power. I am not a victim but the architect of my story. If I created something bad then I can create something good. I can write the outcome more how I want it.

I don’t know why, when everything is going right, we get up and stub our toe. Maybe it is to keep us humble OR perhaps, without contrast,  we would loose sight of all the good.

Another theory is you are god and you create everything and the world is illusion. Everything that happens is an opportunity to remember your divinity. I don’t know if this is accurate or not either but heck, why not. It is just as reasonable an explanation as any other. (Though many people and religions will disagree).

We See Through A Mirror Dimly

Recently, within the past year, I wrote a blog about acceptance and going with the flow. I used freeway traffic, or any traffic, as an exercise to remember, and keep in mind, everything is perfect. For example, you are in a hurry, but traffic is not. You are stuck. You will be late you can’t do anything about it.

Well, you can suffer and burn, swear and hate. OR you can let go and think, ‘this is exactly where I am supposed to be right now stuck in traffic. I have choices. No matter what happens, from here on out, ultimately, it will all work out for me.’

So you get there late, you are fired. You can’t pay your bills, you lose your car…

We Can’t Know The End Of The Story…

We all have heard stories like this… actor down and out… penniless and homeless BUT never loses sight of what is important and one day while pushing their grocery cart they meet an agent and voila’ the rest is history.

OKAY, it’s a fairy tale. BUT looking back ,often times, people will say, ‘the best thing that ever happened…’ was this negative event. BECAUSE, ‘if it hadn’t then I never would have…’

And on it goes. Keep the faith. Stay positive. Perhaps, it is a test. A self test or from the universe. Who knows?  It’s a test to see if you can maintain a positive, grateful stance while things fall apart.

I don’t know. I don’t know the truth. BUT I do know this. If you are able to stay positive, in spite of it all,  AND you are able to maintain your focus and celebrate and be grateful for EVERYTHING, you are far ahead of many others, far ahead in the game of life, and you will ultimately attract more good things to you.

… Don’t Get Caught In A Chapter

If on the other hand you get negative and down and out and let it pull you down you will also attract more negativity. SO the choice is always yours and yours alone. As you stated, Like attracts like. So just make sure you attract what you intend to attract.

IF you created the incidents – cool – don’t get down on yourself. If you didn’t don’t get down on yourself or others or god or universe or whatever. Utilize this as an opportunity to grow stronger, more positive and have more faith in yourself.

Maintain  your positive attitude. Stay focused on what you have that you are grateful for. Focus on that which you enjoy and what you desire most. Make more good happen.

Find A Way To Feel The Best You Can Most Of The Time

It could have been residual hang over from a previous lapse. There is the theory that what we experience today we create a while back. What we create tomorrow comes from our thoughts today. SO keep focused and positive. Love yourself, love life, radiate delight.

I don’t think having a positive attitude means nothing bad ever happens. It means, when it does, we can triumph over it quicker and easier than otherwise. It also means that, for the most part, we attract wonderful things into our life.

It does not mean that everything necessarily becomes fairy tale perfect. TOO many gods running about on the planet for that to happen.

Don’t Get Caught Up In Why – Live, Love, Laugh

Enjoy everything. Live to the utmost. Laugh, love and enjoy. Spend most of your time there and little else will matter. YOU are a creator keep creating the good. You are a magnet keep attracting the good. Radiate light and vibrate high positive energy. Celebrate each minute.

Then we are free no matter what transpires. Should we fall down and get bummed out, so what, dust yourself off, get up and carry on. No one said we are 100% of the time perfectly happy or positive either.

I mentioned the theory that we are gods, creators, lost in illusion that we are not. We don’t remember our true divine nature. Whether, true or not, has some great lessons for us.

If we get caught up in illusion from time to time who cares?  That is part of the game we are playing with ourselves. The ultimate goal of this divine game is to remember we are gods and remember we have choice. Of course, the illusion is we don’t and that things may be bad.

Everything Is As It Is Perfect In Its Own Way

Everything is perfect in its own way. We just can’t figure it out yet. WHO knows what good those incidents may lead to (if any) but it doesn’t matter. Keep the focus and the faith and move forward.

I don’t know if any of this helps or provides you any comfort or direction. I am happy you reached out to me. I wish you the best in all things and encourage you to stay in touch. Hope the auditions go well too. Let me know your thoughts.” Rex Sikes

Each moment is a miracle!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches. Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Attitude, Focus, Habit Formation, Happiness, Personal Development, Positive Affirmations, Positive Thinking, Self Improvement, Self Talk

A Few Positive Sayings To Make Your Day!

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“Today, I have gathered a few of my favorite sayings. I hope you enjoy these.  Most of these come from posters that were made to adorn our workshop walls. 

We become what we think about.

To know and not to do is to not know.

Action is the proper fruit of knowlege.

The more we do the more we can do.

A mind stretched to a new idea can never go back to it’s original dimension.

If you really want to do something you find a way; If you don’t you find an excuse.

You are where your thoughts take you.

The happiest people don’t necessarily have everything. They just make the best  of everything.

It is astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen.

Our self image and our habits go together. Change one and you automatically change the other.

The common denominator of success — the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful — lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.

Be willing to listen to things about which you already know.

Every life has its dark and cheerful hours. Your level of happiness comes from choosing which to remember.

Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Well, there you go. Some of my favorite quotes off the top of my head. None of them are mind but they are one’s I like and remember. I hope these stimualte your thinking, inspire you and help you celebrate your day!” Rex Sikes

Make your day delightful!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter. Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Acceptance, Affirmations, Attitude, Autosuggestion, Creating The Future, Energy, Expectations, Focus, Gratitude, Habit Formation, Intentional Thinking, Law Of Attraction, Overcoming Difficulty, Persistence, Positive Affirmations, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Self Talk, Success, Visualization

Success Tips & Principles You Can Use For Your Career & Life! (Audio Blog)

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horizons rows of green and yellow skky

“Today, I thought I would post an audio blog. This mp3 is on success tips and principles you can immediately use. I hope you enjoy listening instead of reading today. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

Why did I record this. For those of you who don’t know I do an internet radio show, available as a podcast on itunes, called Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat. The purpose of that program is to assist filmmakers and actors by discussing movie and TV production from A-Z with working professionals. It is a marvelous learning program.

On this particular show day my guest did not appear. Rather than cancel I decided to use the time, on the spot, to share some important success principles I have used through the years.

This recording is completely extemporaneous. I spoke off the cuff, as it was not at all planned. I am seated at my microphone and am fairly subdued or laid back.

There are some show comments regarding my guest not showing up and then I start discussing success principles as a topic at  about 5:48 into the recording. You can skip the beginning or you can listen to the entire program.

Regardless, I hope you make use of these principle. Utilize these to make you life and getting your dreams easier. I think you will be pleasantly surprised if you will apply these right away. Enjoy the program.

There is an ad in the beginning but you can skip it by placing your cursor at the 1 minute mark and the show will begin or skip to 5:48. I can’t do anything about the ads on the show.

Celebrate and be grateful! Listen, learn and enjoy! Make all your dreams come true.” Rex Sikes

Have  a fabulous day!

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter. Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Affirmations, Attitude, Autosuggestion, Beliefs, Celebration, Creator, Decision, Emotions, Energy, Expectations, Faith, Focus, Gratitude, Habit Formation, Intentional Thinking, Positive Thinking, Rehearsal And Practice, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Self Talk, Visualization

Your Entire Life Can Absolutely Transform If You Just Do This!

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“Transformation is by far the easiest thing that I have ever done. I never would have thought that would be the case but it truly is. Many people don’t change simply because they believe it to be too difficult. It is not. It is easier than you might believe.

Transformation is worth far more than anything you can imagine!

I’ve been sharing about beliefs in recent pages. Our beliefs either serve us or they don’t. Unfortunately, many of us grew up and got used to thinking less than productive thoughts for ourselves. The good news is those thoughts and beliefs can be changed easily. In order to make the changes you want you do need to act.

You need to initiate the transformation.

You And Your Life Are What You Predominantly Think About

Within these very blog pages I have written it is not easy but it is simple. I do this because it does require something and if you are going to go for it then you should understand you have a role to play. You have something to do. That something is simple. All you have to do is monitor your feelings.

Whenever you notice you are feeling less than glorious or could use an attitude adjustment do it. DO anything positive that makes you feel a bit better. Do something good that puts you heading emotionally in the right direction. Change you thoughts, go for a walk, relax, read an inspirational book, play with a pet but do something nice that makes you feel better.

Change Is Far Easier Than You May Have Ever Imagined

While this may not seem easy at first it get easier. It is very simple. Repeat your positive affirmations and put your mind on what is positive. The only reason it may seem difficult at first is because you haven’t yet made it a habit. You are busy doing what you have aways done that doesn’t work. Once you change it your life and world changes!

It changes from the very first honest decision you make to do this. Everything begins changing the instant you decide. You begin to marshall your inner resources whether or not you think so. In the act or truly deciding you start change right then! The process begins. You became purposeful, at cause and intentional. You decided things would be different. AND so the shall be.

In Order To Begin Transforming You Must Decide To Begin

This is a wonderful beginning step! When you think about it you either decided to or not to transform. There really isn’t a middle ground. Either you are stuck or unstuck. You use these types of opposites to monitor your feelings. Think of it this way. Things are  either good or bad; right or wrong; hot or cold; positive or negative; There is either increase or decrease. Getting closer or further away.

Your feelings are a signal for whatever you are thinking. If you begin to think negative thoughts your feelings will change and feel less wonderful. You’ll feel more discomfort. If you are thinking about problems or lack or what’s wrong or what you want to avoid you won’t feel on top of the world. MAJOR SIGNAL HERE to change your thoughts and feelings.

Your Feelings Are A Signal That Your Thoughts Need Changing

Once you notice you make the shift. You think positive thoughts. You shift your body and feelings by doing some of the suggestions I made earlier. Your goal is to feel  better bit by bit. Incrementally is absolutely fine. You change your focus from what is wrong to what is right, to what you can appreciate right now. You think increase instead of decrease.

You focus on what’s good not what’s bad. You shift from the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings to the pleasant positive ones. You do this whenever you notice you are off course. By doing this you train yourself to shift your focus and feelings. One day, soon enough, this begins happening on its own.

You discover yourself automatically returning to what is positive and productive. You begin to find you spend much more time there naturally. As you do life changes. Things get better. You enjoy everything much more. It grows exponentially. You open up, the world becomes friendly. Things change in marvelous ways.

You Are Either Being Positive Or Negative – That Is Simple

As you change and make the adjustments back to the positive you will notice your beliefs changing. You will be delighted and surprised to find some seem to shift on their own. Others you may confront and decide they are worn out and need replacing with healthier more positive ones. Transformation is exciting this way.

There comes a tipping point where the momentum for positive change accelerates. Things come together quicker, easier, seemingly spontaneously. Birds of a feather flock together. Your thoughts and feelings improve and you feel wonderful so you get more of the same. You find situations changing for the better and life getting easier.

If things are tough you respond differently and more resourcefully. Obstacles no longer derail you. Because you are thinking and feeling positive you attract positive people who can help you. The results you get start improving. Everything changes in marvelous ways.

It is worth every effort. Even if it were far more difficult it would be worth it. It is simple and it is easy. When you decide to  go for it you change what you focus on. What you focus on is what you get. Remember, we become what we think about. Think wonderful positive thoughts and you feel better and you become more wonderful and positive. If you haven’t already, begin today!” Rex Sikes

Each moment is marvelous! Be sure to notice.

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Horizons photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel. If you get this blog emailed to you,  You will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter. Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments. I love your comments and feedback. Thanks so much!

Attitude, Focus, Healthy Choices, Intentional Thinking, Personal Development, Positive Thoughts, Self Improvement, Self Talk, Success

Staying Positive And Happy May Not Be Easy But Neither Is The Other Way!

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horizons misty morning orange yellow

“Here are some thoughts to entertain and reflect on during your day.

“The brain is a strong as the weakest think.” Eleanor Dean

“Skill to do comes of doing.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The more we do the more we can do.” William Hazlitt

“I can’t help it.”  “That’s what we all say when we don’t want to exert ourselves.” Eva Lathbury

“Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” Marcus Aurellius

“If you think you can or can’t do something you are right.” Henry Ford

“Staying positive and happy may not be easy but neither is living the other way.” Rex Sikes

“The common denominator of success — the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful — lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.” Albert E.N. Gray

Remember, what we think about we bring about. Thoughts are things. Our results in the outer world stem from what we first do in the inner world. Stay positive and productive. Fill your mind with the best, celebrate and be grateful. Feel joy and delight. You will transform your life. From within to without!” Rex Sikes

Another wonderful day to enjoy!

If you like this post and it helps you – help others by sharing and re-blogging.

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Horizon photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

GETTING CLOSER TO THE NEW SITE LAUNCH  – Daily Inspiration And Gratitude’s new URL is coming soon. Inching our way up on getting it up and running. The site will have a new look and feel.

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Attitude, Celebration, Creating The Future, Goals, Intentional Thinking, MasterMind Group, Mentor, Persistence, Positive Thinking, Responsibility, Self Improvement, Success, Trust

A Critical Secret Necessary For Success

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“In times long past there was a practice that has long been lost. It meant the difference between remaining the same, staying stuck at a certain level of existence, and moving forward into success. It was a way of life that has been lost in modern times. Tiny remnants remain and while that is good news it is true we suffer from the loss of this practice. What is it?

Apprenticeship. The art of being and apprentice or a disciple. From early times on there was a path to mastery whereby the knowledge sought, the skills necessary we learned between a talented master craftsperson and an apprentice.  There was a process of becoming a knight. One did not just declare oneself a knight.

Nor did one declare oneself a master mason, carpenter, educator or anything else. One learned from a master and when the master deemed the student ready to progress then and only then did the student learner move to the next level. We certainly don’t do anything like this today, at least, in my culture.

What we have is beneficial and a tiny remnant of this important educational process. We have mentors. Studies indicate that nearly 94% of successful millionaires attribute their success to having at least one mentor in life or business. They attributed their wealth creation directly to having a mentor.

A mentor is someone who can show them the ropes, who can advise them and tell them what to focus on. A mentor can tell them what to do and what not to do. They share their mistakes and the student benefits from not only their knowledge but their experience. Wisdom comes from experience and nothing can replace that.

Finding a success mentor is a great way to become richer. You want someone who has been where you are and who is doing what you want to be able to do. Their experience should parallel your experience as much as possible. You want someone who has traveled the same road you need to, but before you, so they can show you the way.

Nearly 70% of self made millionaires said having a mentor was critical to their success overall. You want to find a good mentor to help guide you. Along the way you may meet many. Your parents, relatives or family friends could be your first mentors. They might become mentors later once you are older.

Books are good for gaining insight but there are obvious limitations. You do not get any human feedback. Still, you can learn much from books and should read to better yourself. You might find someone in your work, or while attending seminars, or networking. Whomever ends up being your mentor is someone who you respect and trust. You need to know they have your interests in their heart.

Learning and evolving is wonderful and each day you can become more of the you that you want to be. You can dream big, aim high and reach your destination making your dreams come true. A mentor can help you in ways you may not readily be able to help yourself.

Alone, you can still succeed. You will be schooled by hard knocks and learn life lessons by trial and error. NOTHING can ever actually replace  experience. Be glad! What you learn along the way will stay with you. It will become a part of you. Pursue your dreams and do not quit.

You may have to be your own cheering section but persist. When you do you will celebrate the win. You can be, do and have anything you want in life. So go after it. A trusted mentor will bring you great value but don’t let being alone stop you. Go for it. Make it happen!” Rex Sikes

Make today a wonderful one

If you like this post and it helps you – help others by sharing and re-blogging.

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Horizon photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW SITE TO LAUNCH SOON – Daily Inspiration And Gratitude’s new URL is coming soon. The site will have a new look and feel.

If you get this blog emailed to you, I don’t know whether that will continue or not. I do know you will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

PS A great practice is read the posts daily and then go back and re-read from time to time. You will discover things you missed the first few readings. Try it, you will be surprised.

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Attitude, Celebration, Creating The Future, Decision, Energy, Focus, Friendship, Goals, Gratitude, Intentional Thinking, Joy, Living In The Moment, Positive Thinking, Self Improvement, Success

Stop Wasting Time: Invest Your Time!

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horizons tracks and blue sky

“You can never get back? You can lose money and make more again. People have been devastated by losing everything they own and yet they rebuild and purchase more stuff. Loved ones and friends once gone are gone. Cherish them. Still, there is that something else we can never ever get back.

We take it for granted it but once gone it is gone for ever. It never ever gets returned to us. You know what it is.  It is time. Your time! Once spent it is gone forever. Perhaps, the reason why we aren’t more thoughtful, or careful or protective of our time is because there seems to be an abundance of it. Yes, there is. There IS always plenty of time!!! Until there isn’t.

We do not live as if we were actually our last day. IF WE DID you can bet we would have very different days. WE do not treat our loved ones as if it may be the last time we ever saw them BECAUSE if we did we would treat them very much differently. No, we seem to always think there will be plenty of time.

So we watch television. We spend endless hours on social media. We play electronic games or find many different ways to distract us from what is truly important. We may hang out in bars, read graphic novels, scour the internet for another silly animal video. Maybe we just while away the hours in bed.

The point is there are only so many hours in a day and only so many days in one’s life. I don’t believe we should live as though we are being chased, we shouldn’t fear life we should enjoy it. We should enjoy and value our time with family, friends and alone! Often, when people get older they begin to feel like time is running out. Some feel this way even when young. I don’t think that is what we want either.

What we do need to do is learn to invest our time wisely. We ought to put it to good use. We can use our time feeling wonderful, making positive changes, improving our life circumstances. We can evolve ourselves, pursue goals and dreams and make wonderful things happen. We should discover and go after our major purpose in life.

Investments can pay dividends down the road. Time wisely invested in learning to be happier, healthier, more loving and have more loving relationships seems like time well spent. You can learn how to become more confident and live more fully; become financially secure; improve your life and help others improve theirs.

If you realize you don’t actually have all the time in the world perhaps you will spend your time more wisely and productively.

Studies of successful people show that those who have become millionaires watch little TV. Maybe an hour or less a day. They don’t spend much time on the internet. WHY? Because they are busy building their lives. The less wasted time the more time they had available to pursue their dreams.

Use whatever time you have in smart ways. Go for your goals. Invest in yourself! A great use of your time is in celebration and gratitude because you can do it anywhere and everywhere. You can feel happy right now. Be thankful for your blessings in life. Smile and laugh more. Love more. Enjoy the people around you and each moment you have! Celebrate it!” Rex Sikes

Have a brighter day today.

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Horizon photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW SITE TO LAUNCH SOON – Daily Inspiration And Gratitude’s new URL is coming soon. The site will have a new look and feel.

If you get this blog emailed to you, I don’t know whether that will continue or not. I do know you will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

PS A great practice is read the posts daily and then go back and re-read from time to time. You will discover things you missed the first few readings. Try it, you will be surprised.

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Acceptance, Affirmations, Attitude, Beliefs, Celebration, Decision, Emotions, Expectations, Faith, Focus, Gratitude, Habit Formation, Intentional Thinking, Learning, Mindset, Overcoming Difficulty, Positive Thinking, Self Improvement, Self Talk

A Secret I Learned To Keep From Spiraling Down And Out During Tough Times

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“What do you do when things go awry? What do you do when the fan is hit hard? Times can get tough. There are obstacles and challenges. We all go through them. What can you do? How do you apply these principles to make a difference?

I can tell you what I do. I have been challenged recently in some big ways. Years ago it might have meant screeching to a halt or hitting the skids. Today, it is much, much different. It doesn’t mean challenges are less severe it means, sometimes, I handle them better.

I Take Control Of What I Imagine And What I Say To Myself

When I become aware that I am feeling down and out, or thinking negatively or beginning to wonder ‘why in the world am I going through this’ in that instant I realize I have a choice. I can continue to spiral down or to apply what I know works. I’m at a decision point.

When I am wise enough I apply what works. I give up. I accept that I have no clue what is going on. I let go as much as able and I remind myself ‘things always work out for the best for me.’ I know, it sounds trite but it is actually true. Things do work out for the best.

In the long run, that place far away that we can’t see yet, everything does seem to work out well.  I have written before that many times people look back at the ‘worst time’ in their life and state emphatically had it not been for that time they would not have and enjoy where they are right now.

What We Focus On Is What We Get

I know sometimes we have to really search to find the good or the lesson but it is hidden there as a seed. We just have to find it! When times are tough my mantra becomes ‘things always work out for the best’. I think ‘how come I am so lucky, so blessed and fortunate!’

I turn my attention to what I am grateful for and celebrate as much and as enthusiastically as I can. I make it a point to have faith that everything will resolve in a positive way even if I can’t see it or understand it. Somewhere, somehow, good will come of this.

Whether you believe it or not, whether it is accurate or not, really isn’t the point. It allows me to move through it faster and stay more resourceful. It helps me focus on  being productive and consider what I want and not spend time dwelling on what I don’t want.

Times can be very tough for any one of us. This is one of the best ways I know how to get through tough times. I know that every time times are tough I somehow manage better because between those times and during those times I apply these principles I am sharing as best I am able. Whew, did you get that?

Your Mind Is Obedient Once You Learn To Control It

This is one of the reasons I write so much about building positive habits because they will carry you  once established. There is strength in a strong foundation. It is also why I write about loving and praising yourself through difficult times or when mistakes are made. Criticism and self loathing doesn’t help any.

You know what? I don’t know why shit hits the fan. I don’t know why it rains on the rich and the poor or the good and the bad. I don’t! I know what I might believe about it. I know many different philosophic and scientific answers for why but I don’t know that any are true. I don’t think it really matters to know why.

I prefer to think somehow it is to wake us up. Whether by design or intelligence OR NOT, bad things happen and are opportunities to confront our programs and patterns and wake up to them. These events and circumstances challenge us to become aware and go beyond how we routinely react. So we can move into new ways of being.

The World And Her People Hold Mirrors Up For Us To See

While I may not immediately recognize them as such, I reframe the tough times as gifts. Blessings to help me examine myself and become better. The challenge for me is to look inward and not outward for the solution or the cause. I want to learn to respond with awareness not blame or accuse others or events.

Gifts to become more aware. Gifts to become free. Seems sad sometimes that we wake up through loss and tragedy but perhaps there is no other way to get our own attention. If nothing shakes us up we just go on doing what we have been conditioned to. So I think of less than glorious circumstances as a necessary evil.

I may resist them. Fight them. BUT when I surrender to them I always learn something and grow more. It hurts to grow sometimes. There are growing pangs. AND I certainly haven’t all the answers. Actually, I have very few. What I can have is faith in myself.

Turn Resistance Into Assistance

I can have faith that everything always does work out for the best, somehow in the long run. Then I begin to look for the blessing s and opportunities hidden inside these situations. Whether right or wrong I get more done. I don’t feel so bad and I stay on track. It is helpful for me to consider it this way. Attitude is everything.

Life is a series of adjusting to stay on course. Just as when you drive your car down a straight lane. You are always adjusting left and right to stay within the lines. So why should it be any different in anything else. If I get negative I adjust back toward the positive. I feel better. The more I make the adjustments the easier the next adjustment becomes. This is how habits are formed through positive repetition.

So, celebration, gratitude, looking for blessings and finding them in the midst of trouble is a skill we can develop. This too can become a habit. As said before, habits may be difficult to initiate but once formed they are difficult to break and they will carry you. It is good to have positive habits. “everything always works out for the best!'”Rex Sikes

I hope your day today is amazing!

If you like this post and it helps you – help others by sharing and re-blogging.

NEWS    SOON  NEWS    SOON  NEWS    SOON  NEWS    SOON

Horizon photo used with permission of Phil Koch.

NEW SITE TO LAUNCH SOON – Daily Inspiration And Gratitude’s new URL is coming soon. The site will have a new look and feel.

If you get this blog emailed to you, I don’t know whether that will continue or not. I do know you will be able to subscribe to the blog and my new newsletter.

Stick with me. I’d hate for you to miss anything when it switches.

PS A great practice is read the posts daily and then go back and re-read from time to time. You will discover things you missed the first few readings. Try it, you will be surprised.

Subscribe and Follow Daily Inspiration and Gratitude! Leave comments.