I teach a weekly course in Personal Development at the DWI Alternative Facility, a section of the Suffolk, NY County Jail. I share the course with the men there. Yesterday I brought in the Secret DVD and played it. It is a long piece, running about an hour and a half. The reaction of the men was similar to reactions I have gotten when I showed it to previous groups. Most were very interested in the new concepts presented in the film. Prior to playing the DVD I asked if anyone had seen it before. None had, but one of them had read the book. There were about 20 in the class. We will discuss the film next week to try to get more out of it.
What struck me was that this film presented some brand new ideas to these men; ideas they had never considered. It was a hopeful session. They saw that there was a possibility to make their lives better. They saw that change is possible. They were presented with new ideas of how to go about improving their lives
I always talk about INTENTION as the first step necessary to making positive changes in our lives, and it is. But what so many of us lack is a new idea that will give us direction. The definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results". If we want our lives to get better, we need a new idea. A new perspective on things can be an eye-opening experience. A new perspective can breathe a new, refreshing life into us so we no longer view our lives as the same old same old.
New ideas are out there. We just have to keep our antennas up and search for them. Books are a fantastic source of new ideas. Here are a few books to consider:
Simple Happiness - Jim Ryan (My book; 52 great ideas!)
Ask and it is Given - Esther and Jerry Hicks
Seven Laws of Spiritual Success - Deepak Chopra
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - Wayne Dyer
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and It's All Small Stuff - Richard Carlson
You won't believe how many good new ideas there are out there. Sometimes it's not a completely new idea. It's one you've heard before, but it's stated in such a way that now , all of a sudden, it makes complete sense to you. Life can be a wonderful journey filled with awesome experiences. Make sure you put some gas in your tank. New Ideas can be the fuel for that journey.
Enjoy your trip! Send me a postcard along the way.
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Divine You
I bought the latest book by Jerry and Esther Hicks, "The Astonishing Power of Emotions". Inside the back cover was attached a cd that was a recording of a live session given by Abraham (a group of non-physical beings, channeled through Esther Hicks) in Tampa, FL a year or so ago.
Sometimes you know something or at least you think you know something. But then you hear or read something that gives you a whole new, deeper understanding of what it was you thought you knew.
For me is was the reintroduction of the concept that we are made up of a physical and a non-physical being. There is the physical you who is making your way through life doing the best you can to figure things out and to live life to its fullest and experience as much success and joy as possible. Then there is the other You which is the divine You. It's the part of You that qualifies You to say that You are a child of God. Listening to Abraham explain it on that cd, the idea began to sink in. I've listened to the cd several times since then and each time I get a deeper understanding of what it means to have a divine (non-physical) nature as well as a physical one.
Being mindful of this divine You is a major step toward living a life of complete joy. This understanding is not reserved for times of Sunday worship. This understanding is a key that opens You up to a life of peace and confidence. It is the key to opening up Your creative talents that make life easy and fun. Connecting daily with Your divine side gives You the confidence that anything is truly possible. Make that connection part of your daily routine and get ready for an unbelievable life.
More to come.....
Sometimes you know something or at least you think you know something. But then you hear or read something that gives you a whole new, deeper understanding of what it was you thought you knew.
For me is was the reintroduction of the concept that we are made up of a physical and a non-physical being. There is the physical you who is making your way through life doing the best you can to figure things out and to live life to its fullest and experience as much success and joy as possible. Then there is the other You which is the divine You. It's the part of You that qualifies You to say that You are a child of God. Listening to Abraham explain it on that cd, the idea began to sink in. I've listened to the cd several times since then and each time I get a deeper understanding of what it means to have a divine (non-physical) nature as well as a physical one.
Being mindful of this divine You is a major step toward living a life of complete joy. This understanding is not reserved for times of Sunday worship. This understanding is a key that opens You up to a life of peace and confidence. It is the key to opening up Your creative talents that make life easy and fun. Connecting daily with Your divine side gives You the confidence that anything is truly possible. Make that connection part of your daily routine and get ready for an unbelievable life.
More to come.....
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Tell Them Now
Over the years I have had a handful of people who have had a great influence on my life. I'm sure if you really look back you'll see that you have too. I lost one of my mentors last Tuesday night, when he died peacefully in his sleep.
I feel very happy that I kept in touch with this man over the years and expressed my gratitude to him often for his direction and loving support.
That is one of the things that I learned from him. He always told me how much he thought of me; how proud of me he was. His health started to break down over the last year. At times he was in tremendous pain from deteriorating discs in his back. He suffered greatly but never lost his spirit.
Avoid the horrible, helpless feelings of regret. Express your gratitude and love to those who have had a positive influence on you along the way. Pick up the phone. Sent a note. Drop by for a visit. Do it now, do it every chance you get, before it's too late.
I feel very happy that I kept in touch with this man over the years and expressed my gratitude to him often for his direction and loving support.
That is one of the things that I learned from him. He always told me how much he thought of me; how proud of me he was. His health started to break down over the last year. At times he was in tremendous pain from deteriorating discs in his back. He suffered greatly but never lost his spirit.
Avoid the horrible, helpless feelings of regret. Express your gratitude and love to those who have had a positive influence on you along the way. Pick up the phone. Sent a note. Drop by for a visit. Do it now, do it every chance you get, before it's too late.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
"Gratitude Rocks"
This past Sunday was our town's annual festival. It's called "Cow Harbor Day". The harbor at the foot of Main Street used to be called Cow Harbor. Anyway, there is a parade, rides for the kids, crazy boat races, all kinds of food and a craft fair in the park. It always attracts a huge crowd.
I am a member of our local Rotary Club. We are always trying to come up with different ideas to raise money. We use the funds to support many charitable endeavors, both local and worldwide. One of our pet projects is the local food pantry. You'd be surprised, even in an affluent village as ours, how many families rely on the food pantry to keep their families fed. I thought it would be a good idea to have the food pantry be the beneficiary of my fund raising efforts because it was a village fair and the money would stay in the village.
I decided that I would take a page out of the movie (book) "The Secret" and set up a booth to sell "Gratitude Rocks". I thought it would be an opportunity to raise some consciousness as well as some money. My first thought was to sell the gratitude rocks for $10. apiece, but then decided to make them more affordable and lowered the price to $5.; 3 for $10. In order to fill up the booth I decided to sell my book, "Simple Happiness" and donate the proceeds to the same cause. Many of my fellow Rotary Club members were quite skeptical to say the least. There were a few, however, who supported my undertaking.
I went down to the harbor the Sunday before the event at low tide and gathered what I thought were attractive rocks, small enough to carry around in one's pocket or purse. I washed and sanatized the rocks and got them all ready. My wife contributed some colorful polished rocks that she had brought back from a trip to San Francisco - these turned out to be the best sellers by far. Finally, my assistant, who created some beautiful signage, contributed a bag of rocks that she purchased from Pottery Barn.
The big day finally arrived. My wife helped me set up the booth and stuck with me the whole day, occasionally bring me food and drink to sustain me throught the day. What a day it was! Crisp, cool, perfect blue skies and a big crowd. Hundreds and hundreds of people passed by my booth. Some snickered, thinking the gratitude rocks were some crazy notion like the old "pet rocks". They couldn't have been more wrong. I had the opportunity to explain to many folks the real meaning of a "Gratitude Rock".
You see, you put it in your pocket in the morning and as you do, you think of something that you're grateful for. In so doing, you feel good. As you sit down at your desk at work you feel it in your back pocket and it reminds you to bring to mind a thought of gratitude, and what do you know? - you feel good. Later, at lunch you reach into your pocket and feel it, once again it reminds you to bring to mind a thought of something you're grateful for, and guess what? - you feel good.
Little by little you start to understand that you have the ability to feel good throughout the day, simply by thinking a thought of gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling stressed or low, you realize that you can change your thoughts and lose that low mood. Good things start to happen as you cultivate these good feelings during your day. The law of attraction says that the more grateful thoughts you think during the day, the more things will come into your life to be grateful for. This little gratitude rock could be the catalyst to help you live with an attitude of gratitude. It could be the start of a life filled with joy and happiness.
The sale turned out to be a big success. 21 copies of "Simple Happiness" were sold, bringing $168 to the bottom line. A grand total of $262 was raised from the sale of the "Gratitude Rocks". A total of $430 was given to the food pantry. On top of that, I know that there are fewer skeptics among my fellow Rotarians, and probably most important, there are a lot of folks in my village who are practicing gratitude, and feeling good.
Little by little the world is changing. Changing for the better!
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
I am a member of our local Rotary Club. We are always trying to come up with different ideas to raise money. We use the funds to support many charitable endeavors, both local and worldwide. One of our pet projects is the local food pantry. You'd be surprised, even in an affluent village as ours, how many families rely on the food pantry to keep their families fed. I thought it would be a good idea to have the food pantry be the beneficiary of my fund raising efforts because it was a village fair and the money would stay in the village.
I decided that I would take a page out of the movie (book) "The Secret" and set up a booth to sell "Gratitude Rocks". I thought it would be an opportunity to raise some consciousness as well as some money. My first thought was to sell the gratitude rocks for $10. apiece, but then decided to make them more affordable and lowered the price to $5.; 3 for $10. In order to fill up the booth I decided to sell my book, "Simple Happiness" and donate the proceeds to the same cause. Many of my fellow Rotary Club members were quite skeptical to say the least. There were a few, however, who supported my undertaking.
I went down to the harbor the Sunday before the event at low tide and gathered what I thought were attractive rocks, small enough to carry around in one's pocket or purse. I washed and sanatized the rocks and got them all ready. My wife contributed some colorful polished rocks that she had brought back from a trip to San Francisco - these turned out to be the best sellers by far. Finally, my assistant, who created some beautiful signage, contributed a bag of rocks that she purchased from Pottery Barn.
The big day finally arrived. My wife helped me set up the booth and stuck with me the whole day, occasionally bring me food and drink to sustain me throught the day. What a day it was! Crisp, cool, perfect blue skies and a big crowd. Hundreds and hundreds of people passed by my booth. Some snickered, thinking the gratitude rocks were some crazy notion like the old "pet rocks". They couldn't have been more wrong. I had the opportunity to explain to many folks the real meaning of a "Gratitude Rock".
You see, you put it in your pocket in the morning and as you do, you think of something that you're grateful for. In so doing, you feel good. As you sit down at your desk at work you feel it in your back pocket and it reminds you to bring to mind a thought of gratitude, and what do you know? - you feel good. Later, at lunch you reach into your pocket and feel it, once again it reminds you to bring to mind a thought of something you're grateful for, and guess what? - you feel good.
Little by little you start to understand that you have the ability to feel good throughout the day, simply by thinking a thought of gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling stressed or low, you realize that you can change your thoughts and lose that low mood. Good things start to happen as you cultivate these good feelings during your day. The law of attraction says that the more grateful thoughts you think during the day, the more things will come into your life to be grateful for. This little gratitude rock could be the catalyst to help you live with an attitude of gratitude. It could be the start of a life filled with joy and happiness.
The sale turned out to be a big success. 21 copies of "Simple Happiness" were sold, bringing $168 to the bottom line. A grand total of $262 was raised from the sale of the "Gratitude Rocks". A total of $430 was given to the food pantry. On top of that, I know that there are fewer skeptics among my fellow Rotarians, and probably most important, there are a lot of folks in my village who are practicing gratitude, and feeling good.
Little by little the world is changing. Changing for the better!
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
Friday, September 14, 2007
THE FIRST STEP
I was watching "The Secret" dvd this morning. (By the way, you should get it - http://www.thesecret.tv/). They speak about how to use the secret to manifest what you want into your life. They tell you just focus on what you want and feel good about having it. They tell you not to worry about how you're going to get it - that's the job of the universe. Your job is to visualize the end result and feel good about it. However at times you will receive an inspiration dealing with what you desire to manifest. That's your second job. Pay attention to these inspirations and act on them. It may not be totally clear where these inspirations will lead you, but it's up to you to take the first step.
There are several concepts explained in the movie (or book) that give you the courage to take that first step. Martin Luther King talks about how climbing a staircase begins with taking the first step, even though you may not see the top of the stairs. Jack Canfield says that you can drive from California to New York at night without any big deal. All you have to see is the next 200 feet in front of you which is illuminated by your headlights. Keep trusting in what you see right in front of you. Eventually you will arrive at your destination.
The trick is YOU have to take that first step.
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
There are several concepts explained in the movie (or book) that give you the courage to take that first step. Martin Luther King talks about how climbing a staircase begins with taking the first step, even though you may not see the top of the stairs. Jack Canfield says that you can drive from California to New York at night without any big deal. All you have to see is the next 200 feet in front of you which is illuminated by your headlights. Keep trusting in what you see right in front of you. Eventually you will arrive at your destination.
The trick is YOU have to take that first step.
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
Friday, August 24, 2007
LET ME REALLY SEE
I was reading about Helen Keller this morning. One of my favorite quotes of hers is "Self pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it we can never do anything wise in this world". In 1933, she wrote an article that was published in the "Atlantic Monthly". In the article she talked about what she would do is she were able to see and hear for three days. On the first day she would "look long" into the faces of her friends, a baby, her home, a dog, nature in general. The second day she would rise early and see the "thrilling miracle" of the sunrise. The third day she would take in the sights and sounds of New York City.
She concluded her article urging her readers to "Use your eyes as if tomorrow you would be stricken blind. And the same method can be applied to the other senses. Hear the music of voices, the song of a bird, the mighty strains of an orchestra, as if you would be stricken deaf tomorrow. Touch each object you want to touch as if tomorrow your tactile sense would fail. Smell the perfume of flowers, taste with relish each morsel, as if tomorrow you could never smell and taste again. Make the most of every sense: glory in all the facets of pleasure and beauty which the world reveals to you.
We take so much for granted, don't we. By following Helen Keller's advice we would begin to be more relaxed and live more deeply in the moment.
I have a long time friend who is a Christian Brother, currently teaching in Africa. He sent me a Christmas card a few years ago, with a saying on it that went something like, "When we come to the end of our days and we stand before our Creator, one of the questions He will ask us is, 'How did you enjoy My creation?'." What would your answer be?
Now is the time to really start enjoying it like never before.
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
She concluded her article urging her readers to "Use your eyes as if tomorrow you would be stricken blind. And the same method can be applied to the other senses. Hear the music of voices, the song of a bird, the mighty strains of an orchestra, as if you would be stricken deaf tomorrow. Touch each object you want to touch as if tomorrow your tactile sense would fail. Smell the perfume of flowers, taste with relish each morsel, as if tomorrow you could never smell and taste again. Make the most of every sense: glory in all the facets of pleasure and beauty which the world reveals to you.
We take so much for granted, don't we. By following Helen Keller's advice we would begin to be more relaxed and live more deeply in the moment.
I have a long time friend who is a Christian Brother, currently teaching in Africa. He sent me a Christmas card a few years ago, with a saying on it that went something like, "When we come to the end of our days and we stand before our Creator, one of the questions He will ask us is, 'How did you enjoy My creation?'." What would your answer be?
Now is the time to really start enjoying it like never before.
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan Talks
Programs That Empower
Friday, August 17, 2007
GOD LOVES THAT PERSON AS MUCH AS HE LOVES ME
One of the things I try to do to make my life as full of joy as possible is to try to see the Divine side of everyone who crosses my path. Notice that I use the word try. I don't always succeed but when I do succeed, I feel no stress and my life feels good. I try to bring to mind the phrase, "God loves that person as much as He loves me". It's a great phrase to bring to mind as you make your way through the day accomplishing many of the mundane tasks that need to be done. Try bringing that phrase to mind as you stand on line at the cold cut counter in the supermarket. Bring it mind when you are standing in line anywhere, whether it be at the post office or the bank, or if you are stuck in your car behind someone trying to make a left turn into what seems to be an endless stream of traffic.
This phrase can be a great stress reducer, especially at work. Many of us are always looking to be offended. Why, I ask. Sure there are plenty of opportunities to be offended if we look for them, but why look for them. Does being offended bring you joy? This little turn in consciousness is a choice to lift ourselves up rather than to give in to annoyance and aggravation.
Instead of making judgements about folks because they look or act differently than we do, send out love by asserting that "God loves that person as much as He loves me". I invite you to try it. Notice how good you feel.
This phrase can be a great stress reducer, especially at work. Many of us are always looking to be offended. Why, I ask. Sure there are plenty of opportunities to be offended if we look for them, but why look for them. Does being offended bring you joy? This little turn in consciousness is a choice to lift ourselves up rather than to give in to annoyance and aggravation.
Instead of making judgements about folks because they look or act differently than we do, send out love by asserting that "God loves that person as much as He loves me". I invite you to try it. Notice how good you feel.
Monday, July 30, 2007
THE FOUR REALLY'S
You can have anything you want in life. That is, as long as you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want it. That's right, four really's. The first REALLY is a wish. There might be many things that you would like to have. You might have a whole list of things you want or goals you want to achieve. It starts with a wish.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY want it. The second REALLY is that what you want is very, very important to you. It's not just a wish. I'm sure that there are many things that would be nice to have, many things that would make your life more comfortable; but it's much more than that. It is something that would make your life complete. It is something that, when achieved, will give you a great sense of accomplishment.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want it. The third REALLY is the INTENTION to have it. When you intend to have something it sets the wheels in motion. A plan begins to take shape. You begin to think about how it will all come about. When will you make the time to do it? Whom will you need to help you? How long will it take to achieve? You don't have to figure it all out, but you begin to feel the excitement of the process of achieving what you want. You may not be exactly sure how it's going to happen but your confidence grows.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want it. The fourth REALLY is that failure is not an option. There is no way that you will not achieve what you want to achieve. It is not a question of "IF" it only a question of "WHEN"! For so many of us it is this fourth REALLY that is the most troublesome; we get so far and then for some reason we get discouraged. Things are not happening fast enough, we begin to doubt our abilities, we pay to much attention to the naysayers. Keep your eye on the prize. Never give up. Enjoy the journey. Enjoy every step of the way. Appreciate the struggles and frustrations as well as the victories. It's your life. Make it your best life. IT'S ALL GOOD.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY want it. The second REALLY is that what you want is very, very important to you. It's not just a wish. I'm sure that there are many things that would be nice to have, many things that would make your life more comfortable; but it's much more than that. It is something that would make your life complete. It is something that, when achieved, will give you a great sense of accomplishment.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want it. The third REALLY is the INTENTION to have it. When you intend to have something it sets the wheels in motion. A plan begins to take shape. You begin to think about how it will all come about. When will you make the time to do it? Whom will you need to help you? How long will it take to achieve? You don't have to figure it all out, but you begin to feel the excitement of the process of achieving what you want. You may not be exactly sure how it's going to happen but your confidence grows.
You can have anything you want in life as long as you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want it. The fourth REALLY is that failure is not an option. There is no way that you will not achieve what you want to achieve. It is not a question of "IF" it only a question of "WHEN"! For so many of us it is this fourth REALLY that is the most troublesome; we get so far and then for some reason we get discouraged. Things are not happening fast enough, we begin to doubt our abilities, we pay to much attention to the naysayers. Keep your eye on the prize. Never give up. Enjoy the journey. Enjoy every step of the way. Appreciate the struggles and frustrations as well as the victories. It's your life. Make it your best life. IT'S ALL GOOD.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Why Are Some Things Difficult?
During my meditation this morning a revealing thought came to me. (That's what happens sometimes when you meditate). I've written a book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up". It came out at the end of last year. It's a self published book and as a result, the marketing of the book is up to me. Sales of the book are going well, but I always wish they were doing better. When people ask me "How's the book doing?" I always say "Great!" but inside I wish it were doing better. I quietly tell myself that it's a difficult task to market my book along with all the other things I have to do to make a living and support my family.
I realized this morning that it is this insidious self-talk (telling myself that it's a difficult task to market the book) is what is keeping the book from being a national best seller. People who have read the book really like it and have gone out of their way to tell me so.
The first chapter of the book is "We Become What We Think About". Here I am thinking that marketing the book is difficult. Guess what? By hanging on to these thoughts, the marketing of the book has felt like a struggle to me. Today I'm going to take a piece of my own advice. When I catch myself in this negative mode of thinking, I'm going to say to myself, "Oops, there I go again" and then tell myself that marketing the book is easy and fun and soon everybody will be reading "Simple Happiness". I will also savor the accompanying good feelings that come with that positive thought.
I've learned two things today:
1. Meditation is a very worthwhile and productive activity.
2. Follow my own advice. (It leads to success and happiness)
With Love and Hope,
Jim
I realized this morning that it is this insidious self-talk (telling myself that it's a difficult task to market the book) is what is keeping the book from being a national best seller. People who have read the book really like it and have gone out of their way to tell me so.
The first chapter of the book is "We Become What We Think About". Here I am thinking that marketing the book is difficult. Guess what? By hanging on to these thoughts, the marketing of the book has felt like a struggle to me. Today I'm going to take a piece of my own advice. When I catch myself in this negative mode of thinking, I'm going to say to myself, "Oops, there I go again" and then tell myself that marketing the book is easy and fun and soon everybody will be reading "Simple Happiness". I will also savor the accompanying good feelings that come with that positive thought.
I've learned two things today:
1. Meditation is a very worthwhile and productive activity.
2. Follow my own advice. (It leads to success and happiness)
With Love and Hope,
Jim
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Have Fun Along the Way
I just got an e-mail from a friend that contained a quote from Abraham Hicks. It goes: "You think that the goal is to be over there and we say the goal is the journey over there. The goal is the fun you have along the way on your way to over there."
Many of us are in a hurry to reach our goals. We (I) grow impatient when things don't seem to be moving along at a quick enough pace. We (I)become anxious when things seem to be at a standstill. I am going to memorize this little quote and bring it to mind often throughout the day. I know in my heart that things are unfolding just as they are meant to unfold. Everything is just as it is supposed to be. It's my job to appreciate each moment as it comes. It's my job to learn from every experience, positive and negative. I will try to be compassionate with myself when I make a choice which seems to hold me back. In the letter of St. James in the Bible he says, "It's all good"
Tomorrow when I rise, I will resolve to be awake to each moment of my day's journey. I resolve to have fun at every step along the way on my way to over there.
Many of us are in a hurry to reach our goals. We (I) grow impatient when things don't seem to be moving along at a quick enough pace. We (I)become anxious when things seem to be at a standstill. I am going to memorize this little quote and bring it to mind often throughout the day. I know in my heart that things are unfolding just as they are meant to unfold. Everything is just as it is supposed to be. It's my job to appreciate each moment as it comes. It's my job to learn from every experience, positive and negative. I will try to be compassionate with myself when I make a choice which seems to hold me back. In the letter of St. James in the Bible he says, "It's all good"
Tomorrow when I rise, I will resolve to be awake to each moment of my day's journey. I resolve to have fun at every step along the way on my way to over there.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Do What You Love
Find out what you love to do and do it. That's a big part of being happy. What is it that excites you? When do you feel most alive? What activity makes you lose track of time? When do you feel like you are in a state of flow? If you can find the answer to these questions your life will become much more exciting and fulfilling.
Often the answer to these questions has to do with what you're good at. What are your gifts? Where do your talents lie? These are not questions that you should struggle with. There's no wracking your brain to figure things out. The answers will come to you if you let them. Try sitting quietly by yourself and simply ask yourself any of these questions. Then wait. The answers may not reveal themselves on the first asking. Be patient. Just keep asking the questions of yourself and soon enough ideas will appear.
Your job is to not only wait for the answers. That's part of it. The real fun starts when you begin to take action on the inspirations that make themselves known to you. Happiness comes from engaging in activities that bring you joy, not just thinking about them. You may need to step out of your comfort zone a bit. You may need to take the risk of flubbing up a few times.
Relax with the whole process. Remember that what makes you feel most alive today may evolve into something very different over time. Who knows where it will lead . The important thing is that you start. The journey will take care of itself. There will be turns along the way and it's OK to make a wrong turn once in a while. As James Taylor sings, "It's enough to be on your way."
Often the answer to these questions has to do with what you're good at. What are your gifts? Where do your talents lie? These are not questions that you should struggle with. There's no wracking your brain to figure things out. The answers will come to you if you let them. Try sitting quietly by yourself and simply ask yourself any of these questions. Then wait. The answers may not reveal themselves on the first asking. Be patient. Just keep asking the questions of yourself and soon enough ideas will appear.
Your job is to not only wait for the answers. That's part of it. The real fun starts when you begin to take action on the inspirations that make themselves known to you. Happiness comes from engaging in activities that bring you joy, not just thinking about them. You may need to step out of your comfort zone a bit. You may need to take the risk of flubbing up a few times.
Relax with the whole process. Remember that what makes you feel most alive today may evolve into something very different over time. Who knows where it will lead . The important thing is that you start. The journey will take care of itself. There will be turns along the way and it's OK to make a wrong turn once in a while. As James Taylor sings, "It's enough to be on your way."
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Live the Life of Your Dreams lV - Goal Setting
When writing down your goals try to be as specific as possible in your description, ie. "I want a five bedroom victorian style home on two acres on the bay. It will have a tennis court and beautifully landscaped swimming pool..." The clearer the picture you have of your goal, the easier it will be to visualize its attainment.
Once you've spent some time filling up the three columns with things you'd like to do, be, have, etc., (see my blog from 6/28) go back over each entry and estimate how long it will take you to reach that goal. Some may be short term (six months to a year) some may take two years, five years, ten years or longer. Next, go back to your list and pick out your three most important goals - those that really excite you; those that, when achieved, would make your feel like your life was a success. I've taken my three main goals, printed them on a card the size of a business card and had the card laminated. I carry them with me every day. I think of my goals whenever I reach into my pocket. I think of them when I put the card in my pocket in the morning and I think of my goals when I empty my pockets at night. The card helps me keep my goals in the forefront of my mind.
An important element of achieving your goals is to visualize the attainment of each goal and really pay attention to how good you feel getting to that point. Savor the good feelings as you see yourself living the life of your dreams.
Another strategy is to put together a vision board. Cut out pictures and words that illustrate your main goals. Keep it in sight so you can refer to it often during the day. Again, it's important to feel good as you see yourself becoming the person you want to be.
The important thing is to WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS! Don't just think about them...WRITE THEM DOWN!
There was a study done some years ago in which graduates of Harvard Business School were asked two questions. The first question was, "Do you have wirtten goals?" The second question was, "What is your annual income?" The results were that those MBA's who had written goals had incomes three times higher than those MBA's who did not have written goals. Any questions?
Once you've spent some time filling up the three columns with things you'd like to do, be, have, etc., (see my blog from 6/28) go back over each entry and estimate how long it will take you to reach that goal. Some may be short term (six months to a year) some may take two years, five years, ten years or longer. Next, go back to your list and pick out your three most important goals - those that really excite you; those that, when achieved, would make your feel like your life was a success. I've taken my three main goals, printed them on a card the size of a business card and had the card laminated. I carry them with me every day. I think of my goals whenever I reach into my pocket. I think of them when I put the card in my pocket in the morning and I think of my goals when I empty my pockets at night. The card helps me keep my goals in the forefront of my mind.
An important element of achieving your goals is to visualize the attainment of each goal and really pay attention to how good you feel getting to that point. Savor the good feelings as you see yourself living the life of your dreams.
Another strategy is to put together a vision board. Cut out pictures and words that illustrate your main goals. Keep it in sight so you can refer to it often during the day. Again, it's important to feel good as you see yourself becoming the person you want to be.
The important thing is to WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS! Don't just think about them...WRITE THEM DOWN!
There was a study done some years ago in which graduates of Harvard Business School were asked two questions. The first question was, "Do you have wirtten goals?" The second question was, "What is your annual income?" The results were that those MBA's who had written goals had incomes three times higher than those MBA's who did not have written goals. Any questions?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Live the Life of Your Dreams lll - Goal Setting
Knowing what you want out of life is certainly a key component to live the life of your dreams. Take out a piece of paper and write the date on the top of the page. We are embarking on a goal setting exercise. Across the top of the paper make three columns using the headings listed below.
1. Personal Goals
2. Material and Fun Goals
3. Financial Goals
Let your imagination soar. Write down what you would like out of life. What would you love to do, be or have? Where would you love to travel? What interest would you love to pursue? How much money would you love to have? Dream big!!! Don't let that little voice in the back of your head discourage you. Don't listen to the "That's impossible" or "I'll never be able to achieve that". Give yourself about 10 minutes; keep writing things down. Take more time if your imagination is expansive.
By now you might be nodding your head and beginning to smile....good.
Before you begin I want you to read this quote that is attributed to either Marianne Williamson or Nelson Mandela. Make sure you are sitting down. This is my favorite quote of all time.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone! And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Read that quote again.
Now you can begin to write down your goals.
Come back again for more on goal setting.
Jim Ryan Talks
Motivational Programs
1. Personal Goals
2. Material and Fun Goals
3. Financial Goals
Let your imagination soar. Write down what you would like out of life. What would you love to do, be or have? Where would you love to travel? What interest would you love to pursue? How much money would you love to have? Dream big!!! Don't let that little voice in the back of your head discourage you. Don't listen to the "That's impossible" or "I'll never be able to achieve that". Give yourself about 10 minutes; keep writing things down. Take more time if your imagination is expansive.
By now you might be nodding your head and beginning to smile....good.
Before you begin I want you to read this quote that is attributed to either Marianne Williamson or Nelson Mandela. Make sure you are sitting down. This is my favorite quote of all time.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone! And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Read that quote again.
Now you can begin to write down your goals.
Come back again for more on goal setting.
Jim Ryan Talks
Motivational Programs
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Live the Life of Your Dreams ll
In order to live the life of your dreams, first you must know what the life of your dreams is. In my seminar we use two activities to help uncover what we really want out of life.
The first is the "wake exercise". Picture yourself at your own wake. Now, we're not intending to be morbid with this exercise, so just follow along. Please have a piece of paper handy and put the date on the top of the page. Then I want you to think of what you want people at your wake to say about you. How do you want to be remembered? What do you want your legacy to be? Simply write, "she was......... " or "he was a.........". Fill in each sentence with an adjective or a noun describing yourself. Put down as many sentences as you like.
After you've let your creative juices flow for a few minutes go back an pick out the one or two or three descriptions that really grab you. Picture the events of your life that would prompt others to say these things about you. Create a clear picture in your mind of yourself involved in these activities. As you enjoy the picture of your perfect life notice how good you feel as you experience your success in your mind. Savor the emotion, linger on the good feelings. Make the focus on your legacy a part of every day. Bring it to mind several times during the day; maybe as you start your car to go to work you could bring it to mind; or perhaps as you take the first bite of your lunch. Try to pair your legacy thoughts with a daily activity so you get into the habit of picturing your success in an important aspect of your life several times every day. I trust that you'll see your life go in the direction of what makes you feel like you're getting somewhere - that your life is worthwhile.
I want to leave you with a quote that I got from one of Wayne Dyer's books. It is a quote from Patanjali who lived in India around 100-300 BC. He said, "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."
Start today to live the life of your dreams.
The first is the "wake exercise". Picture yourself at your own wake. Now, we're not intending to be morbid with this exercise, so just follow along. Please have a piece of paper handy and put the date on the top of the page. Then I want you to think of what you want people at your wake to say about you. How do you want to be remembered? What do you want your legacy to be? Simply write, "she was......... " or "he was a.........". Fill in each sentence with an adjective or a noun describing yourself. Put down as many sentences as you like.
After you've let your creative juices flow for a few minutes go back an pick out the one or two or three descriptions that really grab you. Picture the events of your life that would prompt others to say these things about you. Create a clear picture in your mind of yourself involved in these activities. As you enjoy the picture of your perfect life notice how good you feel as you experience your success in your mind. Savor the emotion, linger on the good feelings. Make the focus on your legacy a part of every day. Bring it to mind several times during the day; maybe as you start your car to go to work you could bring it to mind; or perhaps as you take the first bite of your lunch. Try to pair your legacy thoughts with a daily activity so you get into the habit of picturing your success in an important aspect of your life several times every day. I trust that you'll see your life go in the direction of what makes you feel like you're getting somewhere - that your life is worthwhile.
I want to leave you with a quote that I got from one of Wayne Dyer's books. It is a quote from Patanjali who lived in India around 100-300 BC. He said, "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."
Start today to live the life of your dreams.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Live the Life of Your Dreams
That was the title of the talk I gave last evening to a small but energetic group of women who braved an untimely thunderstorm to attend my talk sponsored by the Women's Services Dept. of the Town of Brookhaven. How do we define the "Life of our Dreams"? To me it's a life with little or no stress accompanied by complete joy and fulfillment. We started off with the little or no stress part.
In order for something to change in your life, YOU HAVE TO CHANGE SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE!!
It starts with INTENTION. We have to consciously intend to have a life of joy. We either fashion our own lives or we live by default. Tomorrow, as soon as you wake up pay attention to what thoughts occupy your mind. Don't be critical, just observe. Does you mind start racing, stressing out over all you have to do that day? That's what happens to many of us. Unfortunately, too often things go downhill from there.
Tomorrow, after you observe what's going on in your head as soon as you wake up, try something a little different. Try just lying there in bed for one minute being grateful for the gift of living another day. Be grateful for the gift of Life. Then as you throw your legs over the side of the bed and stand up, appreciate your ability to get out of bed by yourself. As you walk down to the bathroom appreciate the fact that your have indoor plumbing (consider how many folks in this world don't have indoor plumbing). Notice how good you feel while bringing to mind these thoughts of appreciation.
It doesn't take that much to make this small turn in consciousness each morning. Before you know it, with daily practice, you will have developed the habit of giving thanks as soon as you wake up. It's a big step in beginning to live a life with little or no stress. You'll feel good just appreciating these, too often taken for granted, mundane aspects of life. But even more, you'll feel better yet realizing that you have CHOSEN a course of action that made you feel good. You will have begun to fashion your life the way you want to be.
Read more about a no stress life in my book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up"
In order for something to change in your life, YOU HAVE TO CHANGE SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE!!
It starts with INTENTION. We have to consciously intend to have a life of joy. We either fashion our own lives or we live by default. Tomorrow, as soon as you wake up pay attention to what thoughts occupy your mind. Don't be critical, just observe. Does you mind start racing, stressing out over all you have to do that day? That's what happens to many of us. Unfortunately, too often things go downhill from there.
Tomorrow, after you observe what's going on in your head as soon as you wake up, try something a little different. Try just lying there in bed for one minute being grateful for the gift of living another day. Be grateful for the gift of Life. Then as you throw your legs over the side of the bed and stand up, appreciate your ability to get out of bed by yourself. As you walk down to the bathroom appreciate the fact that your have indoor plumbing (consider how many folks in this world don't have indoor plumbing). Notice how good you feel while bringing to mind these thoughts of appreciation.
It doesn't take that much to make this small turn in consciousness each morning. Before you know it, with daily practice, you will have developed the habit of giving thanks as soon as you wake up. It's a big step in beginning to live a life with little or no stress. You'll feel good just appreciating these, too often taken for granted, mundane aspects of life. But even more, you'll feel better yet realizing that you have CHOSEN a course of action that made you feel good. You will have begun to fashion your life the way you want to be.
Read more about a no stress life in my book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up"
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Eyes Opening
This morning I had the opportunity to speak at the Smithtown Sunrise Rotary Club at their breakfast meeting. I am also a Rotarian, a member of the Northport, NY Club. I was to speak about my new book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up". I speak to all kinds of groups, but they can usually be broken down into two kinds: one - whose attendees came specifically to hear me speak and two - those who are at the meeting because they are part of a group, not necessarily to hear me; I just happen to be the speaker.
Today was the second kind of group.
It's such a thrill when people's attention becomes more focused on what I'm saying. People turn their chairs to get a more comfortable viewing point. But it's the eyes that tell the story. Little by little I see many pairs of eyes opening wide as if to say "You're getting to me. I'm going to try that tomorrow."
After 20 minutes or so of talking I could feel the group becoming empowered about their ability to choose a life of happiness and joy instead of living life by default. The simple idea of embracing the precious gift of life as we open our eyes to start our day. Being grateful for the ability to get out of bed under our own power rather than taking it for granted. Little turns in consciousness, little decisions to choose thoughts that make us feel good. Today I choose to fashion my life rather than to live by default. Today I choose to make myself a little happier, a little less disturbable.
Today was the second kind of group.
It's such a thrill when people's attention becomes more focused on what I'm saying. People turn their chairs to get a more comfortable viewing point. But it's the eyes that tell the story. Little by little I see many pairs of eyes opening wide as if to say "You're getting to me. I'm going to try that tomorrow."
After 20 minutes or so of talking I could feel the group becoming empowered about their ability to choose a life of happiness and joy instead of living life by default. The simple idea of embracing the precious gift of life as we open our eyes to start our day. Being grateful for the ability to get out of bed under our own power rather than taking it for granted. Little turns in consciousness, little decisions to choose thoughts that make us feel good. Today I choose to fashion my life rather than to live by default. Today I choose to make myself a little happier, a little less disturbable.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
What good can I bring someone today?
As I embark into the world of blogging, this is how I begin as I do each day upon awakening. I ask: "What good can I bring someone today?" It will certainly be an adventure to see what good comes my way as I spend a few minutes each day sharing my Simple Happiness thoughts to all who find interest.
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