Jim Ryan Talks - A Timely Idea

Speaking French

Saturday night we had the opportunity to host a couple from France at our home. I used to be a French teacher at Bethpage Junior High School 25 or so years ago. We have several French speaking people in our neighborhood, but I have rarely taken advantage of the opportunity to speak with them in their native tongue. So when this couple showed up it was a shock. My wife does not speak French, the husband spoke almost no English and the wife was about the same. It was an exhausting evening, trying to carry on a two hour conversation, totally in French.

Surprisingly, it turned out pretty well. We were able to share ideas, discuss family and generally carry on a semi-intelligent conversation. Actually, they were impressed with my accent, my sentence structure and my overall ablilty to speak and understand. The experience made me think that if could spend a week immersed in French, brushing up on my vocabulary, I could get back to being fluent. It was a tiring but fulfilling experience.

Who knows, maybe one day I will have my books translated into French. I would love to do a book tour in France, visiting all the beautiful spots and enjoying the fabulous food and world class wines. "La Joie de Vivre" is Simple Happiness to me in French.

Who You Really Are

Try to avoid attachment to material things. There is certainly nothing wrong with having nice things. We should all be grateful for the blessings in our lives. However, you are more that the house you live in, the car you drive, the places you vacation, where your kids went to college. Material things can come and go but WHO YOUR REALLY ARE ENDURES.

This was the content of yesterday's "Aha Moment". I was on the phone with a friend this afternoon who told me that he was blown away by the message of yesterday's "Aha Moment".
He has been reading "Tuesdays with Maury", the story of a former college professor who was stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease. That was the exact message that he had gotten from reading that book just yesterday. The message really his home to him.

Enjoy your things, but focus more on cultivating the goodness from the inside that we are all called to develop.

A New Project

I'll have some exciting news for everyone in the very near future. We are in the final planning stages of a new, expansive undertaking that will involve many, many people. Stay tuned as the rollout approaches.

Namaste

Saying to yourself the Hindu word "Namaste" during the day whenever you encounter another person, whether on the street, at the bank, at the post office, wherever, can be a great reminder to live in the present moment.

Namaste means "the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in you". Saying it to yourself reminds you of the connection between us all. It fosters a focus on our similarities rather than on our differences. It reminds us to look beyone external features and be aware that inside we are all alike, all connected somehow. The more you say to yourself ,"Namaste," as you meet others, you may find yourself saying hello and smiling more often. Eye contact will be made and greetings exchanged. It's a small thing, but it could lead to big things.

Smile, It Lifts YOur Face Value

Today try to smile at everyone who crosses your path. Give a little friendly nod, "Hello." Try it on your way to work, at work, at the bank or post office... Everywhere you go. Consciously smiling at the folks you meet is a great way to keep you in the present moment. You smile on purpose. It reminds you to see the Divine in the person at whom you are smiling. You feel good, being who you really are, one who brings joy to the world.
The folks who benefit from your smile may even smile back at you...no matter if they do or don't. Send out love with each smile. Let me know how it makes you feel.

Conversations With God

I've been reading Conversations With God, written by Neale Donald Walsch. You may remember him from The Secret. I just thought I'd bring you a few excerpts that really hit me in this morning 's reading.

The format of the book is Neale asks God questions and God answers. Neale says, "I don't believe that whatever I ask, I get. My life has not been a testimony to that. In fact, I rarely get what I ask for. When I do, I consider myself damned lucky.

Here are some of God's answers:

I tell you this: You always get what you create, and you are always creating.

If you don't like what you've created, choose again. My job, as God is to always give you that opportunity.

Now you are telling Me that you haven't always gotten what you've wanted. Yet I'm here to tell you that you've always gotten what you called forth.

Your life is always a result of your thoughts about it - including your obviously creative thought that you seldom get what you choose.

So what is your intention now? Do you intend to prove your theory that life seldom brings you what you choose? Or do you intend to demonstrate Who You Really Are and Who I Am?

What powerful words from God. Pay attention to your thoughts and corresponding feelings. God is always ready to give us what we call forth. Call forth the things that fulfill your life. Call forth what you want not what you don't.

Wishing you Simple Happiness,

Jim Ryan

visit me at www.jimryantalks.com
sign up for my weekly "Aha Moments"

Two Busy Days

This past Wednesday I packed up my stuff and went to NYC to attend the Book Expo America at the cavernous Javits Center. The show seemed a bit smaller than years past but huge nonetheless. I brought copies of my five-book proposal and visited many publishing houses looking for a book deal. The big houses won't even look at you unless you have an agent (I don't have one yet) and the smaller ones are all very cordial, but still tough to crack.
I learn something every time I go to the Expo (this is my third event). I will submit my proposal to several companies who expressed some interest, but I am going ahead with my plan regardless of their acceptance or rejection of my work. My plan is to write and publish a "Simple Happiness" series of books.
The next day, Thursday, I had taken a booth at the Hauppauge Industrial Association Annual Trade Show, the largest trade show on Long Island. Still pretty exhausted from my treck in and out of NYC. I arrived early and got set up for a day of meeting and greeting hundreds of trade show attendees.
This was a very different experience from the day before. At the Book Expo I saw only two people whom I knew all day long. Here on my home turf the faces were much more familiar. My materials and message were enthousiastically met by practically everyone who stopped to chat. Books and CD's were sold, hundreds signed up to receive my weekly emails, video testimonials of my book and "Aha Moments" were recorded. Many prospects for speaking opportunities presented themselves and asked to get more information.
It's a thrill to be recognized as one who is making a difference in the lives of others. A number of folks stopped and commented on my "Aha Moment" of the day before which focused on Kindness. The atmosphere around the booth was energetic and very upbeat. People really do want to be a little happier. I am so blessed to be in a position to offer practical steps and inspiration to some who are seeking.
Thanks to all for lifting my spirits and showing me that I am on the right path.

An Abundance Exercise

This morning at the jail where I teach a weekly class in personal development, we did a very practical exercise. This is an exercise to foster an attitude of abundance, which is missing in so many lives. Feeling abundant is the first step in achieving abundance. Here we're talking about monetary abundance.
The assignment is to deposit an imaginary $250 into your checking account and spend it that same day on yourself. The second day you double the deposit to $500 and spend it that day on yourself. Write down what you would buy for yourself with this new found money. Pay attention to how good you feel. You can not save any of the money, you must spend it. The third day you double your deposit to $1,000 and spend it on yourself. And so on and so on doubling your deposit each day and spending it for thirty days.
Continue to review what you have purchased. If you want more financial abundance in your life you must get ready to receive it. This exercise prepares your mind to believe that it can happen to you. Have fun!

Beliefs

We live our lives according to our beliefs. We think that our beliefs are the truth. We hang our hats on our beliefs, even if they don't make our lives more joyful and more fulfilled. But, do you know what? A belief is nothing more than a thought that we continually think. That's right. A belief is no more than an habitual way of thinking. You may not believe me but it's true. Our lives become a manifestation of the thoughts we think all day long. Start paying attention to the thoughts you hang on to.

Henry Ford said, "If you think you can, you can and if you think you can't, you're right."

Author Richard Bach said, "Argue for your limitations and they are yours."

Figure out what you want in life and start telling yourself that you are already who you want to be. Develop a mantra and say it to yourself all day long. Benjamin Zander wrote in his book, The Art of Possibility, "It's all made up anyway." Start making up your life the way you want it. For example, "I'm so happy and grateful that..." and you fill in the blank. Whatever you want to be, do or have. Start building your belief. Start thinking that success thought over and over. Say it to yourself over and over. Don't be deterred by some experience that doesn't bear out your mantra. Keep telling yourself your new truth, your new belief about yourself.

What have you got to lose. You've gotten to the place you are at by thinking the way you've always thought. Try to get to a better place by thinking better thoughts about yourself.

A better life is closer than you think. Just keep thinking better thoughts about yourself. Let me know how you do.

Sunrise

Yesterday morning I got up at 5:15, got dressed and drove to Robert Moses State Park
which is an Atlantic ocean beach on the south shore of Long Island. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and got a delicious cup of coffee. I found out that they open up at 4:30.am. Good to know.
I drove a half an hour in the dark to the beach. I parked the car and found my way over the dunes to the beach lit only by starlight. I had checked the weather forcast and was happy to see that it was correct as I gazed up at the stars on a clear dark sky. One or two boats lit up the far away horizon out in the ocean
I got there a bit early but was able to experience the entire dawning experience. At first the stars were fully visible, the sun having no effect on the night sky. It really is darkest just before dawn. In time the eastern sky began to become less dark but only by a little. Slowly the sun's light began to have it's way. From left to right the sky became less and less dark. Only the brightest stars could hold their own in the face of the still unrisen sun. I was alone the whole time waiting in darkness. Not even a sea gull squawking to disturb the gentil roar of the surf.
Songs with morning themes came into my head, "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens, "Early in the Mornin" by Peter Paul and Mary, and several others that have more to do with waking with your lover than experiencing the beauty of the raw sunrise.
I took it all in and was rewarded with a glimpse of red, a bright orange slit of fire just above the ocean. Little by little it grew, brighter and brighter as it quickly showed its full brilliance in the east. At first I could look directly at it, but in a few minutes I had to look away quickly, unable to hold my glance more than a few seconds, blinded by the brilliance.
March is a good time to experience the sunrise here on Long Island. Cold, but not freezing and the position of the sun is still low enough in the sky so it rises out of the ocean and not over land as it will later in Spring and Summer. What a morning. I stand in awe of the earth's Creator. It was a real "Aha Moment" - A moment of "Simple Happiness". What a joy to bask in the wonders of creation.

PIPER Conference

Yesterday I gave a presentation at the second annual PIPER (People Improving Peer Empowerment Recovery) Conference. It was held at Touro Law School in Central Islip, NY. My presentation on Simple Happiness - Eight Characteristics of Happy People was very well attended and very well received. However it was far from the highlight of the day.

Deb Damone, founder of PIPER and who is recovering from mental illness herself, told her story at the end of the morning session. It was unlike any life's experience I had ever heard. Her's is a story of survival. She has survived traumatic experiences of her youth and has turned a severe mental condition into a story of hope and inspiration for anyone who suffers from mental illness.

Through PIPER, Deb uses her considerable skills and talents to bring hope and practical ideas to those who partake in her program. She encourages her students to become advocates for others who struggle daily with the issues of mental illness. She brings in speakers from far and wide to enhance the learning experience of her students. Deb continues to develop new programs to challenge her students to continually reach higher in their efforts to overcome their sometimes deep seated disabilities.

You never really know what is going on inside a person's head. You never know what struggles a person could be dealing with in their daily life. Yesterday was a lesson in love, compassion and inspiration and determination. Thanks you Deb.

Deb will be appearing at the Book Revue in Huntington at 7:00 pm on April 6, 2010. She will be giving a talk and signing copies of her book, "The Ominous Betrayal: Memoir of a Child of Hope". If you are suffering from any mental illness or know someone who is, you must attend this event and get her book.
Contact Deb @ deb_damone@yahoo.com

A Step Forward

Today I installed in my computer a client contact system called ACT. It will make my business life more organized. I am always a bit late to the technology game, but as they say, "When the student is ready the teacher will appear." I am ready. All my speaking contacts will be in one place. My notes and follow-ups will be organized and efficient. There will be no more ,"Oops, I forgot to call that guy!"'s. I'm looking forward to loading up all my info. I feel good.
Just another step along the way to a life of Simple Happiness.

Meditation

Everyone can derive benefits from meditation. You don't have to be a Buddhist monk or live far away in the wilderness. Meditation is available to us all. Even Olympians meditate. Gold medal winning snowboarder Shawn White attributes much of his success to the practice of meditation.
You need no special outfit. It's actually free, although some enjoy taking classes to insure getting off on the right foot.
Meditation is simply quieting the mind, simply being. All you need to do is be quiet and breathe. The real benefit is derived from doing it on a regular basis. Make it part of your day. Start slowly, maybe five minutes. Sit quietly in a comfortable position and breathe. Pay attention to the physical aspect of your breathing. A thought will come in to your head. Notice it as a thought, let it go and return to your conscious breathing. Like anything you will get better with time. The more you practice the better you get.
Let me know how you do.
It's another simple step you can take along your way to a life of simple happiness.

Accountability For Your Happiness

This morning, as I do every Tuesday morning, I went to the DWI Alternative Facility in Yaphank, NY, to teach my class in personal development to the men there. This morning’s topic was the eight characteristics of happy people. The men, as usual, were attentive and engaged. We spent the most time on the second characteristic, accountability. That is, happy people realize that they are responsible for their own happiness. They don’t play the blame game: no blaming divorced parents, birth order or alcoholism or anything else for that matter.

Happy people say, “I am the person I am standing here today as a result of every choice that I’ve ever made in my life.” Now, as scary as that thought is, if you can buy into that concept, it can be just as empowering. If my choices are what make my life what it is, all I have to do is start making different choices. This only can happen with much introspection.

Helen Keller said it best, “Self pity is our worst enemy. If we yield to it we can never do anything wise in this world.” Sure, we all feel sorry for ourselves from time to time. Now is the time to start paying attention to our thoughts, especially the dis-empowering ones. Now is the time to stop hanging on to thoughts of self pity as we realize that self pity gets us nowhere. The next time you notice yourself feeling sorry for yourself, let go of that thought and replace it with a thought of gratitude. Be accountable. Taking responsibility for your own well being is a major step on your way to a life of Simple Happiness.

Jim Ryan's Aha #103 - Testimonial Dinner

Jim Ryan's Aha #103

Get together with your neighbors
and give a testimonial dinner to
your oldest neighbor, if they deserve it.
It will be an event that will never be forgotten.

To receive your personal copy of Jim Ryan's Aha Moments every Wednesday, go to www.jimryantalks.com to subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

Cheer Up, It'll Help with Your Heart

A recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University found that happy people are less likely to have heart problems than those who are not so happy. So if you are a tee-totaling non smoker but are a grump, beware. That grumpiness could be what gets you.

Cheer up, lighten up. Stop taking yourself so seriously. These positive attributes will not only make your life more fun, they could make your life longer and healthier as well.

I wish you all life of Simple Happiness.

Video Aha Moments

I just started to add a short video to go along with my weekly "aha moments". I just bought a new little flip camera and am really enjoying putting them together. My associate, Maggie Kalas, is doing a great job editing and producing them. They start with a little music which has a nice beat, then the cover of my book Simple Happiness scrolls down to the music. I give my little talk which lasts a minute or so and I close by wishing everyone a life of Simple Happiness.

They are available on You Tube and my hope is to widen my audience, to enlarge my territory, according to the prayer of Jabez.

I hope you like them.

Jim Ryan's Aha #102 - Compliment Your Children

Jim Ryan's Aha #102

Compliment your children today.
Tell them why you’re proud of them.
If you have no children, compliment your parents.
Don’t be stingy with your affection.

To receive your personal copy of Jim Ryan's Aha Moments every Wednesday, go to www.jimryantalks.com to subscribe. You'll be glad you did!

A New Internet Presence

I bought myself a flip camera last week and have been experimenting with it these past few days. I finally will be able to post videos on You Tube. It is my intention to post a video every Wednesday morning to accompany my weekly "Aha Moments". I am very excited about the potential to reach many more folks who are interested in living more fulfilled, joyful lives. I'm sure there will be a few bumps in the road as we embark on this new venture, but in time they will get more and more professional. I hope to spread my "Simple Happiness" message more effectively with this new venue.

What a Great Book!

A friend recommended two books to me: The Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferris and The Magic of Thinking Big, by Howard Schwartz (I think his name is Howard). I started The Four Hour Work Week and it has been worth every minute of time spend with it. This morning I was reading a section about automating a business. I was so excited I thought my hair would catch on fire.

He got me fired up again about the potential of the internet. I have so much content to share with the world. I'm about to venture into the world of YouTube and Facebook. I just bought a new flip camera and am going to start adding video to my already popular "Aha Moments". Who knows where this will go, but I sure feel good about the possibilities. Stay tuned and see what develops.

In any case, pick up The Four Hour Work Week. It will get you thinking differently about a lot of things.