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
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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!