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"
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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
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
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
Just another step along the way to a life of Simple Happiness.
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