Who are What You Read

I was 5 years old when I learned how to read. I started reading comics. It was easier because you can associate the words to the pictures drawn on each comic book panel.

I was in high school when I seriously pursued reading short stories from our English subject text book.I was in college when I picked up my first paperback novel.

Ever since then, I have been reading magazines, news paper articles, fiction, graphic novels, poems, instruction manuals, songbooks, and mostly anything interesting that is printed on paper. Years progressed and I got my job, I started to find my self spending time and money on bookstores just to have a quick browse or to buy more books that I wouldn't even finish reading. Books and magazines filing up on top of the other. Some are good, some are bad.

Fast forward to the present day along came the thing called "The Internet". Everyday we now find ourselves reading more stuffs in a different way. We do not read hand written letters anymore. Instead we read emails, online chat messages, offline chat messages, tweets, SMS, blogs, status updates, online forums, E books, updated user profiles, photo comments, and other forms of electronically printed words on big and tiny gadget screens.

Is it a good thing or a bad thing? The good thing is less clutter to our shelves and tables because reading electronic saves paper. But our Inbox and hard drives are being loaded with gigabytes of data. We can drown with the sea of information that the internet provides. The bad thing? Hours being spent online uses electricity that contributes to global warming. Now which way it should be? Save the trees or save the ozone layer? Now that is a predicament.

Anyways, the whole point of this rant is we do have a lot of things to read. Be it online or offline. What really matters is we can still choose what to read and there's plenty of things to read. There's a sea of information in the internet. But still there's also a certain pleasure reading a book. Choose you own adventure. Let's use God's given gift. The ability to read, and the ability to comprehend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Mercado

Why You Must Put Yourself First

I work with many women in my coaching practice and it's interesting to note that whenever I start working with someone and ask them what their goals are and why they want to accomplish those goals, it's nearly always "so I can help more people."

Helping each other is a wonderful thing and I think it's what we're put on this earth to do. However, I don't believe that we're meant to do it at the expense of ourselves. What I usually point out to my clients as they very passionately tell me about their goals and dreams and their reasons for wanting them, is that they are making it all about everyone else and never about themselves.

The problem with that is that it depletes you. When you are constantly focused on everyone else, to the exclusion of yourself there is an energetic 'disconnect.' How can you take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first?

Many women are struggling today - and that's not to say that men aren't, but it's usually in a different way. The women I have the privilege of working with are incredibly talented, creative, smart and capable, and yet they are struggling to achieve their goals and dreams, and they are understandably frustrated.

It seems that often when women have a goal of making a certain amount of money, they feel as though it is not good to want it for themselves. It's as if wanting money for themselves is wrong. They often tell me "it's not about the money" or "I don't really care about the money" and it's all about helping others. Ladies, it's okay to want money. Money is simply another form of energy and it's something we all need. There is nothing wrong with wanting money, unless you plan to do something bad with it. Money in and of itself is not bad or evil.

I think this comes from our conditioning. Somehow, we're not supposed to want anything for ourselves, we're supposed to serve everyone else. But think how much more you can serve others and how much more you can do for others when you are taken care of. When you have enough money that you can do whatever you want, you have the freedom to be able to help others, but you're doing it now because you are taken care of and you choose to help others, not to help others at the expense of yourself.

Do you see the difference? I hope so. Because now, when you look at the goals that you have for yourself and your career or business, I want you to put yourself at the top of that list. What do you want for yourself first and foremost? It's not selfish to put yourself first - in fact I think it's more selfish not to, because if you don't then you really are depriving others of everything that you have to offer, because you cannot give when you're experiencing lack yourself.

So change that thinking and start putting yourself first - then see how many more people you can help, and you'll feel good about it because you're taking care of yourself first.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Binns

What is Personal Development All About?

I sometimes get very frustrated (it doesn't last long!) when I see the extent to which Personal Development is hijacked by people whose sole focus is on money. Go on, Google 'Personal Development' - the number of sites that talk about becoming a millionaire, trebling your income, achieving financial freedom! Check out Amazon and there's a plethora of books on the same thing. Sure, people worry about money and the irony is that if you worry about money, money worries you shall have - in abundance. Surely, that's not the kind of abundance that we want - but it's the kind of abundance you have in mind because we manifest what occupies our mind and most normal minds are preoccupied with the kind of nonsensical thoughts that bring about the very thing that they don't want to happen! After all, that's how our world works - energy in : energy out! Personal development has absolutely nothing to do with money. Sure, money and lots of it may well be a consequence of using your mind the way God intended - but it should never ever be the goal that you have in mind. As John Lennon said, money will not buy you love, nor will it purchase happiness for you - and surely personal development is ultimately about being happy. If you think otherwise, you've missed the point - the purpose of life, of your life, is to be happy.

In browsing the internet I've recently come across one article that said that your quality of life depends on how much money you have. Rubbish. Another highly ranked video on personal development said that personal development won't work if you don't have a compelling reason in mind. What kind of reasons did the speaker offer? Buying a new car or a new boat! I've been that soldier! I've had the BMWs and the Jaguars. But I grew up. It strikes me that most people grow older but never actually grow up. Until you grow up you simply will not be happy - you will not find inner peace, nor will you find the true inner power that you have to get anything - absolutely anything - that you want out of life, including money. But money doesn't come first - it's a by-product of a happy, fulfilled, focused, committed mind.

The problem with all these personal development websites and books is that they prey on the vulnerable. The normal mind is vulnerable, lost in useless thought, trapped in a vicious circle of self-doubt, worry, anxiety, fear, stress - you name it! Given the opportunity to learn 'the secret' of wealth, how are these vulnerable minds going to react? Hey, they'll waste their money, learn nothing and, in the end, become even more distressed and more vulnerable. Perhaps that's why the average personal development customer buys something new every eighteen months on average. They're like Bono, they still haven't found what they're looking for! Because they are looking in the wrong place.

You don't have to look far for happiness and real success. Look in the mirror - the gateway to effortless living is staring you in the face. It's you, it was always you - you may need a little help, inspiration, pointing in the right direction - but ultimately you and only you can make you happy. And with happiness everything flows - money, boats, cars, whatever turns you on!

However, when you look in your mirror, you don't see you, you see who you think you are. And you're mistaken because the useless, negative, self-sabotaging thoughts that we all have are clouding your subconscious mind and it's through the cloud of nonsense that you see your world. It's very difficult to see the light if you're looking through a cloud! However, the wonderful news is that the cloud is not real - there is no cloud! You've got to stop letting your mind choose its thoughts for you - because research proves that, given the choice, your subconscious will choose self-defeating thoughts. In fact, you've got to stop thinking altogether! (Positive thinking won't do, it's still only thinking!) Instead, you've got to start doing.

Doing what? Doing what you're actually doing right here, right now - no matter what it is. You've got to wholeheartedly do what's in front of, wholeheartedly be where you actually are. This attitude is in marked contrast to the normal state of mind that sees and experiences the present moment through that cloud that I mentioned a moment ago. That cloud of useless thought leads you to believe that, perhaps, you don't like what you're doing (apparently the majority of people don't like their job) or, again, that you wish you were somewhere else - like looking forward to the weekend! This endless stream of nonsense stops you doing.

If you truly immerse yourself in whatever you're doing, you'll enter a mental state of what psychology calls 'flow' - and not only do you flow but things start flowing for you (including money). Doing what you're doing is the gateway to wisdom and the path to happiness.

Copyright (c) 2010 Willie Horton

About The Author
Willie Horton has been a Personal Development expert since 1996 - working with top leaders in major organizations. An Irish ex-accountant, ex-banker, published author and keynote speaker, he travels the world, from his home in the French Alps, enabling people "live the dream". All his work - including his acclaimed Personal Development Workshop - is now online at http://www.gurdy.net The author invites you to visit:
http://www.gurdy.net


Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_8466.shtml

Practical Tips to Focus Your Mind

Once our day gets going it is the easiest thing in the world to get swept away by the routine, the urgent (which, by the way, is quite different from the important), the latest minor crisis (which probably seems major at the time) or, most common of all, the endless stream of useless thought that simply distracts us. Even if you have made the effort and started your day properly, it is simply all too easy to become submerged in the cares and worries of the moment and, as a result, revert to our default state of unfocused mindlessness.

So, first things first, what does starting your day properly mean? Well, none of us would even think about leaving the house physically unprepared for the day ahead. We wash and dress ourselves - shaving or applying the odd dab of make-up as appropriate! On the other hand, most of us unwittingly leave the house each morning completely and totally mentally unprepared for the day ahead. Starting the day properly means ensuring that, before you leave the house, you have taken the appropriate step or steps to clear your mind and focus y energy.

Practical Tip #1

I recommend five to ten minutes 'mental preparation' for the day ahead. Find somewhere quiet, where you won't be disturbed, to sit and focus on what your five senses are telling you - one sense at a time. This ensures that you're focused on what is actually going on rather than simply letting your subconscious mind's programs automatically run your life. Remember, if you don't do this, those deep-seated programs will produce your normal knee-jerk reactions throughout the day - not to what is actually happening but to what your subconscious mind believes is happening. Also remember, if left to its own devices, this is your default state of mind - the one that gets us into so much trouble.

So, You've Started the Day Properly

OK, let's say that you've got your day off to the perfect start, you're switched on, tuned in, focused, alert and ready for action. However, even little things like a delayed train, like getting stuck in heavy traffic, like someone asking you to do something unexpectedly - so many little things can knock us off balance. And I haven't even mentioned the bigger challenges that our ordinary lives throw at us! The truth is that, because of our default state of mindlessness, it is all too easy to slip and slide effortlessly into mental oblivion as the day progresses. What we need to do is ensure that, during the day, we pause to catch our breath - literally.

Practical Tip #2

Age-old wisdom places great store on the opportunity that our breathing affords us to clear the mind of useless noise and distraction and, consequently, focus the energy. So, here's a simple, quick and entirely practical tip - because, after all, you have to breathe anyway! Take a few moments - moments is all that it takes - at various points throughout the day to stop yourself in your tracks, drop whatever you're doing and turn your attention to the reality of the moment and your existence in the here and now, as you breathe in and out. Focus your attention on what it feels like to breathe. Notice how your body gently moves and responds with each breath that you take, with each breath in and each breath out. Pay attention to the way your chest, shoulders and abdomen rise and fall each time you inhale, each time you exhale. Become fully aware of the way in which the air passes through your nose. What I mean by this is actually notice that the air is passing through your leftnostril, your right nostril or both nostrils simultaneously . Give thanks for the reality that you are alive and breathing. Pay attention to nothing else for these few moments. Inevitably, the hassles and cares of the moment and the useless thoughts and worries with which we are all plagued will start start crowding your mind. When this happens (it's not a question of if, because, once again you must remember that this is your default state of mind) take three deeper breaths to refocus your mind. As you breathe, realize that whatever might be doing your head in right now will be completely forgotten in months, weeks, days or even hours.

The Reality of a Focused Mind

It is unusual to be focused. Research indicates that 96% of us are not focused at all - never focused during the course of our adult lives. It is unusual to the extent that, if you develop your focus, you will become unusually - or extra-ordinarily - successful and happy. After all, you must understand that, with an alert, focused and ready mind, anything is possible.

Copyright (c) 2010 Willie Horton

About The Author
Willie Horton has been a Personal Development expert since 1996 - working with top leaders in major organizations. An Irish ex-accountant, ex-banker, published author and keynote speaker, he travels the world, from his home in the French Alps, enabling people "live the dream". All his work - including his acclaimed Personal Development Workshop - is now online at http://www.gurdy.net The author invites you to visit:
http://www.gurdy.net




Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_8470.shtml

Personal Development - Mission Very Possible!

Unfortunately, most people look at life through dark glasses and, consequently, everything looks gloomier than it should. This is normal because the normal mind is hard-wired to look at reality by filtering it through our conditioning and, in doing so, it is more likely than not that the mind will focus on negative rather than positive conditioning. This mental frailty is what is keeping your life on hold.

You have to change the way you look at the world and your place in it. However, I am not suggesting that you look at life through rose-tinted spectacles - this will prevent you from seeing possible pitfalls or warning signs. This attitude prevents people from knowing when to give up on something that is not working for them - whether it's a toxic relationship, a floundering business or a particular career path. As such what is widely known as positive thinking or a positive mental attitude can be seriously dangerous and misleading, often leading to people fiddling while their very own personal Rome burns around them. Positive thinking often leads to the ultimate cop-out: "I'll do nothing because I just know that things are going to get better!"

If you're going to get your life moving in the right direction, something different, even innovative, is required. What I am suggesting is that you see life for what it is - the reality of the present moment. By focusing your mind on what is actually going on, instead of what you think is going on (having viewed things through those dark glasses of yours) you will be able to see the potential upside of an opportunity that you might altogether otherwise miss with your dark glasses on. Similarly, you'll be alert to and aware of the potential downside of what you're doing, intending to do or not going to do - something that you will not otherwise see if you're looking through your rose-tinted glasses.

However, there is a problem. The reality and opportunity of the present moment can only be experienced, appreciated and capitalized upon if you by-pass your hard-wiring - something that doesn't come naturally to the normal adult. But it came naturally to all of us as children when we experienced everything that was happening by using all of our five senses. Indeed it was that clear state of mind that enabled us to be conditioned in the first place. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to re-learn how to experience the here and now without putting your own personal spin or preconceived notions into the mix. You've got to take your conditioning out of the equation completely, take off your dark glasses and, as a result, you will stop making a nonsense of the present moment.

What does your mission involve? Well, you already have everything that you need for the adventure of a lifetime because all you have to do is come to your senses - and I mean that quite literally. You've got five of them - you need to start paying attention to what they are actually telling you. Seventy years of research in the field of psychology tell us that, as normal adults, we don't pay a blind bit of attention to what our senses are actually telling us. Instead, our conditioning has lulled us into the false sense of security that we know best. We don't - how could we, we've no perspective on the bigger picture of what life might actually have in store for us if we only took our blinkers off and opened our eyes.

Coming to your senses requires that you spend a little time every day, preferably first thing in the morning, training your mind to pay attention to what you actually see, feel, hear, smell and taste. Simply paying attention to the sensation means that you must simply notice and observe what's going on without interpreting, without analysing and without jumping to your habitual conclusions. Although we could do this effortlessly as children, it doesn't come easy to the normal adult. Your mind will wander, you'll think useless thoughts like 'this is useless!' and you will get frustrated. As such, I would suggest that you start out by working on one sense at a time. For example, tomorrow morning, sit down somewhere where you won't be disturbed for five or ten minutes, close your eyes and simply focus on what you hear - and take it from there.

What's the point of such an apparently simple exercise? It trains your mind to experience, appreciate and understand what is actually going on, moment to moment, in your life by removing your preconceived notions that cloud your vision, lead to unhelpful reactive behaviour and result in you missing the opportunity of the moment. If you start each day with a little mental exercising, the whole of your day - and, ultimately, your life - will get going in the direction that you really, really want.

Copyright (c) 2010 Willie Horton

About The Author
Willie Horton has been a Personal Development expert since 1996 - working with top leaders in major organizations. An Irish ex-accountant, ex-banker, published author and keynote speaker, he travels the world, from his home in the French Alps, enabling people "live the dream". All his work - including his acclaimed Personal Development Workshop - is now online at http://www.gurdy.net The author invites you to visit:
http://www.gurdy.net




Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/self_improvement_and_motivation/article_8453.shtml