True confession: I don't take the time I should to reflect. I feel I should, but somehow I just don't quite get around to making it happen. At least not enough.
Maybe the ideas below will help *both* of us take an extra moment or two for this discipline. Mental jump-starts so-to-speak :)
IT'S TIME TO REFLECT...
About what is most important to you in life.
On what the phrase "being a person of excellence" means to you.
On your roles in life and the possibilities each one holds for you in terms of your own personal growth and development.
About the lessons life has taught you so far. Could you record those in a creative way that is meaningful to you -- a poem, an extended journal, writing, painting, creating a memory book, composing a song, etc?
On the reflections you have recorded in the past and what those thoughts could -- or should -- mean for you today.
About how you will schedule times of reflection for next year.
The meaning of a special season.
The events of this past year and how they could shape your thinking and acting about next year.
And so on: you complete the list.
IT'S TIME TO STOP
Knowing when and what to stop is essential if we are to live a life of excellence.
For instance, it may be good for me to...
Stop long enough to make reflection meaningful.
Stop selected activities if I am going to spend time with my family or those I love.
Stop and take the needed rest before I am *forced* to slow down because I am too worn out to do anything else.
Stop one activity and replace it with another one that will allow me to make a simple step toward accomplishing the very special dream I've had for years.
Stop and say "I love you," "I'm here to help," or "Thank you."
Sometimes we need to stop long enough to truly "see" what is taking place in our lives and make changes.
I know. I've been there.
Years ago a friend of mine brought me into his office, looked me directly in the eyes, and confronted me. It was rough -- but needed. I'm a better person today because I had to face some hard facts about myself.
If I'm hurting others by my words or actions, then it's time to stop.
If I'm engaged in some sort of self destructive behavior, then I need to stop long enough to get help.
Maybe it's time for the bitterness, selfishness, lying, stealing or anger to stop. I'm especially sensitive to the latter -- anger. One of the most horrifying events
I witnessed in recent years was the result of a husband's uncontrolled rage directed toward his wife and family.
IT'S TIME TO ENJOY
The simple things. The little things. One of my daughters wrote a note to me a while ago, and in the note she reminded me to "take time to enjoy the simple things, dad."
A good reminder. It was a good reminder for me at the time. It is still a good reminder for me.
In addition, you may want to take time to enjoy...
The fun things. Things that you make you laugh or smile. The laughter of others.
The kindness you have been shown by a person who is close -- or not so close -- to you.
The fact that someone is praying for you and how meaningful those prayers are to you.
Children and their joy of discovery.
Colors, the changing of the seasons, landscapes, nature, a book, the "feel good" movie you have wanted to see, the walk you haven't taken for a while, a meal you would normally rush through, the musical that always lifts your spirits (Beauty and the Beast or My Fair Lady anyone?), or the workout you have missed.
IT'S TIME...
Yours for a day filled with beautiful moments in time...
© Lee Wise. All rights reserved. http://ld.net/?lfw
Avoid pain/create pleasure. For A Beautiful Moment In Time
go here --> Motivation for Daily Living
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
IT'S TIME - Make The Most Of Our Lives
The True and Magnificent Power of Giving
You've probably heard of the popular saying "It's better to give than to receive." But do you actually know what hidden power lies within this magnanimous act known as "giving?"
When you give something from your heart without expecting anything in return, you release a powerful force that will trigger your good deed to "bounce" back to you in amazing,and sometimes unusual ways.
I firmly believe that whatever you impart to others will come back to you a hundred fold. You are doing yourself a big favor by helping someone in need. By doing even the smallest acts of generosity, you are inviting good vibrations to come into your life.
You would be earning the respect and love of your recipients. You know that you will always have a loyal group of friends who would help, protect, and do anything for you just because they feel that they have to repay you in any way they can.Most people would have the urge or drive to reciprocate any act of kindness you've shown them.
However, this does not mean that you must expect them to repay you. Give without any expectation of rewards. Don't do it just because you have an ulterior motive. Give unconditionally.
Give because you are happy doing it. The universe will get back to you in its own special way.
Speaking of happiness, the act of giving can summon the spirit of joy to come into your heart. How would you feel when you've given something to your less fortunate neighbors? Let me tell you that nothing could brighten up my day more than hearing them express their most heartfelt gratitude and seeing their smiles extend from ear to ear.
Giving is also a healthy habit. It could prolong your life by instilling within you an inner sense of peace and accomplishment.
Just like all things in life, giving has its limitations. Being too generous can have its toll. Your kindness might be taken advantage of and people might abuse your good intentions.
Beware of individuals who are continuously seeking your aid. It's better to teach them how to solve their problems than to always attend to their needs.
As one saying goes ...
"Give them some fish and you'll feed them for a day. Teach them how to fish and you'll feed them for a lifetime."
Lastly, here's what I consider the most important rule about giving. Keep your good deeds to yourself. Don't announce to the whole world that you've donated $100,000 to your favorite charity or that you've helped save a child from a life-threatening
disease.
If you really desire to give, do it secretly and in private. Some people would write "anonymous" rather than their own names when they've made a contribution. The universe smiles upon these individuals, and they will get their just rewards in due
time.
Now that you know how wonderful it is to give, would you go out to the world and share your blessings?
About the Author:
Michael Lee is the author of "How To Be A Red Hot Persuasion Wizard," an ebook that reveals powerful secrets on how to get anything you want, including how to tremendously improve your relationships, explode your profits, win arguments, and
magically influence others. Grab a sample chapter at
20 Day Pesuasion
