Feeling Down

Yeah, I know. It sound pretty cliche and trite, but for me it works. I just do whatever the next thing is that I have to do. Usually the more simple things work the best. Maybe it’s load the dishwasher. Maybe it’s go out and shovel snow (see what time of year it is for me?). Just doing whatever needs to be done will usually start to bring me out of depression.

What works for you? How about singing. I know someone who sings whenever she feels down and in no time, she is fine. There are a lot of destructive things that people do. I usedto get flaming drunk when I got down. Now I won’t say that never occurs anymore, but I know that it doesn’t work. In fact, it has the opposite effect for me, I wake up hung over and feeling even worse about myself.

Some people let their anger control them. This is also destructive. I know guy that used to punch things when he got down. It would make him angry and he would vent his frustration, depression and anger out on walls, cupboard doors and so on. I don’t know how many walls he had to patch, which made him feel pretty stupid.

Next time you get down, try my simple method. Just get up and do something. I don’t care what it is. Perhaps something physical would be best. Having a physical outlet helps many people. Anyway, try it and see how it works for you.

Here’s to You!

This morning I was listening to a podcast as I did my yoga. What caught my attention is the interviewee made a statement that insinuated that all Personal growth and development techniques and advice on the internet is crap! He was selling a self help product so what he was really saying is that everyone but me is selling crap. Now I admit that there is some real snake oil stuff out there, but most of it is not.

I am not a psychologist. I worked for over ten years in the mental health field, for fifteen years in business management, which is pretty much the same as the first one, and have been a minister for about twelve years, a combination of the first two careers. In that time, I have learned a bit about what makes people tick and how they live their lives.

Now I will be the first to admit that there is little new in the field of personal development and growth. The self help field relies more on ancient principles than it does new ones. The fact that they are ancient however, does not mean they are not useful. The trick in trying to help people change their lives is to say what needs to be done in such a way that the person reading it or hearing it can understand is and use it in their own lives.

Take goals for example. I heard it a million times how I had to have goals, but until someone said it in such a way that it sank into my thick skull, it didn’t mean a thing. Now I understand and goals work well for me. Then it did not.

My suggestion to you is to find someone who you can relate to. Find someone who says what you need to hear in a way that sinks in. I prefer to find someone who has actually used the methods that he or she is promoting. No offense intended to anyone, but why go to a priest for marriage counseling? If you haven’t lived with a member of the opposite sex, how can you know? Sure you read a book about it, but is that the same thing?

Personal development can only happen when you are able to make it personal! It has to mean something to you; be a part of you. then, and only then, can you begin to change and to grow!

Here’s to You!

P.S I just found this post along the same lines I encourage you to read it! Exposed!

This last week has been about adversity. We have to have some adversity or we will not get stronger. However, when adversity comes, and it will, what we do with it determines if we become stronger or not.

It all you do is whine and think that the world is against you, you will not become stronger. If you look for the opportunity in each situation, then life will take on a new meaning for you.
Here’s to You!

One of the points in the book is that we need adversity or stress in order to make us stronger I wrote about that yesterday, so I won’t go on about it too much. the point is, we need a certain level of adversity or we become lazy and weak. Think of an athlete. If they don’t work out, run, swim, lift weights, their bodies do not become stronger and they cannot compete. Our bodies and our minds need a certain level of adversity or stress to make them strong.

The other side of this is that we all need to rest from stress. That same athlete, if he or she were to work out continually and never take time to rest, never allow the body to react and build back up, will soon become fatigued and they won’t be able to perform near as well.

The same holds true for us mentally. If we are continually under stress, we soon become less able to focus. We lose the competitive edge. Like the athlete, we need to take time to release the stress. This can be done in a number of ways. Meditation is good. Meditation comes on lots of different forms and you can read about that here.

Another way is some form of physical exercise. Go for a walk, a run, play tennis, ride a bike, work in the yard. There are any number of ways that you can work off stress. Some of them can be quite fun! Yes, I meant THAT! Most of us spend too many hours sitting in front of a computer at work and the physical exercise will not only help us lose mental stress, but will help get our bodies back in shape.

Adversity is not the enemy. In fact not enough adversity makes us weak. The enemy is having too much adversity or too little. Too much stress and not taking the time to do what is best for us physically and mentally causes us to become less focused and productive. Too little adversity and we become weak.. Check out The Power of Full Engagement. It’s worth having on your bookshelf. Take stock of your life and see where you are lacking in adversity, physical exercise perhaps, and where there is too much.
Here’s to You!

Lynn Terry

I want to introduce Lynn Terry I interviewed Lynn, asking her some questions about what made her tick and how she got to where she is today, a very successful woman.

Lynn Terry has overcome a lot of adversity in her life, to reach success. And not just financial success, but a complete lifestyle change as well. A single mother of two with no college education, and an incredible number of life challenges you wouldn’t wish on anyone – she turned it all around in a few short years. She now has a lifestyle to envy: Lynn travels the world, works from home, employs both of her children in her successful business, and is happier than she has ever been in her life…

• Have you always considered yourself a strong person?

No, not at all. For many years, especially through my 20’s, I really felt like a victim of circumstance. I used to jokingly refer to myself as the “queen of adversity” (laugh).

Even with a strong vision, and a genuine desire to make dramatic life change, I never imagined just how good it could get. But no, I wouldn’t say I was a strong person. I was unsure of myself, but also desperate for change – enough so to try anything, do everything, and *make* it happen.

• When you were at your lowest point, what kept you going?

My two children. Definitely. Anytime I felt discouraged, or tired, one look at my children would remind me of what I wanted out of life – and why.

Often we will do things for others, that we wouldn’t do for ourselves. I am grateful for the drive and motivation they’ve given me to create a better lifestyle, and to be a good role model for them.

• Do you have any regular practice to help you stay sane? (meditation, going for walks, drinking a bottle of scotch, that sort of thing )

LOL – no scotch here

But yes, I do have ways to keep personal balance and to stay grounded in my goals. Life can be overwhelming sometimes, no matter what your circumstances. For me life is a combination of home owner, business owner, and single mother to two teenagers – among other things, of course.

I make it a point to celebrate the small things. Sunrise and Sunset for example – I like to spend a few moments on the deck every day to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of another day starting and ending.

I also take afternoon naps. Non-nappers tend to think that us nap folks are “lazy” (laugh). I am one of the most driven and productive people you’ll ever meet, so that’s certainly not the case. For me, a nap is a great way to take time for myself, stay rested, and renew my energy. I’m a big fan of The Power of

The Power of Full Engement

Full Engagement – a great book, highly recommended if you haven’t read it yet.

A 2-mile walk, preferably in the early morning, does wonders for my energy levels, and is a time I do much of my thinking and planning.

I also treat myself frequently – favorite meals, time with friends, day trips, movies, etc. Too much of life can be spent working towards the future, which is important, but we also have to enjoy the present as well.

• Do you have any heroes/heroines that you try to pattern your life after?

My grandmother inspired me deeply, and continues to inspire me even now that she’s gone: http://www.clicknewz.com/2050/personal-inspiration/ . I always considered her to be an incredibly strong woman, but in that note I reveal how I discovered some of her doubts and weak moments… and how incredibly inspiring that was.

There are a lot of people that I look up to and admire, and I am a big fan of success stories. Conversations With Millionaires, and similar anthologies

Coversations with Millionaires

make up some of my favorite reading.

No matter where you are in life, there are always people behind you and ahead of you. I love looking forward and seeing new examples and models to consider for my own path. And as I’ve progressed in my own life and business, I’ve had the opportunity to help others move forward as well.

We are all exactly where we are, right now. It’s a great thing to accept that as it is. But to also look around and take note, both of where you want to be – and where you do not want to be.

• If you had to rank the following items, how would you rank them? Persistence, faith or belief, confidence, positive attitude.

Persistence
Positive Attitude
Faith or Belief
Confidence

I ranked them in that order, because sometimes you have to achieve a small taste of success before you can feel positive – or before belief truly kicks in. And certainly before you feel confident.

Even when I had no idea if I would achieve the desired result, was full of personal doubt, and not at all sure of myself… it was being both persistent and consistent that got me where I needed to be.

• If you were left penniless and alone tomorrow, what personal quality would get you back on your feet?

Desperation? haha…

Great question. When we’re put in a situation of “sink or swim” – we swim. That’s human nature. Sometimes the worst of circumstances… can be the greatest turning point of your life.

• Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself twenty years ago?

I often think how nice it would be to revisit the woman I was then, and assure her that the change would indeed change. That great things would happen… and that all would turn out well.

I would paint her a picture of who she would become, and encourage her to push harder – and to work faster – to make it all happen even sooner.

I can only imagine how much easier my life would have been… if I could have known, and felt confident in my path. Doubt and fear, and uncertainty, are such negative forces. But they can also be that necessary driving force to perpetuate life change.

Thanks Lynn,
Here’s to You!

P.S. Lynn gave you the link to her blog and the post about her grandmother, here is the link to the forum that she runs and I belong to. If you are interested in her Elite membership here is the link for that. I am an Elite member and cannot believe all I have learned!

This past weeks blogs have been about taking responsibility for your life. If you want a better life, if you want your life to change and change in a specific direction, then you have to take control. Otherwise, someone else will!

Here’s to You!