All You Need Is Love

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for the Holiday Weekend.

Hello there everyone and let me once again bid you Happy Holidays. I wanted to just sneak in during the break and share something quite wonderful with you that a dear friend sent along to us today.

On December 7th, 2009 at 1:30pm GMT Starbucks invited musicians from all over the world to sing together at the same time to raise awareness for AIDS in Africa. In that one breathtaking moment, musicians from 156 countries played "All You Need is Love" together. Watch now, as musicians from all around the world come together and share the song...

All You Need Is Love

Pursue the Means - Live The Dreams

My Holiday Message!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday December 16, 2009

Hello there dear friends , and welcome to this midweek point, and our final note for 2009.

What a year this has been. It has been filled with lessons and awareness's that I could not have imagined as we burst onto the year just a short twelve months ago. We uprooted and moved to the magnificent Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, and I duly confess, it was a true blessing. This place is surely a touch of paradise.

In contemplating my holiday message, I am caused to reflect on our friend, and recently passed, Jim Rohn. Like me, Jim was a believer in 100% responsibility for the entire life experience. No exceptions. Jim was also a huge believer in having a magnificent library, and he would appreciate what I'm going to share with you when I exclaim...

Read All The Books.

All of the books that we will ever need to make us as rich, as healthy, as happy, as powerful, as sophisticated and as successful as we want to be, have already been written.

People from all walks of life, people with some of the most incredible life experiences, people that have gone from pennies to fortune and from failure to success have taken the time to write down their experiences so that we might share in their wealth of knowledge. They have offered their wisdom and experience so that we can be inspired by it and instructed by it, and so that we can amend our philosophy by it. Their contributions enable us to reset our sail based upon their experiences. They have handed us the gift of their insights so that we can change our plans, if need be, in order to avoid their errors. We can rearrange our lives based on their wise advice. All of the insights that we might ever need have already been captured by others in books.

The important question is this: In 2010, with this treasure of information that could change our lives, our fortunes, our relationships, our health, and our careers for the better, how many books will you commit to reading?

Why do we neglect to read the books that can change our lives? Why do we complain but remain the same? Why do so many of us curse the effect but nourish the cause? How do we explain the fact that only three percent of our entire national population possess a library card--a card that would give us access to all of the answers to success and happiness we could ever want? Those who wish for the better life cannot permit themselves to miss the books that could have a major impact on how their lives turn out. The book they miss will not help! And the issue is not that books are too expensive! If a person concludes that the price of buying the book is too great, wait until he must pay the price for not buying it. Wait until he receives the bill for continued and prolonged ignorance.

There is very little difference between someone who cannot read and someone who will not read. The result of either is ignorance. Those who are serious seekers of personal development must remove the self-imposed limitations they have placed on their reading skills and their reading habits. There is a multitude of classes being taught on how to be a good reader and there are thousands of book on the shelves of the public libraries just waiting to be read. Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. We must not permit anything to stand between us and the book that could change our lives.

A little reading each day dear friends will result in a wealth of valuable information in a very short period of time. But if we fail to set aside the time, if we fail to pick up the book, if we fail to exercise the discipline, then ignorance will quickly move in to fill the void.

Those who seek a better life must first become a better person. They must continually seek after self-mastery for the purpose of developing a balanced philosophy of life, and then live in accordance with the dictates of that philosophy. The habit of reading is a major stepping stone in the development of a sound philosophical foundation. And in my opinion it is one of the fundamentals required for the attainment of success and happiness. (exerted)

My dear friends, it is my utmost desire that your holiday season is rich with the many blessings that you deserve, and that 2010 brings to you all of your dreams and intentions. I am richer for your presence in my life.

I'll be back with you on the 4th of January for what is going to be an amazing year.

Take care,

~peter~

peter@thewealthyattitude.com

www.thewealthyattitudebookstore.com

Twitter: WealthyAttitude

Skype: pcomrie

Releasing and Fulfilling Your Purpose

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday December 15, 2009

Good day all and welcome to Tuesday.

Just a few more days and we'll be fully into the holiday season, making merry, enjoying the break, and setting forth plans for the New Year.

For many, 2010 will be a defining year. To assist in the visioning process, our contributor today suggests a great process for...

Releasing and Fulfilling Your Purpose
by Debi Hebel

Did you know that Physics has a term for unused energy? Potential energy or stored energy is known to be energy that has not yet taken action. Wow, think about that for a minute. Imagine an apple seed. As small as it is, it has an enormous amount of stored energy. That little seed has the stored energy to create a huge tree that can contribute to sustaining other lives with the fruit it will produce. If something as small as an apple seed fulfills it's purpose by using it's energy to create something so beautiful, powerful, and life-sustaining, imagine what you could do with your potential energy. Our quest in life, like the seed, is to use our potential energy to uncover, pursue, and fulfill our own unique purpose in life.

We have all traveled different paths to get to this moment. No matter how we got here, if we know in our hearts that we have more to accomplish, then there are a few steps that we should apply our energy to that will move our quest forward.

1. Self-realization. An apple seed has a map of what it is suppose to become. Likewise, so do people. We need to find our map and dust it off. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or like your simply existing rather than living, then you need to make sure you are following the right path. After all, wouldn't you be surprised if you planted an apple seed and up grew a cherry tree? We simply cannot have complete life-satisfaction if we are following a map that does not have the right direction for us. This has to do with knowing yourself on a very deep level. Knowledge of who you are and who you are becoming is key to moving forward.
2. Defining Core Values. Your core values are like the roots to a tree. They supply the nutrients for the tree to flourish. If a tree had unhealthy roots, it could not sustain a healthy vibrant life. The most important step to living passionately is knowing unequivocally what your top three core values are. For you to grow and remain strong, you need to build your life on your core values.
3. Creating Your Personal Vision. Your personal vision should be built around your top values. You can compare your vision to the trunk of the tree. The trunk is strong and unwavering. This is the piece that holds up all the branches and foliage of the tree. Your vision statement is the piece that is the strong base that will define your life's meaning.
4. Goal Setting. A vision cannot be realized without a plan in place that will get us to our vision. Our goals can be compared to the branches of a tree. The branches run off in every direction. This should also be true of your goals. You should have goals for every aspect of your life. These should cover relationships, career, and self.

Then the fun begins. Once all of this is in order and you begin to achieve your goals your vision will start to come to fruition. This is when you can begin sharing your experiences and growth with other people. In going back to our metaphor of the tree, a healthy tree will begin to produce fruit. With this fruit the tree can feed others. Just like with our unique purpose we can help others to grow.

At The Human Factor, we have all of the tools you need to help you through this discovery process. By using personality assessments, Life-Satisfaction Toolkits, achievement objectives, and many other coaching tools we can support you on your quest to the achievement of life-satisfaction.

Debi is a Certified Master Coach, focusing her efforts on helping clients raise their level of life-satisfaction. As a coach, she has been able to follow her passion of inspiring people to uncover their individual greatness allowing them to grow in self-confidence, self-awareness, and ultimately life happiness. To contact Debi please email her here.

Attitude!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday December 14, 2009

Good day all, and welcome to yet another beautiful "Valley" week. Yes, here we are going into the third week of December and we have NO snow down here in the valley. Tons up in the hills and ski resorts, but none in town. It's just a hoot, and if I want to "see" the snow, I can take a short twenty minute drive, visit it, say hello, and leave. Now that's a blast.

Oh I know, it's all in my "attitude" about it. Yes, I have a "no snow" attitude. :-))

Our friend Father Miles also knows that it truly is all about our...

Attitude!
by Father Miles O'Brien Riley

I love it when folks ask me to pray for the weather: "Hey, Padre, say one for a sunny golf game this weekend" or "Father, please pray for good weather for my wedding next Saturday." Of course, I always have to respond: "Oh, I'm so sorry--I'm only in sales!" ("You'll have to speak with Management!")

It's a good reminder that we cannot control the weather--or very much else in our lives--the only thing we can control or change is our outlook, the glasses through which we look at life, our filter, our attitude. You can't change other people--even or especially those closest to you--the only person you can change is you.

And we do not have absolute control over a great deal in ourselves: our moods and feelings and emotions come and go spontaneously, outside of our control. We can control how we express our feelings--but hardly the emotion itself: be it anger, fear, jealousy, resentment, hatred, joy, optimism, or love. The one thing we have power over and can control is our attitude.

Dr. Victor Frankl, survivor of three grim years at Auschwitz and other Nazi prisons, wrote this about Hitler's barbaric camps: "We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

When we were in Junior High School, over 50 years ago, we were taught that the three things that contributed to a long and happy life were genetics (if your parents lived a long life, then you will, too) diet and exercise. (The medical profession likes things you can measure.) However, in the past 25 years, most studies on longevity and fulfillment focus on more spiritual things like optimism (attitude of choice) and passion (interests) and purpose (a reason to get out of bed in the morning) and our ability to handle loss. Genes, exercise and diet may still be in the top ten--but the top four are spiritual and number one, in study after study, is attitude.

Charles Swindoll was even more emphatic: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home."

"The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."

We all know people who are grouchy or sullen and often say something like: "I'm always in a bad mood until my second cup of coffee." That is so sad - because they always will be! That is their choice. I ride my bike 20 minutes over to the gym every morning for a little cardio exercise and weight workout and the other morning a woman coming out of the gym glanced at my big smile and demanded: "Are you always in a good mood?" "No," I answered honestly, "But I am always happy--because I choose to be--I choose the attitude of gratitude."

Father Miles is a priest, a speaker, an author, and a producer.

The Internet is one big random act of kindness!

Good day there all and welcome to the weeks end here in the beautiful Okanagan Valley

What a week it has been for us all here. With the passing of the legendary Jim Rohn we've been deep in discussion about how he really became the powerhouse that he was.

Jim had been in the "Personal Development" industry for almost 50 years, starting at a time when the Internet hadn't even been a consideration. He traveled the world lecturing, selling records, then tapes, then CD's and DVD's. His star though truly did rise with the advent of the Internet.

Ah yes, the Internet. We all think we know what it is! But do we really?

To conclude this week with our usual video offering, and to continue our honoring of our friend Jim Rohn, we present to you Social theorist Jonathan Zittrain as he suggests The Internet, is made up of millions of disinterested acts of kindness, curiosity and trust. Yes...

The Internet is one big random act of kindness!

Have a terrific weekend all.

See you on Monday.

~peter~

Network Marketing Success Tips, Your Success Doesn't Depend Upon A Guru

http://networkmarketingsuccesssecrets.com/index.php/articles/your-network-marketing-success-does-not-depend-upon-a-guru Article announcement: Attraction marketing your results are driven by your level of vibration

Remembering Jim Rohn

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday December 10, 2009

Good day there all and welcome to Thursday.

Five days ago one of the true advocates for "personal responsibility in all things" passed away. Jim Rohn is a legend in the personal development industry and his passing will leave a cavernous void until someone with as deep insights and humility steps on to the stage.

Kyle Wilson, Jim's close friend had this to share, “Jim Rohn was a great human being. Jim had the rare ability to take any concept or idea and then frame it in such a way that the rest of us could see it more clearly. His wisdom and insights positively affected everyone he touched on some level and to so many of us it was in an extraordinary way. But even more impressive was Jim Rohn the man. He possessed style and charisma, yet was humble, kind and understated to all who knew him. I find myself every day reflecting, benefiting and passing on the wisdom and ideas that are rooted in Jim’s message and wisdom. Jim is irreplaceable on every level. I will miss him beyond words, but am comforted as I know he was, that his message and legacy will live on and positively change millions of lives over the years to come!”

Here today at The Wealthy Attitude we honor Jim for the hundreds of thousands of lives he has touched and inspired. Join us as we...

Remember Jim Rohn

Here's Jim on Personal Development



And finally, Jim on "How to Avoid Being Broke and Stupid!

Pursue the Means - Live The Dreams

YES ... You Can Have It All.

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday December 9, 2009

Happy day everyone and welcome to the midweek point of this amazing week.

I was chatting yesterday with a new friend here in The Okanagan Valley who has recently subscribed to The Daily Reader. She shared with me something that just knocked my socks off. Since she subscribed she has taken the time to read every single posting on the blog. Wowee, now that's a commitment.

Interestingly though, she also shared that while she doesn't entirely see eye-to-eye with all of our contributors, she classified them all as the folks that say "YES" to all of life, and to the Universe.

That got me back into the files to bring forth an offering where a brand new contributor loudly proclaims...

YES ... You Can Have It All.
by Beate Chelette

"I've always considered myself as a spiritual warrior in a business suit."
~ Beate Chelette

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

To sum it up, I am a Woman Who Wants It All - and I firmly believe that I can get it, too. Nobody can tell me otherwise. "It is not possible!" How many times have I heard that! "You can't have it all. It can't be done, it's been tried before and did not work." The list of limitations goes on endlessly. Thank God I did not listen to them. I have a great daughter, am in a wonderful relationship, and love what I do. I am the American Dream.

Every movement, every idea, starts with one person. If someone did not think a different thought and act upon it, nothing would have changed, ever. Keep this in mind as you embark on your daily routines: maybe it is time to change one thing today so you can have a different outcome in your routine. Start by changing the way you think! For every person who does not get that job, someone else does - that needs to be you. For every person who loses money in this market, someone else makes it - that needs to be you. For every person who wants to make the team, someone else is playing on the field...and that needs to be you, too. Be the upper, not the downer. Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you are right.

I admit that it is very difficult at times. It can be discouraging if you are stuck in a bad situation or have a few tough issues piling up on you. There you are, you can't think positively, it is just too much! You are exhausted, battered and bruised and ready to just give in.

This is an experience that most successful people relate to. Even icon Donald Trump was out and declared finished, and yet he came back victorious. I certainly know what adversity is, what it takes to catch up from way behind the starting line. So what is it that sets victory and defeat apart? It is your ability to stay the course and finish what you came to do, no matter what. If it was so easy, everyone could do it, right? The principles of success are easy enough...but the path to follow them is not. Yet you have to stay the course.

The concept of ego-RHYTHM says that your life has a rhythm, that you will have good times and bad times. There is no guarantee how long the good or the bad stuff lasts; you only need to know that you will continue to come out OK at the end.

Make a want-it-all list. Write down what it is that you want, in detail, and look at your list often. Make check marks on the items on that list that you already have achieved, present and past. Look and see and understand how much you have already mastered, and be proud of that. As you still have a path ahead of you, you will probably mark off quite a few of the other items. Some ego-RHYTHMs come around more than once.

Apply the method of K.A.R.L. to your life - know who you are and which ego-RHYTHM you are in. Accept that where you are is a result of the choices you made, and don't judge it as bad or good; it simply is. Relax, because your life will continue to change - and so you might as well start to live in the now. Be present here and today.

Finally: Don't worry about whether you get enough out of life but about whether you give enough to those around you. That is how you will be remembered - by your contributions and how you made others feel.

Much love and good luck.

Beate

Beate Chelette is a single mom, entrepreneur and most recently a self-made multi-millionaire. Her career in the creative industry with emphasis on photography spans over 25 years. She holds a degree in photography and was the youngest photo editor for Elle Magazine in her native Germany. Beate immigrated to the USA in 1989.

She lives in Los Angeles and consults and speaks of Entrepreneurship, Success and Women Who Want It All. Beate is currently writing a book and developed her breakthrough method ego-RHYTHM to challenge and help women to wanting it all and getting it, too. Get know her at: http://www.beatechelette.com

Get The Hell Over Yourself and Say...YES!

A note from peter@thewalthyattitude.com for Tuesday December 8, 2009

Good day there everyone and welcome to Tuesday.

To continue the theme of preparing our attitudes for 2010 we went to our group of amazing contributors and asked them to reflect on the issues and get us their best thoughts. The response has been truly magnificent, and I was caused, once again, to be in enormous gratitude for the influencer's that touch my life.

And yes, Rebekah did say...

Get The Hell Over Yourself and Say...YES!
by Rebekah Green

Get the hell over yourself and feed the joy. None of this really exists so just have fun with it! ~Rebekah Green

1. All that really exists is the word YES. The universe is set up on a YES system, so whatever you choose to surround yourself with, you will continue to get more of. The universe just tracks all of your personal expressions and choices in life. There are no throw-away moments. Choose your words, actions and thoughts consciously. Choose your friends, partners and media influences wisely, because everything coming from us, and everything coming at us, profoundly affects our ability to be as intelligent and balanced as we want to be.

2. Change doesn't happen with the snap of your fingers. As cute and special as messages of movies like "The Secret" can be (and although the message is still completely true) things take time to change... sometimes a lot of time. And the true test of a person's character lies in their endurance and attitude during the entire process. So, get the heck over yourself and don't expect the world to fall at your feet immediately. Winners are the ones who look like they are winning even when they may have just lost something very big.

3. We are basically little computers. Once we are hardwired, it is very challenging to re-code the system (but it is possible with tremendous commitment). A key to bypassing the looping self-pity program that I've discovered is using the phrase "binary" with yourself. Emotions are very important, but in order to not get lost at sea, it's critical to have the self-discipline to go binary and just manually override the system and flip a switch. Sometimes you simply must force yourself to see beauty, joy and opportunity where previously you did not, then suddenly, it will be true.

4. We are all living in a fantasy land. We are all just making things up as we go, and we can decide to change our vision of the world and our behavior in it at any moment in time. So, as strange as it may sound and as strange as it may feel at first, just let yourself act as if you were living in what you thought your fantasy land would look like. Because the reality is, it's not actually a fantasy at all! What we see, what we decide, how we feel and how we present ourselves is the only reality we have - and it's totally our choice.

5. Lighten up, because pain and drama suck. And in the end, they're not even worth anything anyway. I don't think that it's a cosmic truth that pain is the greatest teacher, but even if it is, it still sucks. So, if there is an easier way to get the information that you need to become a better person without getting torn up in the process, keep your eyes open for it. Let go of ignorance, intensity and heaviness as quickly as possible. Being light and joyful is the whole thing that we're all going for anyway, so just lighten up!

Even if you have to live in fantasy land, go binary, and get the heck over yourself. The universe will have much more to work with in its desire to say YES to the light, beautiful life that you are seeking!

How to Have a Great Day ... Every Day!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday December 7, 2009

Good day all and welcome to another shiny new week that you get to play with.

I mentioned recently that we would be sharing with you some information and tips to assist in making 2010 an amazing year. The wonderful thing about today's offering is that you do not have to wait until January to to kick it in to gear and start living its impact.

Our friend Alan clearly knows...

How to Have a Great Day ... Every Day!
by Alan Zimmerman

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high
and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."
--Michelangelo Buonarroti, Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor

Michelangelo is right. You shouldn't settle for an "okay" life when an "exceptional" life is possible. You shouldn't settle for "getting through another day" when every day could be a "great" one.

And over the years, I've discovered that a "great" day has a lot more to do with how I approach it than what actually happens to me. A "great" day is a matter of choice and not a matter of luck.

That being the case, I've put together a list of ways you can have a great day every day. It's a compilation of my thoughts and experiences ... interspersed with the wisdom of others. Print out the list and look at once in a while ... because the more points you follow, the better your days will be.

48 WAYS TO HAVE A GREAT DAY ... EVERY DAY

Get PHYSICAL...

1. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day. It not only calms you but re-invigorates you.
2. Get busy living. Don't sit around waiting for life to happen. And don't sit around wallowing in the grief of yesterday. Life is too short for long pity parties.
3. And if you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out, just remember ... for fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

Put some RECREATIONAL fun in your day...

4. Look for the humor in everyday situations. For example, if you show me a man that has both feet firmly planted on the ground, I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.
5. Look for the craziness in everyday platitudes. As they say, "Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime." But in reality, sometimes you teach a man to fish, he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day long.
6. Don't watch life from the sidelines. Get involved and make the most of it ... starting now.
7. Grow up without growing old.
8. Always remember, no one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Keep your EMOTIONAL life in check...

9. Lighten up. Most of the things you worry about aren't going to happen anyway.
10. Don't go through life; grow through life.
11. Dismiss discouragement. Every great achievement was once impossible.
12. Remember, it's always darkest just before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
13. Practice patience. Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
14. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
15. Be thankful for your problems. If you threw all your problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, you'd grab yours back.

Nurture your SOCIAL connections...

16. Enthusiasm is contagious. Start an epidemic.
17. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
18. Multiply your happiness by dividing it.
19. Tell the truth; then you won't have to worry about remembering anything.
20. Remember, there's always someone who cares about you. In fact, if you think nobody cares if you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of car payments.
21. Don't miss a good chance to shut up. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
22. Beware of gossip. Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in again.
23. If you want to G-E-T, you have to A-S-K.
24. Guard your tongue. You cannot unsay a cruel word.
25. Choose your friends carefully. When you wallow with pigs, you're going to get dirty.
26. Strive to make people feel good. After all, people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
27. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
28. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
29. Even if you have pains, you don't have to be one.
30. Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
31. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

Approach your OCCUPATION with wisdom...

31. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
32. Don't corner anyone meaner than you.
33. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

Use your MENTAL capacity to think good thoughts and make good choices...

34. Remember ... life isn't fair. Some days you're the bug, and some days you're the windshield. Deal with it.
35. When you're pursuing what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
36. Never dismiss the value of a mistake. Make the mistakes of yesterday your lesson for today.
37. Be thankful for every experience. After all, good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of those experiences come from bad judgment.
38. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging.
39. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
40. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
41. Use common sense. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
42. Keep on learning ... by reading and observing. Forget about learning the hard way. As Will Rogers said, "There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves."
43. Keep your ego in check. And if you ever get to thinking you're a super-important, hot-shot kind of person, try ordering somebody else's dog around.

Tap into your SPIRITUAL side...

43. Don't count the days; make the days count.
44. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
45. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
46. Don't go through life with a catcher's mitt on each hand ... with a "gimme, gimme, gimme" attitude. True happiness comes from throwing some things back into life.
47. Don't forget ... every path has a few puddles.
48. Do what is right whether or not you feel like it. The time is always right to do what is right.

So there's my list. Feel free to edit it as you like. Make up your own list. Write down your truths. And when the economy seems bleak, when your business is struggling, when your relationships are under fire, or you seem to be living under a cloud, pull out the list and read it again. Remind yourself you CAN have a good day ... EVERY DAY ... if you just apply a few of these truths.

Action:
Add two more "ways to have a good day every day" ... to the list above. Make it an even 50.

As a best-selling author and Hall of Fame professional speaker, Dr. Alan Zimmerman has taught more than one million people in 48 states and 22 countries how to keep a positive attitude on and off the job. In his book, "PIVOT: How One Turn In Attitude Can Lead To Success," Dr. Zimmerman outlines the exact steps you must take to get the results you want in any situation. Go to Alan's site for a Free Sneak Preview.

The Spungen Family

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday November 4, 2009

Good day all and welcome to the week's end, and to all you Tweeters Happy #FF.

btw, you can follow us at @wealthyattitude

As is our way on Friday we offer up a video that we feel reflects out philosophy's and the themes we have been touching on during the week.

The Spungen Family demonstrates its immense philanthropic nature by giving out 6.6 million dollars in bonuses to its employees after selling its company. Their acts of kindness also extend to the intimate relationships they share with their employees and with their foundation which supports cancer research & treatment.

The most amazing part? You'd never know ANY of it by talking to them!

In a time where we are inundated with bad news about our economic landscape, corporate greed and bank bailouts -- it was refreshing to hear about the Spungen family -- such an authentically kind family with solid values.

Laurence and Florence Spungen and their four children are shining examples of corporate responsibility (Listen up corporate North America). A family that cares as much about their employees as they do their own family and treats them with dignity and respect -- Traits not often heard of in big corporations.

When we heard about the Spungen family from Waukegan, Illinois and their generous deed, we were intrigued and wanted to know more about them. Who are they? Why would they give millions of dollars away during the economic downturn? You'll see when you meet...

The Spungen Family

Pursue the Means - Live The Dreams

6 Simple Rules in Life

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday December 3, 2009

Good day there folks and welcome to this fine Thursday.

Today, I felt it relevant to just remind you of the...

6 Simple Rules in Life
from: www.thewealthyattitudebookstore.com

Life is simple and peaceful if you incorporate the following six rules into your daily routine.

1. Practice some quiet time everyday

Quietness of mind is the secret ingredient to a happy and successful life. Make it a regular habit to enjoy some quiet time every day. To start with set aside just 10 minutes at the start of the day. Just sit in a quiet place without paying any attention to your passing thoughts. You could pay attention only to your breathing and notice your chest and abdomen while breathing. This is not yoga, meditation, etc. This is simply a quiet time. Just ten minutes a day in the morning or night before bedtime is ideal for you to enjoy the peace within. If you make this a regular habit you would witness a better quality of life real soon.

2. Exercise your body and mind

Daily exercise keeps you away from mental and physical illness. Exercise keeps your body flexible, supple and strong. This leads to a balanced mind. There are plenty of good exercises you could choose from to keep yourself healthy and enjoy a long life. If you have not been exercising, you could start today. Just go for a brisk walk and feel the fresh air filling your lungs.

3. Eat sensibly

This area really poses a challenge for most of us. ‘You are what you eat' is not just a mere saying. It is a fact of life. What we eat, why we eat, when we eat and how we eat are important factors related to our physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. It would be wise to choose a healthy diet and stick to it. Your goal should not only be to lose weight but also to keep it under control so that your body and mind does not bear the strain of overweight.

4. Choose a fulfilling profession or job

Many people have a habit of switching jobs. They do not seem to know what they are looking for. They are not sure if they are after money, challenge, job satisfaction, etc. It is important that you have clear-cut ideas of what you are looking for in a job. You should love your job in order to do it well and succeed in it. You would find fulfillment in your career only when you love your profession or job.

5. Maintain good relationships

Life is for sharing. Share your love and happiness with your friends and family. Learn to cherish your relationships. Respect everyone around you and develop good communication skills to establish truly valuable relationships. Relationships make your life meaningful.

6. Get enough sleep

Sleep restores energy. Make sure to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Deep, regular and restful mind is good for body and mind. If you have unhealthy sleeping habits get rid of them and develop good sleeping habits. Enjoy the benefits of good sleep.

When you practice these simple rules you are bound to enjoy a happy, healthy and peaceful life. Life is quite simple, really!

Now go and make this an amazing day.

~peter~

The Trio of Abundance

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday December 2, 2009

Good day all and welcome to this delightful midweek point.

As has been our practice for many years here, now that December is with is we'll start talking about plans and intentions for the upcoming new year. It begins the usual questions.

1. Is your year ending the way you intended back in January?
2. If not, why not?

If you have spent any time at all with us, you know the answers to those questions well. Throughout the upcoming weeks, we'll share a bunch of grand stuff to ensure you get your new year off to a flying start.

Today though, one of our favorite folks gets the midweek buzzing with...

The Trio of Abundance
by Michael Lee

Eager to rest after a grueling day in the office, I took a cab on my way home. Little did I know that I would learn an important lesson in life from my cab driver.

As I entered the taxicab, I noted the sunny disposition of my cab driver, the clean seats and the stack of magazines arranged neatly on one side. According to my cab driver, he keeps the stack available for his customers to keep them busy during rush hour. The rush hour traffic allowed us the chance to talk.

Talk is what we did! With my prodding, he talked about himself, his dreams and goals. He intends to own five taxicabs in eight years and he has specific plans and timelines on how to achieve this.

At that moment, I felt I am in the presence of a unique individual whose passion I share. I regard him as a superhero in his own right. Both of us have set our sights to achieve abundance beyond our wildest dreams! This is our passion.

The term "abundance" continues to spark the interest of a lot of people. How do I know? Just type the word "abundance" in your favorite search engine and you'll see the millions of sites developed specifically for just this word. The last time I checked there are 29,700,000 sites with the word abundance.

Many people aspire and wish for abundance. A number of books have been written on how to attract abundance. In feng shui, lucky charms are placed in strategic places to entice prosperity in people's lives. This obsession with abundance created a whole new industry.

However, wishing alone will not lead you to prosperity. Read it again. WISHING ALONE WILL NOT LEAD YOU TO PROSPERITY. If you keep on wishing, see you in a hundred years! A lot of people keep on dreaming and wishing and then just stop. Many are taking this route simply because it is easy and requires minimal use of brain cells.

So what do we need to do to increase and triple our chance to attract abundance and prosperity in our lives?

Now comes the fun part of the lesson I learned from the taxi cab driver. In fact, he introduced me to his system to boost my chance of attracting abundance three times! Allow me to share with you his system.

The taxi cab driver's method is anchored on the Trio of Abundance. He states that wishing and dreaming must be followed by the TRIO OF ABUNDANCE: Think Positively, Act Positively and Speak Positively.

The cab driver shared some of his tips on how to make this trio of abundance a part of your life. Contrary to some marketing hocus-pocus, his system will not cost you a single cent. It is just plain human goodness and common sense.

Thinking positively means adopting the following mindsets:

• I am an optimist
• I keep an open-mind
• I am grateful
• I believe it can be done if I set my heart into it
• I view adversities as opportunities for improvement

Speak positively means doing these things:

• I always say "Thank you"
• I praise someone within 24 hours
• I share comforting words with friends in trouble
• I acknowledge a good behavior whenever I see one

Act positively requires these actions to be undertaken:

• I always smile at the people I meet
• I always hug the people I love
• I address people by their names
• I make people laugh

There you have it: The no-cost and complete system for increasing your chance to attract abundance three folds.

Feel free to add more in the list as you discover other innovative ways and mindsets to incorporate in your life. In the meantime, get ready for abundance beyond your wildest dreams!

Michael Lee is the author of How to be a Red Hot Persuasion Wizard... in 20 days or less, an ebook that reveals mind-altering persuasion techniques on how to tremendously enhance your relationships, create unlimited wealth, and get anything you want...just like magic. Get a sample chapter and highly-stimulating "Get What You Want" advice at: http://www.20daypersuasion.com

Hidden Gems of Wisdom

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday December 1, 2009

Hello there everyone and welcome this first day of 2009's final month. Just think of that, 1/1oth of the 21st Century will soon be behind us. I sit here in the absolute WOW of that. We'll be chatting more on that this month.

I got today's reader passed to me as a consequence of one of last weeks readers. The subscriber sent it to me so that I may not miss the...

Hidden Gems of Wisdom
by Barbara Biziou

Many years ago I was leading a Vision workshop in Nantucket. It is one of my favorite workshops because participants have the opportunity to explore their dreams and create a wonderful vision board.

I started by having people introduce themselves and share what their intention for the weekend. As we were going around the room, we came upon a 90-year-old woman who I assumed was just there for the company.

Instead, to my surprise she stated, "I came to find out what I want to do with the rest of my life." After the workshop she told me that she was planning a trip to Europe and then "who knows!" What a gift to have provided for the group. Sheer proof that life is an unfolding journey with endless possibilities!

Life can offer many gifts if you are open to receiving them. Since experience has taught me that anyone can be a voice of spirit, I tend to pay attention to conversations with strangers. A few weeks ago, I was riding in a taxi in NYC. As we were driving, we began to discuss a large accident that had happened the day before. A crane had broken off from a construction site and crashed into a building...destroying the building and killing many people. It seemed as if the whole city went into shock.

To my surprise, my driver told me that he didn't worry about accidents anymore. Intrigued I asked him why. "I was one of twenty survivors of a plane crash that killed over two hundred people" he shared. "I prayed and asked forgiveness for having harmed anyone in my life and after that experience I know that each day is a gift. Why worry about things you cannot control." Of course, that is exactly what I tell the participants in my classes. It doesn't matter if I am teaching in Corporate America or at a yoga retreat: the message is always the same. Focus on what you can control, let go of the rest and be present to what is.

Our conversation then turned to a discussion on aging. I had just returned from Florida and my mother's 90th birthday celebration. Not only does my mother look 10-15 years younger than she is, but she swims, plays bridge, belongs to a theatre group and has a boyfriend. She is always learning something new and has many friends and interests.

The taxi driver proceeded to tell me that his grandfather, who lives in Romania, was 105 years old. I was fascinated and wanted to know everything about how he was being cared for. Well, it seems that his grandfather was very independent and actually living on his own. "My mother stops by and does all his heavy shopping," he said. Of course, my mind started calculating...his grandfather was 105 so that made his mother around 80 and she did all the heavy shopping?

I asked him about the last time he had visited his grandfather. "Oh, he said, I took my grandfather for his physical. The doctor was a bit concerned that my grandfather had high cholesterol. He warned my grandfather to watch the type of food he put in his body. Smiling, my grandfather told him that he did understand that it was important what you feed your body, but "doctor", he said, "I think it is more important how you feed your soul."

What are you doing to feed yours?

Barbara is the author of The Joy of Ritual and The Joy of Family Rituals, is an internationally acclaimed teacher of practical spirituality. A national television and radio guest, she is president of Blue Lotus Productions, a multi-media company, specializing in wellness and personal growth.

With her never-ending wealth of knowledge, warm, inviting heart, open mind, and natural gift for teaching, she brings her global travels, from Bali to South America, and personal experience to her work, enlightening everyone she meets along the way. She is on the faculty of the American Management Association (AMA), The New York Open Center and One Spirit Learning Alliance.

Barbara has been featured in Body & Soul, Harper's Bazaar, New York Magazine, and Parents Magazine. She also starred on Morgan Spurlock's hit FX show 30 Days and was the everyday ritual expert on New Morning airing on the Hallmark Channel.

Her website is: http://www.joyofritual.com

Amazement

Good day all and welcome to yet another brand shiny new week that you get to play with.

The bulk of my mail last week reflected the feelings many of you had on the subject "Being The Miracle" that you are. My sincere thanks to all who shared your very personal perspectives.

Today's contribution springs from the same vein of thought. You'll see that your really can live with...

Amazement
by Claudette Rowley

If you decided to be amazed, what would you see? Amazement, like any other state of mind, results primarily from our perspective - a cleaned up perspective that is, one that's not clogged with negativity, self-doubt and limited thinking.

What is amazement? It's the capacity to see the positive, the beautiful and the previously unseen in both the everyday and in the spectacular. Amazement requires stepping outside of ourselves, observing who and what surrounds us, and practicing the art of gratitude.

In my experience, gratitude and amazement are kissing cousins whose relationship is symbiotic - one influences the other. Marcel Proust described this well when he said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."

If you looked through the lens of amazement, what would you see? How would you define it for yourself?

When I discuss amazement with people in life, they sometimes reflect back to me that they simply don't have time to be amazed. They are too busy, too tired and too stressed. But here's the great thing about amazement: it's free, takes no time, and is a fantastic stress reliever. So what blocks our ability to be amazed?

• The usual cadre of negativity: judgment, self-doubt and limited thinking. These three limit our vision drastically and call us to focus on what's not going well, how afraid we are, and how we or other people should have done things differently or better.
• Following a rigid set of rules about how we are supposed to be. Many of us carry around a mental checklist of "rules," regulations and must dos that ratchet our stress levels up to intolerable levels. Hard to be amazed with that monkey on your back, isn't it?
• Worrying, venting or complaining without taking action. Now I can worry, vent and complain with the best of them, and sometimes venting even puts in me in a more positive frame of mind. This only works if I choose to act to improve a situation. Endless worrying, venting or complaining sends you down a circular thought path that leads to nowhere.

Even if you understand these amazement-blockers, it can still be challenging to learn how to tap into the state of amazement on a regular basis. To raise your amazement quotient, consider these tips:

• Cultivate the art of observation. Observe the curve of a child's cheek, the beauty of a flower and the eyes of someone you enjoy being around.
• Watch for something good to happen. Notice the "little things": did someone smile at you today, make your life easier in some way, or help you solve a nagging problem?
• Let yourself feel the full emotional range. Amazement is a heightened sense of joy. What's your capacity for joy? Do you allow yourself joyful moments?
• Shift your perspective. If your usual take on a situation is negative, what would change if you looked through a positive lens?

Recognize that amazement is a choice. You can choose to be amazed or not - it's up to you. Once in a great while, most of us set eyes on a sight that is so compelling, so completely life changing that it takes our breath away. But most of life isn't like that, so it's up to us to make the choice to notice what amazes us on a daily basis. To be amazed or not to be amazed - that is the question.

Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life. Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-316-1923 or by email. Sign up for her free newsletter "Insights for the Savvy" atwww.metavoice.org.

Against All Odds

Good day there everyone and welcome to the typical weeks end. And what a week it has been!

Without going into detail, just know that I got reminded over and over again what an amazingly blessed life we each have. Oh I know, you may just be in the midst of a challenge right now, but also know this, you indeed have the solution.

Today's video offering is one we sent out ages ago in another format, and I feel inspired to offer it to you today so that you may have an opportunity over the weekend to reflect on the life and opportunity's that lie before you. I certainly know that you will indeed shine...

Against All Odds!

Jim MacLaren and Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah have what seems like an improbable story. Jim MacLaren was an All-American athlete with a future that knew no bounds. At 22, his life was changed dramatically when he was hit by a bus and lost a leg. He overcame his physical limitations and become a top Ironman triathlete.

Eight years later, Jim had another accident. Where was the meaning in all this suffering? Jim later finds this meaning in the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah in faraway Ghana. Watch the joint story of these two remarkably courageous men and the incredible connection they share despite being continents apart.

Pursue the Means - Live The Dreams

Have an outstanding weekend.

See you all on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday November 26, 2009

Good day there everyone and welcome to our American friends Thanksgiving Holiday. Here in Canada it's especially delightful as we celebrated our Thanksgiving holiday in October, and we get top do the turkey thing all over again.

Here is a tongue-in-cheek Ode to the Turkey which a UK subscriber sent us, and a neat recipe that I'm sure you will love.

The 12 Days of Thanksgiving

On the First Day..... We give thanks for the fresh turkey feast and its hot trimmings.

On the Second Day..... We bless the cold turkey sandwiches, sloshy cranberry sauce, and hard rolls.

On the Third Day..... We praise the turkey pie and vintage mixed veggies.

On the Fourth Day..... We thank the pilgrims for not serving bison that first time, or we'd be celebrating Thanksgiving until April.

On the Fifth Day..... We gobble up cubed bird casserole and pray for a glimpse of a naked turkey carcass.

On the Sixth Day..... We show gratitude (sort of) to the creative cook who slings cashews at the turkey and calls it Oriental.

On the Seventh Day..... We forgive our forefathers and pass the turkey-nugget pizza.

On the Eighth! Day..... The word 'vegetarian' keeps popping into our heads.

On the Ninth Day..... We check our hair to make sure we're not beginning to sprout feathers.

On the Tenth Day..... We hope that the wing meat kabobs catch fire under the broiler.

On the Eleventh Day..... We smile over the creamed gizzard because the thigh bones are in sight.

On the Twelfth Day..... We apologize for running out of turkey leftovers. And everybody says..... AMEN

At Christmas in December, we will have the opportunity to experience another excess of turkey, so here is a scrumptious recipe from a top UK Chef, Atul Kochnar, as a more creative Day Six option!

I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving our dear American friends and subscribers.

Turkey Biryani

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 Star anise

1-inch piece of cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

4 medium onions thinly sliced

Salt

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 green chilli

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garam masala

4-65 medium tomatoes, blended to a paste

1 cup coconut milk

2 pounds cooked turkey meat

1 pound freshly-cooked basmati or other long grain rice

2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves to garnish.

How to do it

Firstly, cook the rice and keep it warm.

Heat the oil in a pan, and the cloves, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick and cumin seeds. As the spices crackle in the heat, add the onions and pinch of salt. Saute until golden brown.

Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilli and saute for 2 minutes until cooked.

Add the turmeric, coriander, black pepper and garam masala. Saute for one minute.

Add the tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook 2-3 minutes.

Add the coconut milk, and simmer 2-3 minutes more.

Check the seasoning.

Now add the turkey meat and heat through.

Carefully stir in the warm rice.

Turn into a hot platter, garnish with the chopped coriander leaves, and serve with raita (cucumber chopped into plain yogurt) if you like it.

Serve immediately - and move on to Day Seven...!

The A-B-C's of Life's Purpose

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday November 25, 2009

Good day everyone and welcome to the midweek point.

It appears the little "miracle" reflection yesterday touched many of you. Thank you all who shared with us the "miracles" that abound in your own lives. It inspired one of our favorite readers to share...

The A-B-C's of Life's Purpose
by Hal Elrod

To Love & Create—this is the essence of life. But to be able to create the life you want, you must first be able to love the life you have. When you do, you are then able to enjoy a true sense of freedom and inspiration while engaged in the exciting process of creating the life of your dreams.

Accept Responsibility (For Everything)
From the economy to that difficult person in your life, to the speed of traffic during your daily commute—the external events and circumstances of life are often out of our control. Although we can't always control what happens to us, what we choose to think and do about it is our responsibility.

This is a profound truth, that it is not what happens to us that determines our quality of life, but it is how we choose to respond to what happens that creates our experience of life—good or bad. Even if a circumstance is not your fault, how you deal with it is always your responsibility.

The moment you Accept Responsibility for everything in your life, is the moment you have the power to create anything for your life.

Be Grateful (For Everything)
People often defend their negative attitude by claiming, "I'm not negative, I'm just realistic. Consider this: How is it any more "realistic" to focus on, think and talk about all that is wrong in your life, than it is to focus on, think, talk and Be Grateful for everything that is right in your life? Hmm...

When you choose to focus on the positive in your life and Be Grateful for everything, you have the power to create happiness at any moment of your life.

Commit To The Process (Without Being Emotionally Attached To the Results)
Every result (goal/dream/etc.) that you desire is preceded by a process. If you desire improved health, it must be preceded by a process of healthy eating and exercise. If you desire financial independence, it must be preceded by a process of accumulating, saving, and investing your money.

Most of us are emotionally attached to our results, and we base our level of commitment to each of our processes on how we feel or how things are going. Poor results usually lead to feeling discouraged or frustrated, both which hinder our desire and confidence to keep working towards our dreams.

The secret is to define the process required for each of your goals, then live everyday committed to those processes, and don't worry about your short term results. The process always eventually produces the result, you just have to stay committed and never give up!

You can learn to truly, authentically and unconditionally love the life that you have, and once you do you will find a sense of true joy and fulfillment in creating the life of your dreams. Your pursuit of a better life will no longer be out of fear of not having or being enough. You will be free from the stress and pressures that may have weighed on you in the past, so that you can begin genuinely loving the life you have while you are engaged in the exciting process of creating the life of your dreams!

Be That Miracle!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday November 24, 2009

Good day all and I bid you welcome to this very amazing Tuesday.

Today I'm celebrating miracles. Our American friends are celebrating Thanksgiving in a few days, and yesterday I got to thinking once again of all the blessings I am thankful for. As I wandered through my day, chatting on the phone from my home office with a client two thousand miles away I was struck by some awesome realities.

I live in Canada, and just being here shows that I've won life's lottery.

I was talking on a telephone that operates over the internet (VOIP).

I left home for a meeting in one of the worlds best built SUV's

I got a call on my cellular telephone and was able to resolve an issue from the front seat of my truck.

I got to hear from a potential client, who has all kinds of issues. And every single one of them can be unquestionably resolved with the powers we already had sitting around the table.

I was able to buy Joyce a lovely dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant, and pay for it with a piece of plastic.

While she went to her Toastmasters meeting I was able to work on my laptop computer in the coffee shop and connect with my Twitter friends from around the world, send electronic mail, pay some bills, and read what some contributors sent me for The Daily Reader. I could go on and on, but you get my point.

Good grief folks, it is truly a miracle life that I live, and I am truly thankful for every single moment of it.

Now, how about you? Do you see that miracle that is your experience? Are you being the miracle? Our friend Catherine might just clear the path for you to...

Be That Miracle!
by Catherine Franz

You are a human being, right? You also believe you are either male or female, right? You also have other roles you play in your life, like mother, father, brother, sister, employee, employer, boss, manager, in-law -- and the list, I'm sure, goes on. But have you ever thought of yourself as a miracle. Not in the sense of your birth. Of course, that is a miracle. In the sense of your every day life. Do you walk around all day long and see yourself as a miracle worker?

If you did, just imagine how much taller you would stand, less rushed you would be, and how much fear you would live without. Well, sit straighter right now. Because you are. You are a miracle. You are a miracle worker, if you choose to be. You have been given that choice too.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of riding in the limo with Deepak Chopra, on his way to speak at the IONS conference in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia. And this was one of the topics that morning with everyone in the car. We tossed back and forth the characteristics of a miracle and all the other angles. Although it was just one of many interesting conversations I enjoyed that week, this one instantly changed my life.

When we got closer to the hotel, the car grew quiet except for the purring of the engine. Deepak was meditating, and I joyously recorded the wisdom of our conversation and all that was churning inside of me.

In big bold letters, "If I want to have a miracle, be that miracle," flowed from my pen. I stopped, stunned. I couldn't continue writing nor look up. Tears quietly rolled down my cheek. The message was so powerful it turned into a muffled sob. My skin tingled and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment even though I wasn't sure who, if anyone, was watching me.

A hand touched my shoulder. Our eyes met. The corners of Deepak's eyes were watery too. I knew in that instant he received the same message. No words were exchanged just a nod from him. Later that day, in his stage presentation, he discussed this event incognito.

The power of joined energy is a miracle. The power of our own energy is a miracle waiting for a decision to happen. It begins with our decision. We have the power of miracles.

Miracles take action. It takes generosity. It takes selfishness. It takes a second, a minute, or ten minutes. The bottom line is:

"If you want to have a miracle, be that miracle."

Since this beautiful moment of tying energy this same message, same wording, has repeated itself in a book, and other places. Even though they weren't as powerful as that moment when our eyes locked, it still shows that we need to hear it, be reminded of it, consistently until we decide to inherent it into our daily beliefs and life.

This message doesn't just work during the holiday season. It is there for our choice every waking moment. You are the tree that lives in the forest and help the forest be a forest. It is the tree that falls hard in the forest but gently ripples into the rest of the world.

The miracles you create in the check out line at the grocery store with people in front of you, behind you, and the cashier, are miracles. don't just wish for miracles. Be that miracle, everyday, every second, and it begins with a new way of looking at yourself. Be a miracle to yourself and let it ripple out. Stand tall, walk like the miracle you are. Let it touch everyone today, tomorrow, next year, and the year after.

The world is changing because of miracles. Be that miracle.

Catherine Franz, business and writing coach, resides in Virginia and is a syndicated columnist, radio producer, International speaker, and author. Ezines and other articles: www.abundancecenter.com

The Joy of Going Too Far

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday November 23, 2009

Well hello there folks and welcome to another brand new week.

We've been having a little down time here to discuss the many things and experiences we desire to have show up for us in 2010. It's a very exciting process to first set in the foundational thoughts upon which we are planning our future, and then start to build the dream on that solid underpinning.

Yes, these times are going to be here for a while, it's a new experience for many of you, but know this, all the solutions and power you need, you already have. Now it's time to take what you have a little further. In fact, there is much to appreciate in...

The Joy of Going Too Far
by Philip Humbert

Many people have observed that the only way to have more, earn more, or do more is to first "become more." I've always had a conflicted relationship with that advice.

On the one hand, none of us will ever be one bit "more" than we are right now. We each have, and have always had all the tools, brains, creativity, drive, talent, and resources we need to be fully human. We will never be even a tiny bit "more" than we are right now. So, one part of me objects to the idea that we can "become more."

There are far too many people telling us we are somehow inadequate or less than we "should" be. I reject that! Advertisements are always telling us that to be happy or sexy or rich or powerful (or younger--I love that one!) we should buy their product, join their campaign, or learn some new skill. As an old bald guy, I especially like the ads to "re-grow" my hair so I'll be younger, more attractive and sexy. Right!

On the other hand. There is great truth in the idea that very few of us ever develop all the potential that lives within us. I've always had a dread of dying "with my music still inside me." I hate the idea that fear or laziness or being "too busy" may keep me from exploring my world and living to the full.

One of my values is to end my life by looking God in the face and being able to honestly say, "I did it all. I used all the talent, explored all the opportunities, experienced all the richness life had to offer." I've always shared Henry Thoreau's fear that he might die "and discover that I had never truly lived."

Life is to be lived! We know we're alive because we're growing, deciding, trying, learning, exploring and yes, making mistakes. We know we're fulfilling life's promise by using the talents God gave us. Imagine the insult to life, to God, of "hiding our talents" or being shy about them! Rather, I suspect we honor life and God by "showing off." We honor life by doing stuff, by reaching further, by dancing wildly, by singing (yes, even off-key) and exploring our world. There is something God-like and uniquely human about audacity. Even the "sin" of hubris, the arrogance of going much too far, has a joy that I like. Better to try too much, to reach too far, to dare the impossible than to sit quietly, waiting for death.

I'm convinced that few, if any, of us are ever fully alive, fully human, in the sense of being and doing all we are capable of. To me, that's a terrifying, sad and tragic thought.

At the same time, I understand the fear that holds us back. No one likes to fail or be embarrassed. No one enjoys the pain of trying, only to be ridiculed or laughed at if it doesn't work out as we hoped

But here's a huge secret, only those who risk going "too far" ever discover the joy of knowing how far they can go! And here's a deadly corollary: Those who laugh the quickest and loudest at our "arrogance" are those held most tightly in the grip of fear.

Neil Armstrong went "too far"--all the way to the moon and back. Lewis and Clark went "too far"--all the way to the Pacific ocean and back. Maggie Thatcher and Golda Meir went "too far"--and became the heads of their respective countries. Amelia Earhart regularly went "too far"--and in the end she died, but what a life she lived!

Whatever else you do with your life, be sure to stretch your wings. Regularly, go "too far." Live until you die. Try stuff. Push the limits, take risks, express your opinions and show the world your true colors. The world is not hungering for "average" or "safe!" We need all the greatness we can get! Show us what you can do.

If you wish, start small. Here are some suggestions:

• Read more. In particular, read something you would normally ignore or something you're sure you'll disagree with. Read history or a comic book, science or one of the great novels. Just read. Learn something new.
• Watch better television. Anyone can watch silly comedies or cop shows. But why bother?! Rent a documentary or something controversial. Watch a cooking show, or history, or science or some "talking heads" arguing politics. Let them make you mad. Let them make you think. And above all, argue back!
• Eat something strange. Try a new restaurant you're sure you "won't like." Or, how about worshiping with a friend who practices a different faith? How about learning a new language or attending a cultural festival? You won't die, and you might discover something about yourself.
• Be a beginner. Try a hobby or sport you've never tried. Sign up for a class on a topic you've never considered and see what happens. Try sky-diving or square dancing or take that computer class. I double-dare you!
• Do lunch. Invite someone you've never met to lunch, preferably someone who's very successful in a field you know nothing about. Ask questions, then listen. What's it going to cost? A few bucks? And you were going to have lunch anyway, so see what you can learn. You might gain a friend, or even a new career!

Happiness is partly about becoming all we can be. Happiness and joy are connected to discovery, exploration and daring. If you can, buy a ticket on the space shuttle, but if you prefer to start smaller, start smaller. But start. And keep on going.

Dr Humbert is a Success Strategist, author and popular speaker. Imagine what's possible! To inquire about having him speak to your group or organization, or to schedule an initial consultation, contact him or visit his site at Philip Humbert.com.

Unlimited Possibility

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday November 19, 2009

Hello there good folks and welcome to Thursday.

Quick Update: A few weeks ago we ran a series on "Social Media" and we received a bunch of delightful feedback, and one now rose above them all.

Yesterday I heard from two of our subscribers here at The Daily Reader who took advice and somewhat nervously opened Twitter accounts.

These two subscribers had been friends over 25 years ago and lost contact after one had moved. Then viola, within a week of opening their Twitter accounts and using their old nicknames as handles they re-discovered each other. And, get this, they are getting together next week for the American Thanksgiving holiday. Isn't that just grand?

Now, on with today's mission as Gail really highlights a world of...

Unlimited Possibility
by Gail Lynne Goodwin

We live the majority of our lives trying to fit into boxes that our society has created. We base our education, our friendships, our careers and the vast majority of our decisions on what is “expected”. What we believe may be possible gets pushed aside by what we believe is probable.

But what if you didn’t know any better? What if you believed in unlimited possibility?

What if you were an alien that just beamed onto Earth and you didn’t know the rules? What if you didn’t know the way things were done and you were free to create a solution to any problem or expand any opportunity? Chances are, you’d tap into your reservoir of creativity and create brand new solutions and possibilities.

This past week I had the incredible honor of interviewing Sir Richard Branson at his home on Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands- because I believed it was possible. Richard is the quintessential example of someone who lives his life believing anything is possible.

His company the Virgin Group, is one of the world’s most successful companies and is one of the most recognized global brands. He’s the only person in the world to have built eight different billion-dollar companies from scratch in eight different sectors.

He is the ultimate entrepreneur, an amazing success story, a mentor to millions and is using his success for the betterment of the planet not only through philanthropy but as a direct part of his everyday business.

He has been one of my personal heroes for quite some time. This meeting was something that was on my vision board for more than a year. Many thought that I was crazy to think that I could arrange this interview, but I was determined to make it happen. I believe anything is possible if we tap into our own creativity and determination.

If we give a child a heavy bucket of water and ask them to move it across the room one of several things may happen. Depending upon the child, some may try to lift the full bucket and spill it across the floor. Others will unsuccessfully try to lift it and give up. Some will just splash and play in the water and completely forget the task at hand.

But a select few will find another toy that holds water and scoop, walk and dump the water from one bucket to the next, until the bucket is light enough to move. One child may use a sponge to soak up the water and squeeze it out into the bucket across the room. Children will think of things that our logical mind might not even dream of- because they’re too naive to know that what they’re trying to do won’t work- and it does.

As Sir Richard says, ” What everyone tells you never to do, may just work- once.”

The next time you’re faced with a problem or an opportunity, I invite you to forget what you already know. Instead of simply listening to a so called “expert”, tap into you own inner wisdom and don’t automatically dismiss your idea as too crazy to work. Pretend that you don’t know any better and approach the problem with an open mind. Let go of all of your inner chatter that tells you why something won’t work.

- Look at the problem or opportunity and seek to understand it.

- Think of the obvious solutions-and throw them all away.

- Dig for the secret solution that’s hiding that you would normally dismiss as “too crazy” or “that will never work”, because there’s a good chance that it just might work (at least once).

Experience shows that when we let go of the pre-conceived thoughts and beliefs that we bring to the table, a world of opportunity opens unto us. The interesting thing is, that that world was there all along- and will open up when we choose to see it as viable.

So I invite you to cast off any limiting beliefs and sail with me into the world of unlimited possibility. I think you’ll find it’s a pretty cool place to play.

Gail Goodwin is a evolving as a significant contributor to those folks who are dedicated to living larger lives. You can get to know her much better at Inspire Me Today You'll be happy you did.