Most of us have moments where we feel overwhelmed by life. This typically happens when the daily demands of life far exceed our capacity to handle them. Yet, somehow we find the energy to push through and pray for a period of reprieve.

However, if we are not careful, these feelings of being overwhelmed can become a pattern we cycle through all too often, depleting our energy reserve. Then, when our energy is depleted, even small challenges can push us into crisis mode.

This is why it is so important to replenish your energy on a daily basis. When you make the choice to consistently renew your energy (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) you will feel happier, healthier and more productive. In short, life is better.

This week make the choice to give back to yourself. Begin this process by putting one restorative idea into action each day. Every investment pays off!

• Begin by making a list of simple steps you can take to stay energized
• Next, create daily breaks and recharge your energy
• Then, start to notice how good it feels!
• Finally, Repeat these steps daily

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

Every person has patterns that do not support their growth, happiness or productivity. Most of us can easily list them. However, to do something about those patterns – well that is an entirely different story.

These patterns are many times tied to strong emotions. This is how these patterns gained their strength. When something happens, we get emotionally triggered, which typically causes us to react. It is a cycle that will repeat itself until we make the choice to break it.

Recognizing these patterns is good. Taking action to get rid of them is even better. This is step you will need to make so that you can begin to free yourself from your unconscious, negative patterns.

Now is the time to move from knowing to doing! Today is the day to commit yourself to making the life change needed to break those negative patterns. This week make the choice to create a positive change in your life. Remember, change takes time and commitment. I believe that the baby steps of change can equal the leaps needed to be the person you want to be. YOU CAN DO IT!

• Begin by choosing a pattern you would like to get rid of
• Next, identify the triggers that cause you to make those negative reactions
• Then, choose to make a new response. Remember, you ARE in control
• Finally, repeat these steps each week!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

You have a connectedness to life that exponentially supports you when you are willing to take the time to invest in yourself. Every positive step forward actually helps you to gain momentum in every aspect of your life.

Simply put, every time you take consistent action to improve yourself, you positively affect the whole of who you are at the core. No matter how big or how small the change is – there are always positive ripple effects. Just as you throw a stone into the lake, the ripples you cause there continue far past what you can see. Such is life, the positive ripples you make in your own life far outreach your ability to see all of the effects that they cause in the lives around you.

**Read the quote to the left by Margaret Thatcher. Whether you liked her politics or not, this quote
stands true.**

However, this does not come easily. It is important that you intentionally reprogram your subconscious mind, which directs more than 95% of your actions. The process I recommend for writing your goals is designed to do just this through the development of new neural pathways that build habits. Give it a try.

• First, identify a positive change you want to make in your life
• Second, write down the change. Writing it will help you to reprogram your brain
• Third, take action daily! This is what you want, go get it!!
• Finally, see and feel the difference you have made on all levels…after all you deserve it!

Whether we know it or not, we are constantly creating our lives. Our future, YOUR future, is wide open whether you choose to accept ownership for it or not.

Creating your future is quite simple actually. You have gotten to where you are in life by the choices you have made in the past. This means that your future is a result of the decision you make today!

Life is filled with an infinite number of opportunities and it is up to you to make the most of it. Decide what you would like your future to look like. Then, take the appropriate steps to make it happen.

• Begin by making a list of what you want to experience out of life
• Next, identify the steps it will take to get there
• Then, move into action and see your dream life become a reality
• Finally, enjoy your new reality!
  

It is far too easy to be judgmental of others. I know, I struggle with this every day. Who cut me off on the highway? Fellows co-workers beliefs about God? Even how I look in the mirror after a shower can be judgmental. However, there is a way out of this trap.

Simply pay attention to your thoughts, all of your thoughts, and you will see how often you are critical (and downright unkind) to yourself and others. It is not pretty to witness, but awareness is always the first step.

It is empowering when you readily see the best in yourself and others. You do this by cultivating an attitude of generosity, gratefulness and appreciation. This is how you learn to keep your heart open and bring out the best in us all.

A local radio station here in the Twin Cities (KTIS 98.5 FM) has this cool thing they do to pay it forward. They call it the drive thru difference. Simply put, next time you are out and about simply how a stranger a random act of generosity. Pay for their meal, buy their gas, give them a grocery gift card, volunteer or shovel a neighbors walk.  Just show them your gratefulness for being here on this planet with you. Generosity is contagious! Plus, notice how good you feel when you pay it forward to someone else.

Here are a few steps to make life just a little more fun and increase your overall happiness:

• Start by being aware of your critical thoughts
• Next, positively redirect those thoughts  immediately
• When possible, pay it forward. Spread contagious generosity!!
• Finally, pay attention to how good it feels to cultivate a kind heart

When we were children, we are told what we were good at and what were not. Normally, we adopt the opinions and judgments of those around us and begin the process of forming our self-image. From this point on we begin to develop our sense of self, which continues on to direct the story of our lives.

These beliefs shape our beliefs, perceptions and thoughts. They direct our self-talk, tell us what we are capable of as well as what to expect. These beliefs influence every experience we have.

Unfortunately, many times our stories fall far short of our potential. And so, it is up to us to develop a healthy self-image that accurately reflects our talents and connects us to a whole new world of possibilities.

• Make it a practice to see your greatness and practice daily self-talk
• Write down three accomplishments you made every day
• Then, see and celebrate your talents and strengths – daily!

Did you know that happiness is contagious and positively affects others? This means the positive energy you give off has a multiplication affect and when you surround yourself with happy people you will benefit as well.

Several studies have shown that if you hve a happy friend, your happiness increases by 15%. If your happy friend has a happy friend, it increases an additional 10%. And if your happy friend’s happy friend has a happy friend (even if you don’t know them) your happiness goes up another 10%. That is what I like to call happy math!

Happiness creates an upward spiral that powerfully lifts and expands your energy. Make it a habit to intentionally attract more positive support each day.

• Do something that makes someone’s day
• Spread unconditional joy and acceptance
• Spend time with people who lift you up