Life's encounters are not usually welcomed with an open door. Yet, the truth is that every problem we face presents an opportunity for us to grow through. Certainly, it is easy to overlook the gift within when problems first arrive. That is why it is so important to think about and look for the understanding that is associated with these hardships.

Sometimes we need a little space in order to learn from life's little challenges. It is much easier to work a little change, and transform discomfort into wisdom, once we are on the other side of the problem. Best of all, is that the more you practice looking for the reward within the challenge, the faster you will see it the next time around.

There is an old saying, Eric Butter worth once said, "Don’t go through life, grow through life." It is important to learn to look for the value within each experience to gain the understanding. Then you can use insights to make better choices as you move toward the goal.

• Look at the challenges you've faced in your life and make a list of all of the gifts you received by experiencing them them.
• Then remind yourself of these gifts the next time a hardship brings you down.

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted October 14, 2013

There are an endless number of ways we hold ourselves back from even slightly reaching our potential. We create all kinds of self-imposed limitations as to what is possible for us through our thoughts, intentions and beliefs.

It has been well documented that our belief system affects how we act and perform. Our beliefs even help in molding our life. When we believe something is possible, many times we will find a way to make it happen. When we choose not to believe it is possible we rarely even make the effort. It is pretty easy to feel that truth.

Now, imagine what life would be like if, instead of creating restrictions we created possibilities. We know that the mind cannot come up with a vision or goal that we are not capable of accomplishing. We just have to be willing to think big, or at least bigger, and take inspired action. Go ahead, give it a try.

• Take the time to identify your core beliefs and look at how they form your perceptions about life-relationships, finances, health, career, etc.
• Determine what beliefs are true and support you in living a fulfilled life. Then look for those that are actually based in fear and limit your potential.
• Then, explore what more you could complete if you were willing to let the beliefs that hold you back go. So, what is holding you back?

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

originally posted October 28, 2013

One of the great purposes in life is to be alive, to grow and bring more of your natural and even sometimes unnatural gifts into the world. As a child, you naturally explored your world. You reached for more and developed new skills, new strengths. Some of those skills came naturally while others took more work to achieve. As an adult, you need to be more deliberate about growth.

You are actually equipped to keep growing. It is your natural state. That is why if you stay too long where it feels painless and comfortable you start to feel a little bored by your life. Here is a simple reminder to assist you in keeping inspired, eager and involved in life.

Be willing to work outside of your comfort zone and experience what more is out there for you. Then, look for ways to expand the boundaries in your life. One of the ways I do this is by working on my fear of heights. Whenever I have a chance to grow, one step at a time, I will take that chance. It might not be easy, but it is always rewarding. Last, you will need to teach yourself to live in the state of mind that will strengthen and stimulate you to keep growing. 

• Find areas where you have chosen to stop growing and recognize where you feel excited to broaden your horizons.
• Commit to develop those areas and make the time to invest in your growth.
• Next, make a list of actions you agree to take for your growth.
• Then, get started. Remember, YOU CAN DO IT!

Remember, life can ALWAYS BE BETTER!

re-posted from 11/18/2013