The Excellence of Normal

It was a difficult week for me. I almost never get sick, but I spent Easter flat on my back down and out. The only exercise I had was the frequent walks from my bed to the bathroom. It has taken me almost a week to recover.

It feels so good to be normal again! I can eat what I want, and not have to stop and decide if whatever I do will zap my energy or make me feel sick again. It made me realize how often I take my normal life for granted. Some people live their entire lives feeing like I did. They can't eat or do certain things. They can't go certain places.

I have this strong desire for excellence, and to go above and beyond my current circumstances. Average isn't good enough for me anymore. However, this week has helped me realize how blessed my "normal" life is. I can eat and do what I want. Besides this week, the health of my family and I is excellent. We live in a beautiful house with many "toys". I have a good job (for now anyway).

I wondered why God had me miss the play I was supposed to be in and the excellent family gathering we had on Easter. Now I think I know why. Although I seek greater things, I certainly have a greater appreciation for the normal in my life. I hope your normal is excellent too.

Have an excellent day : )

How To Bring Out the Best In Others

The above title poses an interesting question. If you are like me, you often wonder how you can have positive impacts on others. How can I bring out the best in my kids, siblings, co-workers, or anyone in our lives?

There are many different philosophies for accomplshing this. However, one consistent theory is on most to all of these lists. That would be....drum roll please......be the best YOU that you can possibly be. You may be a bit confused at the moment. After all, this post is supposed to be about impacting others, not ourselves. I understand that. However, I am learning almost daily, that the better I feel about myself, and the more connected I am to the God who created me, the greater impacts I can continually make.

It did not take me too long to verify this based on my own life events. As I look back, the times I felt best about myself were the times I was most influential on others. The times where I lacked confidence and positivity were the times I didn't see the positive response from others.

This has been confirmed in my life lately, so I know its not just a history of coincidence. For the past few months I have felt very close to God, very positive about life, and very confident in the overall goodness of life. Without even going out of my way, people just seem to respond very positively to my demeanor, ideas, and almost seem to know instantly that I am in tune with my best self. It's funny too how, as I try to share this positive energy more, I get more of it back from others.

Please don't get the idea that I am using this space to brag. It just makes me very happy that God would use me to add some good to people's lives. I am thankful that He would consider this little life and imperfect human being to do so. All I have to do is remain close to Him, maintain a positive attitude, and look for small ways to make a difference.

This same formula is true for anyone. If you are looking to make a difference in your world, start from the inside. Know that you are a beautiful creation of the Creator of all. Cherish that idea, be thankful for the good you have in your life, and look for ways to share it. You will be amazed by the way people notice and seem to gravitate towards you without you saying a word. Then the positives snowball from there.

As always, I am always looking to learn more about a topic like this. If you have seen things work effectively in your life, please share.

Have an excellent day : )

Life is Like the Weather

Here in Buffalo NY we are having a miserable Spring. This being after a rough winter. However, I know that better days are ahead. We are suffering now, but I am confident that we will have a beautiful summer and autumn as we usually do. We just have to wait a little bit longer.

Isn't life the same in many cases? We sometimes go through difficult times. Things are cold and rough, and we are not experiencing the growth we would like. However, in those cases we need to move ahead knowing that, as long as we do all we can, greener pastures are ahead.

I am focused on all of the great things the beautiful weather will bring. I know without a doubt it will be here soon. We need to do the same for our goals. Focus on the greatness that will be added to our lives as a result of our goals being accomplished. Know absolutely that as the winter/spring changes to summer, our lives will experience the necessary change as long as we know it and take the necessary action.

Hopefully it is already Spring in your part of the world. If so, be thankful and enjoy it. If not, believe and know things will be better soon. Sunny times are not far behind.

Have an excellent day : )

I'm Willing to Share

As I have some down time to reflect this week, I am realizing how blessed I am in many areas. I am especially noticing and appreciating the generosity that people have been sharing with me. For example, when my family and I went to Florida this past February we were showered with generosity and the warmest welcomes from both sides of the family. That is just one of several examples I can provide.

The bottom line is that I am blessed in so many ways. If you asked me to list them all I wouldn't even be able to. It is because of this that I have the strong desire to give back. I have many blessings, talents, dollars, etc that I can easily share. It's time to start seriously asking God how I can use these to be a blessing for others. I will say that I am quick to give when others ask, and I tithe regularly. My goal now is to take the initiative and find ways to bless others without them having to ask me for it. As much as I am good to the people in my life, this has always been an area where I have been slow to act. Not because I don't want to, but it's not something I focus on as much as I should.

I know that with God's help I can change in this area. I pray that God opens my eyes and helps me notice how I can use the many blessings He has given me and share them with others. I would appreciate your prayers as well. I will certainly share the results.

Have an excellent day : )

Advanced Praise

I enjoyed a great church service this morning. We were given an excellent message. It's one I've heard before, but haven't been practicing as much as I should lately.

The pastors (yes, it was a group sermon today) were talking about praising God in all circumstances. If you are going through a battle (most of us have at least one in our lives) it is important to continue praising God, even though we are not seeing the desired results yet. Thank Him in advance for the great work He is doing. It is not always easy, especially if we are facing a major challenge. However, I have found that it is worth doing.

I have always found this beneficial during the times I have practiced it. First of all, it brings a major peace to the situation. Second, it takes our focus off the problem and places it on Him. That's a great thing because I know I have a much better chance of winning the battle with God fighting it than I do fighting in my own strength. Third, I strongly believe the victory is won sooner. God rewards us for having faith and placing our trust in Him. The victory is not always how we would see it, but it is always good.

I take this with me for the rest of this day, and for this break of a week I have. My goal is to constantly be praising and thankful so that it becomes a habitual and regular attitude. I can't wait to see the positive effects.

Anytime, Anywhere

I don't have many complaints in life these days except one. Lately, my prayer life is not as good as I would like it to be. I am still close to God and definitely see and feel His presence in my life. However, I don't feel like I'm living up to my end of the prayer bargain. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that time disappears quickly, and I am not prioritizing that time correctly. Does anyone else ever feel that way?

I was reminded this morning that it doesn't have to be that way. Even if I am busy and time does fly by quickly, there are times where I can take that time to pray and reflect. For example, what do we think of when we shower, shave, put make-up on, etc? Do we actually think of how clean or perfectly "made up" we are making ourselves? For me, I either think of nothing, or actually let some worrisome or stressful thoughts enter my head during those times.

Instead, why not take these times to pray? Or, to load our heads with positive encouraging thoughts? Or, just make ourselves completely aware of the Presence that is always with us and looking out for our good? The bottom line is that we don't have to be in the perfect prayer and reflection spot every time. God appreciates any communication no matter where we are and when it is. I prayed and reflected as I showered and shaved this morning, and it has postively affected my whole outlook on the day.

This is nothing new for me. For a while now I have been aware that we should take as much time (especially down time) to reflect on positive thoughts and our protective Presence. It is just a matter of making the conscious effort to do it.

That's the challenge I leave today. Anytime we have the opportunity, let's take it to pray and positively reflect on the beautiful loving Spirit that is around us and in us. If you're like me you'll always end up in the longest line at the supermarket. So why not take that time to reflect. A long line of commercials during the tv show? Take a couple of minutes to do the same. Stuck in traffic? You know the drill. Prayer and positive reflection will easily turn that frown upside down. Please be sure to share your results.

Have an excellent day : )

Progress Reports

(This was actually written Thursday Aprl 14)...I am feeling some extra energy today as I was able to sleep in a bit. It's parent conference day at my school and I don't have to be there until noon. I always enjoy these days because I am able to share all of the great things my students are doing in my class with their parents.

Wait a minute, what about the ones who create distractions in the class or don't do their work? Isn't this a golden opportunity to get back at them by letting their parents know? Yes, those situations are addressed. However, every one of my students has at least one positive thing they do. It is these that I focus on when talking to the parents.

I believe in the importance of doing this in our lives as well. We all make mistakes and we need to correct those and learn from them. However, each one of has a great deal of positives webring to the world. I believe it is up to us to focus on those. The more we do, the more we can do for ourselves and others as well. The more we focus on the positive qualities of the people around us, the more likely we are to see those qualities continue.

It's a simple fact that when we focus on the positives in our lives we tend to see mostly positive results. It helps with the negatives too. By maintaining a positive focus, it either causes the negatives to disappear on their own, or it helps us find the solution to the problem. Either way we win

Have an excellent day : )

A Rainy Saturday

Downer, right? Not necessarily. I could use a day to do nothing and just relax. Besides, it's day one of Spring Break, so optimism is in the air!

I went to Florida in February, so I am actually looking forward to having a week with no plans. I just look forward to getting some reading and writing done, playing some tennis, and spending time with friends and family. Most importantly, I am physically and mentally exhausted, so I look forward to catching up on sleep and clearing my head. Of course it's important that I fill my mind with hopeful, positive thoughts and share them with the people I spend time with. I will definitely do that.

So rainy days and Saturdays don't always get me down. I'll be enjoying this one and hope you do too : )

Unconscious Success

In my previous post I discussed the concept of the subconscious mind, and how certain things become automatic because they are engrained in our subconscious. I mentioned that I would provide specific examples of how we can use our conscious mind to influence our subconscious.

One thing I did not mention in the previous post is that our subconscious cannot tell the difference between real or imagined events. What this means is that we can control the thoughts that enter our subconcious. If we imagine the results we want to achieve, being the person we want to be, and having the health, finances, etc that we want to have, our subconscious ultimately believes it. The result is that we act accordingly. For example, if you are seeking greater self-confidence, imagine yourself as the confident person you want to be. See the positive reactions from others. Experience the results of greater confidence. Live it in your mind. Ultimately, you begin to see yourself as that person. Eventually, the results of this confidence are not only imagined, but lived out in real life.

I have practiced this and seen great results. For example, my wife and I were having some difficulties in our marriage. Rather than point the finger at her, I began to look within myself. I imagined myself as the perfect husband (even though I am far from it). I imagined myself doing things and making my wife very happy. What ultimately happened, is I began believing that I was a great husband. I then began doing things that would back that up. I became more confident in my ability to serve my wife and make her happy. As a result, it has actually happened. My wife is happier, all because I saw myself as someone who could be a good spouse, and then became a much better one.

I was also struggling at my job. Some negative things were going on there. Instead of making the best of it, I complained much more than I should have, and really began resenting being there. Finally, I followed the same steps. I saw myself being the best teacher I could be. I imagined a positive attitude, and the impacts it created for the kids I teach and adults I work with. I saw the smiles on their faces, and the growth in their lives. Once again, my mind believed it. My confidence grew, and much of what I imagined began coming true. Things there are still not perfect, but my job performance has improved, my attitude is positive, and people are being positively impacted as a result.

These are just two examples of how we can influence our subconscious minds. Remember, our subsconscious is our autopilot. If it is filled with thoughts of confidence and competence, our life will be a result of that. We will enjoy it more, and our confidence and ability will snowball. It is up to us to consciously fill our minds with positive and powerful thoughts. By doing so, I guarantee you will reap the benefits. I surely have.

Please be sure to share your success stories. Have an excellent day : )

Thoughtful Reflection

Here's a great quote from author Napolean Hill...life is a mirror of our consistent thoughts. I am realizing more and more each day how true this is. Our current lives are the way they are because of the thoughts we have focused most on. You may or may not believe it. However, I have seen its reality in my own life. The more positive my thoughts are, the better the results.

If you are looking to change situations in your life you can start by changing your thoughts about them. Its amazing how the correct action follows shortly after. It's simple but very true. Try it for yourself!

Have an excellent day : )

Tale of the Tie

Here's a first. My daughter, of all people, asked me to help her tie a tie. It should have been no problem. After all, I've been tying my own tie for almost 20 years. Yet I couldn't do it.

How could something like this be so automatic, yet impossible to teach? I am reading more and more about the battle of our conscious mind and our subconscious. There are many differences, but for now I'll provide the crash course version. The conscious mind is what we are thinking about, the front of our mind per se. The subconscious is the automatic part. After a thought or action is drilled into our conscious mind over a period of time, it eventually becomes part of our subconscious. We then act accordingly.

When I first learned to tie a tie, it was a conscious effort. I had to think a lot about the correct steps. It took a while, and it was difficult. However, after doing it over a long period of time, the process became subconscious. I didn't even have to think about it. It just became second nature, and I was able to accomplish the task with ease. So why so much difficulty in teaching this to my daughter? It is because I had to do it consciously. It wasn't automatic as I tried to take it step by step. Once again, it became a difficult process like it was in the beginning.

What's my point? I am finding that it is much easier to live our desired lives subconsciously. Does that mean we don't rely on our conscious mind? Absolutely not. We need to think things out. We can also use it to help our subconscious. Here is a great key to making any ncessary changes in your life: Use your conscious mind to see yourself succeeding and accomplishing the goal you desire. Then take whatever action you believe is necessary. Just like the tie, it may seem unnatural and difficult at first. However, if you continue to take steps and move forward, it eventually becomes automatic, and your normal way of life. Before you know it, the goal is reached.

If you think this is too simple, I don't blame you. I thought this at first too. However, it didn't take me long to realize its truth. In the past few months, this has helped my self-confidence sky-rocket. That in turn has affected other areas of my life in a positive way. In my next post, I will provide specific examples of how it has helped me and can help you too.

Have an excellent day : )

The Rough is Only Mental

I am stealing this quote from author/pastor Norman Vincent Peale and his book, "The Power of Positive Thinking". I was reminded of it today and felt the need to share.

What does it mean? It is taken from the story of a golfer. When he was on the fairway (the short grass) he had no problem hitting the ball well. However, when he was off the fairway (golfers call this the rough) he had severe difficulty hitting the ball well. However, his partner had no difficulty with this and hit the ball just as well from the rough than from the fairway. Why? He said it was all mental. He believed he could hit the ball just as well from the rough. He just had to make some slight adjustments.

It can be the same in every situation for us. Things are only as difficult as we decide they are. Obstacles are only as big as we think they are. The key? Focus on the successful completion of the task or goal. Sometimes it will be as easy to get there as a shot in the middle of the fairway. Other times we will be presented with obstacles or greater challenges. Either way, if we seek the ideal result and see the obstacles as learning and growing opportunities, we will reach our goals and ideal life much sooner. Before long we will dismiss the obstacles completely and life will be a hole in one!

Enjoy : )

Positive Report

If you are a Bible reader, do you have any particular love-hate verses? For me there are some. I love them because they are very powerful. I hate them because they sometimes strike me right between the eyes. Can you relate?

One of these verses is found in Numbers 13. Moses and the people of Israel are ready to enter the Promised Land. He sends 12 men to scout the land and bring back a report. 10 of the 12 see giant people and obstacles that they believe they cannot overcome, and they discourage the people from moving forward. Two of them report that, with God's help, they can overcome these obstacles and enter the Promised Land.

Unfortunately, majority rules. As a result, the people are punished for their lack of faith. Instead of taking another few days to get to the Promised Land, it takes another few years. 40 to be exact.

For me, here's the reason for the love-hate. The verse is extremely powerful. These people are delayed their gift by 40 years because of lack of faith. On the other side, the two are right. Anything is possible if we believe. I hate this verse because it makes me think of how many times I have acted as the 10. All I see is the potential obstacle and the giants in the way. I don't take necessary action because of it, and potential blessings are delayed or missed altogether as a result.

How can we change this? Simply take the attitude of the two. KNOW that God is with us always. KNOW that victory is guaranteed as a result. By having this faith, we will enter our Promised Land much sooner than later. Keep the ultimate, ideal goal in the front of your mind. Do your part and let God do His. Since I have been doing this more, I have seen greater results. It then makes we want to continue this course. It is true for anyone.

Can you see your Promised Land now? Great! Go for it, knowing that any giants and obstacles cannot get in the way as long as you don't let them. I hope to hear of your success sooner than later.

Have an excellent day : )

Spring the Way It's Supposed to Be

There are certain things I envision when I think of early Spring: nice sunny weather; baseball; time outside; longer days; things getting greener. Well, they're all happening today. Oh, and it's the weekend too! Do you think I'm a little happy?

I hope you are enjoying it too : )

Believe First

Why is it that I continue to read some great Bible verses and fail to live them out fully? Do you too feel that way? I am done trying to answer that question. It's time to just do it!

One of these verses is from Matthew 21:22. It says..if you believe you will receive anything you ask for in prayer. How much clearer can that be? It's a verse I often meditate on, and one of my favorites in the entire Bible.

So what's the best way to follow this? One simple word...Believe!!! But how? What helps me is to focus on the desired result. See it happening and imagine life as you would want it. Then feel the positive emotions and live it out as if it is actually happening.

You may think this is easier said than done. At first yes, but the more you practice it the easier it becomes. It's simply a matter of focus. The times I lack faith are the times I am not focusing my mind correctly. I am focused on worry instead of wonderful promises like these.

Ultimately, if you want to receive you must first believe. Then, as is promised, you will receive anything you believe is possible. It's a promise from a God who keeps ALL of His promises. Live this verse in faith and miracles will happen. Please share when they do.

Have an excellent day : )

Correct Focus

Wow, what a non-stop day! Some issues this morning caused me to be 15 minutes late for work. I had one 45 minute break from 8 to 4:30. Then an hour meeting afterwards. Dinner was a mystery shop, and now I sit at 6:30 for an oil change appointment.

Yes, it's a long day. Yes, many others have it worse. Do I dwell on the craziness? I could, and on certain days a day like this would affect me more. However, if I keep my mind on positive things, it will still be a great day. What positive things? The fact that God is with me every step of the way; the fact that He is using me to positively affect those around me; the fact I am blessed beyond what I deserve; the fact that life is as good as I can believe it to be.

Yes, I will be tired when I go to bed (after the NCAA final of course). However, by focusing on keeping a positive frame of mind, I will do so with a smile on my face. I hope you will too : )

The Power of Forgiveness

I was doing some thinking this morning. I was trying to figure out how to pay off the mountain of credit card debt I have. Then I started thinking some positive thoughts. I saw myself as debt free. I prayed to God and thanked Him in advance for His help. Total optimism was in the air!

But wait! This can't happen. I don't deserve it. After all, I am the only reason for this debt mess. It's because of my bad financial decisions, incorrect priorities, and not pursuing some potential opportunites. God says I'm supposed to be a good steward. In many aspects I have failed in that area. So I guess I should forget my financial miracle, right?

Not so fast. A bit later I am reminded of the power of God's forgiveness. We all make mistakes. Some of us make more than others. However, in EVERY case, we are forgiven. If we don't believe that, then Jesus died on the cross in vain. I am sorry, but I do not want to be a person that this act of love is wasted on.

It is this great news that I now focus on. How are we forgiven? All we have to do is ask. How much are we forgiven? Completely. As an old song says, our sins are on the bottom of the ocean floor. Unlike the famous ship, God does not go digging for them years later. They are gone and forgotten forever. Our job is to move on, learn, and do our best to avoid making the same mistakes.

So now I take the next steps with confidence. I pray with all of my heart; I have extreme faith; I see financial freedom in my mind; I take the steps necessary to achieve it. All with the confidence that my past mistakes are forgotten forever. Now that's power and freedom!

This power and freedom are available to anyone. In fact, God is waiting for you to ask. If you haven't already I suggest you experience it for yourself.

Have an excellent day : )

Good Luck

I can still hear that old Rod Stewart song today..."some guys have all the luck". Isn't it true? Some people just seem to get all the lucky breaks. They win the games, things work out right, and things just seem to go their way. Lucky people!

Or are they? Is it luck, or is there something else to it. Can we control our own luck or lack of it? I honestly think we can, and we do. How? It's how we think. Many people succeed simply because they know they can. Things go their way because they know they will. It's no coincidence that people who think positively are usually the ones who get the breaks.

So now that you know you have some control, do something about it! If things haven't been going your way, start thinking differently. See yourself succeeding. See yourself with what you want. Believe it will happen.

The next time you think how lucky someone is, know that you can begin to have more luck go your way too. Focus on positive results, and you will see more of them.

Good luck : )

Positive Guide to the Perfect Saturday

Happy Saturday! It's easily my favorite day of the week. Here's how I'll be keeping a positive frame of mind:

1. Enjoying the sports. - There are plenty to watch. I'll enjoy some tennis, baseball, and of course the Final Four games.

2. Spend time with my wonderful family. Based on the weather it will be indoors though. Regardless, the time will be great and I am truly blessed to have the family I do.

3. Positive reflection. - During the down times I will be sure to flood my mind with positive thoughts. Gratitude for all I have; scenes of success to come and goals being accomplished; positive impacts being made.

That's just a snapshot. God has given us this day, and I am thankful. How will you enjoy this beautiful day? Please share.

Enjoy : )

Feeling Thankful

Thank God it's Friday!! Friday always feels great. It's also a reminder to feel thankful and great as much as we can every other day too. What is it you want right now? A great way to see it in your life sooner is to be thankful for what you already have. Also, imagine the feeling of your wish already happening. Carry that happy, thankful feeling with you throughout the day. Then watch as it begins to manifest for real. Believe me, I've seen it happen many times in my own life.

Have a fantastic Friday : )