Day 8/60 - The Law of Vitality

I spent a couple of days on this one! There are 7 elements to the lesson including being thankful, eating, moderately, drinking water, breathing fully, smiling, and the two that I focused on more fully, as the most time consuming, “Know where you are going” and “connect your vocation with your avocation”. (Thank goodness I found my dictionary!)

Vocation: Specified profession or trade; predisposition to a particular calling or career, esp a religious one.

Avocation: Minor occupation undertaken as a diversion; a persons regular job

If your vocation is connected with your avocation, then every day becomes your vacation!

Vacation: another word for holiday
Holiday: A period in which a break is taken from work or studies for rest, travel or recreation

Wow! What a concept! If your Vocation is your avocation, is your vacation, imagine how much vitality you will have, every day!

Vitality: physical or mental vigour, energy; the power or ability to continue in existence, live or grow
(Definitions from: Collins Concise Dictionary, 1989)

So, I spent a lot of time on this one. I have a pretty good idea of my vocation, and a fair idea of where I want to go, but up till now, I’ve been “going nowhere slowly”. So now it’s time to step it up a notch and really clearly define where I am going and how I’m going to get there, but more than that, I need to be physically, actively doing it, and that is where the other elements of the Vitality Law play their part.

By eating moderately, drinking water, breathing well, and smiling (especially in and through the face of adversity) and being thankful, I will create the energy and vitality to pursue my vocation with vigour!

Vigour: Exuberant and resilient strength of body or mind.

Happy Day!


© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 7/60 - The Law of Appreciation

Closely related to Counting your Blessings, is the Law of Appreciation.

When something "appreciates" it increases in value. This lesson is about raising your own value by being appreciative of what you already have in your life.
When you are appreciative, you are in a positive frame of mind and it is easier to focus on possibilities and potential. When you are in a positive frame of mind, you attract better prospects, opportunities and experiences to you.

One of the things that I truly appreciate in my life is the fact that I am literate. I am able to pick up a book and read it, for pleasure, for pure joy, for entertainment, for knowledge, for inspiration. It enables me to connect with other hearts and minds.

With that in mind, I looked for a few quotes on appreciation to share with you. Here are a few that I enjoyed. I hope you will appreciate them too!

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We dream of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our window today." Dale Carnegie

"Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times." Steve Brunkhorst

"Before someone's tomorrow has been taken away, cherish those you love, appreciate them today." Michelle C. Ustaszeski

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Author Unknown

"I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate." Elbert Hubbard

"Life holds so many simple blessings, each day bringing its own individual wonder." John McLeod (Jaymac)

"If you don't think every day is a great day try going without one." Jim Evans

"Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don't keep it a secret." Mary Kay Ash

"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." William James

"Be verbal in acknowledging your appreciation." Catherine Pul

http://www.wow4u.com/appreciation/index.html

After reading these quotes, I am reminded how important it is not only to appreciate the people in your life, but to acknowledge that appreciation. People appreciate being appreciated! It confirms and validates their value. We all need to be loved and appreciated for who we are and what we have to offer.

I am reminded of John Edward, the Psychic Medium, whose catch phrase is something along the lines of "Remember, to Love, Appreciate and Validate the people in your life today, (so someone like me doesn't have to.)

And, finally, perhaps most important of all, I want to remind you to love, validate and appreciate yourself. In all the history of the world, there never has been and never will be another person quite like you! You are a unique and special person.

"There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make." Dan Zadra

Happy Day!

© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 6/60 - The Law of Genius

“I am a Genius and I apply my Wisdom.”
The gist of this lesson is to instill in yourself that there is genius within you. It felt a bit silly and strange initially, affirming to myself that I am a genius and I apply my wisdom.
After a while genius seemed like an “odd” word. You know when you read or say the same word over and over again and it starts to look weird, like it’s not spelt right, or starts to sound weird, like a made-up word, and loses its meaning. Well, that’s how it felt for me, at least for a while.
But then I began to look and think deeper, past the superficial surface of the words, to the deeper meaning behind them.
You see, the point is, we tend to think of geniuses as the unique few individuals with exceptional brains, talent, skills etc. We tend to view geniuses as Nobel prize winners, etc, people at the top of their field, unreachable, untouchable, remarkable people with achievements unattainable to most of us.
The truth is we all have the capacity for genius. We all have the potential inside of us. It’s just that most of us never attempt to develop it, because we believe it is out of our reach. And, if we don’t believe we have it, why would we attempt to access it?
The point of this lesson and affirmation is to awaken yourself to the idea that there is a genius inside of you, but what’s the point of having genius if you don’t apply it?
“I am a Genius and I apply my Wisdom.”
When you start to think of yourself as a genius, you begin to access the genius within you.
I love this poem from Marianne Williamson, quoted by President Nelson Mandela (now ex-president) in his Inaugral speech.

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson - Excerpted from her book Return To Love

What is genius other than the glory of God within us?
I think I am going to stick with this one for a while, see where it takes me.
“I am a Genius and I apply my Wisdom.”


Happy Day!

© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 5/60 - The Law of Presence

The lesson for today was about living in the present and being present in the moment.
So many of us go through our life living in the past or the future instead of being present in the now.
Sometimes its’ good to visit the past, relive the happy memories, but it’s no place to live. The past is history. It can’t be changed or undone. At best we can alter our interpretation of it, learn from it, value and appreciate it, but we should not choose to live in it. To do so prevents us truly living in the now.
The future hasn’t happened yet. We can dream about it, imagine it, plan for it, work toward it, worry about it, predict it, but again, we should not choose to live in it.
The only moment we have is now. This is the only time we have any control over. If we are too busy thinking about the past or the future, we lose the value and potential of the now. By being present now, in the moment, we become attuned to ideas, opportunities and more connected to the people and the world around us.
How often have you been in a conversation where you are only half listening, either your mind is somewhere else, or you are busy thinking of your response, what you want to say? Are you really present? What would happen if you put yourself totally in the moment, present and available to the person you are talking with? Really listening. What difference would it make? Is it possible the conversation could take on a whole new tone, meaning, or direction?
How often do you eat while watching TV? (Guilty!) Or watch TV while a loved one is trying to talk to you? (Guilty!) Or listened with half an ear because your mind is elsewhere? (Guilty!)
When we are focused on the past or the future, we miss the gift of the present. The only time we have is now! Plan for tomorrow, but live for today, for now is really all we have.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew : 6:34

Happy Day!


© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 4/60 - Count Your Blessings

You may notice that there has been a 1 day break in my postings. There is a good reason for this. I have committed myself to completing this 60 day journey, and I want to give it my best shot. I read my daily chapter every morning, but with this type of practical learning, participation and reflection, it takes time to complete the process, digest the lesson, ..... and write my blogpost. For the past few nights, I have been sitting up until midnight or later trying to get my blog posted and honour my committment. So, from now on, I will be reading my lesson in the morning and writing and posting it the following morning. Much more sensible!

Todays lesson from You Can Have An Amazing Life In Just 60 Days! By Dr John F Demartini is on the Law of Blessings. I must say, I've been having a bit of a hard time with it!
The gist of the lesson is that the person who counts their blessings will have more to be grateful for and more opportunities than those who don't.
Don't get me wrong. I have a great many blessings in my life. I am grateful for the blessings I have, and I appreciate the gifts I have. But sometimes I find it hard to find the blessings in the lessons I am currently learning. Sometimes I find it hard to appreciate the situations I find myself in. Yesterday when I was feeling down, a friend gently reminded me that its time to "practice what I preach" I know she's right.
Life isn't always easy. Sometimes life can get rough, and when it does, it can be hard to see the blessings in your life. And yet, these are the times we most need to count those blessings, appreciate and value the abundance of goodness we do have. The people, the places,the experiences, the learning, and the "stuff", the material things, the comforts, the little things and the big things.
Its surprising once you start looking, how many blessings you do have in your life. Things we generally take for granted, like our health, our senses, the people in our life, our work, our freedom. The list goes on.

When things aren't going well in your life, or when things don't work out the way you want them to,it's easy to dwell on the disappointments, the "failures", the things that are "wrong" with your life.
It may take a little bit of effort to start really seeing and appreciating the blessings in your situation, but it is amazing how many blessings we receive everyday if we just open our eyes and start counting.

Some of the blessings I have received today:
I am blessed to have friends and family who love me and care about me.
I am blessed that the brakes on my car work so well.
I am blessed that I have more than enough financial blessings to meet my needs today.

(There's a lot more where that came from, but I'm not going to bore you with it. It will be much more interesting for you and more valuable to you to count your own blessing instead.)

When you start to count your blessings, you begin to see them all around you, and you remind yourself of the blessings you have everyday which you usually take for granted.


"Count your blessings everyday and you will have more to be grateful for and more opportunities than those who don't."

60 days to an amazing life? Maybe I am already living one?

If you'd like to learn more about counting your blessings, why not get D John De Martinis book - Count Your Blessings"

Happy Day!



© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 3/60 - Quality Questions

Ask a Better Question, Get a Better Answer.

If you improve the quality of the questions you ask yourself, then you improve the quality of the answers you receive.

When I was doing my life coach training, one of the modules was on powerful questions. It was a powerful subject and gave me a whole new perspective on my self talk - the questions I was asking myself and the answers I was receiving.

What is the most powerful question you could ask yourself?

What questions do you ask yourself?

What questions could you ask yourself to improve the quality of your life?

What's wrong about this situation? What's right about this situation?
What could I have done better? What could I have done differently? How can I change/improve my results? What have I learned from this? What can I learn from this? What do I want? What do I want to change? How can I change it?

If you don't know what to ask, then why not ask "What can I ask? What should I ask? What do I really want? What do I really want to know? Is it right? Is it good? Is it fair? How do I achieve what I want?

The list of possibilities is endless.

If LOVE is the answer, then what is the question?


QUOTE:
"I keep six honest serving men (they taught me all i knew); Theirs names are What and Why and When And How And Where and Who."
— Rudyard Kipling

What a great quote! You can learn anything you want to know if you will just ask and keep asking. Asking questions is a natural part of our makeup. Small children start asking questions almost from the moment they learn to talk. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Have you ever listened to the converstion going on inside your own head? If you have, you will notice that your conversation consists of questions and answers.

It goes almost without saying that if you improve the quality of the questions you ask of yourself and others, you automatically improve the quality of the answers you receive. This can only result in a better quality of living! How could it not?


Happy Day

© 2011 Design A Dream

Day2/60 - The Law of Inspiration

Day 2: The Law of Inspiration


What is inspiration?

It's that little spark inside you that ignites in response to something you see, hear, read or dream about!

What does it mean?

It is a call to action. A stirring of your soul.

What should I do about it?

What will happen to that little spark of mine? Do I smother it and let it die or do I fan it and feed it, turn it into a burning flame, a roaring fire?

How do I fan it and feed it?
By thinking about it. By following that thread. By feeding the spark with the food of imagination. By fanning the flames until they ignite into a burning fire of desire, action and creation.

By taking the first step, the next step, or taking any step!


What inspires me?

Reading inspirational and motivational books inspires me. Hearing other people's inspirational stories inspires me.

My children inspire me. My family inspires me. My friends inspire me. My followers (on Blogger, Twitter, Facebook etc) inspire me. My dreams and my goals inspire me. My faith, beliefs and hope inspires me. Love inspires me.

What inspires you?

Happy Day!

© 2011 Design A Dream

Day 1/60 - The Law of Love

"Love is all there is."
"The things we do for love."

What can I say about love that hasn't already been said, that isn't a cliche?

Today is my firstborns 25th birthday! Yes, he's a quarter of a century old today!

I can still remember the day he was born as if it was just yesterday. That amazing, awe-inspiring feeling. A combination of awe, exhaustion, pride, fear, protectiveness, amazement, humility, and the overwhelming feeling of pure, unconditional love.

How often in life do we give our love unconditionally?

A newborn baby is the perfect expression of unconditional love, wrapped up as pure potential. A tiny bundle of infinite possibilities.

Imagine the possibilities if we were able to give unconditional love to all people all the time!
Imagine what greatness could be achieved.

Imagine what possibilities would be available to you in your own life if you were able to love yourself unconditionally!

My insights for Day 1:

By loving people UNCONDITIONALLY, I act as a mirror reflecting their true self, their divine possibilities and potential.

By loving others unconditionally, I open my heart and grow. I learn to love and accept myself unconditionally too, enabling myself to see my own divinity, my own divine possibilities.

I can consciously choose to love UNCONDITIONALLY.

Here is a little reminder to myself of the values of unconditional love.

From: The Holy Bible
New International Version
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8,

Love is patient,
Love is kind
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.


1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love

Love is a verb.

Happy Day!

© 2011 Design A Dream

Getting My Groove Back! A Call to Action. 60 days to a new and amazing life!

The past couple of years have been times of turmoil and upheaval for my family. In August 2009, my husband moved to Johannesburg (1000 kilometres away from home) in search of work. We sold our home in Port Elizabeth and relocated to Pretoria to be with him. Subsequently my two sons returned to PE, my husband lost his job and eventually found another one back in Port Elizabeth. Over the past year we have lived in 3 rented homes and are currently looking for our fourth and hopefully permanent residence, which I know the Universe in its infinite wisdom will provide.

In recent times, I've faced quite a few personal challenges and have been feeling a little directionless and lost. Then, a couple of days ago, I got a brief glimpse of the new direction I want to be heading in. It was the briefest of moments when a thought captured my attention and I followed the thread.

I knew immediately it was a direction I wanted to follow, by the tiny feeling of excitement and enthusiasm that stirred within me. Something I haven't been feeling for quite some time.

You know something is right for you when it stirs you to motivation and action.

I'm still living out of boxes, awaiting my next move, but fortunately I managed to haul out a few books and things to help start me on my journey.

I don't know about you, but I am a big believer in fate and destiny, and the idea that things and people show up in your life at exactly the right time to teach you what you need to know.

Don't get me wrong! When I talk about destiny and fate, I don't consider them as things outside of our control. I believe that we are here on earth to learn certain lessons and follow certain paths and that many of the challenges we face in life are there to help us learn and grow. When I talk of fate and destiny, I think of them as those coincidences and quirks of life that guide us onto new paths, lead us in new directions.

Its kind of like following links via internet. One thing leads to another, expanding your insights, offering you new ideas.

For example, when I started writing about people showing up in your life at the right time, it lead me to talk about destiny and fate which reminded me about a quote - something about being "master of my soul, captain of my fate", which lead me to discover the poem "Invictus" by WE Henley, which reminded me of the film "Invictus" which tells the true story of South African President Nelson Mandela and the South African Springbok Rugby team coming together in the early post-apartheid era to unite and inspire South Africans through the medium of sport, hosting and ultimately winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I know it is a gripping inspirational story recreating several memorable historical moments. As a South African, it holds a special interest for me and I will be making a point to watch it soon. Who knows where it may lead me?

Anyway, to get back on track, after hauling a few books out of my boxes, I've just started reading a book called " You Can Have An Amazing Life in Just 60 Days" by Dr John F De Martini.

I once had the pleasure of hearing John De Martini speak, and he really walks his talk. A fascinating and inspiring speaker who lives on a cruise ship and travels the world sharing his message.

I've had the book for several years, as I am a great collector and reader of motivational and inspirational literature. I love books. Books are meant to be read. Books are great companions, entertainment, tools and teachers. Some books you read only once. Some books become treasured favourites, and some books are meant to be a call to action. That's what inspirational and motivational literature is all about. They are meant to inspire you to take action.

So that is what this blogpost is really about. "60 days" is an action book. It requires you (me) to read it and take action on it every day for 60 days. I've already ready it through once and am on my second run through. Once I've finished rereading it, I will be ready to start my 60 day journey, and I invite you to share it with me through my blog . I am so ready to have an amazing life, and I wish the same for all of you. I can't wait to see what experiences and changes I can create in my life in just 60 days. It will be interesting to see! Please follow me, wont you?

In closing, here is the poem :


"Invictus"


Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


William Ernest Henley (1849 - 1903)


Happy Day

© 2011 Design A Dream