My Essay Blog

I’m appreciating used things. I got a great gas barbecue on Freecycle; a practically new John Deere lawnmower for $50; a beautiful Le Creuset cast iron shelf from a friend’s basement, a lovely leather purse from the thrift shop. They feel like blessings. I get all the joy of something new plus an extra kick of getting it for nothing or practically so.

I’m typing this on a computer I bought used that’s sitting on a desk I got at a yard sale. Come to think of it, I also inherited this chair from some previous office and I’m drinking from a water bottle I’ve refilled a bunch of times.

Brand new, pristine, still in the wrapper has its appeal too of course. But throwing away perfectly good stuff bugs me. I wish it were easier to get something to a good home during that whirlwind of purging that comes upon us. I use all my energy cleaning out the junk room and have nothing left for separating the things for Goodwill from the load for the dump. At that point I want the detritus gone. Now.

I see that desire to be rid of the unwanted in my clients, and in myself. We want to be different, better, changed. And we want it now. A new job, a new body, a new relationship, a new way of living. I want what I don’t have, and what I have I don’t want.

There is no shortage of experts to tell us how to change. As a coach I probably fall into that category. But I don’t have a whizbang new approach&ndashthe Seven Steps to a whole new you. I believe you’re pretty darned fabulous exactly as you are and that all meaningful transformation starts with acceptance.

Accept yourself. Recycled advice? Yes. When you’re dissatisfied and stuck it can sound pretty useless. “Get me out of here!” You’d rather be any place else. But here and now is all there is. Loving and forgiving what is has got to be the first step.

Take a deep breath and bear with me for a moment here. You’re changing a state of mind.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Describe your current reality.

What’s really true? What’s not working? What is? What part do you want to make sure you keep in the future? What assumptions have you made that aren’t checked out? Whose definition of valuable are you using? What are the immediate challenges and which are more long term?

2. How is this working on your behalf?

Suspend disbelief for a moment and pretend that the aspect you want to change is actually serving you in some twisted way. For example, the asshole boss is creating the impetus for you to leave a job you should have left years ago; the health emergency is a wake up call; the break up is a clear decision when you were ambivalent. Put aside the unpleasant feelings for a moment and imagine a new way of looking at the same set of circumstances&ndasha way in which you benefit instead of being a victim.

3. Forgive.

This can be a tough one, but it’s the most powerful. I’ve found that if I start where I am (unpleasant state&ndashhurt, angry, etc) I can take baby steps that get me to real acceptance. Here’s a possible progression:

I forgive you for being a stupid jerk.

I forgive you for saying such an insensitive thing.

I forgive you for hurting my feelings.

I forgive you for not realizing that I was expecting you.

I forgive you for not reading my mind.

I forgive myself for expecting you to.

I forgive myself for overreacting.

I forgive myself for not saying what I want.

I forgive myself for not seeing my responsibility here.

It’s the acceptance, the ownership that gives you permission to let it go&ndashwhether we’re talking about anger or extra weight or a snakeskin vinyl raincoat. It’s not a question of judgment&ndashkeep the good and get rid of the bad. We’re a spectrum&ndasha combination of choices that sometimes looks like a masterpiece and sometimes like mud. It’s not that red has no value. It just may not belong in your picture right now.

Maybe someone else can use it. That’s why we have consignment stores and Ebay.

While panic attacks never occur in convenient locations, tips for panic attacks that you can use anywhere can help you get through an attack regardless of where you might happen to be when one occurs. One of the most important keys to coping with panic attacks in different locations is preparation. Taking the time to prepare for panic attacks can assure that regardless of where your next attack occurs you will be ready to handle it, deal with the symptoms and get them under control quickly.

Portable Tips for Panic Attacks

Carrying a notebook with you can be a great way to keep tips for panic attacks handy. This is a convenient location to store methods that have worked for you in the past. In fact, it can be a good idea to make a duplicate notebook and keep one in your car as well as in your home. You may even wish to keep a small notebook in your purse or briefcase as well.

One way to approach a panic attack as you feel it coming on is to tell yourself to just slow down. Try repeating calming phrases to yourself slowly and silently. Such phrases might include: I will be okay, this is just temporary, I am overreacting, everything will be okay. Physically slow down your movements. This can help to keep your mind from racing and subsequently stave off an impending panic attack.

For many people, panic attacks originate from simply thinking too much. They may feel as though their mind is racing with too many thoughts. Pulling in your thinking, reminding yourself that you and your body are not out of control, you are not going crazy and that you can get control of your thoughts and actions can also help.

It can also help to remind yourself that you are bigger than any panic attack. This is just a single moment in time and it will pass. Keep repeating this to yourself until you believe it and feel the sensations of panic pass.

Listening to a mixed tape of calming music can also be helpful. You may wish to make a CD of your favorite calming songs and keep it with you at all times. Listening to calming songs can reduce the symptoms of a panic attack and even stop one before it becomes full blown.

Others have also found that keeping a sort of first-aid kit of tips for panic attacks with them can be helpful in stopping panic attacks no matter where they might happen to be. Items that can be handy to have in such a kit include calming essential oils, scented candles, a beverage and a healthy snack such as string cheese or dried fruit.

Finally, don’t forget to include a list of telephone numbers for people that you feel secure in calling in the event you feel a panic attack coming on. Be sure to write down even familiar numbers as it can be difficult to remember them in the event of an attack. It may also be helpful to write down crisis hotline numbers. For some individuals, talking to someone they do not know can provide a source of comfort and help in the event of an attack.

Taking the time to create a kit of tips for panic attacks tools you can use for a panic attack anywhere is a great way to reduce the symptoms you experience as well as even reduce the number of attacks you experience.

* What are the most common types of accidents?

Accidents are classified into various categories, which are generally determined by the cause and the persons or things involved in the occurrence. Some of the most common types of accidents are:

- Home accidents

- Highway accidents involving vehicles

- Workplace accidents

According to one study, 40 % of accidents take place at home, particularly for child-related injuries.

* Where do most accidents occur?

Most home accidents occur in living or dining rooms. These are the places where children spend most of their time. On the other hand, the kitchen is also a common place for accidents at home because of sharp objects and hot surfaces. Slipping cases typically occur on stairs.

* What is the most common childhood accident and what can I do to prevent it?

Collision of the child with an object at home is one of the most common types of accidents for children. Often, they are hit with a falling object because they didn’t see it coming, or they collide with something when they fall. Another common childhood accident is swallowing a foreign object.

Keeping your toddlers away from objects larger than they are is one of the best ways to prevent childhood accidents. Also, keeping small, swallowable objects away from them is wise.

* How can I make my bathroom safer?

Bathrooms are tough because of their hard, slippery tiles and wet surfaces. Accidents like slipping can be a common problem. Safety should be prioritized for your bathrooms; here are some tips for you:

- Install at least one grab bar in your bath tub and one in your shower.

- Bathroom electrical outlets should have waterproof covers. Remember that you are wet while bathing, so an exposed outlet can result in electrical accidents.

- Maintain a slip-resistant bathroom by keeping it clean and as dry as possible, especially the floor tiles.

Considering factors for your convenience and safety will ensure a safer bathroom.

* What happens when you call 911?

The 911 telephone number was implemented to provide dependable emergency service 24 hours a day seven days a week. When you call 911, an emergency dispatcher answers your call and asks you important questions like what, where, and who. They then send immediate aid to the area of incident.

You should never call 911 unless it’s a true emergency, and if you do call in an emergency, you should stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it’s all right to hang up. Many times, the people who phone 911 in an emergency are so rattled that they hang up before the operator has all the information required to send the necessary help.

Structure

Yes, I know we all hate structure. If the world was perfect place we would not need it. It may be one of the most important things to help us survive in this non-ADD world. We also need the correct amount of structure in our lives. Too much makes us rebel or feel trapped. When we don’t have enough structure we lose track of the world around us.

A schedule works well for both children and adults with ADD. Make a plan for each day. Make sure you give yourself or child “free time” or “self time” in that schedule. Children need at least an hour a day of uninterrupted play. I think adults need about the same amount of time to daydream, meditate, or just do nothing.

Positive Reinforcement

This is one thing that everybody needs more of not just ADD people. Children and adults respond better to positive reinforcement than they do to punishment. Try to take the words DON’T, CAN’T and NEED out of your vocabulary. If your child is running through the house tell him or her to walk instead of “not” to run.

Try to find the positive things that your child does. Make sure each day that the positive things you say out weigh the negative. Adults can do the same thing for themselves. Instead looking at all the things you haven’t done make a list of ALL the things you have done. This may be hard at first but it will start to become a lot easier.

Break Things Down

Quite often people with ADD get overwhelmed with tasks and projects. Try to break things down into smaller parts. Breaking down the time spent on a task can also be helpful. Many people with ADD find doing things in 15 increments works well.

Good Nutrition

Eat more fruits and vegetables and drink water. Stay away from processed foods. Try to eat some protein for breakfast. Stay away from things like “poptarts”. I’m not trying to say that poor nutrition causes ADD. However, good nutrition can help with many negative ADD behaviors. Processed foods aren’t good for anybody ADD or no ADD.

Exercise

Daily exercise is a good idea for everybody. It helps both children and adults who have ADD.

Turn it Off!!!!

Turn off the TV, video games, computer, etc. No, I am not saying these things cause ADD, but too much does not help it either.

Research and Education

Do a lot of your own research about ADD. Don’t think of the doctors as GOD. There are many great resources about ADD. Find as much information and then make your own decision about ADD.

Ask for Help and Support

Many People with Attention Deficit Disorders have trouble asking for help. Sometimes we are too embarrassed or we don’t even realize we need help. Asking for help with little things may stop them from becoming HUGE problems.

Be Consistent!

You must be consistent! Even the best of advice won’t work unless you do it on a regular basis. We all know that once we stop doing something it can be very hard to start up again. Children especially need consistency in their lives. Things get easier once they are done regularly.

Fiction or reality

When it comes to the law of attraction people cannot just simply limit to only one explanation given to it. If some people consider it as their karma, there are people that connect it directly to the best rule ever. When we talk about the laws of attraction, we refer to the energy of our feelings. We say energy as it’s working like a magnetic pole: one is emanating energy and someone else receives it. It works like a continuous flow: whatever we transfer comes back to us.

No matter the type of emotions we carry, whether it is anger, love or sympathy we will notice that they return to us in different ways. The law of attraction acts in such a way that each emotional move is rewarded. If you feel love you will get love. Show hate and your reward will be hate. What is special about the law of attraction is that it is very much like gravity: has the same pathway. We will notice that the feelings we show will come back to us in more than just one way. Though we find ourselves in situations we simply feel uncomfortable in, we have the chance to change it by drawing different better ones.

What do feelings worth?

In order to better understand the law of attraction, we need to know more about our feelings. The control exercised over our own feelings gives us the possibility to change the situations or circumstances that we run into daily and which we dislike. So we keep the control over our feelings and we let them circulate so as to let them go with no anticipation whatsoever. Still, since every one of us has their own wishes it’s normal for us to have certain hopes. You can check this for yourself; for instance with the people you meet and interact with: there is a certain reward obtained after having released certain emotions during your interaction. This is what is called law of attraction and it comes right from this natural force.

It’s up to us to change a certain situation. Since there are many emotions that we release without being aware of having done so, we do not have the power to determine the circulation of these emotions. Once the emotions released, whether they were released with our express intention or not, we have already created a certain situation that we find ourselves in. Our future can be changed in a positive way if we change our habitual actions. In order to do so we need to become aware of our own emotions and not to walk away from them. After all they are ours and are part of the real life; therefore they need to be accepted as such. It is not a simple thing to do since you need to be determined, brave and persisting in order to be able to redirect your feelings and emotions. You can fight against the negative emotions by simply keeping them inside you and releasing them only when you have found the perfect time to do so. Hunt your negative feelings and make a deep analyze to each of the actions you make. This is how the law of attraction works: through careful examination of the circumstances before being drawn to them.

What if the top ten billionaires in the world die today? Is the world going to change?

No Way!

What if the top ten sportspersons in the world die today? Is the world to change

No Way!

What if the top ten spiritual leaders pass away? Is the world going to change?

No Way!

What if ten ordinary people die today? Is the world going to change?

Of Course, Yes!

Ordinary people run this world. Extraordinary ones are not part of this world,they are seeking a different world, a world beyond wealth and fame, a world which they have yet to come to terms with….

Ordinary people are still fighting it out for money. They have to work everyday to earn money. If they do not go to work for a day they are not paid.. They have to work everyday to achieve their goals, their ambitions. Ordinary people work for extraordinary ones… They are talented but they lack the capacity to invent…, to think beyond their talents… Ordinary people feed extraordinary ones…..

If an ordinary person dies, close ones may mourn for his/her death but the death of an ordinary person causes more grief to a wealthy person because he/she has lost a source of revenue…. The world wants ordinary persons to be born everyday and so everything that you see and read in this world is ordinary. Take any newspaper , pick up any magazine,walk in to any school or any elite educational institute…. all that these people are doing are glamorizing extraordinary individuals…They are talking about motivation,goals,ambitions,hard work,discipline,control and what not…. If you are a regular reader of my blog you would know that none of these qualities/traits make up a great person…. All these traits are good to have but they do not transform an individual from an ordinary person to an extraordinary one….They are only scratching at the surface….They know for sure you will never be able to empower yourself. They show you how to find a ray of hope but they cannot tell you how to follow your divine light …

Here is the greatest secret my dear friend…. It takes only moments to lift yourself from an ordinary individual to an extraordinary one. It takes only moments…. It might takes years for the world to notice and applaud you as an extraordinary individual but the baby steps for becoming the Lord’s favourite child takes only moments, that slight shift in your thinking pattern, that unique sense of observing things and not falling for them, the capacity to understand that silence is more powerful than action, the realisation which dawns to you that you have a far greater responsibility and commitment towards your Higher self than to anyone else in this world….

The era of self help is gone. This is the era of self realisation. Ordinary people have for long been fooled by extraordinary and wealthy ones… No more will this happen. Never again will they dare to do this… Let the wealthy and extraordinary ones teach control,discipline,hard work,ambition and goals to their children… You don’t need any of them. You will learn only one thing day in and day out from today … Figure out for yourself what that one thing would be….

I have done my homework. I chose education of my higher self as my only inspiration in this world… I chose not to start from bottom and reach to the top. I found a backdoor to start from the top ….. and so can you…. Think about it….When i can do it so to can you…..

Ordinary people are the Lord’s favourite child. They run the world. But a far greater and wonderful world is waiting with open arms for you my dear friend. Go for It……

Empower Yourself Today,This Very Moment And Take The First Bold Step In Your Life..

You may be wondering what a Lifestyle Training Company and a retired magician have to do with Public Speaking.

For many years at our Lifestyle Centre we trained therapists in all aspects of complementary medicine and ran courses in Personal Development, including NLP and Public Speaking.

We found that one of the main causes of health problems today is STRESS and one of the most stressful things and one that creates tremendous fear and trepidation is the act of Public Speaking. So a popular part of our courses was, “How To Conduct Effective Public Speaking.”

It is very interesting to note that in a list of the things people fear most, the ultimate catastrophe, DEATH, came way down the list at No. 7. Can you guess what came top of the list? Yes! &ndash PUBLIC SPEAKING.

Apart from our main course on public speaking, we have put together some articles and information that we hope will make a difference. We want to help you overcome that major fear and help you take advantage of the many opportunities, which present themselves to those who can express themselves in a confident manner.

There are not too many hard and fast ‘rules’ in public speaking, as it is very much an art, rather than an exact science. However, there are certain guidelines, which are followed by all effective speakers and we hope this series of short articles will direct you along those lines, and encourage you to stand up and ’say your piece’ with confidence, in all circumstances.

Let’s first of all consider the horrible elements of stress or indeed distress that seem to affect all of us when asked to utter a few sentences in public.

Some examples &ndash nervous churning of the stomach; nausea; sweating; trembling; dry mouth; blushing, dizziness, rapid, pounding heartbeat; fast breathing, even breathlessness and often the mind goes completely blank.

So, you’ve all been there! Unfortunately, those who have had a distressing experience never forget it and in some cases the fear of speaking in public becomes a phobia, and that “Audience-Phobia” prevents them from taking advantage of many opportunities in life.

It may be that we have to express our expert opinion at a works meeting, or to make a report to our bosses, or vice versa (to make a report to our workforce), to give a vote of thanks at a formal gathering, or to express ourselves at an important interview.

A phobia is a very real and intense feeling of fear generated by something, which does not actually pose any genuine threat to us. Yet it is so intense that it often prevents us from doing even some very simple things, which may in fact, have a dramatic effect on our lives.

The response to our fear or phobia is mainly a mental one: - Our thinking becomes confused; we somehow cannot recall even the simplest well-remembered facts; we often have the sensation of blind panic. You’ve heard the expression, or indeed you may have experienced it &ndash“When I stood up to speak my mind just went blank and I froze” &ndash often called “Stage Fright”.

If any “Audience Shy” person was asked by their workmates, or colleagues in the pub, or their family and friends gathered round the fire, to explain their job or favourite hobby, favourite football team or television program, they would go on at great lengths, and often speak with great enthusiasm and wit.

However, if most of us were to be asked to stand up in front of even a small gathering and formally present ourselves to them, things suddenly feel different. Transport the situation and same person from small gathering on to the platform of a large hall and he is struck dumb.

Yet there is no fundamental difference between a large audience and a small group of friends. It is the reaction of our minds to the situation, which causes us to “freeze” and experience the horrible feelings of “stage fright”.

We often refer to these feeling as “Nerves” and state that we are far too nervous to speak in public.

Well I hope to help you overcome those dreaded nerves with a few short articles with information and tips that I have gained from my experiences as a magician, entertainer and speaker.

So look out for the articles on “Overcoming The Dreaded Nerves”.

Living God’s purpose for your life takes a special set of skills and techniques. One of the questions I hear often is, “Where Do I Begin?” Being clear about your kingdom assignment is not enough. Realizing and really understanding God’s vision for your life is an amazing feeling, but it is part of a journey. In order to move to new levels you must first clear and prepare your life for vision. You must create an environment that cultivates the success your heart deeply desires.

The first step to begin getting your life ready is faith. It is time to start believing God 100% for provision, protection, guidance and support with your vision. Too many believers stay at jobs they are not called to do and settle for struggle because they don’t fully trust that God will provide financially for them and their family. Stepping into faith alleviates the fear that can stop or slow you from moving forward. Your faith is the critical component that activates the substance of the unseen world and heavenly hosts that work on your behalf for your success.

As important as faith is, it must be demonstrated through your works or action. The next step is to take bold action. It is about taking baby steps each and every day. Ask yourself, “Where should I begin?” Complete that instruction. When you do this daily, you will look back after a week, month, or a year and be shocked at the progress you have made.

There are people waiting on you to help them and the longer it takes you to start bringing forth your vision, the longer they will continue to suffer because you are the one God has chosen to make a different in their life. Just as with an emergency health crisis, the emergency aid technicians would apply CPR, you will also need a little CPR to move forward. The CPR you apply to breathing life into your vision stands for Confession, Prayer, and Readiness.

A few years back I took a turn off the busy roads of life and went down a quite country bridal way. That bridal way was called, ’self-discovery’ (spirituality).

I liked the bridal way and felt like I could have stayed on it forever. And I might have, had it not been for my responsibilities - children and bills and stuff.

At the end of that bridal way I came to a busy road. It seemed busier than ever. That was when I realized something that I want to share with you today.

What I learned at the crossroads - where the bridal way of spirituality met the busy main road of life - is that spirituality is not about leaving life’s problems behind, it’s about continually confronting them with honesty, integrity and courage.

This was a meltdown moment for me. It meant I had to stop hiding on the bridal way of life and end all separation from me and my troubles and heal relationships, find compassion and put myself at the feet of others.

This week I traveled around five hundred miles across the south of the country and have seen first-hand the devastation the summer floods have brought.

I saw a house where the first floor was under water, a farm where the barns were flooded, fields that had turned into lakes and roads where the tarmac was now missing as a result of the conditions.

Then on the news I heard the survey that 61% say this is just freak weather. 25% say it’s global warming.

Then I heard that severe flooding happens around every fifty years in the UK and that all this might just be a planetary cycle.

Perhaps the answer is: who knows. But the consequences of the weather are that bees aren’t making honey. Cow’s winter feed is being ruined, wheat isn’t growing and people’s lives need to be rebuilt.

I’m not mentioning these things to scare. I’m saying them to apply the principal of facing our challenges with honesty, integrity and courage.

If it is just ‘freak once in fifty years weather’ then fine. Over the coming months communities will pull together to make things better again and it will all work out fine - until next time.

On the other hand we can’t discount the fact that climate change is a ticking clock and that maybe sitting on our botty’s until the politicians make a decision is not sensible.

While carrying my thoughts around this week I came to sit my botty on a friend’s sofa this week. On their wall they had the words of a Cree Indian.

The words said, ‘Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money.’

Thinking about this the following morning led me to a discussion at our breakfast table.

We discussed the possibility that for one week we attempt to avoid anything that comes in plastic wrapping, tin, glass bottles and cardboard - since it all takes natural resources and energy to create.

The reality of the thought of this thought seemed tough, especially on my daughter. She realised she’d go without bread, margarine and marmite at breakfast. Her lunch wouldn’t include crisps, tuna, lettuce and cucumber (when it stops growing in the greenhouse).

I would have to forgo olives. I’d miss out on herbs except the ones I grow. I’d also need to get serious on growing even more in the garden or doing deals with my neighbours.

I read a quote in a book recently that there is a need for this generation to become saints and heal what has been done.

Is that a big ask?

My thinking is not to separate from the problems I’m a part of. Of course we’ve reduced, where we can we reuse and if we can’t we endeavor to recycle. Yet still we produce rubbish each week that took resources to make and is still being dumped in the earth.

However, today’s article is necessarily about the environment, it’s about not burring our heads in the sand. The point I want to get across is that there is a need for us to face our challenges with honesty, integrity and courage, whatever the challenge - be it health, money, business, family or whatever.

I hope you’ll find the tips useful.

1. Take a few minutes to think about the things that challenge you the most.

2. Consider the things you don’t want to face.

3. What one thing could you do to face that now?

4. Become aware of how you feel when you’ve faced it.

With Love and good wishes

Neil

One of the best tips for panic attacks you can follow is to learn how to be prepared. At first this may seem difficult to do since most panic attacks strike completely without warning. Unfortunately, this aspect of panic attacks can make the experience of having one even more difficult and frightening. Learning how to be prepared for a panic attack, even when you are not expecting one; however, can help you to come one step closer to dealing with the reality of panic attacks effectively and quickly.

One of the first tips for panic attacks and steps in developing your own individualized plan for panic attacks includes taking the time to learn breathing exercises. While it is true that breathing exercises can help stop a panic attack or reduce the symptoms of a panic attack, it is important to note that waiting until you are in the midst of a panic attack is not the time to learn a breathing exercise. In fact, it can make matters worse. Being proactive is the key here. Try learning a simple breathing exercise when you are not feeling anxious and then take the time to practice it every day. It doesn’t take very long, only about 5 minutes and can prove to be very helpful when you are faced with a panic attack. As you practice your breathing exercises you will quite likely find that it will become natural for you to shift your breathing during a panic attack. This can help to reduce anxiety and stress which can eventually reduce the number of panic attacks you experience.

Other important tips for panic attacks include learning relaxation exercises. While it may seem as though it would be impossible to relax in the middle of a panic attack it is just as possible to practice relaxation techniques as it is to change your breathing patterns. Like breathing exercises, you will eventually learn to naturally relax your muscles during an attack; thereby reducing the symptoms. Much like breathing techniques; however, it is important not to wait until you are in the middle of an attack to try this treatment method. Begin practicing when you are feeling calm and then work on it a few minutes every day.

Tips for panic attacks should also focus on developing a strong social support network. Create a list of people whom you trust and know you can call when you are experiencing a panic attack. Consider family, friends, support group members and your therapist. Write their names and telephone numbers down and them place lists with this information in places where you can find them easily, such as on the refrigerator, in your purse or wallet, in your car and at work. Focus on expanding your support network so that it does not include just one or two people.

Learning to be prepared for panic attacks is one of the best tips for panic attacks you can follow as it can actually help you cope with the symptoms of and even reduce the number of attacks you have.