My Essay Blog

As the clock chimed midnight on the eve of 2007, I truly felt like doing a happy dance. Not just doing a happy dance, but doing it buck-naked, outside, in the cold, in the dark for all the neighbors to see if they happened to be out at that hour of the night. Although I did manage to contain myself from doing the buck-naked happy dance, I couldn’t contain my joy about entering into this new year.

I heard a lot of people talk about what they wanted to do in 2006, I heard a lot of dreams about what life could look like one day, and most of all, I witnessed much preparation to the launching of some major vision work. That is all wonderful and if that excites you, you should join me in doing the 2007 happy dance because this year is all about completion. While 2006 was the year of positioning and execution, this is the year of fulfillment. No more talking, no more dreaming&ndashthis is the year of manifestation! This is the year you write that book, create that product, launch that business, write that screenplay or do whatever it is you are longing to bring forth. This is the year you begin to experience your vision.

The last few years have been about preparation and readying yourself for what is to come. Well, put on your seat-belt&ndashit’s HERE. Your time is now. 2007 is truly the year to THRIVE! While changing your habits to those that will fully support the success you desire is ongoing, there are several things you can do to continue moving to new levels the bring forth your completion this year. As you begin thriving, remember to incorporate the following steps into your daily routine:

1. Remember to pray and surrender to God daily (it is all too easy to get wrapped up in all that is going on in the world). Your prayer is the critical component to move you into fearlessness.

2. Become a master of time and energy management so you can enjoy the magic of completion. Commit to taking action everyday toward living your purpose and vision. No more excuses. You do have time to complete this important and life-changing work God has planted in you to bring forth.

3. Balance, balance, balance. Take some time every week to unwind and play a bit (this is going to be a tough one for me!). It’s easy to be so enthralled in your vision work, that you forget to just “hang-out.”

4. Focus. As your work gets out in the world, more people ask for time on your calendar. Remain focused so you don’t lose the momentum you have worked to create.

5. Remember that God is the source of your success and there is no such thing as working hard enough in a lifetime to achieve what God can give you in an instant (words from Thomas L. Pauley and Penelope J. Pauley’s book, I’m Rich Beyond My Wildest Dreams). This book reminded me that no matter how diligently I work, I cannot even come close to how God can bless me. I highly recommend this book&ndashit really helped me to internalize this truth.

Most of all, be grateful for all that you are and all that God has done, is doing and will do in your life. Open your heart and get the work that is trying to come through you out in the world in a bold, powerful way. I promise&ndashyou won’t regret it!

I wish you the absolute BEST in 2007!

Love, Ericka

If you have ever wondered “what are pheromones” you are probably not alone. In fact, there have been many people who have wondered what pheromones are, and a lot of research has been done on the topic.

In the quest to find out what pheromones are, people have done research in the human world as well as the animal kingdom. This is because pheromones occur and do their work in both animal kingdom and human world.

Basically, when it comes down to it, “What are pheromones?” is answered very easily. Pheromones are the chemicals that your body produces to attract other people. These are usually used to attract a mate, but pheromones have also been found to have an effect in social and business circles.

The main question of what pheromones are is answered by the idea that a pheromone is used to attract one sex to another. A pheromone is a substance that is secreted by the body primarily for the purpose of mating. The female attracts the male of the same species by putting out just the right pheromones to bring him to her.

The same thing happens with males, in order to attract females. This can happen in any kind of living creature — people, animals and insects — because all living things need a mate in order to reproduce. The way to attract a mate is to put out pheromones.

In the human world, the idea of our bodies chemically attracting another body might seem silly, but it actually isn’t. A lot of the attraction that we have for others comes from pheromones.

It is important to understand that the pheromones of one species consist of different chemicals than the pheromones of another species. Each species only wants to attract its own kind. Therefore, humans aren’t secreting pheromones that attract cats, and so on. It would have been too confusing and way too funny had this been not the case.

This is nature’s way of making sure that the right kind of animal mates with another of its own species and that the line of that animal can continue to reproduce. It also is a way of making sure that nothing has to force certain animals to breed; they simply will when the time is right.

When you think of singing lessons what exactly comes into your mind? It is likely that you would say a singing lesson taking place at a school, home, or business. Those singing lessons are popular face-to-face singing lessons that are often given by a professional; however, did you know that they are not the only types of singing lessons available?

A large number of people only think of one-on-one singing lessons and that is a mistake that could be costly for an aspiring singer. It is important to remember that there are actually a number of different options when it comes to taking a singing lesson. Besides the traditional face-to-face singing lesson, it is also possible to receive a singing lesson in the form of media equipment. These singing lessons are often sold in the form of a DVD or a CD.

A singing lesson on CD is a popular alternative to traditional singing lessons; however, many individuals often prefer a singing lesson on DVD. Both lessons on CDs and DVDs are a beneficial to aspiring singers, but many individuals actually enjoy seeing a person on their television screen. Most singing lesson on DVD programs will have a music teacher or a voice coach appear on the television screen. This feature is not exactly the same as a face-to-face lesson, but it is still beneficial.

In addition to seeing a face on television there may also be important information displayed on the screen in the form of print. There are many individuals who can learn and remember something important simply by hearing it, but others need to actually see it. It is not uncommon for important information or tips to be displayed on the television screen in writing. This feature also makes a singing lesson on DVD feel more personalized.

A singing lesson on DVD program can be purchased from a number of different locations. A singing lesson on DVD program can often be found at a music store, media store, or a traditional department store. In addition to these retail stores, a singing lesson on DVD program can also be purchased over the internet. If you are interested in finding a customized singing lesson on DVD program or one that is designed for a specific music genre you may want to consider shopping online. Most online retailers have a large selection of singing lesson on DVD programs when compared to traditional retail stores.

Perhaps the best way to receive a personalized singing lesson is to do it face-to-face; however, that is not always possible. A singing lesson on DVD is not the same as a face-to-face singing lesson; however, it is close and it is a nice and fairly cheap alternative. If you are an aspiring singer who does not have the financial resources to hire a professional voice coach you are encouraged to consider purchasing a singing lesson on DVD.

You have the choice to control negativity and self-sabotaging behavior by creating positive beliefs and envisioning positive outcomes. Through a practice called “thought stopping,” you can change direction when you find yourself slipping into a negative thought pattern. Say to yourself, with a loud and firm inner voice: STOP! Once you’ve done this, it’s important to replace your previous thought with a more positive statement and image. Clearly acknowledge which statements cause you to feel pain or threat, and which statements allow you to feel success, joy and happiness.

When people unnecessarily stress themselves by thinking that they have no control over a controllable situation, they need to use their inner voice to shout out the word “STOP.” Then, change track and think about how the situation can be redirected.

Now, take this opportunity to practice “thought stopping.” What reoccurring thought causes you to feel negative, or some form of discomfort, pain, or threat? (Example: Taking risks makes me feel anxious.) Now write it down!

Next, with a loud and firm inner voice, shout out “STOP!” Again, “STOP!” Replace your negative feeling or thought with a positive statement. (Example: When I take risks I experience excitement, learn more about myself, and feel encouraged to risk again.)

When you attach specific positive words to positive feelings and experiences, you can recall positive feelings at will by using those words. Now apply the positive affirmation for yourself. Using your positive statement, attach it to feelings of success, joy, and happiness. For example, “When I challenge and encourage myself, I consistently move toward my goals with a success attitude, ‘I Can I Will.’ ”

Recite the statement to yourself several times. Each time, experience the positive feelings the statement generates. When you anchor positive words or statements to positive feelings, you can recall the positive feeling anytime you desire and create more positive outcomes, consistently.

Challenge yourself. Stop your self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors. Practicing thought stopping on a continual basis allows you to eliminate negative thoughts to become more aware of your feelings of accomplishment, self-acceptance, and of positive choice and change. Your new, bright thoughts and feelings of pleasure, joy and happiness drive you toward your destination of success. Positive feelings and beliefs increase your self-worth and self-esteem, empowering you to take action.

This is truer than people might realize. Dig deep, there is a significant powerful truth buried in this statement that can redefine life and create more positive and powerful experiences. As we navigate life, become educated in society, and learn from experiences we inevitably think we know.

We know what people are like, we know what this means and that means, we know what to expect, and we know what will be good and what will be bad. All of these perceptions are defining a reality before it even has a chance to show you something different.

To know is to not know is a statement that drops judgement and allows the experience to demonstrate something new. It also creates an openess for you to discover more; this could be more about you, more about life, more about people, or more about situations. You have still your past experiences there to offer insight and you allow the present experience to reveal more or create something new.

We often say we are not defined by our past. This is the way our life is meant to be and yet, we often are limiting our future based upon past experiences. If this is true in our lives, then we are being defined by our past. All that is needed is a shift in perspective. When the body, emotions, or mind reacts to a situation, person, or whatever, then you want to seize the moment and be curious enough to ask why you are reacting the way you are.

When you are reacting to a situation, it is fear based. This could be a belief, a family emotional trigger, a self-esteem issue, or many other root causes. Being curious and identifying this allows a couple of things to happen. Recognizing the reaction allows you to step back and inquire deeper. This will enable you to discover issues that you can then begin correcting or accepting. Second, stepping back from the reaction for reflection will allow you to respond rather than react. When you are responding to a situation, it is based in peace.

There is so much more that can be explored from this place. Personal power, personal responsibility, accepting responsibilitiy, victimization, emotions, emotional hijacking and sabotage; there are so many depths, twists, and turns along this road of spiritual awareness. Owning and understanding that aspect of your nature allows room for so much of life’s experiences to occur and provide learning. Change is also easier to embrace and navigate.

To know is to not know. I’d just invite you to entertain this possibility and play with it in new situations. Whenever you find a judgement popping up, step back from it and say, “I see you, now let’s just wait and see.” Sometimes, the judgement may be right. Won’t it be wonderful and surprising to experience new truths when the judgement is wrong?

There are some people who have problems with their sleep. Some have insomnia, narcolepsy, snoring, and some other have sleepwalking which is also known as somnambulism and noctambulism.

Sleepwalking, although it is not always harmless, it can also be very dangerous.

Sleepwalkers walk in their sleep. Or, they even do other actions as if they are awake such as taking a shower, eating. And, sometimes they can get out of the house. This is the dangerous part, especially because they cannot control their actions. Some sleepwalkers might also carry a knife or worst, walk in the nude.

If you see someone walking on his/her sleep, you’d better take him/her back to bed or wake him/her up gently. Most sleepwalkers would not remember what they did while sleeping. So, it would be wise not to make fun of them after they wake up.

What actually is the cause of this sleeping disorder?

In children, sleepwalking might be a result of fatigue, prior sleep loss, or anxiety. In adults, it is normally related to over tiredness, mind disorder, reactions to drugs and alcohol, or certain medical conditions. In aged people, it could be a symptom of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) behavior disorders or an organic brain syndrome.

It may also be genetic. Sleepwalking parents often have sleepwalking kids.

Here are some tips that you can try to avoid sleepwalking:

• Relax at bedtime by listening to soft music or relaxation tapes. Since one of the causes of sleepwalking is stress, it would be best for sleepwalker to try to get as relaxed as possible before going to bed.

• Have a regular sleep schedule and stick to it. Regular sleeping helps sleepwalker learn the rhythm of sleep. This can help preventing them from walking on their sleep.

• Make sure there is no noise that might sound annoying to you while you try to close your eyes.

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• Avoid alcohol or drugs before going to bed for those are also causes of sleepwalking.

It has been projected that 10 percent of all people will experience sleep walking at some time in their life! So, make sure that you are not one of those 10 percent by trying those above tips.

Social anxiety disorder greatly reduces the quality of a person’s life. People who suffer from social anxiety miss out on so much that life has to offer. Opportunities are greatly limited, because the person who suffers from social anxiety cannot take advantage of any opportunity that might require social interaction - and most opportunities in life do require some sort of social interaction.

Visualization has been proven to be a very effective tool for dealing with social anxiety. Visualization is used to treat many disorders, and it is even used for pain management. Visualization can work in two ways: You can visualize yourself somewhere else, doing something else when you are in a social situation that is causing you anxiety, or you can visualize how a social interaction or event will play out before it occurs to prepare your mind for it.

The first method of visualization, where you visualize yourself in a different place from the one you are currently in is often used for pain management, or to calm down during anxious or stressful situations. The second method of visualization, where you visualize how a situation or event will play out, is the best visualization method for treating social anxiety disorder.

Using the second method of visualization, the concept is fairly simple. The theory is that if you visualize the situation or event in a positive way, over and over, before the event occurs, not only are you more prepared to handle it mentally, but it has been proven that if you think in a positive way, and visualize in a positive way, you will get positive results.

The second method prepares you for the event, but the first method is used during the event, in case you are feeling totally overwhelmed with the social situation that is going on around you. You simply remove yourself from the situation - mentally. People who suffer from social anxiety often use this method, but it should be considered a back-up plan, in case the first method fails to work once you are in the situation.

Visualization can be done with or without the aid of visualization tapes. There are tapes that can be purchased, but in the case of social anxiety, it is better to make your own tapes, since each tape will need to pertain to a specific social situation or event that is coming up in the future.

Visualization begins with some deep breathing exercises. Then, you close your eyes and begin to visualize the event. It is important that you visualize the event completely, starting from where you leave your house to go to the event. Make sure that you use all five senses to make it as real as possible in your mind. Be able to feel the clothes you are wearing, the smells that will be around you, the taste of the food that will be served, and the sound of people talking or music playing. Whatever the social situation will be, imagine it as clearly and realistically as possible.

Do not allow negative images to come into your mind. In your visualization, you should be handling the social situation very well. There is no fear. Nobody is staring at you or judging you. You are saying all the right things at the right times, and it is all going very well. Keep it positive!

Visualize a successful social interaction as many times as possible before the event, and make sure you do the visualization again right before the event. Also, prepare your backup visualization - the first method of visualization. You will need to practice the first method of visualization, where you can mentally remove yourself from an anxious situation, over and over again, until you are able to visualize yourself somewhere else that you consider safe and stress-free, without the use of visualization tapes.

If both methods fail you, first realize that it may take quite a bit of practice until it stops failing you. Then, just tell yourself that the event will end soon, and picture yourself arriving back at your home, where it is safe and comfortable. See yourself kicking your shoes off and fixing a bowl of ice cream. The event will be over soon, and then you can practice for the next event.

The important thing is to not stop trying. You will get it down eventually, and visualization will start to work for you, allowing you to do things that you never dreamed were possible!

Gary Miller is the author of “Prisoners of Our Thoughts: How to break free from the grips of Social Anxiety and Fear.” To learn more about the book click here to go to the website at .social-anxiety-cure.com.

For establishing a guide to health and wellness, a person has many resources at their disposal that will provide help them in many areas. Most illnesses occur from exposure to outside sources but people are more susceptible to the illnesses because they lack the proper diet and nutrition to fight off the diseases naturally. The self-help efforts of medical professionals, healthcare administrators, and family can have a dramatic effect on the life of an individual.

Some medical professionals might recommend a vitamin regimen to improve the immune system. They might also recommend that a sleep study take place to rule out any sleep disorders that might be affecting the person’s health. Vitamins, nutritional supplements, and the proper amount of sleep each night can enhance the body’s immune system and diminish the threat of illnesses dramatically. Identifying the causes for some symptoms might require a lifestyle study of the individual.

People can access information about nutritional supplements through a multitude of websites established on the internet. The internet is filled with millions of self-help resources that are reliable and will give the correct dosages of vitamins that will give a person more vitality and improve their quality of life. There are many articles about health and wellness published throughout the year and people can gain access to these self-help resources by purchasing a newspaper each day.

People can use health and fitness magazines as self-help resources to learn about healthy diets or they can turn to health care professionals that specialize in nutrition and can supply several diet plans that will be quite suitable for people of all shapes and sizes. Using these self-help resources at any time is quite easy because they do not look out of place in a work or home environment. Health and fitness magazines are widely accepted self-help reference materials that are affordable and can be useful to every member in the family.

The subscription rates for self-help magazines make them one of the best self-help tools available to the public today. People can find helpful hints on fashion trends or gain a wealth of information about a personality disorder. Some information in the pages of the magazine might help obese people find meetings to attend or inform them about surgical procedures that can be used to lose weight. Any type of deficiency can be improved upon with the help of the self-help tools in these articles.

Some people use internet chat rooms as a self-help resource. In this anonymous environment, a person can build up confidence levels and learn to express feelings without threat of exposure or fear of failure. The topics that are discussed in the internet chat rooms will vary from day to day, and the confidence gained by the exposure to others with the same problems in this controlled environment has been known to help treat many social disorders. This type of cyber therapy is a great tool for friends to use to help those that suffer from some mental disorders and the chat rooms serve as a low cost method of finding self-help support for many problems.

Do you wake up every morning and say “I’m going to change the world today!”? Most of us would feel a bit grandiose saying that, yet many of us really DO want to change the world, we DO want to make a difference. And we often feel discouraged and disheartened at our inability to do that.

But the truth is you DO make a difference. The question is “What kind of a difference do you make?”

Positive or Negative?

Every day you have many opportunities to make a difference.

When you’re driving down the freeway and someone pulls in front of you, do you yell and shake your fist? Or do you send them a kind thought?

When someone in your family interrupts your work do you let them know (silently or not so silently) that they’re bothering you? Or do you set aside what you’re doing and listen attentively?

When you’ve waited in line a long time to order your morning latte are you a tad crabby when it’s finally your turn? Or do you say something empathetic to the busy barista?

How you choose to respond to and interact with others will determine whether the difference you are making is positive or negative — but you are making a difference.

Other people are affected by your thoughts, words, and actions. You can be a shining beam of light that brightens someone’s day or a dark cloud adding more dreary negativity. Your smile, kind word, or warm gesture could make all the difference to your family, friends, coworkers, or even to a stranger.

You may be thinking that it’s no big deal; smiling at someone or saying something nice doesn’t make much of a difference.

However, as Mother Teresa said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.” Over the years, I’ve heard many stories about a few words or a simple act changing someone’s life. We never know what the magnitude of our impact on someone will be or how it might ripple out into the world.

Playing With This

I’ve been playing with this idea lately. Asking myself “What KIND of difference am I making here?” seems to give me the awareness and space to more often choose to speak or act in a way that’s likely to make a positive difference. This question provides a tiny nudge that leads me to smile, say something pleasant, or do some small thing for someone.

It’s not that I was rude in restaurants or yelling at my husband or snarling at strangers before. Nor is it that I am now or ever will be a candidate for sainthood. It’s just that “What kind of difference can I make here?” lightly encourages me to extend myself a little more in order to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

And I’m having fun with it!

Some “little” things I’ve done in the last few weeks include:

* Giving my waitress a true, shining, bright smile rather than a polite one

* Holding back my words when I felt critical of my husband

* Listening to a friend grieving her divorce

* Visiting an elderly friend who enjoys company and loves to tell stories

In each case my intention was to “make a positive difference with ease and fun.” Since we can never know for sure the impact of our seemingly little actions, I use this intention as my guide.

Only If It Lights You Up

Each of us DOES make a difference in the world every day. We can choose to make a POSITIVE difference as many (or as few) times a day as we like. It’s up to you.

Don’t bludgeon yourself thinking you have to make a positive difference with every person every minute of every day. That’s too much work!

When it’s easy for you to do so, try choosing to make a positive difference. No suffering, sacrifice, or martyrdom required here.

Think again of Mother Teresa: she did amazing work, made a huge difference in many lives, and she loved what she was doing!

You will have more positive impact on others and feed yourself as well, when you make a positive difference by doing what lights you up (what energizes and enlivens you, what you love, what you’re passionate about).

Make the difference you can make with ease and joy!

(Note: if you have been giving, giving, giving and have nothing left to give, please, please, please fill your own tank first! Self-care needs to be your priority. When you are filled up, you

may be ready to revisit this idea.)

In Your Life

How can you make a positive difference in the world today? Here are some suggestions.

** Set your intention to make a positive difference with ease and fun. If “ease and fun” aren’t qualities that speak to you, choose other qualities that light you up.

** Play with saying or doing “little” things that could in some way make a positive difference to someone. How do you feel when you do this? What happens? How does it seem to affect the other person?

Remember sometimes we can tell the effect, sometimes not. Sometimes the effect is immediate, sometimes later. Sometimes there is no effect. You can’t control any of this.

When your intention is to make a positive difference and you take action in support of that intention, allow yourself to feel the pleasure of what you have done, no matter the results.

** At the end of the day reflect on what you have done to make a

positive difference. No matter how large or small it may seem, give yourself credit for what you have done. If you focus on what you have done and how good that feels, you’ll build energy to continue making a positive difference.

Each of us truly can make a positive difference every day and who knows how that could ripple out to change the world.

With all the hustle and bustle of the wedding preparations, it’s hard to step back and breathe, let alone develop a sense of humor about the event.

Sure, it’s a joyous occasion. However, will all the details to work out and the money to spend, the planning takes on a life of its own until you are stressed to the limit. Don’t let it stress you out. The whole world will not come to an end because the dresses arrived in the wrong size or the caterer won’t make your requested dish.

But just when you don’t think you can take it anymore, the rehearsal night comes. And then something funny happens. Your nephew, the little ring bearer, walks up to you during the rehearsal and asks, “Auntie, why did you need me to bring this pillow? You aren’t going to take a nap, are you?”

The whole wedding party can’t help but laugh. The little ring bearer, only three, has no idea what the ring bearer pillow he’s holding is really for. He’s just following directions.

It is true; kids can really make a stuffy and sophisticated wedding turn into a fun event. Even explaining to your nephew what his job is with the ring bearer pillow can turn into a hilarious task.

If it’s one thing kids are good at, it’s helping you laugh and not take yourself so seriously. Adults need to remember to laugh more, and especially during weddings. Don’t stress yourself out when he takes the ring bearer pillow and throws in on the ground and lies down on it. He’s only three and it’s a big job for him!

Kids are a good source of laughter at the reception as well. Be sure to take a minute from drinking with the adults to dance with the youngsters, like your little ring bearer (who is still carrying around his ring bearer pillow) to show him how much you appreciate his help. Just think of the laughs you’ll get when you see the little ones try to dance like adults.

So when the wedding cake is ordered, the dresses are altered, the invitations finalized, take a minute to remind yourself that life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. Take a look at the world through the eyes of a child for a few moments and remember how great it is to be alive. You are lucky, you know, with a family that loves you and a fianc