The Power of Wishing

Wishing Upon a Star
Remember when you were young and saw the first star of the evening and said, “I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.” With childlike assurance, you KNEW your wish could come true. After all, you had wished upon a star. 

You Still Can Wish
Nothing much has changed from your childhood days of wishing. As a child, you had faith that those wishes were being answered and with that same determination, you can put the power of a wish into action NOW! 

What is a Wish?
A wish is a way of asking for what you need or desire to have happen in your life. A child wishes, but as adults we either ask, supplicate, mediate, visualize or pray. 

Why not go back to a childlike wonder of wishing and remember the power behind your wish? Remember the clarity you had as you said those magical words, never for one minute questioning whether your wish was possible or not? Remember the conviction with which you spoke? Remember the magic of the moment as day softly turned to night?  

Guess what? You have just manifested a wonderful memory of your childhood into your present. You have accessed the Power of Wishing!

Here’s How to Wish…

1. State your INTENT – When you have a desire or need, state it clearly. Be certain of what you are asking for. Yes, be specific.
2. Develop CLARITY – Be as clear as you possibly can at the moment of your wishing. Use every one of your senses to enhance the reality of your wish. Use your eyes and see it. Use your touch, taste and smell and feel its genuineness. Use your inner vision to feel it coming to you as a truth. Literally breathe its presence into your life.
3. Say it with CONVICTION – Know, know, know that your wish has come true. Not in the future, but now. The moment your wish is made, all the power of the universe has focused on it and has gone to work on bringing it to you. Do not doubt. Do not fear. Be certain it is happening.
4. Use your POWER – When you ask with the power of your entire being and trust, you have gained access to the Law of Manifestation. You have begun to use one of the Laws of the Universe and it cannot be denied you. Give it power by believing it.

Right Now, Stop and Make a Wish
State your wish with intent, clarity, conviction and power. Believe in your wish with all your might!

Now Let Go
Now access the Law of Letting Go. Forget it. Let it happen. Don’t worry, fret or doubt. Be at peace with your wish. Let the universe handle it. It is done. Your wish has been sent.

Why Don’t Wishes Always Come True?
Only wishes that you are able to have intent, clarity, conviction and power over come true. Ninety-nine percent of wishes to help with daily tasks, some sort of abundance, love or health come true. All of these are fair to manifest or wish for and are the type of things that the universe can help you with.

Wishes That Won’t Ever Come True
No matter how hard you wish for something, if the intention is negative or misdirected, it cannot come true.  Keep in mind…

• You CANNOT make a wish for others – You don’t truly know what is good for others. You can, however, wish for good things to come to them. Wishing is for YOU, so focus on your own personal desires.
• You CANNOT be diverted from your life purpose - Everyone is meant to fulfill their life purpose. Wishing that goes against your true nature will go unfulfilled.
• You CANNOT wish for anything that will bring you harm - Even though you intend your wish to improve your life in some way, it might actually harm your growth. Only the universe knows what you really need.
• You CANNOT wish for anything that will bring other’s harm – You cannot ask divine beings to go to work for you in negative ways.

Wish Again and Wish Often
Wishing always works when the parts are in place. Do not doubt this. Just do it. Then wish again. Wish over and over and over again. Wish as many times as there are stars in heaven. Get into the habit of wishing and who knows, your dreams really might come true! 

 

Contributed by Barbara Mark and Trudy Griswold, co-authors of the Angelspeake books including Angelspeake: How to Talk with Your Angels, international teachers, spiritual counselors and angel experts. They have been featured on national TV and radio including Good Morning America, The Leeza Show, Entertainment Tonight, The Cristina Show and a PBS Special. www.angelspeake.com

Celebrate and Honor Others

Dr. Dale, licensed psychologist who appears on the TODAY Show, joins us with her ongoing column SANITY SAVERS^TM for a Balanced Life.

It’s the Season for Celebrations
May and June are the months of many celebrations: weddings, graduations, christenings, confirmations, showers, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. For many of us leading busy lives, these joyous events can be difficult to schedule and become tedious to attend. If family or friends’ relationships are strained, attending one of these events can be even more challenging. How can we honestly be there for others when we have so much going on in our own lives? And how can we honor others when there may be issues between us and with some of the other “players” that add to the perceived friction?

“Being There”
When you are there for others, it means you care and value your relationship with that person. Making the effort to attend functions and events important to a family member, friend or colleague acknowledges your ongoing relationship and the respect you feel for them. But, if you’re there in body only and not in spirit are you really supporting that person and sending an encouraging and loving message?

Maybe It’s Time to Reevaluate
If you hear yourself say, “I wish I didn’t have to go” or “I don’t have time for this,” maybe it’s time to re- evaluate your relationship with the person being honored. It may be that you need to do a bit of soul searching, considering what is the best way you can attend, while staying centered and true to yourself. You may need to establish limits on what will be enough and what will be beyond the call of duty. An important consideration as you evaluate the relationship is how much of YOU are you prepared to give?

Do I Want to “Be There?”
Ask yourself in what ways are these people important to you, are they worth the energy, and can you share in their enthusiasm (which is often a life passage)? Establish in your own mind and heart what is your place in their life and what is their place in your life (they are often not the same). If you are comfortable with any disparity then you should attend without any preconceived notions or expectations.

Your “Being There” Will Be Felt
Before going, you can increase your energy and really “be there” for that person. They will feel this gift emanating from you. If you cannot do this, maybe you should consider whether this relationship is worth holding on to. With your more challenging relationships, when you reach out and make an effort to be fully present at their life milestones, you will gain from the experience even if it is difficult for them to acknowledge or express gratitude.

When people know you sincerely care, your heart felt warmth is appreciated and they will be able to receive the message that they are important and have value in your life.

Here are Sanity Savers^TM to help you feel more festive when your next invitation arrives:

• Stay Focused – If you’re at a party, you’re already there. Why stay and have a mediocre time when you can put parameters on the situation, stay in that space and make the best of it? You have the ability to have a good time or not. As the old saying goes “Make the best of the situation.” Talk to people, let your hair down a bit, don’t expect to be taken care of by anyone else and you just might have fun dancing the night away.
• View It as a Mission – We attend other’s functions to celebrate with them. Of course, you have other things to do. Everyone does. In fact, each person at the function could be catching up on so many things instead of being there. Don’t forget the reason you’re present. Your mission is to support, love and share special moments with the person who is being honored. Stay true to that mission and you will likely have a good time.
• Release Negative Feelings Beforehand – If Father’s Day isn’t easy for you, allow yourself to feel the sadness, disappointment and anger over your relationship before getting together with your father. Maybe you can journal or have a conversation with the mirror to release negative tension. Also, try and think back on some endearing memories. Remember, this is his “day” and you can show your dad you really do truly care by respecting him and sharing in the moment. You are not likely to repair a lifetime of hurt at one meeting but you may be able to experience this day differently.
• Go With Support or Go Alone – Don’t go to an event that you already have misgivings about with someone who will make you feel even more uncomfortable. If the person you are with tends to complain or doesn’t want to be there, this will only disengage you further and you will likely be concerned about whether they are okay. That is unnecessary and frankly, too much pressure. Be with someone with whom you feel comfortable or go alone.

For more Sanity Savers^TM go to www.drdaleatkins.com

More Closet Space

Changes on the Homefront
If you’ve faced a break-up, separation or divorce, you already know that there are changes. If you remain in the same home, the first obvious reminder that you’re living life as one, when there once was two, is the absence of his “stuff”. And if you move to a new space, you may be out of your comfort range for a while and have to take time to settle into new surroundings.

Claim Your Closet Space!
Now, some may be eager to be single again while others may linger in upset focusing on the lack of big “guy” sweaters to steal on a chilly day or extra large t-shirts to cuddle up in at night. But, maybe there’s a silver lining in those empty drawers. Instead of feeling sad, alone or angry, you can look at life another way…

There’s a whole lot of closet space ready to claim just for YOU! Read more

Home Based Business: Setting up Shop

Lisa’s Story
Lisa Montanaro was getting tired of practicing labor employment law. “The actual work was very draining, and it was becoming too negative for my tastes,” says Lisa. When people inquired if she wanted to open her own law firm her reaction was, “Absolutely not – I don’t want to be in business for myself!”

But one day a best friend told her about the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and a light bulb went off. “I’ve always been an organized person and had been helping family and friends manage their clutter for years. I love running this business, which is my true calling,” says a delighted Lisa and now the proud owner of LM Organizing Solutions in Newburgh, NY.

Get Down to Basics
Whether you are currently in a home-based work situation or contemplating starting one, an organized person like Lisa recommends a number of things to think about and have in place to be successful, keep your stress levels low and productivity high when working from home.

When Lisa began to plan opening her home-based business she considered a number of things: physical location and layout, aesthetics (decorating), office furnishings, hardware and software, and business service vendors. “Everyone has different time and space constraints, as well as unique ways of thinking and skill levels. All of these factors should be carefully considered before buying equipment and setting up your work space.”

Go Smart Shopping
There are thousands of products on the market in all different price ranges. By being creative and repurposing things you already have like baskets, lamps and tables, you can keep costs down.

“When new businesses open theirs doors, costs can easily get out of hand, so take time to do your homework.”

Lisa’s “MUST-HAVES” and basic business setup include:

• Dedicated business line - for “business only” phone and fax. 
• Phone - Lisa prefers a cordless one, with speaker phone option, which she uses when partaking in teleclasses.
• Desk and lamp– A simple table or a coordinated system with good lighting is essential.  You may already have a desk or can make temporary digs out of a wood or formica top place over 2 sets of double file cabinets.
• Filing cabinet(s) – Invest in the commercial grade for fixed units, and/or sturdy portable ones that can be easily used in another room or taken offsite on business meetings.
• Computer with office software- Specifically for business and NOT shared with family.
• Antivirus and firewall software - Most have annual expiration dates so update accordingly.
• Accounting software - To track expenses, tax deductions and quick and easy checking accounts balancing.
• Fax/copier/scanner/printer - All in one units saves space and costs.
• High speed internet connection - Get up to date with the latest technology.
• Cross-cut shredder - For security of sensitive business or client data.
• Business credit card – Lisa likes a credit card that helps her track expenses and gives her discounts at various business retailers, car rental companies, etc.
• Stationary and business cards - It may pay to invest in a professional look with logo but don’t go overboard at the onset. To keep costs down, print stationary as-you-go on a quality printer.
• Office supplies – Such as accordion files to keep track of business receipts and expenses, copy paper, extra printer ink cartridges, folders, files, etc.
• Post office box - For anonimity of your home address.
• Label Maker – As a professional organizer, Lisa finds this indispensable for labeling files, boxes, etc.
• Website – Lisa created hers using templates from her hosting company which also registered her domain name and provided her email address.

If your budget is tight and you need the basics, Lisa recommends six ESSENTIALS:    

1. A computer with office software
2. Antivirus software
3. Cell Phone with Voice Mail
4. Business cards
5. Basic accounting software
6. Basic office supplies
    
   …everything else you can improvise until profits start rolling in.   

The Little Extras
At the start Lisa also invested in a closet redesign by a local closet systems business. They worked with her to reconfigure her space for business; installing a 4 tiered system of shelves and appropriate spaces for pocket organizers, business supplies, promotional items, etc. She painted her walls a vibrant red, one of her favorite colors that is supposed to speed up your heart while inspiring and rejuvenating. Lisa made sure to include a comfortable upholstered chair for alternate seating away from her desk. She also invested in a digital camera which she uses to capture “before” and “after” shots of her portfolio.   

Going Techno
After the first year Lisa updated her technology, moving from a spiral planner to a handheld electronic planner which helps her track contacts, dates and meetings. Lisa recharges her handheld every weekend and  backups her data on the computer using additional software. Because she is computer savvy, Lisa did not invest in customer management software because she relies on spreadsheets for many business and client-related data management functions.

Tools to Network
Lisa’s last piece of advice for the current or budding home-based entrepreneur is about getting the word out about your company by continually meeting new prospects and promoting your business. It won’t matter how beautiful and organized your office space is if nobody knows you, so market! When she first got started, Lisa invested in 1000 business cards, and when she was able, a logo design (done by a graphic designer) and brochures. She also joined her local Chamber of Commerce and her industry’s national professional association for networking opportunities.

By getting organized you can manage and grow your business more effectively. With an inspirational environment, plus the right equipment and supplies, you can make the most of your new endeavor and succeed!

Contributed by Pattie Simone, published journalist, business mentor and public speaker with a diverse background in sales, marketing production, and client services. She is founder of Write-Communications, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, marketing and communications mentoring and copy writing, and WomenCentric™, a  speaking group comprised of dynamic women entrepreneurs to help empower career and entrepreneurial success. Featured in the media, Pattie is also busy writing her first book, Snap out of it! Drop-Kick your Hum-Drum Career for Entrepreneurial Bliss! www.womencentric.org

             

Dr. Pamela George: Anti-Aging Physician

 

Women Today Want to Age Well Rather than Merely Get Older
Meet Dr. Pamela George, board certified anti- aging physician and chiropractor, who is among a select group of international forward-thinking doctors carving a new path in anti-aging medicine. In practice for over 18 years, Dr. George has helped individuals restore, rejunenate and maintain vitality and function to their lives no matter what age they may be. 

Anti-Aging is “In”
Remarkable advances have been made in anti-aging medicine over the past several years making the quest for youthful vitality both attainable and affordable. “Science and nature have provided us with the tools to extend and enhance the quality of life of our patients,” states Dr. Pamela D. George of Fairfield who was the first physician in Connecticut to be board-certified as an anti-aging health practitioner.

Beautiful Health Clinic “Spa”
Dr. George is also director of a unique longeveity and wellness medspa, the Beautiful Health Clinic, offering customized natural bioidentical hormone replacement; aesthetics; weight, stress and pain management; disease prevention; cognitive care; and body therapeudics; along with rejuvenating massages and facials. Working with a team of specialists to tailor an anti-aging regime right for each patient, Dr. Pam George is at the forefront of medicine for the 21st century.

“Far beyond prevention, this is healthcare on the cutting edge!” 

Heard on the airwaves on the Donna and the Doctor show, Dr. George is also a much sought after speaker for wellness conferences and other professional organizations. Featured in Vogue magazine and on international TV for her work in nutrigenomics, Dr. George keeps blazing a path in her field. www.beautifulhealthclinic.com     

Is Your Reservoir Dry?

Dr. Dale, licensed psychologist who appears on the TODAY Show, joins us with her ongoing column SANITY SAVERS^TM for a Balanced Life.

Look At Your Life
Ask yourself these questions: Are you on track? Are you running on empty? Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you spending too much time with people who deplete your personal resources–not to mention your patience? Is it hard for you to say no? If you can answer yes–even begrudgingly–to any of these questions, you may be at a point where it’s impossible to give of yourself. This bottom- of-the-barrel feeling lets you know that your reservoir is dry.

You Can’t Give Anything To Others If Your Supply Is Empty
I often use the metaphor of a reservoir to help people imagine their own reserves. Is your personal reservoir full to the brim? Half-full or dry? When you get dangerously close to empty, your capacity to give dries up. Always remember that you must have SOMETHING in your reservoir both for those unexpected emergencies when you need to pull yourself together to be there for yourself or others, and for everyday, successful living and coping. If you’re not meeting your own needs, there is no possible way for you to attend to others or give your own life projects the energy and attention they deserve. Your live your life too close to the edge.

Visualize a Full Reservoir
Right now, this minute, relax and, in your mind’s eye, imagine a reservoir full of water. Then imagine it empty, but with hordes of people trying to get the water they need. You’ll see panic, fear, anger–and an empty reservoir. Consider what you need to do to refill it so you have what you need to stay full and giving. Then prepare a checklist of activities and attitudes that will help it remain full. When you sense that your reservoir is dropping to scary levels, refer to your list to keep yourself healthy. You can also soak up these Sanity Savers^TM to avoid dry spells:

1. Breathe - Notice what is happening when your body becomes depleted. Are your breaths shallow, short, restricted? Take deep breaths that are long- lasting. Take moments out of your day to breathe through life’s challenges and bring calm back into your world.
2. Remove and Refill - Is there something that you can put aside or totally remove from your daily tasks to encourage your replenishing yourself?
3. Don’t Keep Up With The Joneses Or Anyone, For That Matter - When you talk to people, are they comparing their busy life with yours? Is there a subtle jealousy regarding who is doing more or has more on his or her plate? Identify those with whom you feel competition and determine how much energy you want to give to that dance. Try sitting on the bench and observe rather than running the “I Want What You Have” race–which nobody ever wins, by the way.
4. Limit Your Time - Are you spending a lot of time with people who deplete your personal resources? If so, do something about it. Determine ways to limit or restructure the time you spend with them so that your experience is enhanced. It sometimes helps to bring along a neutral friend to relieve pressure.
5. Savor Your Time - What would it mean if you said no to people so you could gather your own wits about you and have more time to think or simply be still? When asked to do something that you really don’t have the time for or interest in, think of this response: “Sounds great, but this is not the right time for me.” Or, “Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.” Do as you say you will, and get back to them. But say what you mean.
6. Keep Your Own Needs High On The List - Always consider the pros and cons when you have to invest time and energy. Turn the ringer off of the phone and sit quietly, even if only for a few minutes. Drink a cup of aromatic herbal tea as you relive a wonderful visit to a park, a great family party, a summer vacation. Play with a pet, attend to houseplants or your garden. Do something that thrills you.

Your reservoir will be full only when you take time to fill it.

For more Sanity Savers^TM, please visit www.drdaleatkins.com.

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Eliminate Excuses For Exercise

May 1, 2006 by Kristen Hallett Rzasa  
Filed under Articles, body & exercise

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There’s a certain familiarity to the reasons people cite for not exercising: No time, too tired, no childcare, bad weather.

Heard them before? Chances are you’ve even said them yourself. And while there certainly are real-life obstacles to getting 30 minutes of physical activity every day, Jazzercise CEO Judi Sheppard Missett challenges you to take a closer look at the most popular excuses for remaining sedentary. Read more

Tags: bloom seeds, organize your life

Springtime is the Time to Get Organized!

May 1, 2006 by Jill McKean  
Filed under Articles, home & office, organize

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Spring is a great time to get organized and review your space and your work/life balance. It’s also an opportunity to renew and refresh yourself, clear out the clutter and streamline your schedule.

Here are some organizing tips to help you bring Spring Renewal into your life. Read more

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