"A vote of confidence."

Are you someone who quietly sets out to reach her goals or are you someone who tells the world exactly what you're up to, loud and clear?

Either way, it's great. You're focusing on a new life ahead. But if you do tend toward being the quieter type, why not take some time today to tell at least one person how proud you are of yourself for making this commitment to reach a valued goal?

There's got to be one person with whom you could share your journey. A coworker? A neighbor? A friend?

So speak up. Tell someone about it. Make your effort even more real by hearing yourself talk about it out loud. It will solidify your commitment that much more, and could just be the vote of confidence you need!

"Let the world know the real you."

Have you ever noticed how children love to dress up? They love the thrill of pretending to be a princess or a butterfly. What about you? Do you still play make-believe? Do peoople see you for whom you are or do they see someone different?

Often, we make the choice to hide ourselves, allowing only a select few (family or friends) to see the "real" us. With everyone else, we put on a mask so they see what we want them to see (especially if our self-confidence is low). They may see a happy face that actually hides a ton of pain or insecurities. I want you to be your best. A good place to start is to acknowledge and embrace the real you, and proudly display it to the world.

Yes, for many that's hard because we don't want to get hurt, it's just easier to put up a front. But living this way, you bury the woman you've always wanted to be. You owe it to yourself, your friends, and your family to not keep yourself under wraps. Today, ditch your old self-imposed costume for a new, better version...the real you!!!

Proudly display the real you to the world.

Higher expectations

When you discover that you've exceeded your own best expectations, don't be frightened. Be curious, and get a little more ambitious.
After all, you've done something you never expected you could do. Think of what else you could now do that you would have never before considered.

Though it's great to succeed beyond your expectations, it can also be very uncomfortable. And that discomfort can pull you back down, getting you to underperform in order to compensate for your recent spectacular performance.

Instead of giving in to that need for comfort, get excited about what you've just accomplished. Instead of bowing to your previous expectations, choose to raise your expectations even higher.

No, you didn't just get lucky. You took the actions necessary to accomplish even more than you had expected.

Now you have the outstanding opportunity to build on that accomplishment. Step boldly forward, don't look back, and continue amazing yourself with all that you can do.

"Your life is much more than meets the eye."

When you feel stressed out, burned out and maxed out, it's natural to conclude that life is hard. Wait a minute! Take a step back and reflect. Think of all the things that you are thankful for. You have your health, your family and all those little things you normally take for granted.

When it seems that you're rough-riding the coattails of life, watch a sunset, listen to good music or delve into an engrossing book. Allow yourself time to reflect on the gifts you have been given, both big and small.

Sometimes we need to step back, to look clearly at who we are and what we have. Life is always made up of more than meets the eye. Once we see this, we can put things back in perspective and regain a sense of serenity.

here's a little holiday jigsaw puzzle

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ER13610552

Well, it doesn't look as wild in here as the rumors said.

this is my zen zone


where I come to relax and reflect

ooooooooooooh perfect. I need a zen zone.

you are welcome here anytime - hey if bored or just want some sort of inspiration - read a few of the postings.

I have been and I really like them. Like "thoughts for the day". Very inspirational.

after I post here, I don't know what happens to me but my mind just shoots right to the gutter - no warning no anything

it goes from inspirational to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXceptionallllllllllllll

it only means that you can be inspired more by gutta thoughts

Thank you for all the positive posts!

Thanks I need this to put things in my life back on track. By just stepping back and taking a good look at all thats going on!

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason.

If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."
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Ya know...I just needed to stop by this thread again today to hear this after a couple extremely tough weeks at the end of a couple of pretty tough months at the end of a year of lots of change and personal growth (not always easy either despite being ultimately very good!) I've got lots of chances and changes coming up and just need to jump in fearlessly...

Thanks for the reminder franshade!

Enjoy the achieving

Consistent achievers enjoy more than just the achievement. They also enjoy the process of achieving.

Those who attain the biggest rewards do not merely seek those rewards. They also crave the challenges that they must go through in order to reach those rewards.

Winners understand that the goal, as valuable as it may be, is only a small part of the overall achievement. They know that the real substance of the achievement is in the achieving.

In fact, you cannot truly benefit from the reward unless you have worked through the challenging process to attain it. To truly enjoy the achievement, you must also enjoy the achieving of it.

Sure, that process of achieving will have its unpleasant and disagreeable aspects. Yet think of how great it will feel when you purposefully transcend them all.

Let go of your judgment about what's pleasant, what's comfortable, and what's not. Sincerely enjoy the journey of achievement, and you'll surely reach the goal.

Positive direction

The magnitude of your next step does not matter nearly so much. What really matters is the direction.

To turn your life around, you must first turn your focus around. To move toward your goals, you must first be facing them.

Just a small step in a positive direction is a step nonetheless. Just one small positive thought has the power to turn you away from years of negative actions.

Every moment is a choice. And every moment you can choose to orient your life in a positive direction.

You don't have to take big strides, for the small steps will get you there just as reliably. Just make sure that each thought, each action, each feeling, however insignificant it might seem, points toward where you desire to go.

Maintain a positive direction, and no matter what else happens, you'll always be making progress. Keep yourself pointed in the direction of your dreams, and every day will bring you closer.

"Gratitude does wonders for your attitude."

Gratitude is one of thoe words that you don't hear very often, but it is one that can do magic when it comes to shifting your attitude. Make a list of the things that you are most thankful for and make it a comprehensive list. This list holds your most cherished times, possessions and people in your life.

When you're having one of those bad days and you need to feel better, more positive and more resourceful, refer back to your Gratitude List.

After all, what you are most grateful for matters most.

Coming over for the POSITIVE! Good Morning Fran and others!!

Fran, Cathy, etal, Good Morning