“You are the sum total of all your choices up until this moment.” -Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The choices we make, both good and bad, shape who we are and affect our feelings of confidence and self worth. We need to make wise, careful choices in life. More importantly, if we like who we are today, there’s no need to stress out over bad choices in the past. It is OK to acknowledge the past, but don’t let it define you. In addition, don’t let others with low self-esteems try to bring you down by bringing up your past. Remember, it’s called “SELF-esteem”. Don’t allow anyone to affect the way you feel about you! God is the author of the only dictionary that defines you. Spend time with Him. Listen to Him and what He says to you, about you.
*Look back over you life and at some of the bigger choices you’ve made. Where did they lead? Did they lead to joy? Maybe the benefit wasn’t felt until 3 or 4 “steps” down the road.
*When you see how bad decisions caused bad reactions, remember to keep that in mind going forward. When you’re faced with a decision, try to plan a few steps ahead and envision where it will lead you.
Wiser,
~Sonja A. Brown
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Live a Limitless Life!!!
“Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.” -Brenden Francis
We all have strengths and weaknesses. In fact, most of us are really good at pointing out our “own” faults but not very good at putting a value on our own skills. We need to understand both. Recognizing where your talents lie and where you need to need to ask for help is a strength and a huge step in setting and achieving your goals.
*Set realistic goals. Losing 20 pounds in a week, for instance, is not realistic, but losing 2 pounds a week is. Break your goal into definable actions - buy healthier food, substitute carrots for cookies, etc. - and outline the key steps.
*Identify your weak spots. Determine where you might need help, and see if you can build a step into your plan that addresses this sticking point.
No limits,
~Sonja
We all have strengths and weaknesses. In fact, most of us are really good at pointing out our “own” faults but not very good at putting a value on our own skills. We need to understand both. Recognizing where your talents lie and where you need to need to ask for help is a strength and a huge step in setting and achieving your goals.
*Set realistic goals. Losing 20 pounds in a week, for instance, is not realistic, but losing 2 pounds a week is. Break your goal into definable actions - buy healthier food, substitute carrots for cookies, etc. - and outline the key steps.
*Identify your weak spots. Determine where you might need help, and see if you can build a step into your plan that addresses this sticking point.
No limits,
~Sonja
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sell Yourself Tall with Conviction and a High Self Esteem!!!
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –Christopher Robin to Pooh
By virtue of habit, we have a tendency to sell ourselves short. We let modesty or self doubt get in the way of achieving our goals. We often forget just how amazing we are, especially when we have bosses or loved ones telling us differently. Taking inventory of all your strengths and skills on a regular basis is essential to remaining confident. Remembering that you are always better than you think you are gives you courage to try.
*Challenge yourself. Can’t imagine being brave enough to rock climb? Instead of being doubtful, prove yourself by taking a first step, such as hiking a demanding trail.
*Write down your biggest accomplishments from childhood to date. When your self-esteem seems to waiver, let the list remind you of your strengths.
By virtue of habit, we have a tendency to sell ourselves short. We let modesty or self doubt get in the way of achieving our goals. We often forget just how amazing we are, especially when we have bosses or loved ones telling us differently. Taking inventory of all your strengths and skills on a regular basis is essential to remaining confident. Remembering that you are always better than you think you are gives you courage to try.
*Challenge yourself. Can’t imagine being brave enough to rock climb? Instead of being doubtful, prove yourself by taking a first step, such as hiking a demanding trail.
*Write down your biggest accomplishments from childhood to date. When your self-esteem seems to waiver, let the list remind you of your strengths.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Take a Chance…Trust Your Instincts!!!
“I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.” -Wernher von Braun
Most of us approach our lives with caution, playing by the rules and doing what other people expect us to do. When our intuition tells us to try something new, we may hesitate or even panic and listen to all the reasons why we can’t. When we start to silence that negative inner voice, it’s the first step toward realizing our dreams. Give it a try.
*Keep you goals in sight. Self-doubt tells us that something “bad” might happen, so you need to remind yourself that something “good” might happen too. Find a picture that represents your goals and keep it in plain site
*We serve a God that wants only the best for us. Change your perspective. Decide to live in the positive, not the negative. Change your speech…instead of saying “Failure is not an Option”…begin saying “Success is Inevitable” Focus on the positives of success, not the negatives of failure!
*Make your own set of rules to live by instead of conforming to the norm or to someone else’s. When you make the rules, you become the boss.
Risking it all,
~Sonja
Most of us approach our lives with caution, playing by the rules and doing what other people expect us to do. When our intuition tells us to try something new, we may hesitate or even panic and listen to all the reasons why we can’t. When we start to silence that negative inner voice, it’s the first step toward realizing our dreams. Give it a try.
*Keep you goals in sight. Self-doubt tells us that something “bad” might happen, so you need to remind yourself that something “good” might happen too. Find a picture that represents your goals and keep it in plain site
*We serve a God that wants only the best for us. Change your perspective. Decide to live in the positive, not the negative. Change your speech…instead of saying “Failure is not an Option”…begin saying “Success is Inevitable” Focus on the positives of success, not the negatives of failure!
*Make your own set of rules to live by instead of conforming to the norm or to someone else’s. When you make the rules, you become the boss.
Risking it all,
~Sonja
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Walk Through Challenges Arm in Arm with Tolerance!!!
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a progress. Working together is a success.” -Henry Ford
Every relationship, personal and working, has its stages – from those blissful and magical days when you’re still getting to know one another through the inevitable challenges we face. With a mutual commitment, it’s possible to achieve a life of harmony with each other. Key word is mutual. Both or all parties must be willing to commit to harmony. The moment one party decides against the relationship it’s doomed for disaster and discord immediately erupts.
*Stop playing the “I do more” game. It’s never a good idea to keep a record or score of how does more, especially if your relationship is facing a challenge. Throw away the scoreboard and figure out a solution together.
*Let go of the idea that you can change someone. When you learn to accept a person for who they are, you’re focusing on togetherness, not separateness.
Together,
~Sonja
Every relationship, personal and working, has its stages – from those blissful and magical days when you’re still getting to know one another through the inevitable challenges we face. With a mutual commitment, it’s possible to achieve a life of harmony with each other. Key word is mutual. Both or all parties must be willing to commit to harmony. The moment one party decides against the relationship it’s doomed for disaster and discord immediately erupts.
*Stop playing the “I do more” game. It’s never a good idea to keep a record or score of how does more, especially if your relationship is facing a challenge. Throw away the scoreboard and figure out a solution together.
*Let go of the idea that you can change someone. When you learn to accept a person for who they are, you’re focusing on togetherness, not separateness.
Together,
~Sonja
Monday, May 25, 2009
Let Yourself Dream!!!
“Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.” -Lauren Bacall
Remember the days of old when we’d take our kites to the park and fly them high. What a thrill we’d experience when a summer breeze caught the kite and took it high into the sky. It was a feeling of soaring right along next to it. An active imagination is what keeps our dreams alive. Dreams often appear at some of the most ordinary times and sweep you up into an amazing world of possibilities. Dreams will change your life.
*Take a walk…to nowhere in particular. The rhythm of walking is a great way to clear you head and get you imagination going. One idea will lead to another; which leads to another until you finally hear yourself exclaiming “AHA!”
*Take some time from your busy schedule to ask yourself, “What if…?” Your questions might be the first step toward a fabulous new venture. Have fun!
Dreaming,
~Sonja
Remember the days of old when we’d take our kites to the park and fly them high. What a thrill we’d experience when a summer breeze caught the kite and took it high into the sky. It was a feeling of soaring right along next to it. An active imagination is what keeps our dreams alive. Dreams often appear at some of the most ordinary times and sweep you up into an amazing world of possibilities. Dreams will change your life.
*Take a walk…to nowhere in particular. The rhythm of walking is a great way to clear you head and get you imagination going. One idea will lead to another; which leads to another until you finally hear yourself exclaiming “AHA!”
*Take some time from your busy schedule to ask yourself, “What if…?” Your questions might be the first step toward a fabulous new venture. Have fun!
Dreaming,
~Sonja
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Slow Down…Pace Yourself!!!
“Everywhere is walking distance…if you have time.” -Steven Wright
Isn’t it odd how we make time for those things we want to do. We may tell others that we don’t have time to take care of some projects, but when it comes to doing those things we deem important, we will make time. Making time for those things important to us helps make life more fulfilling. When you slow down and make priorities, the distance between two points becomes invisible.
*Set aside one evening each week to reconnect with people special to you. Sit down, write a letter and send it “snail mail”. Or pick up the phone and call an old friend. You’ll be surprised at how those simple gestures can bring a world of joy into the lives of others.
*Take a break along the way. Stop and smell the flowers. Whether you’re going for a long walk or working toward a goal, allow yourself physical and emotional breaks. Short breaks will keep you fresh, prevent breakdowns and enable you to accomplish more,
Slow and easy,
~Sonja
Isn’t it odd how we make time for those things we want to do. We may tell others that we don’t have time to take care of some projects, but when it comes to doing those things we deem important, we will make time. Making time for those things important to us helps make life more fulfilling. When you slow down and make priorities, the distance between two points becomes invisible.
*Set aside one evening each week to reconnect with people special to you. Sit down, write a letter and send it “snail mail”. Or pick up the phone and call an old friend. You’ll be surprised at how those simple gestures can bring a world of joy into the lives of others.
*Take a break along the way. Stop and smell the flowers. Whether you’re going for a long walk or working toward a goal, allow yourself physical and emotional breaks. Short breaks will keep you fresh, prevent breakdowns and enable you to accomplish more,
Slow and easy,
~Sonja
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