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Trending Articles of the Week

Rainbow and Main Falls at Victoria Falls

Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It’s A Discipline.
Unfortunately, most people think that self-care is a luxury, something done only when you might have time. Instead, it’s something that you make time for that will improve your health and well being. It requires self-respect, sticking to your priorities and a decision to take responsibility for yourself.

How to Redesign Your Life With Just 3 Questions
People tend to live their lives by following the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, that won’t lead to the life that you want to live. If you want a different life, you need to change your behavior. You need to emerge from reacting to consciously making decisions. This article gives you three questions to reflect on that will help you make choices that enhance your life.

How to Stay Positive: 11 Smart Habits
You can change your attitude to become more positive and optimistic. It all has to do with consciously choosing what to pay attention to. To begin with, you’ll have to remind yourself of these mental perspectives. But over time, they become habits and a natural part of who you are.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

The Hurrier You Go, The Behinder You Get

The Hurrier You Go, The Behinder You Get

by Linda-Ann Stewart

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My grandmother used to quote the novelist Lewis Carroll, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” Recently, I had an extremely busy week that epitomized that sentiment. I had multiple appointments with clients, networking meetings, deadlines for my newsletter and the association’s newsletter I edit. So I was running around trying to get prepared for, or getting things done before the deadlines arrived. Additionally, gravity seemed to be heavier, as everything I got near seemed to end up on the floor. Have you ever had a week like that? It can pull you off center and forget that the Universe has everything in order.

The Lewis Carroll quote is true. Whenever you’re in a hurry, pressured for time, and you try to do things faster, events happen to delay you. You drop your glasses, spill your coffee or forget your water bottle and must go back for it. No matter how hard you try to make up time, you stumble and obstruct yourself. You’re out of the flow of the Universe. It seems like life is against you, creating chaos that you must clean up, search for items or go back to get. And all that time you’re trying to make up never appears.

Stressful Situations

The same is true of circumstances. When you rush into a situation, without thinking it through, you tend to experience problems. You make unwise decisions, and then are stuck as you try to extract yourself. By being so pushed, you don’t consult your inner guidance. For instance, have you ever agreed to help on a committee, and realized later that you didn’t have the time for it? Or have you ever been pressured to buy something, which you did, but later regretted the purchase?

When you’re under stress, as when you’re rushed, you cannot think creatively or resourcefully. Stress puts you into a mindset of fight or flight, and you’re simply trying to survive. You act on impulse and, because you’re moving faster than normal, you become slightly clumsy. That’s when you knock a glass of water or something else onto the floor. If you’re under a lot of pressure, it can move you into a sense of fear. When you’re afraid, you can’t think clearly and remember where you put your keys, glasses or report. These negative emotions mean you shut the Infinite out of your life.

Slow Down

When I realized that I was embodying what my grandmother had warned me about, I stopped rushing around. Even though my time was limited, I knew I had to take control and manage myself better. Whenever I started to spin too fast, I reminded myself to slow down and think things through. I checked in with my inner guidance. Planning ahead can ease a lot of tension. I made myself stop and think ahead to make sure I had everything I needed.

For instance, I had to make myself lunch for the networking meeting, which would end immediately before another appointment. I got lunch ready the night before. After the appointment, I was going to the health food store, so I got my list ready ahead of time. Because I thought things through, I was able to be more relaxed. And once I got home, I could focus and be mentally ready for my virtual coaching client later that afternoon.

As you stop and think, you’re able to access your resourcefulness and ability to view the situation in perspective. You pay attention to what you’re doing in the moment, which allows you to be more present and intentional. By being more mindful, you’re more connected with the Universe and Its peace. And you assess what needs to be done, so you can make appropriate decisions. Gravity returns to normal, and your cup won’t tip over just because it’s near you.

Affirmation:

Everything in my life is in Divine Order, working for my Highest Good. I remember that whenever I feel rushed or pressured. By staying present, I’m able to access my inner guidance, as well as my resources. I’m always connected to the Universe and Its peace. I stay in the flow of the Universe.

Watch the complementary video, 2 Simple Ways to Calm Stress.

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

River

How To Tell If Your Perfectionism Is Normal Or Unhealthy
Perfectionism puts an incredible pressure on you. But there are some differences between useful and unhealthy perfectionism. If unhealthy perfectionism is taking over your life and causing you distress, there are some steps you can take to let go of to start feeling better.

Self Esteem Vs. Self Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence are two different things. Self-confidence is relatively easy to build, while self-esteem is more complex. This article explains both and gives some simple tips on how to them.

How to Successfully Handle Aggressive and Controlling People
Most of have to deal with intimidating people at some point of our lives. They may be coworkers, bosses, or family members. With some consideration, you may be able to approach them differently so that you have a handle on the interaction. One thing I especially like in this article is its list of your fundamental rights.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Grand Canyon Train Tracks

What Does Reading Do To Your Brain? These 5 Effects Are Pretty Astounding
Reading is good for your health, well being, as well as your brain. Its been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve memory and lengthen life spans, and it all starts with what’s between your ears. Magical and mysterious processes take place that benefits your life.

Warren Buffett’s “2 List” Strategy: How to Maximize Your Focus and Master Your Priorities
Warren Buffett is one of the richest men in the world. He’s learned how to manage his time and determine his priorities. He’s created a system that is simple and easy to use. Using his strategy will maximize your possibility of success.

10 Strategies to Keep Moving Forward When You’re Feeling Extra Stuck
You feel stuck when your initial excitement has worn off of moving towards a goal, and you can seem to make any headway on it. It may be that you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or confused at your next step. Don’t give up. Try these strategies first, and get yourself back on course.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Flowers and sky

7 Psychiatrist-Backed Tips To Help You Manage Anxiety
People with anxiety disorders often face a sense of worry or dread and spend hours ruminating over worst case scenarios. This can get in the way of professional goals, personal relationships and a good quality of life. But there are ways to cope. In this article, experts offer their best techniques to work through situations that might drum up anxiety.

How to Improve Your Concentration in Just 10 Minutes
Many people have trouble concentrating. We live in an age of information overload. Trying to spread our attention to a lot of things at once means we dilute our ability to focus. We actually lose the skill to do so. The good news is, like with any skill, if we practice, it improves. Try these three suggestions to exercise your ability to concentrate and regain it.

The 5 Mental Traits of Those Who Succeed at Change
Change isn’t easy. It takes a lot of attention and commitment to successfully make a shift in your life. Your mindset is one of the most important factors when you’re attempting to change. You can adopt the right mindset, but it takes some self-examination. Learn how asking yourself the right questions can make you more successful.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Peace15 Ways to Practice Positive Self-Talk for Success
You talk to yourself all the time, either mentally or out loud. These messages give you direction and are opinions about yourself, good or bad. They will either motivate and encourage you, or they’ll tear you down and discourage you. Here are 15 valuable tips to help you keep your self-talk upbeat and constructive.

6 Benefits of Being More Focused
In today’s technological world, it’s hard to stay focused. There is so much that pulls at your attention. But staying focused is imperative if you want to achieve your goals. And it is a skill that you can develop and sustain. Learn the benefits you’ll experience when you commit to and practice this ability.

This Is The Difference Between An Anxiety Attack And A Panic Attack
Many people experience a free-floating type of anxiety that can be triggered into high alert by just turning on the news. Other times, anxious feelings can surface with no seeming provocation. They both can feel intense, but they are separate and distinct experiences. Here’s how to tell the difference plus expert tips on how to manage each of them.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Peace

3 Simple Habits for Daily Mindfulness
Many people make themselves miserable because they’re reliving a painful past memory or worrying about the future. Those tendencies do not allow you to enjoy your life or be effective in it. Instead, when you’re able to be fully present in the moment, you can be healthier, happier and more productive.

The Surprising Way to Find Answers to Your Problems
Everyone has problems that they need to find solutions for. Some solutions are easier to find than others. When you can find the answer after trying your normal avenues, maybe it’s time to try something different. This article has a creative technique for you to use to think about your question in a new way so you find the answer you seek.

Thought Watching Exercises to Increase Awareness & Reduce Anxiety
We often go about our business without noticing what our mind is telling us because we are too busy with our hectic lives. Some of the advice is probably helpful, but some of it may not be. And if we follow it, we aren’t happy about where we end up. Once you can become aware of your thoughts, you can determine whether they’re constructive or negative. This article gives valuable skills on how to develop the awareness that can put you in the drivers seat of your mind.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Meditate

How a Brain Dump Can Unlock Your Creativity
Science is finding what creatives have always known. You can be more creative when you don’t have a lot on your mind. Fortunately, with practice, you can learn to clear your mind so you can be more creative. For instance, meditation and mindfulness help to retrain your brain to be more focused on the task at hand. This article gives four other ways to clear your mind so you can be more innovative.

How to Take Action Every Day: 5 Powerful Habits
To change your life, you have to be consistent with your new habit. Unfortunately, after a few days, most people fall back into the old rut. Just think of any New Year’s Resolution. This article gives some common sense tips that work to help you stick to your decision to make a particular change in your life.

Office workers report increased job control after using meditation app
Stress is a major contributor to mental and physical ailments. It’s well documented that meditation can reduce stress, but many people don’t know how to practice this technique. Researchers decided to study if a meditation app could help people learn meditation and reduce the effects of stress. Not only did it improve the health and well being of office workers, it gave them a better sense of control at work.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Trending Articles of the Week

Trending Articles of the Week

Woman with outstretched arms

How to Construct an Empowering Reality
You create your reality by your beliefs which then prompt your actions. But your beliefs aren’t real. They’re just ideas you’ve accepted. This article has tips on how you take control of your beliefs so they help you create the life you want.

9 Mantras For Anxiety That Experts Use Themselves
Everybody experiences anxiety from time to time. But sometimes, it can become overwhelming. The secret is to nip it in the bud before it has a chance to reach that point. Mantras, intentional self-talk or affirmations can break the cycle of anxiety before it escalates.

Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, and How to Handle Them
Unfortunately, the bullies we knew in high school grew up into adult bullies. For the most part, they’ve gotten more subtle in their behavior, so they’re harder to recognize. Appeasing them isn’t an option, because it simply encourages them. You have to be proactive to be aware of their tactics and address them in a way that discourages them.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart

Align Your Heart with Your Vision

Align Your Heart with Your Vision

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by Linda-Ann Stewart

Do you sometimes want to change a habit, achieve a goal or cultivate a talent, but something holds you back? It may be something that you think you should want. Or it’s something you really do want, but your beliefs don’t accept it. Many people have this problem. They have a vision of where they want to be, but their beliefs can’t support pursuing or fulfilling their intention.

For instance, Nancee was a business consultant and wanted to help business owners develop better business and marketing plans. But unconsciously, she was afraid of disappointing her clients because she couldn’t wave a magic wand and make their problems disappear. Her service would have improved their bottom line, but she held herself back from promoting her business. Once she realized that she wasn’t responsible for how her clients acted on her guidance, she followed the marketing plan she’d created, and her business grew.

Your Heart and Vision Must Align to Make Progress

Nancee’s heart, which was her beliefs and passion, had to align with her vision, which was her intentional destination, before she would take action. Some people think they want to achieve an objective, but their heart isn’t in it. Or they don’t want to take the actions they need to take to get there. They just aren’t invested enough in their vision. Unfortunately, they just don’t have the necessary passion to follow through on it. .

Other people have the heart, or the belief and passion, but they haven’t developed a vision. Flailing away, they try one thing after another. They confuse motion with action. And they’re so caught up with taking action that they don’t take the time to assess if they’re making any progress. Because they don’t know where they’re going, they don’t have a comprehensive plan of how to get there. They might have goals, but they don’t accomplish much unless they know where they want those goals to take them.

And still others have the belief that they can achieve what they want, and a vision of where they want to go. But that intention has been instilled in them by someone else. For instance, Robert’s father talked him into majoring in engineering in college. Once Robert got his degree and got a job, he found the work unsatisfying. Instead, he wanted to teach high school science classes. So he returned to college, got a teaching certificate and fulfilled his passion.

Is the Problem with Your Heart or Your Vision?

If you have a deep desire that isn’t being fulfilled, check either your heart or your vision. The problem will be in one of them. These two must be in alignment or your efforts will be useless and unsatisfactory. They feed each other, creating motivation and inspiration. When one is not in alignment, it’s like riding a bike with a single flat tire.

For instance, if the issue is with your heart, you won’t pursue your vision with enough energy. Your beliefs get in your way. Fear holds you back, or you simply won’t want your vision badly enough. You could also have other concepts that are sabotaging you, such as lack of self-worth or self-confidence. In this case, ask yourself, “What is undermining my progress?”

However, if the challenge is that you don’t have a clear vision, you take action, but spin your wheels. You don’t have a direction you’re moving towards. When you reach a goal, you backslide and have to start over again. Dealing with details takes precedence over moving forward so you stay in the same place. In this situation, ask yourself, “What do I actually want to accomplish with my efforts?”

Once you become aware of where the difficulty lies, you can begin to resolve it. If you need to work on your heart, or mindset, there are many resources to help you improve it. But if the obstacle is that you don’t have a clear vision, set aside the time to create one. Once you have your heart and vision aligned, it’s a natural progression for you to develop a plan that works for you.

This is an ongoing process. As you progress, you’ll discover that you’ll need to fine tune your beliefs, mindset and vision to continue to support you. You’ll be constantly balancing your heart and vision and correcting your course to make sure you remain on track. But because you have your heart and vision aligned, you’ll have your path clear before you.

Affirmation:

The Universe supports my every endeavor by guiding and directing my efforts. I recognize any beliefs that are holding me back and let them go. They no longer serve me. I now establish ideas, beliefs and attitudes that are in alignment with my dream. That dream is now clear and concise and I know that the Universe wants me to accomplish it. Everything I need is now provided.

Watch the accompanying video, Key Elements for your Success.

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