Promise Yourself

A little something that brings me joy by Christian D. Larson:


Promise Yourself...

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you. 

Happy Monday! Have a wonderful week!

The Powerful Magnet

Some say it’s only a shop with shelves and books, but I say it’s far more magical than that. I’m talking about Barnes and Noble. Last night I had the opportunity to take my darling Australian cousin Stefi on a shopping tour in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Big bookstores like Barnes and Noble don’t exist in our hometown Adelaide, South Australia so it was an eye opening experience for Stefi.

I don’t think I’ve ever been in a store so useful. You can get lost in the isles just learning, growing, asking and researching until all your questions have been answered. The bookstore doesn’t only sell books, it features very neat “outside the box” nick nacks and I found a few that I just fell in love with, including an inspirational magnet that changed my attitude for the rest of the day:

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin -- real life.

But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first,

some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.

At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.

This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.

Happiness is the way.

So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

- Father Alfred D'Souza

It reminded me that I'm not the only one in this world that gets stumped along the way to my dream or goal. You can’t let obstacles bring you down. Cherish them and start believing that happiness is a journey, not a destination...if you're not happy now, you will never be. Enjoy every moment, good or bad, because time waits for no one. Consider yourself lucky if you're plan is struck by an obstacle because they only stump you to make you stronger and smarter.

Sometimes we forget about libraries and bookstores that surround us because were so caught up in new technology. Go experience the magic! Get off the computer and explore the world the old fashion way. Bookstores feature some refreshing possessions and you wont understand the magic until you spend an hour or so browsing in one. Enjoy the silence and you never know, it may inspire you to create something magical. 

Happy Tuesday!

Stop complaining about your job!

Just this week I've seen about 10 people on Facebook complain about their job so I just had to throw this little post together hoping it would trigger someone to actually follow their own dream instead of wasting their time contributing to someone else's...

Jobs consume the majority of people’s lives. My biggest question is WHY would anyone choose to do something they are not passionate about? I mean I do understand some reasons why… a promising paycheck, fear, security, family pressure, pressure from peers… But are any of those things worth being miserable until retirement? NO WAY JOSE!

We live in a free country. Do what you want. Do what you love. No one ever created a book of rules stating you’re required to go to college, to buy a house, to get married, to have kids or to drive a brand new shiny car. I mean sure, if that’s the plan you want then go for it…However, if you have another dream, what the heck are you waiting for?

I’m sure many of you are thinking easier said than done and I totally agree with that. I’ve been there! It is challenging to drop the expectations that have been pounded into your head your entire life and just do what you want. But I overcame my fear with faith and I took the plunge. Goodbye corporate, hello Vi-Life! 

Do what makes YOU happy , not what makes other people happy. 

What are you grateful for?

 My boyfriend's admirable spirit keeps me motivated on a daily basis. Since we both work from home he came up with an idea to help me rehab before I start my workday. From this day forward we are going to go for a morning walk together before we get sucked into our home offices.

This morning we went on our first walk and a couple steps in I came up with an idea that during our stroll we both have to say one thing we are grateful for…

Today I am grateful for my wonderful boyfriend. Not only is he the most handsome man in the world he is one of the most caring people to ever step into my life. He makes me want to be a better person, a stronger person, a kinder person, a more loving and caring person, not only for him but also for everyone else in this world. He truly has an amazing one of a kind heart and soul. His wisdom and knowledge has taught me to view the world in many different perspectives and to love life and people unconditionally.

Living and working from home with your significant other isn’t always pancakes and roses. There are tons of unexpected and frustrating bumps along the road to success and we have vowed to support and respect each other no matter what happens along the way. 

Bottom line is, it's so easy to take out your frustrations on your loved ones BUT if you truley love someone no matter how moody you are that day, no matter how bad or good business is, you have to respect and support them til the end of time. 

I love you Kerny!

“It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward.”

What or who are you grateful for today?

Be the change you wish to inspire

Sometimes we try or think we have to go above and beyond to inspire others to change for the better. But in reality we don’t. Your attitude, your reputation, your motivation, your determination, your behavior and your character will inspire people more than anything.

Attitudes are contagious if you are determined, energetic and motivated the people you surround yourself with will most likely be inspired by your motions and energy to better themselves. Sometimes the only way to get the best out of others is to expect and show the best from yourself.

Be the change you wish to inspire!

Have a nice week! 

What I learned my first year after graduating college

Arizona State University (A degree in Communications) prepared me for one thing: How to submit a resume. 

If working for someone else, working hours chosen by someone else, and getting paid less then your worth sounds good to you, go to college. Otherwise, skip the four years of debt, skip the general studies that you’re forced to take and start working on/researching what you want to invest your precious time into. A great way to start the process of figuring out what path is right for you is to make a list of what you love...and go from there. 

Getting a diploma, and landing a well-paying job has always been expected of me . BUT now after working at bottom of the corporate chain for over a year I realize just because everyone expects you to do something does not mean you have to do it. Many sincerely dream about becoming a doctor or a lawyer, and that’s wonderful. Go to school and follow your passion! BUT if your dream life doesn’t consist of working a job from 9-5 until you retire at 65, then DO something about it. Deep down we all know what we like and what we don't like so don't settle for less then you want or deserve. 

Don’t just sit there and waste your money on college classes that you aren't sure about, seek your passion. Keep in mind there are hundreds of successful people out there who didn't even attend college or dropped out of college, for example Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. 

I’m glad I found out quickly that working in the corporate world isn’t my thing. I'm also glad I got a taste of the corporate world because if I didn't I would have nothing to compare my new life to. 

Today I enjoy being my own boss. I enjoy investing my precious time following my dreams having faith that one day my decision today will make a major impact on my life tomorrow, and the day after and the day after...infinity. 

Your passion should be your job and that's what you should live for. And if your passion is what you do for a living for then it's not a job, it's a way of life! 

Life is good and I'm happy where I'm at are you?