In his engaging book Winning with People, John C. Maxwell takes an in-depth look at some key principles that can help you achieve victory over yourself and in your relationships.

Here are brief excerpts of two of the principles from his book:

The Lens Principle:

Who we are determines how we see others. This principle says once we get our own act together, we will be able to help others get their acts together. It’s impossible, if I am an unhealthy leader, to have healthy followers. I have to fix myself. We don’t see others as they are; we see others as we are, because each of us has his or her own bent and that colors our view of everything. What is around us doesn’t determine what we see. What is within us does. READ MORE

She’s hilarious!~ We want to make sure that we are not that person:) Amanda Gore, Author of “The Essential Guide to a Healthy Body, Mind and Soul”.

Let me know what you thought about the clip~

The comment I hear most often, “I want to change,” or “I want to start putting myself first,”
or “What do I want?” Only you can answer that question. Start by getting personal – and honest – with yourself. Ask yourself deeper questions – every day. You might be surprised at your answers! Once you start to have this incredible relationship with yourself, you will begin to notice the magic around you.

I quote from Louise Hay’s book, Heal Your Body, from a chapter that looks at things that hold us back and the probable causes of much of our unhappiness. She wrote, “Addiction: Running from the self. Fear: Not knowing how to love the self”.

So how do you put a stop to emotional eating? Read More

Last week, I interviewed Guy Finley. We talked about “letting go”:

Here’s what Guy Finley said about the relationship between desire and fear:

“There is a difference between need and desire. Say that I desire to have a new car, a bigger house, or a better job. All of these ideas, by which I have a desire to fulfill myself through something outside of me, have their roots in a certain sense of being insufficient, inappropriate, [or] not enough of myself. Therefore, I need some new image that is larger, so that when I get it, I'm as large as that which I have acquired. I desire this in order to free myself of something that I'm not happy about in myself.

The very fact that I now desire this and begin to derive a sense of pleasure even before I get it makes me dependent upon that desire. I must get that or not only will I not become a larger person, but I will actually be sentenced to remain this inferior person that I am. But no one thinks of themselves as being inferior; they think of themselves as needing something superior. But the inferiority and the superiority are linked; they are opposites, and they are part of this divided mind that I'm talking about.

So, this desire always produces fear, because should I not get what I've desired, I will have to "remain" who I imagine myself to be. And if I do get what I desire, I must not ever lose it, or I will be relegated to returning to who I was. We live in this nightmare trap that incidentally, is of our own unconscious making. No one is doing this to us. This is all part of an uninvestigated mind, participating in its own dynamic and the darkness that it produces in its relationship with that.”

I’ll have the replay of this amazing interview available in the Member’s Area soon.

You can view Guy Finley’s talk schedule at www.guyfinley.org.

I’m back from my weekend in Tucson, Arizona with my husband. I totally disconnected from the world for few days, even though doing so can be challenging when you have an online business.

I’ve been with my husband now for 26 years. Yes, 26 years. I have to say that Yvan is my best friend. Of course, we’ve had our ups and down like everybody else, but boy, we sure know how to play and have fun together. I wouldn’t trade this relationship for anything else in the world. He’s crazy – he makes me laugh and he loves me for who I am. What else could I ask for.

The reason why I’m sharing this with you today is because I hear so many stories about relationships with couples who don’t seem able to communicate – relationships that have lost the ability to share along with their lust and love for each other.

Divorce and separation isn’t the only solution, but don’t take me wrong, I don’t intend to pretend to be a marriage counselor here. Thinking back on my life, when I felted stressed and out of control with my life, I seemed to blame my unhappiness and dissatisfaction on my marriage or other outside elements until I realized that I’m responsible for my own happiness – and nobody else.

Why do I bring up this topic ~ Well, let me tell you something – any relationship between yourself and others needs to be nourished, just like your body. Not once a month or once a week, but daily.

Last week during my workshop TeleClass, I spoke about how important it is to be crystal clear about what you want to be and not what your outer circle wants you to be.

Part 2 is the next post

Last week during my workshop TeleClass, I spoke about how important
it is to be crystal clear about what you want to be and not what your
outer circle wants you to be.

Here’s a brief outline regarding the topic of that call:

To stay focused with your goals, there are 3 things to keep in mind:

#1 Learn to Let Go

That means what is past is past, and you cannot move to second base if you keep your foot firmly planted on first base.

Here’s
a quote from Albert Einstein that I love: The definition of insanity is
doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

So let go of your old beliefs.

#2 Be Authentic, Be You -

Not what your family, friends or even your coworkers want. Be crystal clear of what you want and who you are.

#3 Devise a Road Map

That
means write down what it is that you want to accomplish. After all,
when you go on a trip you look at a map or a GPS system. Even when you
go to the grocery store, you have a list, right?

So why not write
down your own personal goals? Hey, what’s the worst that can happen?
Actually, your goals might actually happen!

The comment I hear most often, “I want to change” or “I want to start putting myself first,” or “What do I want?” Only you can answer that question. Start by getting personal – and honest – with yourself. Ask yourself deeper questions – every day. You might be surprised at your answers! Once you start to have this incredible relationship with yourself, you will
begin to notice the magic around you.

I quote from Louise Hay’s book, Heal Your Body, from a chapter that looks at things that hold us back and the probable causes of much of our unhappiness. She wrote, “Addiction: Running from the self. Fear: Not knowing how to love the self.

So how do you put a stop to emotional eating?
The next time you’re upset, and before you reach for the pint of ice cream or super-size those fries, think about the guilt you’re going to feel later on. Don’t give in to the craving, or to the emotion that drove you to food in the first place. If you’re angry with your husband, don’t punish yourself. If you’re frustrated with your boss, don’t take it out on your body. Find a healthier outlet for anger and frustration.

Here are a few things you can do the next time you get upset. Read More

Back from the spa – Oh my God… it felt so good.
I haven’t had a manicure and pedicure since December??

I just finished reading this month’s Success magazine. This magazine not only talks about serious business stuff! but also the articles and interviews are out of this world!

Here’s an insert from STANDING IN YOUR OWN WAY- STOP SELF-SABOTAGE, from Pat Pearson.

Recognizing that you are self sabotaging is an important first step toward changing your mindset and behavior- and to achieving your goals. Pearson identified some of the ways people sabotage themselves:

Throwing it Away: “This is the person who achieves the goal but then thinks, I don’t believe I deserve it, so I won’t let myself keep it.” Pearson says a classic example is Oprah and her battle with her weight. “She has a high deserve level when it comes to business, but she has a bugaboo she can’t get over with her weight. A lot of times these are unconscious patterns.”

Settling for Less: “You say you want A, but you settle for B. This is the example of always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” Pearson says.

Denial: ” I am just going to ignore it and will all go away.” Any form of substance abuse is a classic example.

The Fetal Flow: “This refers to people who snatch defeat from the hands of victory” Pearson says. (Think of the latest celebrity who single-handedly destroys his or her own career).

For instance, when things go wrong, instead of criticizing yourself, work on being self-nurturing in the face of your stressful situation. Or, reach out to those who support you, who remind you of your strengths and talents. Instead of telling yourself you will never lose those last 15 pounds, change your thoughts to, “I choose to exercise daily and make healthy food choices.”

The main reason people rain on your parade is because they have no parade of their own.
By: Jeffery Gitomer!

So, what is the first thing to think when someone shuts you down on your great ideas or inspiration?

HERE’S A ONE-WORD CLUE: LOOK!!

• LOOK AT THE WAY THEY TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES
• LOOK AT THEIR ATTITUDE
• LOOK AT THEIR SUCCESS
• LOOK AT THEIR LIFESTYLE
• LOOK AT THEIR HAPPINESS

If you wouldn’t change places with them, who’s crazy?

Nancy , Jesse & Nancy-Jesse in the hot spring
Yvan, Don (new friend) Nancy & Jesse

Jesse is here with us in Albuquerque for few days! Time flies when we are having fun! It’s always an adventure with him when we get together.

This young kid had such a huge impact on our lives.

He knows how to enjoy life without fear! I remember a conversation we had about few years ago.

Jesse had moved out of the house to go to school in Toronto. So one day, he came home and announced to us that he was going to travel to Australia for six months. That was 3 years ago and he’s still in Australia and traveling the world!
During the next six months, he’ll be traveling to Europe. What a life!

His travel adventures made us realize that what he’s found is available to all of us. Don’t we all have opportunities in life?

Of course we do!