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Friday, November 20, 2009

Every opportunity, a new opportunity

I was talking with Marshall one day, and found myself describing somebody in my life using negative labels, like shallow-thinker, stubborn, insecure and unhappy. His comment back was “If you always think of her that way, than that is what she will always be to you. She can never be anything else.”

Marshall went on to explain that if every time I saw or spoke with this person, and as long as I continued to think of her with those negative attributes, I would fail to see any redeeming or positive qualities. I would focus on everything she did or said that fit within those labels, and force every moment of the connection to be encapsulated within my predetermined idea of her, never allowing her to break out of that shell.

Shortly thereafter, I had an opportunity to connect with the person whom I previously thought of as a shallow-thinker, stubborn, insecure and unhappy. I consciously cleared my head before greeting her, allowing only positive thoughts and energy between us.

The interaction that followed was amazing. I learned that she was bright, interested, engaged, and we shared laughter, which in previous conversations might have been forced, but now was authentic and genuine, because I believed she was happy.

What a brilliant lesson. Imagine greeting every person with a fresh perspective every time. No expectations, no pressure, no labels, no judgment. It is actually quite refreshing, and the more you practice the ‘clean slate approach’, the easier it becomes. You will find the energy between you is more relaxed, natural… and enjoyable.

Keep this in mind for the next connection you make today.

PS: In case you might be worried that the person in this post is YOU, fear not. There is no possible way it is you.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Disco Ball Delight


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

JoeGirl on Video!



Send your “Health + Fitness, Home Decor, Graphic Design, or Whatever” questions to me in the form of a comment on this or any post, and I will respond to them via video once there are 3 or 4 stacked and ready to go!

Friday, November 13, 2009

An Anniversary: 100 Posts at Premier Blueprints!

Today offers the 100th post over at Premier Blueprints—the brilliantly inspired and inspiring blog, hosted and written by my personal trainer, Marshall Page.

Premier Blueprints is about creating your own success, not just in the gym, but—more importantly—in your mind and spirit, where it all begins. Your environment is controlled by your own mind—the way you choose to respond to outside circumstance affects every aspect of your life. Premier Blueprints teaches readers how to design and create their own environments, and fill each step of the journey with success and happiness.

I have learned much from Marshall, and as such, my life has changed dramatically in the last six months. Most notably my body, strength and energy. On the inside, I respond more calmly to external frustrations. I give each personal connection a new opportunity, every opportunity. I have stopped judging and labeling others. I have learned to embrace each moment for what it offers. I take time each evening to reflect on my thoughts and promote success for the day ahead.

Marshall aims to post each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I crave his writings, and find value in each one. Here are some of my recent favourites:
Guard Your Thoughts of Others
How’s Your Day Going?
Energy Flows Where Attention Goes
As You Wish
What You See is What You Get When it Comes to Kids
Thoughts = You
There are many more posts (94 in fact), which hold significance in some way or another. Read a few… heck, read them all! Premier Blueprints provides the tools you require to transform your life in whatever capacity you desire. Take from it what you wish—as much or as little. Embrace the moment, and enjoy the journey!

Here’s to your next 100 posts, Marshall. Thank you and congratulations!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Soon…

The other night as dinner preparations were wrapping up, we asked the boys to go wash their hands.

Jake (3 years old): “Why?”
Me:
“Because we’re having supper soon.”
Jake:
“But when are we having supper?”
Me:
“Soon.”
Jake
, after a thoughtful pause: “But, but… SOON means NOTHING!”

Clever kid.