Personal Development General - Share Wisdom

Pursue Your Dream

When I was about 35 my father died. I was devastated. The funeral home that took care of him was less than professional and we had several bad experiences during the whole process. For about two years afterward, I brooded on this and finally decided to enroll in mortuary school and become a funeral director myself. After 5 years of part time schooling I finally graduated and landed a job. My whole life has changed for the better. I escaped a dead-end retail job that I loathed with every fiber of my being, and I'm doing something I love and something that has real meaning to the families I serve. You can read about some work-related things at my blog, www.funeralis.blogspot.com If you are considering a career change, or a return to school, go for it! Yes, it may be difficult and trying and a challenge, but my experience was so worthwhile and so rewarding! I have a job that I actually look forward to going to, and I'm getting paid to do something that I love. Chase your dream. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have your dream come true.

Audio CD's for Those Who Have a Long Daily Commute

There are a few days a week that my drive to work is between 45 minutes and an hour. The reality is that many people have such an experience and can end up doing this for many years due to the fact their work is far away from their home. To get more out of these long drives, I highly suggest that you start listening to educational audio CD's. You may have over 400 hours a year where instead of wasting time daydreaming, you could be learning about something useful. Whether it is a CD about losing weight, improving your business or personal relationships, or learning a new language, you will find that you are improving yourself on a daily basis and looking forward to the drive a little more. Many people might think that it is too distracting but I do not find that at all. It has not affected my driving whatsoever. There are also fiction CD's you can listen to which would be entertaining, but I believe that the more educational type of CD's are a better idea for taking advantage of this time you have to yourself daily. As I do enjoy listening to music as well, sometimes i take a day or two break between CD's to enjoy music. Other times, I will only listen to CD's every other day. Everyone would have a different pattern of CD listening use to suit their desire. Regarding where to find CD's, you can always go to your local bookstore, however, this can get expensive as CD collections are not cheap! Other options are to use your local library or to sign up with a

Scare Yourself Everyday

It is important to expand your zone of comfort by scaring yourself everyday. This does not mean you have to bungee jump, go sky diving or pet a snake. Each day you are presented with simple opportunities to scare yourself and grow in the process. Have you been avoiding confronting a boss, a co-worker or a loved one about something that is troubling you? Do you feel shy in saying 'hi' to someone that you don't know? Could you take a different, unfamiliar route on the way home that you have wondered about? Do you avoid trying something because you are scared of failing? Have you been shying away from speaking at a meeting? Are there simple things you are avoiding because you fear looking foolish? Is there a food that you are curious about but are scared to try? Do you always wind up agreeing with someone when you should have told them what you really think? Are you scared to ask a dumb question? Are you scared to stand out and get attention? Are you scared of being alone at home? Are you scared to tell someone you love them, or to say 'thank you', or to say you are sorry? By scaring yourself in these everyday ways, your comfort zone grows, and over time, you are comfortable with more and more. By repeatedly scaring yourself, you become comfortable in being uncomfortable and therefore become accustomed to it. It is not life that holds you back, it is your fear that holds you back. If you conquer the fear within yourself, you can look out into the world and do anything

The Importance of Visualization

We have all heard that visualization is an important part of great accomplishments. Do you practice visualizations? Why not? Visualizations can be performed anywhere. Ideally, you are in a quiet, comfortable place such as lying in your bed or relaxed in a chair. Take deep breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth, this will calm you. Now peacefully fill your mind with a mental image of the outcome you desire. If you want to speak confidently in front of a group of people, picture yourself, see yourself standing in front of them. You are calm and relaxed and the words are just flowing out of you effortlessly. Dwell on this picture - it is peaceful picture that will make you happy and comfort you. Notice the very tiny details of this picture, perhaps the pleasant faces looking back at you with approval and the applause at the end. Play this picture over and over again until it becomes a part of your reality. Your mind will believe what it sees and it will help you take the actions necessary to create the reality behind the picture. Do you want to become more patient, or a more loving father, or a more giving person? Each of those desires has mental pictures. Visualize what you desire to help make your desires a reality in your life.

Your Environment is a Reflection of Your Inner State

I can look at my car, my house and my room and tell you the state of my life. When my car and my room are a mess, my life is in a frantic, busy and disorganized state. This can be usually attributed to having too many commitments or responsibilities at one time. This happens from time to time and it is natural that organization in our environment will suffer. It is important to recognize that a messy, disorganized environment is a source of stress in our lives and results in a lack of efficiency. While it is understandable that your environment may become disorganized and messy during busy periods of your life, having a clean and organized environment is an important step in restoring order to the chaos. Your environment is a reflection of your inner state. Clean, organize and beautify your car, your home and your room - you will bring order, peace and calm back to your life.

The Ten Steps To Happiness

I friend recently forwarded me these ten steps to happiness.

Plant something and nurture it

Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day

Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week

Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up

Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it

Have a good laugh at least once a day

Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week

Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day

Cut your TV viewing by half

Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day These steps to happiness first shared at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4436482.stm

The Value of Toastmasters

Communication is perhaps the single most important skill in today's world. Toastmasters is the largest public speaking organization in the world and it is a great place for you to become a more effective communicator. Toastmasters is geared to help you become a better speaker, listener and leader. There are over 200,000 people in Toastmasters and there are clubs all over the world. If you are in the United States and Canada, most decent sized cities have several clubs. Toastmasters clubs hold meetings about once a week. Meetings consist of about 20 members and during a meeting you learn, practice and teach the art of public speaking. Toastmasters is a very accepting and supporting environment. Most people there were once terrified of public speaking and they know exactly how to make you feel comfortable. Toastmasters is place where people have chosen to confront their fears rathe than running away from them. Guests are always welcome at Toastmasters meetings. Visit a local club today and find out what Toastmasters can do for you. To find a club near you and to learn more about Toastmasters, visit: Toastmasters International

Don't Forget To Say Please and Thank You

I was at a drive-thru the other day, and when I reached the window to pay, the employee told me that she really appreciated how I was so polite when I ordered. She said she has to deal with many rude people throughout the day and that my politeness made her day. My wisdom then, is always try and remember to say please and thank you. It is such an easy thing to do and it makes such a difference!