Spring, 2002

10 Ways to Foster a Positive Outlook:

1. Think about what you are truly grateful for in your life. Personal attributes, the people who are gifts to be around, creatures that delight you, experiences you've had.

2. Be selective about what you allow in. Give your attention to things that matter. If the news is distressing to you, don't watch it. Be selective about movies, books, television and the company you keep. Ask yourself, energy gain or drain?

3. Laugh often. Find a way to get laughter in your life on a daily basis. Listen to a comedy tape, cultivate a funny friend, reread Mark Twain's work. I like to listen to Car Talk on NPR--those guys always make me laugh.

4. Take care of your well-being. Breathe deeply, take a walk, get plenty of water, eat fresh foods that come from the earth. Make time for you. Ask yourself "what would I like to do for me today?" then do it.

5. Allow the wonder of nature to amaze you. Watch a sunset, feel the wind on your face, listen to the frogs, touch a brand new spring leaf unfolding. Look at the dew on a perfect spiders web. Soar in your imagination with that hawk overhead. Identify shapes from the clouds.

6. Have a meaningful goal you're working toward and acknowledge yourself for the steps you're taking to get there. Celebrate your accomplishments with those who helped you along the way.

7. Let music wash over you and surrender to the dance your body wants to express. Dance as if no one were watching.

8. Let go of judging things and people as good or bad and just notice. Experience them without being attached to having them be like you. Marvel at our uniqueness and at our commonality.

9. Find a way to do something kind every day without making a fuss about it. Acknowledge someone you work with. Let someone merge in front of you on your commute, send a blessing to a total stranger who looks like they could use one.

10. Believe in the possibilities that exist in each of us. Foster a connection with your own spiritual wisdom. Be willing to accept divine guidance wherever you recognize it.

To this list I would also ad:

11. Allow yourself to be inspired by others. On Mondays, Oprah sponsors "Use Your Life" awards. The first time I saw it, there was a woman in a poor apartment complex who saw a little boy digging through the garbage to find something to eat after school. She made a peanut butter sandwich for him and the next day he brought 3 friends who were "hungry too." She was being honored for creating an after-school program for children. Tutors volunteered to help her; she gave the children love, food, help with their homework and a boost to their self esteem. And she gave us all a tremendous example to follow. I was and am inspired by her kindness and generosity.

From the Library, Books I've been delighted with:

The Monk and the Riddle, by Randy Komisar. This is about entrepreneurism and how many folks use the "deferred life plan" rather than the "whole life plan."

Make a Living: Make a Life, by Mark Albion. Sprinkled generously with inspiring quotes, Mark describes people who created amazing career paths for themselves doing what they love and are naturally gifted at.

Sales for the Self-Employed Professional, by Martin Edic. Endorses the natural, friendly information-exhange method of selling rather than hard sell. Great for those of you who provide a professional service.

Inspiration Sandwich, by SARK. A client brought this one to my attention and it's been delightful. Full of whimsical drawings, musings, and encouragement. Perfect for anyone with a creative imagination that has been left untouched too long.

May you enjoy a wonderful spring. - Bright Blessings

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