Changing Direction

Are you guilty of waiting on certain conditions to be happy? Resolve to be happy right now and the things you desire will come your way. DEEPAK CHOPRA is the author of more than fifty books translated into over thirty-five languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers in both the fiction and nonfiction categories. Dr. Chopra is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Adjunct Professor at Kellogg School of Management and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.Time magazine heralds Deepak Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century and credits him as the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.

When I say blind spot, I'm not referring to that area that is out of your peripheral vision while driving. I'm talking about your psychological blind spot. I learned about this a few years ago and a blind spot is essentially the inability to see characteristics in ourselves that are obvious to those around us. An example I've heard is, just like a fish can't see the water it's swimming in, you can't always clearly see or evaluate a situation that you may be in. It takes someone with a different perspective to point it out. Someone on the outside can see pitfalls and even opportunities that you can't see. They can see them, ironically, because they aren't immersed in them every day. So, who can help you out with this? Well, different perspectives can come from a number of sources. The best people to seek for this are those who aren't involved deeply with you or who don't have an agenda for example a life coach . But be prepared because it ...

"Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories but it takes brave men and women to win them." -Ralph Waldo Emerson I've always been fascinated by acts of courage. Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. It is the ability to act regardless of the feelings or potential consequences. Courage is following your intuition when the facts are against it. Courage is saying 'I am sorry' when you are at fault, 'I don't know' when you don't, and 'I love you' despite fear of how those feelings will be received. VIA Institute on Character defines courage as emotional strengths that involve the exer...

I have been following the news out of Haiti closely and have been amazed at the people that they are still finding alive in the rubble many days later after the earthquake. This one photo really stuck with me of a child who was found after being buried and trapped for 7 days. As Kiki was released his face is of pure joy! I can only imagine how his parents felt seeing him and his sister come out alive. Even though all of their children didn't make it out alive the parents were still grateful. I started wondering about other things in life that bring joy. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of joy is 'the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; delight; a state of happiness.' Joy to me is a natural high. It's the sense of almost floating. There doesn't have to be a really big event to bring on this emotion. Joy can come from something as simple as seeing a smile on a loved one...

I was just thinking that since I've turned to blogging how therapeutic it has been. So I decided to do a little research to see what has been said out on the net about it. Scientific American magazine reported that there is research that writing about personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings helps people cope with stress, improves memory and sleep, boosts the immune system, and speeds healing after surgery. So I guess that's why blogging is so popular all over the internet. It's really just an electronic journal. I'm fairly new to blogging but decided to create two. The Changing Direction blog is mainly for personal reflection and self improvement. It's where I keep myself inspired and hopefully inspire others who happen upon it. My Newz_Junkie blog has to do with my love of media and is a mashup of current events and various interests. One thing I've noticed from reading many of the blogs out there on the net is that absolutely nothing is off limits and t...

Today is the official holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here is the video of Dr. King's famous speech delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on August 28, 1963. That speech moves me every single time I hear it. King will be forever revered as a great leader who sought equal rights for all irrespective of race and color. Let's all keep moving forward to insure that the dream is realized.

Just 5 days ago a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Port- Au -Prince, Haiti. I've watched round the clock news coverage and as each day unfolds, the images have been gut wrenching. There are estimates that there may be over 100,000 dead. But throughout it all I am also seeing so much good. I am deeply moved had how so many around the world are mobilizing and going to the aid of this small poor country. The rapid response has been phenomenal. Many who cannot go there physically to help are doing so through donations. I was amazed to hear that over $10 million has been raised by text message campaigns alone. Although I feel sorry for those who are suffering there I see so much hope and promise. The outpouring of help that is being showered upon them is a great blessing. I'm amazed at how resilient the people of Haiti are. Just 2 days after the quake, in the midst of death, destruction, and despair they set up makeshift tent areas and marched in faith. Their show of strength should...

Dr. Deepak Chopra shares the 7 steps to shed toxic emotions. DEEPAK CHOPRA is the author of more than fifty books translated into over thirty-five languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers in both the fiction and nonfiction categories. Dr. Chopra is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Adjunct Professor at Kellogg School of Management and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization.Time magazine heralds Deepak Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century and credits him as the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.

This is a beautiful poem that inspired Mandela during his imprisonment. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. This poem inspires me because it is about freedom of the soul. No matter what challenges are put before us, we can overcome them if we have the will to do so. It is a poem of courage and conjures up strength to keep going. It's about never giving up! Image courtesy Squidoo.com

Each morning that I wake up, I realize more and more that I made the best decision to take a corporate world hiatus. It isn't just about having time for leisure. It's time for self improvement both mentally and physically. Being my own boss is growing on me and I've actually worked into a mini routine as of late. Most mornings I am up before 8am and dressed by 9am. I go into our home office and get caught up on news, emails, and social media. Each day I have projects I'm working on, financials, chores, and on certain days I'm out running errands and hitting the gym. One of the biggest things to get used to of course has been being fully dependent on my husband for income. That's a hard thing to do when for all of our marriage I've brought in the "other half". Although we planned for this, it has still taken a little getting used to. But so far, so good. I have to say that he's been great about it. It sometimes seems as if he's enjo...

Visualization is the practice of focusing your mind on images that you want to become your reality. If you've heard of The Secret then you know that there are steps to achieving your goals: ask the universe for it, believe that it is on it's way to you, and then receive it. It's the law of attraction. Positive attracts positive. Like attracts like. I'm practicing this more and more and as I do, I'm seeing results. Click here for a video clip of how visualization worked in a big way for a woman named Cynthia Stafford and her family.

Getting in touch with my inner peace hasn't been all I've been up to lately . I've been actively building my personal brand via networking events, social networking websites, my blogs, and a personal website . Another tool that I've added to my arsenal surprisingly isn't a high tech gadget, online widget, or anything at all complicated. It's something everyone should have whether employed or unemployed...a networking business card. Networking business cards are a simple but effective way to provide people with your information, get their attention and keep them engaged. It's great for people who are in between careers or recent graduates who don’t yet have a “job title". Pertinent information to provide on the card would be the obvious name, address, phone number,email address, and web address. Additional information to include should be your industry, specialty, or any specialized license. People tend to save business cards and they are small, po...

Have you seen the new HD (high definition) TV's that are so popular? Perhaps yo u even have one. The clarity is awesome isn't it? Well, I'm working on viewing my perceptions in HD. Part of how I will achieve this will be to sharpen my optimism tool. You've heard the question, "is your glass half full, or half empty?". Depending on how a person answers that question determines whether a person is an optimist or a pessimist. Situations may be seen in different ways depending on one's point of view and there may be opportunity in the situation as well as a problem. It is an interpretation of your individual reality. So how can one achieve having HD Perception in a tough situation? Here are a few things that I plan to practice: 1. Pause - I'm learning through my coaching sessions that instead of having a sudden reaction, to take a few breaths and not let emotions rule the moment. This will decrease stress and help to see it with more clarity. 2. Point o...

I don't know what the future holds for me but at this moment I am content. I am thankful for all my blessings and I am sending out positive energy. "The past is history. The future is a mystery. The only time we really have is now - just this moment." - Unknown

It's 2010...the beginning of a new year! Did you do anything special for New Year's Eve? Hubby and I stayed in and popped a bottle of champagne. It was a nice, peaceful evening to reflect back on 2009 a little but to mostly think forward to the year ahead. 2009 was a tough year for many people but we were fortunate. We've practiced much more conservatism these past couple of years and it has helped us through the tough economy. We still splurge on occasion, just not nearly as much as in the past and it's been okay. Focusing on each other and people in our lives rather than monetary things has been key. So, looking forward, 2010 will be more of that same attitude. Staying in a positive state is really important. Having a positive attitude attracts positive things into your life. I am seeing this each and every day with so many blessings flowing my way. Avoiding negative people or situations is something else I will continue to do as well as being more cognisant of the wo...