It might be hard to realize it and possibly accept it since we focus so much on our flaws. How can we love ourselves for being so wrong in so many ways? And more, who can love us?

I know, I’ve been there. And in many ways, I still get hit by self doubt and sometimes can’t see pass my own flaws which gets magnified by my own comparisons to others. But you know what, we all have flaws. That’s just it. However, we can choose to focus on our skills and talents–the good things we like about ourselves. No matter how small they are. We can still choose to see through these positive attributes of us. And the great thing is little miracles starts to grow in us.

And if we choose to dwell in our flaws, I don’t know how much we can go from there. Let me tell ya, it is an endless abyss. And the more we focus on our flaws, the more it seems to get bigger…and we seem to be less and less in control. The next thing we know, we are locked in our own mind–imprisoned by our own imagination and intolerable trait(s).

How can we shift our focus? And let alone–stop feeling like we are less than. First thing is watch our mind. Be aware of our thoughts. Catch that part that goes automatically to compare. We only need to compare ourselves to our ideal self that we are working towards. (This is so we can see we are moving in the direction of our goal.) Because there’s always going to be someone who we think is better than us.

Yes, we own our flaws. If there’s something you can do about it. Then do it! But don’t obsess over things we just can’t change. It’s like playing a broken recorder of “You suck! I hate you.” that tells you over and over how horrible a person of you are.

Do we really want to hear that? Perhaps, our mind originally was trying to protect us by some twisted ways. But if it is not serving your greater good anymore, isn’t it wise that it’s time to let this fixed idea go. Let go of this damaging belief.

I’m not saying block it out, denied it. I’m just saying–accept it. Accept that we all have flaws. And then love that we are unique…and focus on what good attribute we are blessed with. And go use these talent and skills.

It’s like that story. Four men are given different talents from the Almighty.
The first guy used all his 5 talents that God gave him.
The second guy immediately put his 3 talents to work.
The third guy was happy and used his 2 talent to create great companies.
And the fourth guy looked at his talent and was disappointed. God asked him why he hadn’t used it. The guy sadly explained, “You only blessed me with one talent and the others guy were blessed with so many. Did you not love me as much? How can I ever be as good as them? They got all the talent and I only have one.”

Comparison really does us a number of things. It keeps us from even taking action sometimes because some of us are too busy thinking about why we ONLY got one good thing and more flaws than anyone we see. It’s extremely disempowering to be defeated by our flaws. And worse, we never took the necessary action to turn that one talent into something real.

I honestly believe we create ourselves. We use those talents we are blessed with and make the best of it. Sean Stephenson, put it very well. He said, “You don’t find yourself, you CREATE yourself. Who do I want to be?”

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What does that actually mean anyway? How can I find myself? How long will that take…

At some point in our life we question ourselves. Who am I? Who am I suppose to be? What am I if I am not this or that? What if I’m not great at expressing myself like that motivational speaker Tony Robbins?

And we’re going to face criticisms and get attacked. Others won’t necessarily agree with our views. They’ll judge us and say some pretty mean stuff. You’re fat. You’re ugly. You’re not smart enough. You’re not as good as your sister. Things like this are going to hurt emotionally. Maybe even hinder our personal growth and progress.

Although, we can’t always do much about what others opinions are or control what they say… We can, most of the time, choose who we open our hearts to and which friends to keep around us.

The truth is we judge ourselves constantly and most detrimental is we COMPARE ourselves with everybody else. Comparison only makes us feel okay that we match the other, but most of the time we end up feeling worse…

You are so beautiful and unique in your own ways. So much more than you can see right at this moment. There’s never going to be another person just like you or me. You are it…

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Found this little article from David Salmon giving some neat tips on how to keep our space clear of negative energy. How to detox your life and live in a place where you can thrive.

David is a property investment and a life coach with over 20 years experience in the world of property, finance, and mentoring. He has also written a book called “Wake Up… Moments of Inspiration.”

Detox Your Life

By David Salmon

A detox supposedly re-vitalizes you and brings renewed energy and vigour. Thinking about it further, I moved on to apply this to external toxins. All those negative people, places and things in our lives can build up to a toxic level that takes away our energy in the same way.

Negative energy can be very tiring. We all know somebody negative who leaves us feeling drained after only a few minutes conversation. If you have somebody like that in your life you need to get rid of them or at least protect yourself from them, if that is impossible. You don’t want to lose all your energy being around someone who drains you emotionally or mentally whenever you are with them. A long time ago I stopped meeting up with an old friend who had become increasingly negative and seemed determine to undermine me at any opportunity. I felt bad breaking off our friendship but felt very relieved when I did. I hadn’t realized how much our weekly meetings had drained me of energy.

Avoid negative environments in the same way. You cannot work well in a hostile environment. If it drains your energy then you need to find a new place to work, before you reach exhaustion levels. Get rid of objects that don’t support you too: the computer that crashes regularly, the car that won’t start, the blunt razor, the computer chair that kills your back. All of these things cause stress that is unnecessary. Make sure that your environment and all the things in it support you, so that you can be your best.

Detox your life by getting rid of anything and anyone that drains your energy. If you cannot get rid of them then find a way of protecting yourself from their negative energy. You deserve to be supported in your life. Negative energy is the very opposite of what you need. Don’t let anyone or anything steal your vital life energy from you with their negativity. Life is too short for that.

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'The Way' by Diego MedranoHave you ever come to a crossroad where if you continue on what you’re doing, things are just going to get worse? But if you make that one uncomfortable right turn, things will shift and life will change for the better. How many times have you hit that divided pathway in your life? And deep down you know changing would required you to move heaven and earth as you know it to something completely different and even unknown.

Whether it’s our diet, relationships, adopting a new paradigm, or a new habit that better served us in the long run; I’ve learned most of us don’t just change for the heck of changing. We change when pain or great suffering is knocking on our door. That’s the majority of us human. Some of us have to hit rock bottom to recognize we can’t sink any deeper into our own demise. The sharp bitter stings of pain and suffering now forced us to take drastic action and CHANGE.

It’s when we are lost deep down in this abyss that there’s no other way out but to crawl right back up this dark crevasse. We are FORCE against our will to challenge and question our long kept paradigms. The hope is we eventually realize, “Hey, this way of thinking and doing thing is getting me nowhere.” And we begin to find new habits and paradigms that better serve us in our current life situation.

Changes are hard, I know. I don’t think anyone actually expect you to make the drastic transformation successfully overnight. Even the individuals that succeeded in such transitions, did so because they changed by slowly replacing one old habit for a more healthy beneficial habit. They did it one by one over a period of time.

It has been reiterated by many that it takes 21 days to adopt a new habit –for it to really sink in and be part of you.

So how do we know which habits to take in? And what changes we need? That is entirely up to each individual. For our needs and desire are personal to each of us and only we can really know what we want. But one thing, I am sure of is that we basically see what others are doing that is in agreement with us, and if we like this new mindset, ideas, habits, or type of action and it’s beneficial to our well being–we then adopt them into our own life.

The questions you have to ask yourself are:

  • What do I really WANT?
  • Am I willing to change?
  • Am I serious about it?
  • Am I willing to do what it takes?

Then give it a 100%. Things can really start to happen. And if you find yourself falling off the bandwagon, just hop back on. As long as you are moving forward, you are making progress.

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I’ve been swimming with the tropical fishes in the coral reefs. Snorkeling and hanging out with family and friends.

I got to do a lot: saw fireflies, shooting stars, climb coconut trees, hang out at white sandy beaches, karaoke, went deep sea fishing, explore dark bat caves, skywalk on the outside of the 37th floor building, tour the whole Camotes Island all in one day, did some island hopping, and swam further than I have ever swam before. Did more things in a few weeks than 6 months put together. So much so, that I’ve exhausted my body and put my health at jeopardy.

I would have been okay, but I ate a piece of bad clam and got sick. That opened up my immune system to catching stuff. Like my neighbor’s really bad cold. Also, caught a fever in the process. My lung got so bad; I couldn’t even lie down to sleep. I thought I may have pneumonia so I went to see a doctor…he thought I might have bronchitis, from my horrible cough.

I was coughing like I got a smoker’s lung. It was horrible. Was on antibiotics for 5 days because my doctor thought my lung might have got infected with bacteria. 500 mg per day of Azithromycin. Wow, that is some strong medication! It made me all moody and agitated like a woman on a serious menstrual cycle. Luckily, I re-read the pamphlet that comes with the medicine and it says the maximum limit is 1500 mg for 5 days and that I was suppose to split it up. (Good thing I saw a doctors, huh.)

I highly suggest that we read up on the things we are putting in our body. Because if you’re starting to feel some oddness in your behavior, no matter what the doctor says, it’s probably wise to check on it.

And ALWAYS take care of yourself. Your physical body can only do so much, it’s not “superman”. Over-exertion can weaken your immune system and knock you out cold.

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I was walking around the mall… And you know those independent merchant carts… They’re always luring unsuspected suckers in for free samples. I noticed I feel obligated to buy things after trying the free thing. Eeehhh, huh?

Surprisingly, after taking a deep look into my history of buying junk, I discovered I buy BECAUSE of this “law of reciprocity”. Someone gives me a free sample, then I feel like I HAVE to buy something from them.

How many times have you bought something that you didn’t really want but felt obligated? You just didn’t want to seem like you were inconveniencing them…

I fell prey to this technique one too many times. I ended up with restaurant meals I wasn’t entirely satisfied with – Clothes and shoes I didn’t want – Costly natural nail polish – Mineral makeups – More than enough memberships at places I didn’t really need – Books I didn’t read – Things I didn’t even use!

I remember one time where I was strolling around the mall with my fiance… I knew I would buy something if I had my credit cards with me so I left them at home and only had a twenty in my pocket.

Surprisingly, after this salesgirl gave me all this attention and being dabbled by all this new exotic Japanese cosmetic elixir that claimed to make my skin smoother, younger, beautiful and flawless…

I looked at my fiance and ask to borrow HIS card! Of course, I paid him back. But isn’t that just ridiculous! Ended up charging $157.37 dollars on HIS visa!

With knowing my kryptonite (free stuff), I can be more aware of these traps. So now I am actually practicing saying more “NO’s”. It’s a bit of a challenge but I feel good.

It’s nice to have values (and not personally step on them). I can still change my mind.

So beware of FREE. You might end up with your values tangling you up inside.

If you do get tangled up… Remember most decisions can be revised (especially if someone’s trying to sell you stuff).

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What better way to conquer your fear than to face it head on.

Confession: I’m not entirely fearful of heights but I get a bit light around very tall building; especially hanging on the very edge of a 37th floor building!

It was like this for me when my fiance, sister, and I went on the SkyWalk. SkyWalk is a tourist attraction, where people can walk outside around the perimeter of the 37th floor of Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu, Philippines.

Being a brave soul that I am ;-) , I volunteered to be in front. Reason one being… no big heads or anyone is blocking my view up here. Just kidding! Any how, it was a bit frightening as I step outside onto the thin metal pathway. I can feel the height and the breeze blowing lightly against my body. (Thank goodness it is not a windy day.)

As I pass through the glass part of the pathway, I glanced down to view below. People were like ants and cars were like miniature toy that little boys play with. My heart beat faster and I could feel a bit of perspiration on my forehead.

Quite interestingly, once we finish the SkyWalk which only lasted 15 minutes; I felt disappointed it was over. I actually wanted to go one more round.

Much like our life, sometimes we just gotta face our fears heads on. Like the famous Les Brown quote, “When you face your fear, most of the time you will discover that it was not really such a big threat after all. We all need some form of deeply rooted, powerful motivation. It empowers us to overcome obstacles so we can live our dreams.”

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What’s inner game versus outer game? Authentic Man Program’s (AMP) co-founder, Bryan Bayer breaks down the difference by using the image of the Celtic tree. The Celtic tree is an ancient symbol of wholeness that illustrates the relationship between “who we are” (inner game) and “how we show up” (outer game).

AMP says, “These days, a lot of guys are studying the art pickup. And, if those pickup/outer game skills aren’t connected to a solid foundation of inner game, those men will never create relationship as wild, sexy and fulfilling as they can truly be.”

AMP adds, “Even if your outer game is masterful it is a only a matter of time before any woman will see who you are at the roots. You can’t hide it and you can’t fake it. And the more radiant the woman is the faster she will see right down to the base of it often instantly.”

Such an amazing explanation!

Recently I went to a concert to see Boyce Avenue, Jabbawockeez, and Kris Allen at MusicFest 2010 in Cebu, Philippines. Boyce Avenue’s lead singer, Alejandro Manzano really carried himself self well. He showed up incredibly sexy. I said to myself, “This guy’s got inner game going on! Wow!”

When Kris Allen performed…he didn’t have it. As talented as Kris is, he felt hollow to me. He needs to do more inner work and build his foundation. Won American Idol but he’s not showing up as a grounded solid guy. Not attractive compared to Boyce Avenue’s Alejandro who’s roots just over shadowed Kris. It was such a contrast I even left after Kris sang his first couple songs!

When we start chasing things outside ourself, it’s easy to ignore our roots. Then it becomes even more challenging to attract the people we want to attract. Remember: We’re drawn towards the healthy trees – strong and grounded. We ignore the weak ones with flimsy roots.

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Listen, if you’re a man reading my blog to learn about women… You can’t hide your roots with outer game – shiny objects and pick up techniques. If your foundation is weak and unstable, your house is going to crumble no matter how beautiful you decorate the exterior! Like a strong house, we must work on ourself from our foundationour roots – if we want lasting change. Men and women, when we take care of our emotions our genuine self can shine into the world.

Ever come across someone who seems to have their stuff together. Fancy clothes, nice house, nice car, nice looking but as you hang out with them more and more… The person just doesn’t seem in alignment. Like a car that keeps veering to the right when you’re trying to go straight. They seem perfect but something is off. Of course no one is perfect (we all have stuff to sort through). But you can tell if someone is handling their life or it’s just pretense – a veneer.

These people are stuck pretending. The more you pretend to be something you’re not, the more likely you have stuff to work on. In other words, more inner game or inner work will help you let your authentic self shine through.

Take someone like Hugh Jackman for example. He is an Australian actor and producer who is involved in film, musical theatre, and television. He’s also an activist and philanthropist. A very well-rounded guy.

Just one look at him. His foundation is pretty well built. More solid than most. That’s an example of how you’ll show up in the world when you’ve handled your inner game. Very attractive, right?

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I was listening to an intriguing audio program by Mark Cunningham (aka Major Mark); one of the best hypnotist. It’s titled, “Build a Better Girlfriend.” My first reaction was, what’s this? What kind of stuff are men –more precisely ‘my man’ going to use on me.

Curious and a little bit defensive when I saw this program. I had to check it out. If anything, I want to protect myself in case this Major Mark was up to no good and teaching guys how to manipulate their girlfriends.

To my surprise, it turned out to be an amazing course. Basically, Major Mark teaches men how to make their women truly happy. That is by listening and really being there for her. In return, she’ll feel appreciated, noticed, and heard. That she’ll want to reciprocate this love and appreciation for him by pleasing him. That makes since, right?

Make the women happy as a clam. Treat her right. Notice she is another person with her own set of goals and values. Acknowledge her. Appreciate her. Cherish her. And in return, she’ll want to cherish and do things for you as a man.

Great news ladies, this same technique or should I call “just the proper way of treating your girlfriend” works just as good on how to build a better boyfriend.

Although I must warn you, that this audio is more targeted for men than women. But a curious woman can just be as entertain listening to this audio course as men.

It has some interesting new concepts and techniques; thus, giving your brain a boost of new ideas and experiences. Keeping your life fresh and full of new adventures.

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