Self Development Resources (That Changed My Life)

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The Path to Self Discovery...

There are so many forks in the road on the journey to finding one's true Self and the real purpose we are each here to experience. Books, videos, blogs, seminars, and so much more...

And Personal Development (and the Self Empowerment that results) is something each one of us must awaken to, understand, and figure out how to integrate into our own lives. Nobody can do it for you... but we can all help each other along by sharing what we've discovered.

The more I learn and grow, the more I feel the urge to share the joys of this "new and better" way of approaching the ups and downs of life. So I've put together this lens to offer you just a few of the many resources, experiences, and ideas that I've found helpful.

I hope that what I have to offer herein enhances your experience and makes your journey through life a little more positive and fun.

Namaste!

The Simple Joy of Living in The Moment! 

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Videos to Inspire and Delight...

I love films that have a message... especially a "read between the lines" type of message that my spirit picks up on. These are just a few of my favourites :-)
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Latest Blog Posts on Self Improvment

Taking advantage of the Google Blog Search brings us the most recent posts across the internet on the topic of Personal Development...
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Kitties Love Nature Too

What I'm Blogging About...

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Dare to Dream

People display a magical quality the moment they decide to fulfill a compelling vision of the future. An unmistakable aura of enthusiasm surrounds them.

Their eyes begin to sparkle and their entire posture changes. Their vocal inflection becomes lively, and they feel the change. They feel it because the magic is inside of them. They feel intention, resolve, and faith in their ability.

James Allen (1864-1912), wrote, "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be. Your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."

Can you remember a moment when a dream first came to life within your heart and mind? Perhaps you have a new dream tugging at you now-a desire that you cannot forsake.

If so, focus your attention on your vision. You have the first ingredient for achievement: a dream. It's all you need to start with-a blueprint for the future.

Then do not ever quit. Move forward, undeterred by circumstances and obstacles.

The future you create is the future you dare to dream!


~~~~~
© Copyright 2003-2006 by Steve Brunkhorst
From Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration

Gifts from The Universe Project

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One Person, One Dollar, One Month at a Time

A lesson in life...

Once upon a time, there was a non-conforming sparrow who decided not to fly south for the winter. However, soon the weather turned so cold that he reluctantly started to fly south. In a short time, ice began to form on his wings and he fell to earth in a barnyard, almost frozen. A cow passed by and crapped on the little sparrow. The sparrow thought it was the end. But, the manure warmed him and defrosted his wings. Warm and happy, able to breathe, he started to sing. Just then a large cat came by and, hearing the chirping, investigated the sounds. The cat cleared away the manure, found the chirping bird and promptly ate him.

The moral of the story:

1. Everyone who craps on you is not necessarily your enemy.
2. Everyone who gets you out of the crap is not necessarily your friend.
3. And, if you're warm and happy in a pile of crap, keep your mouth shut.

"We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within."

~Earl Nightingale~

The Awakening

Following is the most profound essay I've ever read. I encountered it a long time ago on the internet, and I've yet to discover who authored it.

A time comes in your life when you finally get it... when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

a new beginningThis is your awakening.

You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change... or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon.

You come to terms with the fact that neither of you is Prince Charming or Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you... and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself... and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself... and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties.... and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.

And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with ... and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away.

You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. And you learn that alone does not mean lonely. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK.... and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.a new beginning

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less.

And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance.

You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things.

You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state -- the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

~~~~~


[Author Unknown]

Infinite Possibilities

The #1 seller about beliefs, abundance, relationships, and living your dreams...

I've listened to this CD set over and over... and every time I have a brand new Ah-ha! moment. It truly is the very best approach to life, reality, and the Law of Attraction.

Mike Dooley is brilliant, sensitive, eloquent, insightful, succinct, funny, and honest.

Over 250,000 copies sold so far. Order yours today!

Movies to Brighten and Enlighten

Vote for your favorite or add one to the list!

What the Bleep Do We Know!?

What the Bleep Do We Know!?

WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW?! is a new type of film. more...1 point

The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)

The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)

Will Smith stars in the inspirational true story o more...1 point

The Secret (Extended Edition)

The Secret (Extended Edition)

The new "extended edition" of this ground-breaking more...0 points

Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen)

Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen)

`Peaceful Warrior' is one of those rare films that more...0 points

The Celestine Prophecy

The Celestine Prophecy

Based on James Redfield's worldwide best-selling novel, more...0 points

Meet the Robinsons

Meet the Robinsons

See one of the most important success principles l more...0 points

It's Not Too Late

by Ron Atchison

It's not too late... the angel said.
Even though the world's a mess...
Even though you're not that young...
Even though you've made mistakes
and have been afraid
It's not too late...

And then I saw the world through
the angels' eyes...
I saw the colors I could paint
The bridges I could build
The lives that I could touch
The dreams that could still come true
And it became very clear to me...
That it's not too late.

Inspirational Reading for Bookaholics

Do You have a Favorite? Vote for it!

Listed here are just a few of the books I've read while on my journey. There really are a lot more, but these are the ones I got the most profound "ah-ha" moments from.

Let me know what you think of each by voting them up (or down). If you've discovered a great book that I've missed, go ahead and add it for everyone's benefit!

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Napoleon Hill, Arthur Pell

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller--Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Napoleon Hill, Arthur Pell

The bestselling success book of all time is updated more...2 points

Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by David R. Hawkins

Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by David R. Hawkins

David R. Hawkins details how anyone may resolve th more...1 point

The Power of Intention by Wayne W. Dyer

The Power of Intention by Wayne W. Dyer

Intention is generally viewed as a pit-bull kind of more...1 point

Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson

The Change Survival Kit is an A-Mazing Way to Deal more...1 point

Conscious Living: Finding Joy In the Real World by Gay Hendricks

Conscious Living: Finding Joy In the Real World by Gay Hendricks

In his bestselling book Conscious Living, pioneering more...0 points

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61) by Eckhart Tolle

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61) by Eckhart Tolle

The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2,000,000 copy more...0 points

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't by Michael J. Losier

Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't by Michael J. Losier

This self-help book offers an easy-to-follow, step-by-step more...0 points

You Can Have What You Want: Proven Strategies for Inner and Outer Success by Michael Neill

You Can Have What You Want: Proven Strategies for Inner and Outer Success by Michael Neill

This is a book that can change your life for the better more...0 points

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams (One Hour of Wisdom) by Deepak Chopra

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams (One Hour of Wisdom) by Deepak Chopra

In this abridged edition of The Seven Spiritual Laws more...0 points

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the more...0 points

"Whatever you're thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you're worrying, you are planning. When you're appreciating you are planning...

What are you planning?"

~ Abraham (Esther & Jerry Hicks) ~

Fun and Useful Places on The 'Net

TUTs Adventurers Club with Mike Dooley
Explore the power of thought & creative visualization to manifest dreams! Sign up to get your free Notes from The Universe inspirational emails - they're great!
Sign up for Inspirational Tips from GeniusCatalyst.com!
This is a place to have fun, learn heaps and bring your genius to life!
Achieve! Ezine - Personal and Professional Achievement
Renew Your Spirit and Reach a Higher Level of Personal and Professional Achievement.
PhilosophersNotes - Get Your Wisdom On
If you're from the U.S., imagine Cliffs Notes for self-development books. Only shorter. And cooler. And a *lot* more inspiring. If you're not from the U.S., imagine 6-page PDFs and 20-minute MP3s with the "Big Ideas" of great books distilled for immediate consumption and application to your life! :)
Top-Rated Charities According to the American Institute of Philanthropy
The American Institute of Philanthropy is a nonprofit charity watchdog organization that helps donors make informed giving decisions.
LearnOutloud.com
Your one-stop destination for audio and video learning. Browse over 15,000 educational audio books, MP3 downloads, podcasts, and videos. Don't forget to check out all the free content while you're there.
Wealth Beyond Reason: The Truth about the Law of Attraction
"Go Ahead and Laugh...But These Principles Create Millionaires, Change Lives, And are At Your Disposal 24 Hours A Day." People just like you are being systematically programmed for unhappiness and failure by our traditional educational systems, making true wealth virtually impossible to achieve.

Great Self Improvement Stuff on eBay

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wealthcatalyst

Greetings to all my Fellow Travelers in this wondrous adventure called Life! Thank you for visiting my Lens. My passion is Personal Development, but I have... more »

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