Personal Growth Cafe – Page 97 – Empowering You to Live Your Inspired Vision!

July 14, 2018January 8, 2018

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past. But by the responsibility for our future. – George Bernard Shaw

July 14, 2018January 8, 2018

Show Your Gratitude to Others with Compliments

Don’t you love to receive compliments? It’s great for your self-esteem and just plain feels good to hear someone else’s respect or admiration.

Those few words lighten your moods and give you the strength to push forward with you head held high.

Compliments reinforce that you’re doing something right and your efforts are being appreciated.

It only takes a moment to notice something small about someone but those few words can certainly make a difference in that person’s day.

Compliment Your Family

Showing your appreciation to those you love has a dual purpose: it shows how grateful you are to have them in your life while at the same time acknowledging the special work they’ve done.

Here are a few examples of ways to express your gratitude:

“Thanks for clearing the dishes. You did a great job!”
“I really appreciate your help with dinner tonight! It was a wonderful meal.”
“I am so thankful for your love and support. You’ve really helped me get through a tough day.”

Children and adults alike are encouraged to help more if they are complimented and receive positive acknowledgement.

Hearing compliments on a regular basis also teaches children how to appreciate the people in their lives.

Compliment Your Coworkers

There are two types of managers in business: one who appreciates their workers for a job well done and another who just expects the job to get done without any acknowledgement.

Obviously we all need to treat each other with the respect and dignity we deserve!

Here are some examples of how to express gratitude at work:

“Thanks for staying late today. I’ll be sure to tell the boss how hard you’ve been working lately.”
“The client really loved the report you wrote.”
“I really appreciate you taking the time out to help me with this. It means a lot to me!”

Adding a personal touch to the office by giving compliments can be a huge motivator.

Your colleagues will trust and respect you far more than anyone else in the office.

Compliment Strangers

In today’s society very few people take the time to strike up a conversation with a total stranger.

We have to remember that people are brought into our lives everyday for a variety of reasons, and you can deeply affect someone’s mood just by being nice to them.

Of course, you probably shouldn’t divulge your entire life’s story the first time you meet someone, but what you can do is notice something good about a person and tell them.

Show your gratitude for meeting this person because this experience just might teach you something new about yourself.

Here are a few examples of things you can look for to give an honest compliment about:

Is the person a sharp dresser?

Is he a genuinely nice person to others?

Are the person’s children very well-behaved?

Did you see the person do a kind act for someone else?

The key to expressing your gratitude is opening your eyes to seeing the simple gifts in your day.

By paying attention to the actions of those around you, you’ll not only help others gain confidence, but you’ll become known as the trustworthy go-to guy or go-to gal.

Make a goal to compliment at least one person each and every day.

You’ll start appreciating the small things in life and you’ll brighten someone’s day at the same time.

How do you feel when other people compliment you?

How can your compliments make others feel better?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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July 13, 2018January 8, 2018

You can do anything but not everything. – David Allen

July 13, 2018January 8, 2018

The Power of a Positive Attitude

The power of a positive attitude cannot be underestimated.

The American minister and author of the book The Power of Positive Thinking Norman Vincent Peale wrote, “Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure.

The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are.”

If you think you’re beaten, you are.

But if you stare defeat in the eye and refuse to give up because of “a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers” (Peale again), you can overcome any challenge and attain whatever you desire.

Empty pockets can’t hold you back very long, but if you have an empty mind filled with negative thoughts, you’ll always be held back from what you desire most.

Positive Thinking Leads To Action

With a positive attitude, you’ll begin to believe that you can build wealth in abundance.

You’ll chart your own course and be the master of your own fate and the captain of your own soul.

Thinking about what you want and deserve in life will lead you to take whatever steps are necessary to make those dreams come true.

Very often it’s a slow road to achieving your dreams, but one small step toward change will bring another small step after it.

Visualizing yourself in a better paying job might spur you to update your resume.

Believing you belong in a house in the suburbs might push you to call a realtor or look in the classified ads.

Realizing you have talents that make you special might convince you to volunteer in your community.

Living an abundant life doesn’t only refer to what’s in the bank. Abundance of family and friends is a very important part of human life.

It’s Easier To Be Negative

The average person gets all too easily gets imbued with a negative attitude.

It’s so much easier to whine and complain about needing more money, a better job, or a bigger house.

People are often lost in the negative imagery and don’t ever realize it’s in their own power to change their circumstances.

With a positive attitude, you’ll have a higher quality of life. Having a positive attitude can really work magic in your life.

People who have survived cancer invariably say that a positive mental outlook was vital to their success in overcoming their terrible disease.

A positive mental attitude helps you find the humor in things that may typically bring you down.

You’ll be able to see things from a fresh perspective so you can handle the tough times with more creativity and intelligence.

With a positive attitude, you’ll simply feel more joy in your life.

You’ll laugh more, feel healthier, be more courageous, have more self-confidence, and you won’t be as prone to giving up before you even get started.

More often than not, things will fall into place and you’ll feel an incredible sense of accomplishment!

How do you feel when you think of the positive side of things that happen to you instead of the negative consequences?

How can being positive help you become a better person?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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July 12, 2018January 8, 2018

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. – Bertolt Brecht

July 12, 2018January 8, 2018

Overcome Negativity and Jealousy by Focusing on Gratitude

We live in a society where value and status are placed on material things like cars, homes, and clothes and we all dream about having more – more money, bigger homes, more cars – yet we never seem to be happy.

In fact, instead of being thankful for what we do have, we feel envious of the people who have more than us.

Being in constant competition with neighbors, coworkers, or family members can be exhausting!

Eventually, you’ll lose sight of the important things in life, such as your children, relationships, and health.

If you place a strong value on things, you won’t feel very fulfilled and you’ll end up creating an inner tension that will only drive you away from happiness.

After all, happiness isn’t defined by the amount of stuff you collect.

Remember What You’re Grateful For

If you had to list what’s good in your life, right now, and you weren’t allowed to mention any material possessions, would you have a hard time coming up with the list?

Do you have a hard time just being happy and grateful because you’re always longing for something bigger or better?

We all have big dreams for ourselves, but we can’t begin to work toward our goals until we accept who we are and where we’re at right now.

That acceptance begins with a sincere appreciation for the life lesson’s of yesterday and the talents and skills we have today.

Sure, we all want a big house, nice furniture, big-screen TVs, better paying jobs, luxury cars, gourmet food, fancy jewelry, and designer clothes – but how can we appreciate the finer things in life if we can’t be thankful for the simple things?

After all, a big-screen TV won’t matter if you didn’t have your eyes to see and your ears to hear! Of course, desiring good quality items isn’t wrong, but your focus should be on living and enjoying your life, not things.

Expressing your gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving dinner.

Share with your family why you’re grateful today and really listen to what your family says in return.

Encourage your kids to dig deep in their souls to find their gratitude.

Kids need to learn how to take their focus off of material items and onto influential people, positive experiences, and quality of life.

Refocus Your Thoughts with a Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is simply a notebook where you write down everything in life you’re thankful for.

It doesn’t have to take more than 5 minutes in the early morning or before bed each night.

The idea is to clear your mind, reflect on the day, and see the goodness in life.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Buy or make yourself a nice, attractive journal so you’ll take care of it and will look forward to journaling everyday.

Reflect on anything new that came your way: new friends, clients, or opportunities.

Don’t be shy about repeating things from previous days; praising your good health and loving family never tires.

Did a friend do something nice for you today?

Did you find a lost item?

Did you handle a difficult situation well?

Gratitude isn’t reserved for really big things; you can be grateful for the small things, too.

Periodically, go back over your journal and read all that you’re grateful for.

It’ll be a great pick-me-up on especially difficult days.

The more you add to your journal, the more you’ll teach your mind a new way of thinking.

Your outlook on life will become more positive and you’ll feel a deeper sense of connection with those around you.

And you’ll discover the sheer beauty that already exists in your life.

How can being grateful have an impact in your life?

How has your attitude changed because of being grateful?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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July 11, 2018January 8, 2018

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. – Dr. Seuss

July 11, 2018January 8, 2018

Laugh Your Way to Good Health: The Many Health Benefits of Laughter

Everybody enjoys a good laugh, whether it’s from a sitcom on TV, a live comedy show, or because a friend made a fool of himself.

When was the last time you took some time to relax and find something to laugh about?

Not just any laugh, but one of those deep belly laughs that clears out your tear ducts!

If you are among the many adults who have a hard time relaxing you’ll be surprised to know that there are real health benefits to laughter.

Yes, it sounds rather crazy, but your favorite sitcom can do wonders for your health!

How Can Laughter Help?

When you laugh, your body releases endorphins into the blood system. Endorphins act like natural pain killers and are also responsible for making you feel happy.

The best part is endorphins are completely free of any side effects – it’s all natural! That’s why you feel a “natural high” after the right dose of laughter.

Laughing not only leads to a feeling of well being, but it can also do the following:

Lower blood pressure – This cycle starts with the blood pressure rising when you start to laugh but then it decreases to levels below normal.

When you take deep breaths while laughing, more oxygen-rich blood is transported quickly throughout your body.

Reduce stress and increase your attentiveness, heart rate and pulse –

When your heart rate and pulse is elevated, you’ll feel more energized.

Of course, being more attentive can lead to better learning and growth.

Make your heart grow stronger – For a long time now, heart specialists have established that mental stress is particularly harmful to the heart and is one of the leading causes behind the build up of fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries.

By laughing and reducing that stress on a regular basis, you’re helping your body reduce that fat buildup while reducing your risk of a heart attack.

Lower blood sugar – Laughter helps with reducing stress and stress often leads to an increase in blood sugar levels.

Laughter as a Form of Exercise

When you throw back your head and laugh, you’re actually working your muscles from the hips to the shoulders.

Since laughing involves taking in and releasing of air, the expelling of carbon dioxide and the intake of oxygen, your internal organs and core muscles get a good workout every time you laugh heartily.

It may sound silly, but it’s true.

Ever heard of “laughter yoga?” It’s a form of yoga class where you perform the regular stretches while getting silly to induce laughter.

Activities range from imitating animals to speaking in gibberish. If you think this sounds odd, you’re right.

It is! But we have to stop taking life so seriously and start having fun!

Improve Your Mental Health with Laughter

Everyday you’re faced with challenges and it’s completely up to you how to confront them.

You can choose a positive attitude or a negative one.

Laughing when faced with a challenge can help lift your mood (as well as those around you) and maybe you’ll be able to view the challenge in a positive light.

This will help you reduce the stress and get things done quicker.

Laughter is generally followed by a sense of relaxation, hence it’s a good form of stress relief.

Use laughter as a way to reconnect with your family, especially during troubling times.

When you laugh you generally talk more, make direct eye contact, and even get into closer contact.

A Laugh a Day…

Laughter has many physical benefits to your overall health and well being but you obviously still need to exercise, eat well, and go for your routine checkups.

Nevertheless, there are simply many perks to laughing and it will help you enjoy the hysterical life that surrounds you!

What makes you laugh?

When was the last time you had a good laugh?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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July 10, 2018January 8, 2018

Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone. – Gladys Stern

July 10, 2018January 8, 2018

Improve Your Mood by Giving Thanks

Do you realize how much you can improve your outlook on life by simply being grateful? This is what is called an “attitude of gratitude.”

If you cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” you’ll actually bring even more joys into your life like a fulfilling career, pay raises, wealth, health, and stronger relationships.

An attitude of gratitude is truly a magnet for prosperity and success.

After all, much of life is about your attitude and your outlook on things.

It’s been said that optimists may be wrong and pessimists may be right about some things, but optimists enjoy the ride. Which are you?

If you transform your attitude you can change your entire universe.

And yes, you really can change in your attitude by showing appreciation a little more often.

Be Thankful for What You Do Have

Many people, maybe even the majority of us, believe their lives are boring or meaningless.

Isn’t that awful?

Oftentimes we see little to be thankful for because we’re always thinking about the things we wish they had.

We may live in a comfortable home in a nice neighborhood and we may have plenty of food on the table, but we just don’t see the joys in the everyday.

We often take the little things for granted.

Are you one of these people?

If so, it’s okay! There’s plenty of hope and there are plenty of things for you to be thankful for.

There are so many joys in your life right now that you’re likely overlooking.

For example, by reading this article you have obviously awoken for another day.

Isn’t the fact that you are still alive something to be thankful for?

After all, a cancer survivor, sure won’t take life for granted anymore!

Here’s something to think about:

Did the sun rise today? If so, be thankful for the gift of light and warmth.

Did you have work to do today? If so, be thankful for the opportunity to earn a living for you and your family.

Did you eat a nourishing meal today? If so, be thankful for the gift of food.

Even the smallest things in your life are reasons to celebrate!

As we all know, “things could be worse” which is all the more reason to have an attitude of gratitude!

Lots of Gratitude = Positive Attitude

It’s a fact: those who are grateful are more uplifting and positive.

By having a positive attitude, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also enjoy a vibrant physical health because our body, mind, and spirit are so heavily inter-connected.

Now, that’s something to be thankful for, isn’t it?

As mentioned earlier, by having a positive attitude, you’ll be a magnet for positive relationships.

You’ll attract like-minded, go-getters who will not only inspire you, but push you further.

After all, like attracts like, which is all the more reason to be positive!

Now ask yourself: What do I have to be thankful for today?

Spend a few moments showing your appreciation to your loved ones, colleagues, or any random strangers you meet.

When was the last time you counted blessings?

How does being appreciative help you?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Before you leave…

Please share the link to this post on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., and like it, and comment right here – THANKS!