There was a television show some years ago called the "X-Files." The theme of the show was: "The truth is out there!"
So when we are debating the existence of aliens, yes the truth is "out" there... somewhere, but what about the truths that we hold inside of ourselves? • What is the truth about what we really believe about ourselves? • What is the truth about what we believe about the world around us? • What is the truth about what we really believe about others? • Who are we pretending to be and how much is that hurting us? • What is the truth about what we do and don't want in our lives?
Being truthful or as I like to say, "shooting straight" with yourself and others can make the difference between having complete and happy relationships, or not. It can be the difference between having complete financial freedom, or not. It can be the difference between living a life you love, or not!
You may be wondering why it matters if on occasion you are less than truthful and it really doesn't hurt anyone. We've all been in a situation where we've pretended to be someone we weren't; pretended to believe something we didn't or pretended to know something we didn't really know. Yet, being less than truthful with others (and ourselves) is hurtful in all instances, because how can we be really happy if we don't shoot straight everywhere, all of the time?
Withholding the truth about how you feel, what you see and how you perceive the world around you creates a quagmire in your head that eventually spreads to everything and everyone around you.
Doing anything other than communicating fully and completely also keeps those around us guessing who we really are, why we do what we do, what makes us happy, and ultimately what we want for our lives! Now, when we are talking about our happiness, do we really want to keep the world around us guessing about what we need, what we want or who we are?
More importantly than where our truthfulness, or lack thereof, leaves other people, being truthful is important for ourselves! When we live from a place that denies how we feel and what we want for ourselves, we ultimately crush our own spirit; our own hopes; our own will and that is clearly not a happy place to live life from!
So be honest with yourself. Ask: • Do I do what I say I am going to do -- am I living in integrity? • Am I doing what I love? • What is my purpose and am I living it? • Am I in action and moving toward what I say I want? • Am I getting what I deserve out of life?
None of us are comfortable having the "mirror" held up in front of us, but if we don't willingly take a look at how we feel about the life we live, the person we are, and the difference we make on the planet, how do we know if we are being true to ourselves?
Being honest with oneself can be difficult! It is much easier to float through uncomfortable situations justifying the use of little white lies. Yet over time these white lies become tall tales, and we tell ourselves these tales for so long that we honestly start to believe they are true!!
So what does it take to live a truthful life? Very simply: 1) Be truthful... be in integrity... know who you are, what you want and accept nothing less in your life. 2) Think truthfully... be honest with yourself and accept nothing less of others! 3) Speak truthfully! 4) Be in full and complete communication everywhere and all of the time.
Interestingly, today's technology gives us more opportunities than ever to pretend to be something other than who we really are! We hide in email. We hide behind online chat screens. We hide in Instant Messaging. We hide behind voicemail. Yet hiding who we, at our core, does nothing to serve us.
Maybe we think we are protecting someone else by being who they want us to be or protecting ourselves from embarrassment. We may even think we are protecting ourselves from being hurt, but ultimately by being less than truthful with ourselves (and others) we are doing the world a disservice.
When we assume that the world doesn't really want to get to know the real "us" we deprive the world of a unique individual whose talents and voice may be completely untapped because we assumed no one wanted to hear it. What a shame that would be!!
So stand tall... be the truth... think the truth... speak the truth. Your life will take off, you'll be happier, and the world around you will ultimately be happier too!
Clay Nelson is a business coach, experienced talk show host, author, former "nail belt wearing" contractor, and speaker at numerous trade show and corporate events including: International Builders Show, Remodeling Show, International Pool Spa Patio Expo, International Roofing Expo, and many others.
Backed by 30-years of experience and leadership in the building industry and as a business coach, Clay uses his innate intuition and people skills to help his clients take a look at what's stopping them from achieving their goals. He then helps them create plans and build teams for getting what they say they want and by-when they say they want it!
He is the founder of Consulting Services Network LLC, Clay Nelson Life Balance, and a non profit organization called Transforming America's Youth that makes a difference for troubled youth throughout the United States.
For more information, go to http://www.claynelsonlifebalance.com
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Effectively Balance Your Family and Career Time
Is the process of starting a family something that has been on your mind? Do you already have a spouse and children but find yourself in a quandary of working a lot while trying to discover additional time for being with your family? It is important to do what it takes to make an adequate income while not neglecting your loved ones. You will learn how to balance the time you spend with your family and the time you devote to your career.
If you are married or have children but you are out of work currently, you should make plans that revolve around your family before you accept a new job. An important factor to consider is the specific hours you are likely to work in addition to focusing on the hours your husband or wife works. If you and your spouse do not have children, you should attempt to find a position in which the scheduled hours match that of your spouse.
If you are married with children who attend school during daytime hours and your spouse works all day while your kids get ready for school and spend the day there, it would be a smart idea to look for a position that at least slightly overlaps the schedule of your spouse in order for you to be able to see your children off to school or drive them there and pick them up if they are unable to ride a school bus. It would be helpful if you and your wife or husband can make an arrangement with your bosses that allows one of you to take the kids to school and the other to pick them up.
Be careful about taking a job that has more than one shift if you have a family. If a company you are considering working for makes working various days and shifts mandatory, make an attempt to work out a schedule with your company that enables you to usually not work an entire shift that makes you miss being with your spouse and children. You also need to make sure your spouse will not unfairly be saddled with all of the time taking care of the kids before you take a job that requires all employees to work odd hours or various shifts.
Factor in how a particular organization values employees' family time before accepting a job. You should concentrate on finding a position at a company that is family-friendly and will enable you to attend special events your children participate in. You should also consider working where you will be offered flex time. This process focuses on letting employees earn extra days off work.
Make sure you get adequate time off. Whenever you feel you are overworked and have not been at home enough for your family, take a day off, if you can.
If you and your wife or husband have kids that are very young, it is helpful if one of you can be home most of the time. If one of you has an income that is very high, the other should stay at home. If neither of you makes an exceptional income, it would be a good idea for one of you to try working at home running a home business or making money off the Internet by taking surveys or writing articles. You and your spouse should both attempt to incorporate time into your schedule that involves telecommuting.
Even when you are off the clock, you have to be diligent about making time to be with your family. If you like to do things such as play tennis, you should only do that a few days a week instead of every day.
Incorporate these ideas to effectively balance your family and career time!
Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com
If you are married or have children but you are out of work currently, you should make plans that revolve around your family before you accept a new job. An important factor to consider is the specific hours you are likely to work in addition to focusing on the hours your husband or wife works. If you and your spouse do not have children, you should attempt to find a position in which the scheduled hours match that of your spouse.
If you are married with children who attend school during daytime hours and your spouse works all day while your kids get ready for school and spend the day there, it would be a smart idea to look for a position that at least slightly overlaps the schedule of your spouse in order for you to be able to see your children off to school or drive them there and pick them up if they are unable to ride a school bus. It would be helpful if you and your wife or husband can make an arrangement with your bosses that allows one of you to take the kids to school and the other to pick them up.
Be careful about taking a job that has more than one shift if you have a family. If a company you are considering working for makes working various days and shifts mandatory, make an attempt to work out a schedule with your company that enables you to usually not work an entire shift that makes you miss being with your spouse and children. You also need to make sure your spouse will not unfairly be saddled with all of the time taking care of the kids before you take a job that requires all employees to work odd hours or various shifts.
Factor in how a particular organization values employees' family time before accepting a job. You should concentrate on finding a position at a company that is family-friendly and will enable you to attend special events your children participate in. You should also consider working where you will be offered flex time. This process focuses on letting employees earn extra days off work.
Make sure you get adequate time off. Whenever you feel you are overworked and have not been at home enough for your family, take a day off, if you can.
If you and your wife or husband have kids that are very young, it is helpful if one of you can be home most of the time. If one of you has an income that is very high, the other should stay at home. If neither of you makes an exceptional income, it would be a good idea for one of you to try working at home running a home business or making money off the Internet by taking surveys or writing articles. You and your spouse should both attempt to incorporate time into your schedule that involves telecommuting.
Even when you are off the clock, you have to be diligent about making time to be with your family. If you like to do things such as play tennis, you should only do that a few days a week instead of every day.
Incorporate these ideas to effectively balance your family and career time!
Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com
Helpful Tips to Get Your Home Organized With Innovative Shelving Systems
Newer homes are usually built with more storage capacity and shelving systems than perhaps homes that were built forty years or more. If you live in one of the older homes, where the closets are no bigger than a broom closet, you can relate to this dilemma. If you live in one of the newer homes, your have an impending dilemma. Regardless of how much storage space or shelving systems you currently have in your home, the time will come when you must make a decision about expanding your storage capacity, because over time, you accumulate more things than you started out with and need to find an ideal way to store it and keep it organized.
To identify the areas in your home that would benefit from some additional storage, the best approach is to organize the home from top to bottom. Put things into rooms where you know they will be used most frequently. For instance, if you would like to store some board games, it is likely you will want to get some kind of shelving right off the living or family room, since that is where games are typically played. Once everything is sorted into the ideal location, you can begin the process of thinking about what kind of Shelving Systems will work in the space.
The best area for rubbermaid shelving would be in the garage, a mud room, a shed, or another location that is not known for fancy decor. The last thing that a home owner will want to see is an open shelving system with things like cleaners, tools, and supplies in a nice room in the home. This kind of shelving is very durable and will last even in a messy garage. It can help organize some of the mess, and get everything put into one place, off the garage floor.
Another Shelving Systems option is bathroom shelving. If there are women residing in the home, most likely those women have beauty products that need a home. There are some items in a bathroom that need to be concealed like, cleaning supplies and extra supplies of toilet paper and towels. A clever option in a bathroom is to get a space saving shelving system that fits perfectly over the toilet tank. There are also nice options for under or above the sink.
Some other options to consider would be pantry shelving, commercial shelving, and wall mounted shelving. Adding pantry shelving is a great way to further organize your pantry items. Consider pull out or roll out pantry shelving systems as well. Commercial shelving works in the home for anyone who is looking to organize areas that might require large amounts of heavy products, like tools. Industrial shelving is known for its durability, storage capacity and strength. Wall mounted shelving is a great idea for anything decorative, like a place to put pictures, light weight books, or anything that might go on display.
There is a vast array of Shelving Systems that a home owner can slect from. Before making any final decisions, be clear in your mind what your needs are, then go out and get the most appropriate storage systems to fit those needs. Your choices are endless.
The lack of storage in a home can lead to some major dilemmas. Over time if not addressed, it can lead to cluttered, disorganized rooms in your home causing it to look untidy, and making the task of keeping it clean very difficult. Visit http://www.shelvingsystemsusa.com for some helpful information and useful tips to solve this problem.
To identify the areas in your home that would benefit from some additional storage, the best approach is to organize the home from top to bottom. Put things into rooms where you know they will be used most frequently. For instance, if you would like to store some board games, it is likely you will want to get some kind of shelving right off the living or family room, since that is where games are typically played. Once everything is sorted into the ideal location, you can begin the process of thinking about what kind of Shelving Systems will work in the space.
The best area for rubbermaid shelving would be in the garage, a mud room, a shed, or another location that is not known for fancy decor. The last thing that a home owner will want to see is an open shelving system with things like cleaners, tools, and supplies in a nice room in the home. This kind of shelving is very durable and will last even in a messy garage. It can help organize some of the mess, and get everything put into one place, off the garage floor.
Another Shelving Systems option is bathroom shelving. If there are women residing in the home, most likely those women have beauty products that need a home. There are some items in a bathroom that need to be concealed like, cleaning supplies and extra supplies of toilet paper and towels. A clever option in a bathroom is to get a space saving shelving system that fits perfectly over the toilet tank. There are also nice options for under or above the sink.
Some other options to consider would be pantry shelving, commercial shelving, and wall mounted shelving. Adding pantry shelving is a great way to further organize your pantry items. Consider pull out or roll out pantry shelving systems as well. Commercial shelving works in the home for anyone who is looking to organize areas that might require large amounts of heavy products, like tools. Industrial shelving is known for its durability, storage capacity and strength. Wall mounted shelving is a great idea for anything decorative, like a place to put pictures, light weight books, or anything that might go on display.
There is a vast array of Shelving Systems that a home owner can slect from. Before making any final decisions, be clear in your mind what your needs are, then go out and get the most appropriate storage systems to fit those needs. Your choices are endless.
The lack of storage in a home can lead to some major dilemmas. Over time if not addressed, it can lead to cluttered, disorganized rooms in your home causing it to look untidy, and making the task of keeping it clean very difficult. Visit http://www.shelvingsystemsusa.com for some helpful information and useful tips to solve this problem.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Motivation: 3 Keys to Lasting Change
Jeff H.
There are times in life when trying to change can be a strain. If you are like most folks, you have tried to change something in your life. And, like most folks, may have found yourself frustrated when you were unable to change. Perhaps it was a habit, an attitude, or some part of an important relationship. Whatever the issue, try as you might, you were not able to get the changes you wanted.
Welcome to the club, it’s a big one.
Here’s the really good news - you can get the changes you want! And it doesn’t have to take years and years and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, two of the more common myths about the process of change.
Here’s a question - have you ever tried to open a ketchup bottle with a lizard? Of course not. The reason behind that rather odd question is to illustrate how frustrating and silly it is to try to do a job without the proper tools. My job in this column, and as a counselor, is simply to give you some of the tools that I have found useful in helping people get the changes they want in their lives.
Today we will look at three key tools for getting the changes you want, whether it’s at work or home.
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want
What do the following statements have in common; “I want to stop smoking”, “I want to stop yelling at my kids”, “I’ve gotta stop working so hard”, “I need to stop neglecting my marriage.” One thing they have in common is they are all statements from clients, in the first session, when I ask them what they would like to be different about their lives. Another thing these statements have in common is that they all focus on what they don’t want.
Why is that important? Well, think about it for a moment. When you first learned how to throw a ball, were you taught where to throw it to or where to not throw it? Another silly question, really. Of course you were taught to focus on where you wanted the ball to go.
In the same way, to achieve the changes you want, focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. It’s really not that difficult. In the examples above, all we need is a change in wording, which brings a change in focus.
Here’s a sample of what I mean -
“I want to stop smoking” becomes “I want to be smoke free.”
“I want to stop yelling at my kids” becomes “I want to manage my kids (and myself) better.”
“I’ve gotta stop working so hard” becomes “I want to work smarter, not harder, and enjoy life more.”
“I need to stop neglecting my marriage” becomes “I need to make my marriage a priority.”
And so on.
Focus on one change at a time
Trying to change too many things at once dooms you to frustration at best, and failure at worst. You can end up like the side show at the circus. You know the one, where the guy is spinning several plates on a stick, and has to run around to keep them all spinning at once. Eventually, you wear out, quit, and all the plates come tumbling down.
When working on changes, especially at first, focus on one area of change at a time. As you get your “psychological feet” under you in one area, move on the next, and then the next, etc.
In this way, if you worked on one change a week for a year, that’s 50 things you could change in a year, with two weeks off for vacation.
Aim for progress, not perfection.
Let’s say you want to quit smok- oops, I mean become smoke free, for instance. You make it for six days, and then smoke one cigarette. It’s important to remember that six days smoke free is progress. Go for six more and then build from there.
What you don’t want to do is focus on the slip-up, and then give up in frustration. So many times we expect perfection from ourselves when we want to change. That’s a sure set-up for failure.
Focus on the progress, even if it’s one step up and two steps back. Keep going, and eventually you can get to 100 steps up and an occasional step back.
Focus on what you want, one change at a time, aim for progress. That’s a three part prescription for successful change.
Thanks for reading, and keep the change.
Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship
There are times in life when trying to change can be a strain. If you are like most folks, you have tried to change something in your life. And, like most folks, may have found yourself frustrated when you were unable to change. Perhaps it was a habit, an attitude, or some part of an important relationship. Whatever the issue, try as you might, you were not able to get the changes you wanted.
Welcome to the club, it’s a big one.
Here’s the really good news - you can get the changes you want! And it doesn’t have to take years and years and cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, two of the more common myths about the process of change.
Here’s a question - have you ever tried to open a ketchup bottle with a lizard? Of course not. The reason behind that rather odd question is to illustrate how frustrating and silly it is to try to do a job without the proper tools. My job in this column, and as a counselor, is simply to give you some of the tools that I have found useful in helping people get the changes they want in their lives.
Today we will look at three key tools for getting the changes you want, whether it’s at work or home.
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want
What do the following statements have in common; “I want to stop smoking”, “I want to stop yelling at my kids”, “I’ve gotta stop working so hard”, “I need to stop neglecting my marriage.” One thing they have in common is they are all statements from clients, in the first session, when I ask them what they would like to be different about their lives. Another thing these statements have in common is that they all focus on what they don’t want.
Why is that important? Well, think about it for a moment. When you first learned how to throw a ball, were you taught where to throw it to or where to not throw it? Another silly question, really. Of course you were taught to focus on where you wanted the ball to go.
In the same way, to achieve the changes you want, focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. It’s really not that difficult. In the examples above, all we need is a change in wording, which brings a change in focus.
Here’s a sample of what I mean -
“I want to stop smoking” becomes “I want to be smoke free.”
“I want to stop yelling at my kids” becomes “I want to manage my kids (and myself) better.”
“I’ve gotta stop working so hard” becomes “I want to work smarter, not harder, and enjoy life more.”
“I need to stop neglecting my marriage” becomes “I need to make my marriage a priority.”
And so on.
Focus on one change at a time
Trying to change too many things at once dooms you to frustration at best, and failure at worst. You can end up like the side show at the circus. You know the one, where the guy is spinning several plates on a stick, and has to run around to keep them all spinning at once. Eventually, you wear out, quit, and all the plates come tumbling down.
When working on changes, especially at first, focus on one area of change at a time. As you get your “psychological feet” under you in one area, move on the next, and then the next, etc.
In this way, if you worked on one change a week for a year, that’s 50 things you could change in a year, with two weeks off for vacation.
Aim for progress, not perfection.
Let’s say you want to quit smok- oops, I mean become smoke free, for instance. You make it for six days, and then smoke one cigarette. It’s important to remember that six days smoke free is progress. Go for six more and then build from there.
What you don’t want to do is focus on the slip-up, and then give up in frustration. So many times we expect perfection from ourselves when we want to change. That’s a sure set-up for failure.
Focus on the progress, even if it’s one step up and two steps back. Keep going, and eventually you can get to 100 steps up and an occasional step back.
Focus on what you want, one change at a time, aim for progress. That’s a three part prescription for successful change.
Thanks for reading, and keep the change.
Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship
Monday, August 10, 2009
What You Can Learn From the Marriage of Michelle and Barack Obama:
Barack and Michelle understand the importance of putting a priority on their time together. Even with both of their busy schedules, Barack and Michelle make time for one another.
In an ABC interview, Michelle said that "Barack didn't pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he's delivered." She also said as part of the division of labor in their house, Barack did the grocery shopping. Read more about their marriage in the spotlight.
News Updates:
01/20/09: Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.
11/04/08: "Barack Obama, a first-term US senator from Illinois who campaigned on a message of hope and change, was elected the country's first African-American president tonight."
Source: Michael Kranish, Scott Helman. "Obama wins historic election." Boston.com. 11/04/08.
Election Night PDA
Born:
Barack "Barry" Hussein Obama, Jr.: August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His name Barack means "one who is blessed" in Swahili. He was raised in Hawaii and Indonesia.
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson: January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois.
How Barack and Michelle Met:
In 1989, Michelle was working at a downtown law firm and assigned the role of advisor to a summer associate from Harvard, Barack Obama. He reportedly didn't have much interest in corporate law, but did have a lot of interest in Michelle.
She said "she fell in love with him for the same reason many other people respect him; his connection with people."
Source: Journal Gazette/Times-Courier Online
After refusing to go out with Barack for a month, Michelle agreed to spend the day with him. They went to the art institute, had lunch at an outdoor cafe, walked and talked, saw the movie Do the Right Thing, and had a drink on the 99th floor of the John Hancock building.
In a CNN interview with Suzanne Malveau, Michelle said "We clicked right away ... by the end of that date it was over ... I was sold."
Obama: "I think it's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship."
Source: Mark Dagostino. "The Obamas' Secret to Love? Stevie Wonder." People.com. 2/26/09.
Wedding Date and Info:
Michelle and Barack's wedding ceremony was performed in October 1992 by Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois. The reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center.
Stevie Wonder's song, "You and I" was Michelle and Obama's wedding song.
It was “one of the happier weddings that I had been to,” says MacArthur, “because people understood that putting the two of them together was like putting hydrogen and oxygen together to create this unbelievable life force. Everybody knew it. We understood that together they were going to be so much more than they would have been individually.”
Source: Carol Felsenthal. "The Making of a First Lady." ChicagoMag.com. 2/2009.
Obama Wedding & Anniversary Album
Obamas' Greatest PDA Moments Slideshow
More Barack and Michelle Obama PDA Moments
Children:
Barack and Michelle have two daughters.
Malia Ann Obama: Born in 1998.
Natasha Obama: Born in 2001.
Residence:
While their official residence is the White House, Barack and Michelle own a historic, $1.6 million Georgian revival home on Chicago's South Side with lots of play space for their girls. The home was purchased in 2005.
While in the Senate, Barack tried to make it a priority to be home every weekend from Thursday to Sunday.
Religion:
In a letter written 5/30/08 by Barack and Michelle, the couple resigned their membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ. Barack had been a member of the Chicago church for twenty years. More Info
Trivia:
Barack and Michelle returned most every Christmas to Hawaii where his grandmother and sister still lived.
Occupations:
Barack: President of the U.S.; elected in November 2004 as U.S. Senator representing Illinois; community organizer; civil rights lawyer; in 1997 elected as Illinois State Senator representing the 13th Senate District on Chicago's South Side; senior lecturer specializing in constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. Barack has served on the boards of several civic and philanthropic organizations.
Michelle: First Lady of the U.S, former Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. In May 2007, she announced she would quit her job: "It's a bit disconcerting," she said. "But it's not like I'll be bored."
Source: MSNBC.com
In an ABC interview, Michelle said that "Barack didn't pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he's delivered." She also said as part of the division of labor in their house, Barack did the grocery shopping. Read more about their marriage in the spotlight.
News Updates:
01/20/09: Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.
11/04/08: "Barack Obama, a first-term US senator from Illinois who campaigned on a message of hope and change, was elected the country's first African-American president tonight."
Source: Michael Kranish, Scott Helman. "Obama wins historic election." Boston.com. 11/04/08.
Election Night PDA
Born:
Barack "Barry" Hussein Obama, Jr.: August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His name Barack means "one who is blessed" in Swahili. He was raised in Hawaii and Indonesia.
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson: January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois.
How Barack and Michelle Met:
In 1989, Michelle was working at a downtown law firm and assigned the role of advisor to a summer associate from Harvard, Barack Obama. He reportedly didn't have much interest in corporate law, but did have a lot of interest in Michelle.
She said "she fell in love with him for the same reason many other people respect him; his connection with people."
Source: Journal Gazette/Times-Courier Online
After refusing to go out with Barack for a month, Michelle agreed to spend the day with him. They went to the art institute, had lunch at an outdoor cafe, walked and talked, saw the movie Do the Right Thing, and had a drink on the 99th floor of the John Hancock building.
In a CNN interview with Suzanne Malveau, Michelle said "We clicked right away ... by the end of that date it was over ... I was sold."
Obama: "I think it's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship."
Source: Mark Dagostino. "The Obamas' Secret to Love? Stevie Wonder." People.com. 2/26/09.
Wedding Date and Info:
Michelle and Barack's wedding ceremony was performed in October 1992 by Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois. The reception was held at the South Shore Cultural Center.
Stevie Wonder's song, "You and I" was Michelle and Obama's wedding song.
It was “one of the happier weddings that I had been to,” says MacArthur, “because people understood that putting the two of them together was like putting hydrogen and oxygen together to create this unbelievable life force. Everybody knew it. We understood that together they were going to be so much more than they would have been individually.”
Source: Carol Felsenthal. "The Making of a First Lady." ChicagoMag.com. 2/2009.
Obama Wedding & Anniversary Album
Obamas' Greatest PDA Moments Slideshow
More Barack and Michelle Obama PDA Moments
Children:
Barack and Michelle have two daughters.
Malia Ann Obama: Born in 1998.
Natasha Obama: Born in 2001.
Residence:
While their official residence is the White House, Barack and Michelle own a historic, $1.6 million Georgian revival home on Chicago's South Side with lots of play space for their girls. The home was purchased in 2005.
While in the Senate, Barack tried to make it a priority to be home every weekend from Thursday to Sunday.
Religion:
In a letter written 5/30/08 by Barack and Michelle, the couple resigned their membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ. Barack had been a member of the Chicago church for twenty years. More Info
Trivia:
Barack and Michelle returned most every Christmas to Hawaii where his grandmother and sister still lived.
Occupations:
Barack: President of the U.S.; elected in November 2004 as U.S. Senator representing Illinois; community organizer; civil rights lawyer; in 1997 elected as Illinois State Senator representing the 13th Senate District on Chicago's South Side; senior lecturer specializing in constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. Barack has served on the boards of several civic and philanthropic organizations.
Michelle: First Lady of the U.S, former Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. In May 2007, she announced she would quit her job: "It's a bit disconcerting," she said. "But it's not like I'll be bored."
Source: MSNBC.com
Saturday, August 8, 2009
How to Stay Happy in Marriage For Life
To stay happy in marriage may seem like a difficult task when we constantly hear of high divorce rates, domestic violence and couples in long term relationships where all passion has bled from the marriage making it dull and grey and ... unhappy. This does not need to be the case for you however if you learn how to adjust your actions to build a strong foundation that weathers any storm and that you can build a place for the two of you and your family that is full of love, happiness and contentment.
You cannot do this by expecting the world to do you a favor or by expecting your partner to be doing all the work or even sharing the load. While it can be frustrating to have an unsupportive partner when trying to build a happy marriage if you give in to the frustration it becomes a self fulfilling prophesy and you WILL become miserable and that misery will infect your spouse as well. Instead change for your marriage must come from change within yourself!
If you apply some simple marriage tips to the way you behave and speak with your husband or wife and you choose to be happy this breeds happiness which is also infectious! It is a well known psychological fact that if you make someone feel good and be happy they will feel indebted to you and will reciprocate those actions to give you back a measure of happiness two. This can become a perpetual happiness machine that even when hit by conflict and hardship will survive through those problems because of the connectedness and support you have built.
So if you are ready to take a shift in attitude and learn the skills to stay happy in marriage then click below to learn how to either tweak a good marriage into a great one or to turn a floundering one around and set it back on course for marital bliss. It is never too late to start this but the longer you leave it the harder it is to change
You cannot do this by expecting the world to do you a favor or by expecting your partner to be doing all the work or even sharing the load. While it can be frustrating to have an unsupportive partner when trying to build a happy marriage if you give in to the frustration it becomes a self fulfilling prophesy and you WILL become miserable and that misery will infect your spouse as well. Instead change for your marriage must come from change within yourself!
If you apply some simple marriage tips to the way you behave and speak with your husband or wife and you choose to be happy this breeds happiness which is also infectious! It is a well known psychological fact that if you make someone feel good and be happy they will feel indebted to you and will reciprocate those actions to give you back a measure of happiness two. This can become a perpetual happiness machine that even when hit by conflict and hardship will survive through those problems because of the connectedness and support you have built.
So if you are ready to take a shift in attitude and learn the skills to stay happy in marriage then click below to learn how to either tweak a good marriage into a great one or to turn a floundering one around and set it back on course for marital bliss. It is never too late to start this but the longer you leave it the harder it is to change
How Do I Save My Marriage Right Now? Follow These 3 Easy Steps
No one said that marriage was going to be easy, and it isn't. However, we somehow seem to think that it will be for us when we first get married. We can beat those odds of 1 out of every 2 marriages ending in divorce because we are in love, and we will live, "happily ever after." Then we get married.
After being married for awhile we realize that we really don't know what we're doing. The only models of marriage we had were our parents and those of our friends. Some of those marriages may have been happy, some were not, so we're left with having to figure out what works and what doesn't. If you're reading this to begin to answer the question, "How do I save my marriage," then you know that most of the time we end up figuring out what DOESN'T work but still have no idea of what does work.
So, I have 3 ways that WILL work to help you transform your marriage and will help you get your marriage back to that "happily ever after" situation you wanted in the first place.
1.) The first is to realize that arguments are based on hurt and resentment.
You need to realize that most of your arguments are coming from hurt and misunderstandings and those areas of hurt are what really need to be addressed to make some major changes in your marriage.
So, for example, if you're arguing about your love life being in a slump. One person says, "We never make love anymore." Making love is not really the main issue. The main issue is that one spouse is hurt because they don't feel attractive or loved anymore. So if you focus on making your partner feel more attractive and loved, you will probably find that this argument goes away pretty quickly.
First of all the word "never" is never true. So to say, "We NEVER make love anymore," probably isn't true. They are really saying, "We don't make love as much as we used to, and that's making me feel unattractive or unloved."
If you can focus on making your partner feel more loved in other ways this argument will most likely go away. Remember, the real issue is that your partner is hurt because they feel like you don't love them or they don't turn you on anymore.
If you understand that the disagreements in your marriage are coming from hurt and resentment, then you can focus on healing those hurts and fixing the real problems that plague your marriage.
2.)The second key in answering the question, "How do I save my marriage," is to not be who you think your spouse wants you to be.
What? I can transform my marriage by not being the person my spouse wants me to be? No, what I'm saying is to not try to be the person you THINK your spouse wants you to be. So many times when a marriage is in trouble, one spouse tries to save it by doing all the things they think their spouse wants them to do Then sadly, they are shocked when they've made all these changes, and their spouse still hands them divorce papers.
Now I'm not saying to not make some changes to who you are, but you need to make them for the right reason. You need to become more loving, caring, understanding, etc., because you want to be a better person, not to try to save your marriage. If your partner has complained to you over the years that you are thoughtless and insensitive because you do such and such, you should try to change those things about yourself in order to make yourself the best person you can be.
If you only try to change because you hope it will save your marriage, your spouse will feel that and resent it because they will feel like they are being played. You need to make some changes that YOU don't like about yourself to become a better person, with no other ulterior motive. Surprisingly, this is going to make you very attractive to your spouse. The transformation this can make is incredible.
3.)The third key in saving your marriage is to love your partner in a way that "feels" like love to them.
This is critical to answering the question, "How do I save my marriage?" Gary Chapman wrote a fantastic book in this area called, The Five Love Languages. In it he talks about how there are 5 different ways that people express and receive love.
1. Affirming Words- this is basically saying sweet and loving things to your partner.
2. Quality Time- this is loving your partner by spending time together.
3. Gifts- this one's kind of obvious, it's loving someone by giving or receiving gifts.
4. Acts Of Service- this is loving someone by doing nice things for them, like laundry, cooking meals, cleaning the house, etc.
5. Touch- simply hugging, kissing, holding each other, making love, etc.
Without going into depth on what's covered in this book, the main point made in this book is that oftentimes, we are married to someone who speaks a different "love language" than we do. So, if you mainly see that loving your spouse is done by giving them gifts(Gift Giving), they may see love expressed by spending time together(Quality Time).
So you bring home flowers and candy as a way of saying, "I love you," but it doesn't really seem to change anything in your relationship. That's because you are actually speaking different languages when it comes to love. If you try to learn which of the five love languages your spouse "speaks," start learning to "speak" that love language. Transformation is almost inevitable.
You CAN have a "happily ever after" type of marriage but you have to know how to do it. Let me ask you:
Are you tired of the way your spouse is treating you? Do you feel like you're not being respected, heard or loved by your partner?
Does it seem like you're fighting all the time about things like money and sex? You can't seem to resolve anything and the arguments just linger....?
Has your partner cheated on you? Are you surviving the pain of an affair?
Has your partner already walked out the door?
There is a powerful and proven method that can get your marriage back on track, even if you and your spouse can't communicate about anything! Even if you are the only one who wants to work on it.
Click Here to see the methods that have transformed thousands of marriages now!
Get your spouse to change their attitude... now! This method alone has helped turn around dozens of marriages.
Learn a powerful 4 step formula to stop cheating dead in its tracks.
Fall in love with your partner again, and get them to fall in love with you.
Learn the methods that give you REAL answers and REAL results ... guaranteed.
Click Here and transform your marriage today--- and keep it that way for the rest of your life
After being married for awhile we realize that we really don't know what we're doing. The only models of marriage we had were our parents and those of our friends. Some of those marriages may have been happy, some were not, so we're left with having to figure out what works and what doesn't. If you're reading this to begin to answer the question, "How do I save my marriage," then you know that most of the time we end up figuring out what DOESN'T work but still have no idea of what does work.
So, I have 3 ways that WILL work to help you transform your marriage and will help you get your marriage back to that "happily ever after" situation you wanted in the first place.
1.) The first is to realize that arguments are based on hurt and resentment.
You need to realize that most of your arguments are coming from hurt and misunderstandings and those areas of hurt are what really need to be addressed to make some major changes in your marriage.
So, for example, if you're arguing about your love life being in a slump. One person says, "We never make love anymore." Making love is not really the main issue. The main issue is that one spouse is hurt because they don't feel attractive or loved anymore. So if you focus on making your partner feel more attractive and loved, you will probably find that this argument goes away pretty quickly.
First of all the word "never" is never true. So to say, "We NEVER make love anymore," probably isn't true. They are really saying, "We don't make love as much as we used to, and that's making me feel unattractive or unloved."
If you can focus on making your partner feel more loved in other ways this argument will most likely go away. Remember, the real issue is that your partner is hurt because they feel like you don't love them or they don't turn you on anymore.
If you understand that the disagreements in your marriage are coming from hurt and resentment, then you can focus on healing those hurts and fixing the real problems that plague your marriage.
2.)The second key in answering the question, "How do I save my marriage," is to not be who you think your spouse wants you to be.
What? I can transform my marriage by not being the person my spouse wants me to be? No, what I'm saying is to not try to be the person you THINK your spouse wants you to be. So many times when a marriage is in trouble, one spouse tries to save it by doing all the things they think their spouse wants them to do Then sadly, they are shocked when they've made all these changes, and their spouse still hands them divorce papers.
Now I'm not saying to not make some changes to who you are, but you need to make them for the right reason. You need to become more loving, caring, understanding, etc., because you want to be a better person, not to try to save your marriage. If your partner has complained to you over the years that you are thoughtless and insensitive because you do such and such, you should try to change those things about yourself in order to make yourself the best person you can be.
If you only try to change because you hope it will save your marriage, your spouse will feel that and resent it because they will feel like they are being played. You need to make some changes that YOU don't like about yourself to become a better person, with no other ulterior motive. Surprisingly, this is going to make you very attractive to your spouse. The transformation this can make is incredible.
3.)The third key in saving your marriage is to love your partner in a way that "feels" like love to them.
This is critical to answering the question, "How do I save my marriage?" Gary Chapman wrote a fantastic book in this area called, The Five Love Languages. In it he talks about how there are 5 different ways that people express and receive love.
1. Affirming Words- this is basically saying sweet and loving things to your partner.
2. Quality Time- this is loving your partner by spending time together.
3. Gifts- this one's kind of obvious, it's loving someone by giving or receiving gifts.
4. Acts Of Service- this is loving someone by doing nice things for them, like laundry, cooking meals, cleaning the house, etc.
5. Touch- simply hugging, kissing, holding each other, making love, etc.
Without going into depth on what's covered in this book, the main point made in this book is that oftentimes, we are married to someone who speaks a different "love language" than we do. So, if you mainly see that loving your spouse is done by giving them gifts(Gift Giving), they may see love expressed by spending time together(Quality Time).
So you bring home flowers and candy as a way of saying, "I love you," but it doesn't really seem to change anything in your relationship. That's because you are actually speaking different languages when it comes to love. If you try to learn which of the five love languages your spouse "speaks," start learning to "speak" that love language. Transformation is almost inevitable.
You CAN have a "happily ever after" type of marriage but you have to know how to do it. Let me ask you:
Are you tired of the way your spouse is treating you? Do you feel like you're not being respected, heard or loved by your partner?
Does it seem like you're fighting all the time about things like money and sex? You can't seem to resolve anything and the arguments just linger....?
Has your partner cheated on you? Are you surviving the pain of an affair?
Has your partner already walked out the door?
There is a powerful and proven method that can get your marriage back on track, even if you and your spouse can't communicate about anything! Even if you are the only one who wants to work on it.
Click Here to see the methods that have transformed thousands of marriages now!
Get your spouse to change their attitude... now! This method alone has helped turn around dozens of marriages.
Learn a powerful 4 step formula to stop cheating dead in its tracks.
Fall in love with your partner again, and get them to fall in love with you.
Learn the methods that give you REAL answers and REAL results ... guaranteed.
Click Here and transform your marriage today--- and keep it that way for the rest of your life
10 Do's and Don'ts Of A Wonderful Marriage
With the divorce rate as high as it is, you must do everything possible to strengthen and protect your marriage. You can't always have your way or give in to your feelings. You have to discipline yourself to do the right thing. You must do what is in the best interest of your marriage. Here are some fundamental guidelines that can make a huge difference.
1. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. I like to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth. Use them in this ratio. Listening is truly an art form and it takes practice and commitment. If you don't listen to each other, someone else will.
2. Don't always try to be right. You cannot be right and be married. It is always better to do the right thing than to be right. Trying to always be right will doom the future of your bond. The powerful chemistry that you once felt will be diluted.
3. Never threaten to leave or divorce. Things change between you once you speak these words and it's hard to correct. Even if you're angry, don't threaten divorce.
4. Be quick to say, "I’m sorry". It amazes me how rapidly a couple is strengthened in love by sincerely saying they are sorry.
5. Don't expect your spouse to believe all the same principles you do. Respect their differences and them. Love them unconditionally.
6. Build your spouse up. Freely give encouragement and praise. Remember, it is better to give than to receive. Most people are starving for kind and uplifting words. Don't let the person you love fall into this category.
7. Always side with your spouse in disputes outside of the marriage, even when they are wrong. Respect the bond of your marriage. Give your spouse the message that "You can always count on me. I'm here for you."
8. Learn to appreciate the things your spouse does and verbalize these often. Don't take your spouse for granted. Thank them for the things they do for the marriage. Cooking, cleaning and bringing home a paycheck are worthy of frequent appreciation.
9. Try to never go to bed angry with your spouse. At the very least, learn to allow a truce between you until you can figure things out. Your marriage is more important than the conflict.
10. Start and end each day by telling your spouse that you love them. Let your eyes and your embrace convey the same message.
Mark Webb is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and founder of Partner Focused Relationships™. Sign up for Mark Webb’s “Relationship Strategies” Ezine ($100 Value). Just visit his website at http://www.powerfulrelationshipadvice.com or http://www.therelationshipspecialist.com
1. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. I like to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth. Use them in this ratio. Listening is truly an art form and it takes practice and commitment. If you don't listen to each other, someone else will.
2. Don't always try to be right. You cannot be right and be married. It is always better to do the right thing than to be right. Trying to always be right will doom the future of your bond. The powerful chemistry that you once felt will be diluted.
3. Never threaten to leave or divorce. Things change between you once you speak these words and it's hard to correct. Even if you're angry, don't threaten divorce.
4. Be quick to say, "I’m sorry". It amazes me how rapidly a couple is strengthened in love by sincerely saying they are sorry.
5. Don't expect your spouse to believe all the same principles you do. Respect their differences and them. Love them unconditionally.
6. Build your spouse up. Freely give encouragement and praise. Remember, it is better to give than to receive. Most people are starving for kind and uplifting words. Don't let the person you love fall into this category.
7. Always side with your spouse in disputes outside of the marriage, even when they are wrong. Respect the bond of your marriage. Give your spouse the message that "You can always count on me. I'm here for you."
8. Learn to appreciate the things your spouse does and verbalize these often. Don't take your spouse for granted. Thank them for the things they do for the marriage. Cooking, cleaning and bringing home a paycheck are worthy of frequent appreciation.
9. Try to never go to bed angry with your spouse. At the very least, learn to allow a truce between you until you can figure things out. Your marriage is more important than the conflict.
10. Start and end each day by telling your spouse that you love them. Let your eyes and your embrace convey the same message.
Mark Webb is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and founder of Partner Focused Relationships™. Sign up for Mark Webb’s “Relationship Strategies” Ezine ($100 Value). Just visit his website at http://www.powerfulrelationshipadvice.com or http://www.therelationshipspecialist.com
Saturday, August 1, 2009
How to Save Your Marriage - 2 Secret Techniques That Will Help Save Your Marriage Today!
When you want to save your marriage, you have to figure out why it is in trouble. Many different things cause marital problems. The good news, though, is that most of these can be fixed.
The reasons for marriages in trouble vary greatly. Lies, cheating, boredom, children, jobs or job losses are just a few. If your spouse had an affair, you should really seek professional help. This isn't a secret, but when you're dealing with deep trust issues, a professional will know best how to help you.
If you opt for marriage counseling, the counselor will be able to find out the reason the cheating took place, and will also be able to tell you ways to heal from such a broken trust issue.
The secret techniques aren't exactly a secret, but most people never try them. They do the opposite of what they're supposed to do, and wonder why the techniques don't work.
The first technique, when you want to save your marriage, is to leave your spouse alone. Give him or her some room. If you have to, stay with a family member or close friend for a day or two. Make sure your spouse knows that you're not leaving for good, but you think the time away will be best for the both of you.
If, on the other hand, the problem in your marriage is that you don't spend enough time with each other, then you should do the opposite. Plan a weekend getaway, or simply stay home, but devote time for both of you to talk, or do something you both enjoy doing.
These two 'secret' techniques work wonders for marriages in trouble!
This may be your last chance to save your marriage! It's not too late! Stop your divorce now! For a FREE ecourse that will help you learn how to save your marriage, visit http://www.stopyourdivorce.info now!
The reasons for marriages in trouble vary greatly. Lies, cheating, boredom, children, jobs or job losses are just a few. If your spouse had an affair, you should really seek professional help. This isn't a secret, but when you're dealing with deep trust issues, a professional will know best how to help you.
If you opt for marriage counseling, the counselor will be able to find out the reason the cheating took place, and will also be able to tell you ways to heal from such a broken trust issue.
The secret techniques aren't exactly a secret, but most people never try them. They do the opposite of what they're supposed to do, and wonder why the techniques don't work.
The first technique, when you want to save your marriage, is to leave your spouse alone. Give him or her some room. If you have to, stay with a family member or close friend for a day or two. Make sure your spouse knows that you're not leaving for good, but you think the time away will be best for the both of you.
If, on the other hand, the problem in your marriage is that you don't spend enough time with each other, then you should do the opposite. Plan a weekend getaway, or simply stay home, but devote time for both of you to talk, or do something you both enjoy doing.
These two 'secret' techniques work wonders for marriages in trouble!
This may be your last chance to save your marriage! It's not too late! Stop your divorce now! For a FREE ecourse that will help you learn how to save your marriage, visit http://www.stopyourdivorce.info now!
7 Secrets of Happy Couples
Why do some couples stay happy together for a lifetime, while others are in conflict almost from the beginning?
Part of the answer is compatibility - making the initial choice of a partner with whom you share common values. Equally much, however, depends upon the choices each partner chooses to make during the relationship. Here are seven choices made by happy couples:
1. Trust: Suspicion and jealousy are the death knell of any relationship. If the other is going to cheat or otherwise dishonor the relationship, suspicion and jealousy will not prevent it, and such a relationship is fatally flawed in any case. Unwarranted suspicion and jealousy create misery in a surprising number of relationships. If you want to live happily, trust your partner completely. If they dishonor your trust, deal with the situation then. In the meanwhile, your will have been happy.
2. Open Communication: Tell the truth, tell the whole truth. If you didn't want to share your whole life with your partner, why are you together? If you make a mistake, admit it. If you have doubts, talk about them. Secrets and lies kill a relationship. With truth and openness anything is possible. Even if something is unforgivable, it is better to deal with it quickly.
3. Honoring the other's point-of-view: People disagree, couples disagree. Understanding that the two partners in a couple remain individuals is crucial to a happy relationship. Why would you expect that you and your partner should agree on everything? Honor that one of you is a Republican and the other a Democrat. Honor that one of you is a vegetarian and the other loves a great steak.
4. Self-Confidence: Co-dependence is another frequent cause of failed relationships. Happy couples know that they don't need each other. Each partner is a completely whole and valid individual who has entered into a voluntary partnership. Neither "owns" the other, nor "can't live without" the other. Each has their own interests and friends, as well as having mutual interests and friends.
5. Generosity: Greed and selfishness kill relationships. True love is generous in spirit. Mostly, generosity is not about material things, although that is also important. To have a happy relationship, be generous of your time, your love, and your attention.
6. Forgiveness: Resentments and thoughts of revenge and vengeance have no place in a happy relationship. Happy couples forgive each other completely for everything the other has ever done or failed to do - no exceptions.
7. Gratitude: Happy couples are continuously grateful for each other. Every day there are a myriad of reasons to be grateful for your partner. Find those reasons each day, and thank your partner every day.
Sign-Up for Jonathan's Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote email, and read his article: 7 Secrets for a Happy Life.
Jonathan Lockwood Huie is an author of self-awareness books. He has been dubbed "The Philosopher of Happiness" by those closest to him, in recognition of his on-going commitment to seeing Joy in all of life.
** Today is your day to dance lightly with life. It really is. - jonathan lockwood huie**
Part of the answer is compatibility - making the initial choice of a partner with whom you share common values. Equally much, however, depends upon the choices each partner chooses to make during the relationship. Here are seven choices made by happy couples:
1. Trust: Suspicion and jealousy are the death knell of any relationship. If the other is going to cheat or otherwise dishonor the relationship, suspicion and jealousy will not prevent it, and such a relationship is fatally flawed in any case. Unwarranted suspicion and jealousy create misery in a surprising number of relationships. If you want to live happily, trust your partner completely. If they dishonor your trust, deal with the situation then. In the meanwhile, your will have been happy.
2. Open Communication: Tell the truth, tell the whole truth. If you didn't want to share your whole life with your partner, why are you together? If you make a mistake, admit it. If you have doubts, talk about them. Secrets and lies kill a relationship. With truth and openness anything is possible. Even if something is unforgivable, it is better to deal with it quickly.
3. Honoring the other's point-of-view: People disagree, couples disagree. Understanding that the two partners in a couple remain individuals is crucial to a happy relationship. Why would you expect that you and your partner should agree on everything? Honor that one of you is a Republican and the other a Democrat. Honor that one of you is a vegetarian and the other loves a great steak.
4. Self-Confidence: Co-dependence is another frequent cause of failed relationships. Happy couples know that they don't need each other. Each partner is a completely whole and valid individual who has entered into a voluntary partnership. Neither "owns" the other, nor "can't live without" the other. Each has their own interests and friends, as well as having mutual interests and friends.
5. Generosity: Greed and selfishness kill relationships. True love is generous in spirit. Mostly, generosity is not about material things, although that is also important. To have a happy relationship, be generous of your time, your love, and your attention.
6. Forgiveness: Resentments and thoughts of revenge and vengeance have no place in a happy relationship. Happy couples forgive each other completely for everything the other has ever done or failed to do - no exceptions.
7. Gratitude: Happy couples are continuously grateful for each other. Every day there are a myriad of reasons to be grateful for your partner. Find those reasons each day, and thank your partner every day.
Sign-Up for Jonathan's Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote email, and read his article: 7 Secrets for a Happy Life.
Jonathan Lockwood Huie is an author of self-awareness books. He has been dubbed "The Philosopher of Happiness" by those closest to him, in recognition of his on-going commitment to seeing Joy in all of life.
** Today is your day to dance lightly with life. It really is. - jonathan lockwood huie**
High Ticket Marketing - Latest 4 Top Secrets to Make Money With High Ticket Marketing
Here's how you can easily generate sales for your high ticket products:
1. Earn the trust of your prospective buyers. It is unlikely that online users will buy from you and spend thousands of dollars on your creations unless they trust you 100%. Convince these people that you are an expert on your chosen niche and that you care to offer nothing but the best. Post testimonials of your most satisfied clients and recommendations of other experts or industry leaders. These can help you overcome the skepticism of your prospects.
2. Use article marketing. This is by far the most effective free internet marketing tool today. If you do the entire process correctly, you can enjoy higher page ranking, more traffic, and an expert label. Write articles about topics that are closely related to your high ticket products and services. Then, distribute your articles online. People who find your articles informative and useful will most likely to click on your resource box.
3. Video marketing. As they say, we are now in the YouTube age. Video sites are certainly taking the internet by storm. Take advantage of them to generate free publicity for your offerings. Create a high quality video where you can communicate the benefits and competitive advantage of your high ticket products to easily promote awareness in the World Wide Web.
4. Forums and blogs. Connect with a group of people who might be interested on what you offer by communicating with them through relevant blogs and forums. In here, you can maintain an ongoing communication with them and later on, pitch your high ticket products once you have earned their trust.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed a brand new free guide. Download it free here: Internet Marketing
Do you want to learn how to use articles like this to drive targeted traffic to your site? Click here: Article Writing Guide
1. Earn the trust of your prospective buyers. It is unlikely that online users will buy from you and spend thousands of dollars on your creations unless they trust you 100%. Convince these people that you are an expert on your chosen niche and that you care to offer nothing but the best. Post testimonials of your most satisfied clients and recommendations of other experts or industry leaders. These can help you overcome the skepticism of your prospects.
2. Use article marketing. This is by far the most effective free internet marketing tool today. If you do the entire process correctly, you can enjoy higher page ranking, more traffic, and an expert label. Write articles about topics that are closely related to your high ticket products and services. Then, distribute your articles online. People who find your articles informative and useful will most likely to click on your resource box.
3. Video marketing. As they say, we are now in the YouTube age. Video sites are certainly taking the internet by storm. Take advantage of them to generate free publicity for your offerings. Create a high quality video where you can communicate the benefits and competitive advantage of your high ticket products to easily promote awareness in the World Wide Web.
4. Forums and blogs. Connect with a group of people who might be interested on what you offer by communicating with them through relevant blogs and forums. In here, you can maintain an ongoing communication with them and later on, pitch your high ticket products once you have earned their trust.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed a brand new free guide. Download it free here: Internet Marketing
Do you want to learn how to use articles like this to drive targeted traffic to your site? Click here: Article Writing Guide
10 Top Secrets to a Long and Happy Marriage From Happily Married Couples
When you look at the statistics of divorce in the United States they really are alarming, almost half of all marriages fail in divorce. This raises a few questions such as "What is the secret to a long and happy marriage?" All marriages will have their ups and downs, but something is wrong when almost half are failing. In a recent survey of happily married couple here is the 10 most common things they said why they are successful.
Always make time for the two of you.
Remember that marriage is sometimes a bed of roses and sometimes there are thorns.
Never go to bed angry.
Remember that people do fight. It's how you do it that matters. So fight naked
Before starting an argument, consider if it's really worth it.
Marry someone that you enjoy listening and talking to.
For each time you vent about your husband/wife to your friends, tell three positive stories.
Remember that "love is like childhood. You need to learn to share."
Marriage is not 50/50, its two people giving 100/100 all of the time.
Never pass up an opportunity to say "I love you".
If you take a close look at all of these guidelines they are nothing new and won't cost you any money, however if you practise them and some of them will require a lot of practise for some of you, there is no reason why you can't have a long and happy marriage like many others in the United States and around the world. And as a bonus here is a extra guild line for 11. Be quick to say "I'm sorry".
Going through my break up was the worse experience I have ever had to go through. I have created a blog explaining exactly what I did to get her back. Many others have used it also with great success you can read about their stories as well http://www.SaveMarriageGuide.com
Always make time for the two of you.
Remember that marriage is sometimes a bed of roses and sometimes there are thorns.
Never go to bed angry.
Remember that people do fight. It's how you do it that matters. So fight naked
Before starting an argument, consider if it's really worth it.
Marry someone that you enjoy listening and talking to.
For each time you vent about your husband/wife to your friends, tell three positive stories.
Remember that "love is like childhood. You need to learn to share."
Marriage is not 50/50, its two people giving 100/100 all of the time.
Never pass up an opportunity to say "I love you".
If you take a close look at all of these guidelines they are nothing new and won't cost you any money, however if you practise them and some of them will require a lot of practise for some of you, there is no reason why you can't have a long and happy marriage like many others in the United States and around the world. And as a bonus here is a extra guild line for 11. Be quick to say "I'm sorry".
Going through my break up was the worse experience I have ever had to go through. I have created a blog explaining exactly what I did to get her back. Many others have used it also with great success you can read about their stories as well http://www.SaveMarriageGuide.com
Stop This Divorce! - A Marriage Counseling Book Might Be What You Need to Heal Your Marriage
Countless thousands of new couples end up screaming in just a short time of marriage - stop this divorce! What they need to do is seek out some advice, and one way to do that is to buy a marriage counseling book.
They're loaded with professional advice from experts on the subject. These authors have dealt with multiple thousands of cases and are armed with tips and advice that can save your marriage.
Many married couples are turning their lives around with the use of good marital advice. Pre-marital counseling has also proven to be a huge foundational tool for making a marriage work. This counseling makes the couple aware of things that could happen, before they do, give them a 'heads up' on how to deal with these mostly unforeseen problems.
When you buy a marriage counseling book, you may be buying the exact thing that will stop this divorce in its tracks. By acting quickly, you don't allow things to fester, and grow bigger walls for you to climb over.
Never let yourself get so full of pride that you can't accept help. Stubborn and unforgiving people rarely survive marital problems. You have to stay open, and put your marriage and your spouse first. No other way will do.
In order to stop this divorce, the price of a marriage counseling book is a cheap way to learn to cope. Take advantage of the times, get that book, read it, digest it, and then apply it. You'll be glad you did.
Grab your free online Marriage Counseling Book which has Successful Marriage Tips on how to save a broken marriage!
You will be able to learn how to fix a marriage without having to go through more arguments, slamming doors and days of tense atmosphere. By learning the techniques on How To Stop a Divorce and following a proven plan that has helped others you stand a much better chance at saving your marriage before it's too late...
They're loaded with professional advice from experts on the subject. These authors have dealt with multiple thousands of cases and are armed with tips and advice that can save your marriage.
Many married couples are turning their lives around with the use of good marital advice. Pre-marital counseling has also proven to be a huge foundational tool for making a marriage work. This counseling makes the couple aware of things that could happen, before they do, give them a 'heads up' on how to deal with these mostly unforeseen problems.
When you buy a marriage counseling book, you may be buying the exact thing that will stop this divorce in its tracks. By acting quickly, you don't allow things to fester, and grow bigger walls for you to climb over.
Never let yourself get so full of pride that you can't accept help. Stubborn and unforgiving people rarely survive marital problems. You have to stay open, and put your marriage and your spouse first. No other way will do.
In order to stop this divorce, the price of a marriage counseling book is a cheap way to learn to cope. Take advantage of the times, get that book, read it, digest it, and then apply it. You'll be glad you did.
Grab your free online Marriage Counseling Book which has Successful Marriage Tips on how to save a broken marriage!
You will be able to learn how to fix a marriage without having to go through more arguments, slamming doors and days of tense atmosphere. By learning the techniques on How To Stop a Divorce and following a proven plan that has helped others you stand a much better chance at saving your marriage before it's too late...
Marriage Counseling - 7 Tips That Will Guarantee a Successful Marriage in 2009
Every year we tell ourselves we are going to work on our marriage. We want to see improvements and we want them to be lasting.
As the New Year feeling wears off we find ourselves doing the same things, treating each other the same way, and experiencing the same troubles.
Well, we have come up with seven tips that can help you have a successful 2009. The only catch to it working for you is ensuring that every three months you make a commitment to go them over to ensure that you are remaining on the right path.
Be Willing to Start Over
A new year is filled with new opportunities. Your marriage is one year older, you are one year older and you should be one year wiser. Some couples just need to decide to put the past behind them and get a new beginning.
I do not know which couple has never experienced difficult times in their marriage. However, the difference with those marriages that succeed and those that fail is a decision to turn the page; to erase all the hurts and mistakes. Doing this will not be easy, but it is essential if you want to have a great year.
Become Goal Oriented
Set yourself specific goals for this year. But before doing so take some time and discuss the future with your spouse. You do not want to know that both of you want to achieve opposing things that will cause discord in the future.
Be Willing To Grow
Every year we should be growing in our maturity, love for each other and wisdom. You cannot carry the same bad habits you had in 2008, especially if they contributed to a troubled marriage. You may need to stop: drinking, nagging, bickering, fighting, cursing, lying, stealing, cheating, getting upset so easily, being unreliable and uncommunicative.
You may need to make your own list of areas you need to grow in or things you need to stop doing. Every thing is a decision away. What will be your decision?
Become a Good Listener
Has your spouse ever complained that you do not listen to them? Well, chances are it could be true. Decide to become a better listener in 2009.
If you have been struggling with this for quite a while, then maybe you need to get some books or audios that can help you. I think most people do not change because they accept certain things as a part of their character, not knowing that they determine their character.
Be Willing to Enjoy Life
Ecclesiastes chapter six and verse seven tells us that, "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied".
I totally agree with this passage because no matter how hard we work to provide for our families, we will never be fully satisfied. We may tell ourselves that things will be better when we are debt free, own our own home or buy a new car. But sooner or later when we will become accustomed to what we have, we will be longing for more.
My recommendation to you is enjoy what you already have. Have fun with your family. Decide to take that family vacation you have been putting off, decide to go on that cruise with your spouse for your next anniversary, spend more time at home with your family and cut back on the time you spend at work. I know that times are difficult, but if you are determined to make it happen, it will happen.
Become More Spiritual
You may not be a spiritual individual and you have noticed that your values have been sliding. That you compromise on issues that you once held dear. Decide that this year you will become a more spiritual being.
Choose to take the right path over the path that has been leading you to no where. Spend time imparting good moral values to your children. Stop being one of those parents who say, "Do what I say but do not do what I do".
Be the Best Spouse that You can be
It is time that you stop settling for less. We all have it in us to be a better spouse.
For 2009, be unwavering and committed that no matter what happens your marriage will be the best it has been in years, because you were willing to be a better wife or a better husband.
Finally, I want you to take your spouse along with you for this exciting journey. If both of you are dedicated to the plan, then the plan will stand a better chance of succeeding.
About The Authors:
Mark and Lesia Gregory are Marriage Counselors & Wedding Planners with over 10 years of experience. They are the authors of: "The Marriage Thermometer - Let's get your marriage steaming hot; "Improve Your Sex Life; "Keep Him Satisfied......At Home and "The Wife Toolkit - 12 heavy duty tools to keep your wife happy.
Let them help you improve your marriage starting this week: http://marriagethermometer.com/
Do you want to have a passionate and steaming hot marriage? Life is too short to spend it wishing things were different when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Ecourse Today!
As the New Year feeling wears off we find ourselves doing the same things, treating each other the same way, and experiencing the same troubles.
Well, we have come up with seven tips that can help you have a successful 2009. The only catch to it working for you is ensuring that every three months you make a commitment to go them over to ensure that you are remaining on the right path.
Be Willing to Start Over
A new year is filled with new opportunities. Your marriage is one year older, you are one year older and you should be one year wiser. Some couples just need to decide to put the past behind them and get a new beginning.
I do not know which couple has never experienced difficult times in their marriage. However, the difference with those marriages that succeed and those that fail is a decision to turn the page; to erase all the hurts and mistakes. Doing this will not be easy, but it is essential if you want to have a great year.
Become Goal Oriented
Set yourself specific goals for this year. But before doing so take some time and discuss the future with your spouse. You do not want to know that both of you want to achieve opposing things that will cause discord in the future.
Be Willing To Grow
Every year we should be growing in our maturity, love for each other and wisdom. You cannot carry the same bad habits you had in 2008, especially if they contributed to a troubled marriage. You may need to stop: drinking, nagging, bickering, fighting, cursing, lying, stealing, cheating, getting upset so easily, being unreliable and uncommunicative.
You may need to make your own list of areas you need to grow in or things you need to stop doing. Every thing is a decision away. What will be your decision?
Become a Good Listener
Has your spouse ever complained that you do not listen to them? Well, chances are it could be true. Decide to become a better listener in 2009.
If you have been struggling with this for quite a while, then maybe you need to get some books or audios that can help you. I think most people do not change because they accept certain things as a part of their character, not knowing that they determine their character.
Be Willing to Enjoy Life
Ecclesiastes chapter six and verse seven tells us that, "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied".
I totally agree with this passage because no matter how hard we work to provide for our families, we will never be fully satisfied. We may tell ourselves that things will be better when we are debt free, own our own home or buy a new car. But sooner or later when we will become accustomed to what we have, we will be longing for more.
My recommendation to you is enjoy what you already have. Have fun with your family. Decide to take that family vacation you have been putting off, decide to go on that cruise with your spouse for your next anniversary, spend more time at home with your family and cut back on the time you spend at work. I know that times are difficult, but if you are determined to make it happen, it will happen.
Become More Spiritual
You may not be a spiritual individual and you have noticed that your values have been sliding. That you compromise on issues that you once held dear. Decide that this year you will become a more spiritual being.
Choose to take the right path over the path that has been leading you to no where. Spend time imparting good moral values to your children. Stop being one of those parents who say, "Do what I say but do not do what I do".
Be the Best Spouse that You can be
It is time that you stop settling for less. We all have it in us to be a better spouse.
For 2009, be unwavering and committed that no matter what happens your marriage will be the best it has been in years, because you were willing to be a better wife or a better husband.
Finally, I want you to take your spouse along with you for this exciting journey. If both of you are dedicated to the plan, then the plan will stand a better chance of succeeding.
About The Authors:
Mark and Lesia Gregory are Marriage Counselors & Wedding Planners with over 10 years of experience. They are the authors of: "The Marriage Thermometer - Let's get your marriage steaming hot; "Improve Your Sex Life; "Keep Him Satisfied......At Home and "The Wife Toolkit - 12 heavy duty tools to keep your wife happy.
Let them help you improve your marriage starting this week: http://marriagethermometer.com/
Do you want to have a passionate and steaming hot marriage? Life is too short to spend it wishing things were different when you can do something about it. Get your FREE Marriage Ecourse Today!
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