Hmmmmm...04-01-13

“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” –Lily Tomlin

Believe it or not, you are a prophet. 

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that causes itself to become true, and is based on the beliefs of the prophet—you.  It’s all a matter of mind over matter.  When you believe in yourself, your behavior reflects this confidence, and you manifest the very conditions necessary for success.  Mind-boggling!

But it’s no laughing matter when your prophecies aren’t profitable.  Then you create circumstances that reinforce negative or false beliefs.  Statements such as, “I’ve always been the black sheep in my family,” or “Things just never go my way” have as much power to shape your future as those that come from a place of faith, fortitude, and fearlessness.

Are you a non-prophet— not daring to dream, believing that you are powerless over what life hands you?  Are you the prophet of doom—or the prophet of whom you intend to become?  Never mind what has come before.  Starting now, take matters into your own hands and design your destiny. There’s no better person for the job.

Mind your matters,

Gina J

Hmmmmm...03/25/13

“If you can’t see anything beautiful about yourself, get a better mirror.” –Shane Kocyzan

Mirror, mirror on the wall…perception need an overhaul? Let’s reflect.

Are you hyper-focused on the physical—seeing only wrinkles and crow’s feet, instead of crinkles and laugh lines from a lifetime of smiles? Do you see a balding head, instead of more face to love?

Let’s face facts: the one sure thing about time is that it passes. Defining ourselves solely by our appearance spells trouble with a capital T-I-M-E.  Embrace the art of aging gracefully without disgrace.  Not one of us is getting any younger. We’re all in this together.

Take a long, hard look at how you view yourself.  Look past the superficial.  Your inner beauty has nothing to do with bulging biceps or six-pack abs.   It doesn’t go away if your waistline expands or your hair turns grey. Strive to see the timeless you, even if you need reading glasses.  And a better mirror.

Who’s the fairest of them all?

Gina J

Hmmmmm...03-18-13

“Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself.” – Rita Mae Brown

The first lesson in resisting temptation?  Never do anything that you wouldn’t want published on the front page of the daily news. Or to explain to the paramedics!

When we think about temptation, the heavy hitters usually come to mind: the steamy extramarital affair, the sordid acts of embezzlement by an executive gone wrong.  Temptation, however, is a daily affair.  It comes in the form of the Girl Scout cookies coaxing you away from counting calories.  It calls you from your cell phone, urging you to text while driving—just this once.  And it urges you to put your two cents in to a disagreement when it doesn’t make sense to do so.

Our best defense in this temptation filled world may be to watch how we label ourselves.  Saying things like, “I just can’t resist sweets” or “Money always burns a hole in my pocket” only opens the door for pastries to parade in and cash to clear out.  We oftentimes live down to the expectations we set for ourselves. 

Make a new name for yourself.  Get rid of outdated labels like Weak and Spineless. Your updated alias? Self-control. Next time temptation whispers in your ear, don’t answer. 

Be a name dropper,

Gina J

Hmmmmm...03-11-13

Hmmmmm…03/11/13

“Value yourself.  The only people who appreciate a doormat are people with dirty shoes.” –Leo Buscaglia

Feeling like the human doormat?  As long as you’re lying down, you’ll get stepped on. 

While it’s important to play well with others, there are times when you need to draw a line in the sandbox.  Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, too.  They’re not happy until they push you in the mud and take your toys—right along with your pride. 

Playing it safe might mean playing by someone else’s rules—ones that aren’t necessarily right for you.  Love yourself enough to speak up.  Respect yourself enough to reclaim your power. Silence may be golden, but what good is a voice if you are afraid to use it?  No one can take your dignity unless you surrender it.

It’s time to level the playing field and you can’t do that from ground level.  Get up. Capture the flag instead of waving the white one. 

More power to you!

Gina J