“It’s really important that you feel good. Because this feeling good is what goes out as a signal into the universe and starts to attract more of itself to you. So the more you can feel good, the more you will attract the things that help you feel good and that will keep bringing you up higher and higher” – Joe Vitale
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Insight for Today 9/30/09
"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
1803-1882, Essayist, Philosopher and Poet
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Insight for Today 9/29/09
Publicity Alert! • Robert Kiyosaki
Fox News: ‘Your World with Neil Cavuto’
Host: Neil Cavuto
When: Tuesday, September 29th from 1:00-2:00 PM PST/4:00-5:00 EST
Robert Kiyosaki is featured in this live television interview regarding the release of
his newest book Conspiracy of the Rich: The 8 New Rules of Money. This interview
will air live in the United States.
To view the show online, please visit www.foxnews.com/yourworld/
Monday, September 28, 2009
Insight for Today 9/28/09
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Trying out something with my website codes in this blog....
Oops didn't work....
I am working on designing a website for women. Below is my banner and context on the home page. Hopefully soon I will be launching this site. Feedback????
Welcome to Power Women!
This website is dedicated to women in search of Financial Freedom. Whether you want to get out of debt, save or invest more money, buy your first home, start your own business, go back to school, travel more often, buy a new Gucci bag without feeling guilty...this is the group you want to join! As single women, we have to make ends meet with just one income. Many of us enjoy the finer things in life, but we don't know how to obtain them without digging ourselves into credit card hell! Let's talk about MONEY....let's talk about how to save, how to spend, how to budget! Most importantly...let's encourage each other through learning and sharing i
The Consequences Can Be Serious
1. Almost 1 in 4 women are broke within two months of their husband's death.
2. Over 75% of all women are widowed at an average age of 56.
3. 53% of women are not covered by a pension compared to only 22% of men.
4. A staggering 87% of the poverty stricken elderly are women.
The statistics are disturbing, but it's never too late to start taking control of your financial future. Here are three steps to reach financial freedom.
Assessing Financial Health
1. An assessment of your financial health involves four essential elements. First, you need to determine where you stand financially before making major financial decisions. Second, organizing your financial records and statements is critical prior to embarking on an investment plan. Third, determining your cash flow will show how and where you spend your money. And fourth, calculating your net worth will provide you with a complete financial picture and help you make smart financial decisions in the future.
Why Financial Needs Are Different
It may be difficult to believe that women's financial needs are all that different from men's. However, while the general principles of financial planning apply to both genders, women face unique challenges that translate to different financial needs. Consider the following facts:
1. Women live longer than men (approximately 7 years), so they need to save 20% more for retirement.
2. On average, women earn 25% less than men.
JOB = J-Just O-Over B-Broke
Recession forces some to file early for Social Security
Social Security is the sole source of income for 42 percent of single women over the age of 62, and older single women fall into poverty at a higher rate than most demographic groups in the country. The poverty rate for elderly single women is 23 percent, compared with just 5 percent for married retired people.
I am working on designing a website for women. Below is my banner and context on the home page. Hopefully soon I will be launching this site. Feedback????
Welcome to Power Women!
This website is dedicated to women in search of Financial Freedom. Whether you want to get out of debt, save or invest more money, buy your first home, start your own business, go back to school, travel more often, buy a new Gucci bag without feeling guilty...this is the group you want to join! As single women, we have to make ends meet with just one income. Many of us enjoy the finer things in life, but we don't know how to obtain them without digging ourselves into credit card hell! Let's talk about MONEY....let's talk about how to save, how to spend, how to budget! Most importantly...let's encourage each other through learning and sharing i
The Consequences Can Be Serious
1. Almost 1 in 4 women are broke within two months of their husband's death.
2. Over 75% of all women are widowed at an average age of 56.
3. 53% of women are not covered by a pension compared to only 22% of men.
4. A staggering 87% of the poverty stricken elderly are women.
The statistics are disturbing, but it's never too late to start taking control of your financial future. Here are three steps to reach financial freedom.
Assessing Financial Health
1. An assessment of your financial health involves four essential elements. First, you need to determine where you stand financially before making major financial decisions. Second, organizing your financial records and statements is critical prior to embarking on an investment plan. Third, determining your cash flow will show how and where you spend your money. And fourth, calculating your net worth will provide you with a complete financial picture and help you make smart financial decisions in the future.
Why Financial Needs Are Different
It may be difficult to believe that women's financial needs are all that different from men's. However, while the general principles of financial planning apply to both genders, women face unique challenges that translate to different financial needs. Consider the following facts:
1. Women live longer than men (approximately 7 years), so they need to save 20% more for retirement.
2. On average, women earn 25% less than men.
JOB = J-Just O-Over B-Broke
Recession forces some to file early for Social Security
Social Security is the sole source of income for 42 percent of single women over the age of 62, and older single women fall into poverty at a higher rate than most demographic groups in the country. The poverty rate for elderly single women is 23 percent, compared with just 5 percent for married retired people.
Obama would curtail summer vacation
President says American kids spend too little time in school
WASHINGTON - Students beware: The summer vacation you just enjoyed could be sharply curtailed if President Barack Obama gets his way.
Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe.
"Now, I know longer school days and school years are not wildly popular ideas," the president said earlier this year. "Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of a new century demand more time in the classroom."
Read more......
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday Story from Bob Proctor 9/25/09
A Dream Realized
I feel certain that when my classmates compiled our high school yearbook, nobody suggested that I be voted most likely to become a successful, bestselling author. To those who knew me then, my achievements as an adult are probably a bit of a surprise. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that our intention, propelled by our positive emotions, can make any dream a reality.
In the early 2000's, I set a goal to be a New York Times bestselling author. To me, that symbolized a pinnacle of success. I had spent countless hours learning about personal growth and self-discovery, enjoyed a career in the technology industry, and had transitioned into a new career as a seminar leader, speaker and mentor. I loved helping people formulate and achieve their goals and wanted to communicate my ideas in a way that would uplift and inspire people all over the world.
I didn't grow up wanting to be an author. In fact, I've often heard interviews with authors who talk about loving their English class in school and how they enjoy writing stories and have always known they wanted to be a writer, but that isn't me at all. When I first wrote down my ambitious goal of becoming a bestselling author, I immediately thought to myself: "Yeah right, Peggy!" I had little formal education and no idea how to write a book or create a bestseller. I didn't know anyone in the publishing business or anyone who marketed books. With no clue how to achieve my goal, I just planted a seed and opened myself up to whatever opportunities came my way.
I could have dwelled on all the reasons someone like me couldn't become a New York Times bestselling author. Instead, I discarded those negative thoughts about reaching such a lofty, even seemingly impossible goal. That's where many people can get stuck. They think, "That's something I'd really like to have," but then, BOOM, up come 101 reasons why they can't get it. They don't know how to get from where they are to where they want to be, become frustrated and lost, then let the fire of their passion subside, and the dream dies. Looking back, they'll sigh and say, "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."
As unrealistic as my goal might have seemed to others, I held on to the belief that we don't need to know how something is going to manifest, we just have to trust that it will.
Our intention, coupled with strong feelings of curiosity, enthusiasm, and faith, takes us from seed to flower, and becomes the driving force of achieving or attracting anything.
Our job is simply to identify what we want and then begin generating the emotions we'd feel if our dream had already come true. For me, that meant using my imagination to create the emotional experience of being a bestselling author. I had to act as if my name and book title were already on that prestigious New York Times list. I planted the seed of my intention, then watered and nurtured it with my feelings, thoughts, and actions.
My enthusiasm propelled me into action, and I began to create a file of ideas. It occurred to me to try to figure out the ingredients of a successful book, so I went to my bookshelf, took down books I'd really loved and been moved by, and skimmed them to see how they were organized and what elements had made them such excellent guides. I went on to study more bestselling books and soon I had clarity about how I would go about presenting my thoughts.
All the while, I was constantly visualizing my bestselling author experience. Actually, "visualizing" doesn't quite capture the intensity of what I was doing. I truly lived the experience, heart and soul. One day, it occurred to me that if I wanted to achieve my goal, I was going to have to be extremely persistent, like a dog holding on to a bone that someone wants to take away.
I can't say that the writing flowed easily. It was very hard work at times, but I stuck to my plan and sat down at that computer even when I was feeling a little nervous or insecure. I told myself, "I'll just expand on my ideas and see where they go." I thought positively, generated a feeling of confidence and excitement, and started typing away.
At last, I'd completed my first manuscript. One book lead to another book and in my quest to become an author, at first, I chose to self publish my books. However, to become a New York Times bestselling author, I needed to find a Publisher.
During this whole process, I continued being a student. From what I've found, successful people are all on a lifelong path of learning and constantly improving themselves.
When I came up with the concept for Your Destiny Switch, I felt it was very important for me to promote the message of the book: that the power of our emotions is what allows us to reach our goals.
I'd found a literary agent through a business associate, and she sold Your Destiny Switch to a large publisher, Hay House. I decided that this was the book that was going to be on the New York Times bestseller list.
To make this happen, I used a primary strategy of online marketing. I specifically lined up promotional activities for the week that the book would be launching and available on shelves in bookstores as well as online. I prepared a massive internet marketing campaign, joyfully watched my book climb to the top of the Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com bestseller lists the week of the launch, and was elated a few days later when my agent, Cathy, called to tell me that the book had hit the New York Times bestseller list.and on the very first week of release! (Note: When your book reaches the list, it doesn't actually appear until a couple of weeks later.)
I remember jumping up and down like I was on a pogo stick, feeling absolutely exhilarated. While I was tingling with excitement, I was also thinking, "You know, this is exactly what I knew it would be like." The feeling was very familiar.
You see, I'd been experiencing this excitement for years, every time I envisioned myself having already achieved my goal, whether I was feeling the emotion during the call from my agent or reading my affirmations and expressing my joy and gratitude that I was a New York Times bestselling author. The Universe had answered my intention with the very situation I'd imagined. It was magical.
Our thoughts, feelings, and actions have tremendous power. We can tap into positivity at any moment we choose and begin to shift our energy, sending a clear message that we're ready and eager to receive all that we desire. The intensity of our emotions, and the ease with which we can switch them, is what Your Destiny Switch is all about.
I would love to go to the top of the highest mountain and scream this out so that everyone in the world could hear me: "You don't have to know how you will achieve your dream.set the dream and feel the elation of achieving it and it will happen!" Each day, I'm inspired to spread the word that we all can use the rocket fuel of positive emotions to make our dreams come true. The Universe always answers the clear call of our intention.
Peggy McColl
New York Times Best Selling Author. Check out her latest release The Won Thing
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Insight for Today 9/24/09
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Insight for Today 9/23/09
Insight for Today 9/22/09
"Once you believe that answers and resources can show up in your life, they will: The universe works to mirror your beliefs. It will prove you right every time."
Peggy McColl
From her powerful new book The Won Thing
Insight for Today 9/21/09
"Individuals who are positive in their thoughts always tend to look upon the brighter side of life. With their faces turned toward the sunshine, they attempt to see the good, even in the bad. Such individuals habitually think thoughts of a positive nature and they are a blessing to the world. They are in a Positive Vibration, and therefore attract other positive personalities to them."
Bob Proctor
Author and Speaker
Insight for Today 9/18/09 - Your Friday Story from Bob Proctor!
Boy I can sure understand this story as a few weeks ago I was at an airport staying good bye to my 13 year old granddaughter go live with her dad for the school year. I hate airports because of people having to say good bye to someone they love, etc. My daughter cried like heck and so did her boyfriend, and brother......
I Wish You Enough
I never really thought that I'd spend as much time in airports as I do. I don't know why. I always wanted to be famous and that would mean lots of travel. But I'm not famous, yet I do see more than my share of airports.
I love them and I hate them. I love them because of the people I get to watch. But they are also the same reason why I hate airports. It all comes down to "hello" and "goodbye." I must have mentioned this a few times while writing my stories.
I have great difficulties with saying goodbye. Even as I write this I am experiencing that pounding sensation in my heart. If I am watching such a scene in a movie I am affected so much that I need to sit up and take a few deep breaths. So when faced with a challenge in my life I have been known to go to our local airport and watch people say goodbye. I figure nothing that is happening to me at the time could be as bad as having to say goodbye.
Watching people cling to each other, crying, and holding each other in that last embrace makes me appreciate what I have even more. Seeing them finally pull apart, extending their arms until the tips of their fingers are the last to let go, is an image that stays forefront in my mind throughout the day.
On one of my recent business trips, when I arrived at the counter to check in, the woman said, "How are you today?" I replied, "I am missing my wife already and I haven't even said goodbye."
She then looked at my ticket and began to ask, "How long will you...Oh, my God. You will only be gone three days!" We all laughed. My problem was I still had to say goodbye.
But I learn from goodbye moments, too.
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough." She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."
They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"
"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.
So I knew what this man was experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.
"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said.
"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"
He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more."When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he
were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
He then began to sob and walked away.
My friends, I wish you enough!
Bob Perks
Bob Perks is a professional writer and speaker. You can visit his website at: www.BobPerks.com
Thomas Nelson Publishers will be releasing his book, I Wish You Enough: Embracing Life's Most Valuable Moments - One Wish at a Time on December 8, 2009. It is a collection of his stories based on the "Eight Wishes" expressed in the original story. It can be pre-ordered at a savings by clicking here.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Friday Story from Bob Proctor 9/11/09
EMBRACE CHALLENGES AND DON'T HOLD BACK
Every one of us has different challenges, situations that stress us, change us, and put us up against a wall. I know beyond any doubt that when your body is given all the opportunities to enjoy its natural capacity for movement, the energy reserves you build up help you cope with what life throws your way. In fact, it helps you do more than cope-it helps you thrive.
I call my own personal challenges the three A's-the three things that shaped my life. The first A is an accident I had at age 19. I broke and tore apart my right arm, shoulder, and chest while riding a motorcycle. I was temporarily paralyzed and spent six months in rehabilitation. . . .This is when I first discovered my passion for making people feel better through physical activity because I experienced first-hand how it made me feel better. If I hadn't had that accident, I might not have grown my company to more than 170 clubs with more than 500,000 members. I might not have gone all over the world speaking about fitness.
The second A is arthritis. At age 32, I woke up one morning instantly crippled. My whole body was swollen, inflamed and in total pain. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I had been an elite athlete, a five-time rowing champion, and overnight I couldn't even turn a doorknob. . . .That was quite a blow to the guy who people thought of as Mr. GoodLife Fitness. I used exercise to help me mentally cope with the symptoms and to regain physical strength and mobility. To this day, exercise helps me control the arthritis.
The third A is autism. At the age of two and a half, my eldest daughter Kilee started showing marked changes in behavior. Her kisses turn into biting, her laughter into constant screams. She started pushing me away when I tried to hug her. She wouldn't make eye contact. I went through a bewildering journey of trying to figure out what was going on. I still remember the initial devastation I felt upon hearing a doctor say, "Your daughter is autistic."
I became determined to help Kilee become the best she could be. I chose not to focus on her condition but on her potential. I chose to love her unconditionally. All my energy went into a very intensive home learning program for her, aimed at drawing the best out of her. . . .I also made the decision to commit myself to finding the cure for autism. I've provided the initial funding for an innovative research team under the direction of neuroscientist Dr. Derrick MacFabe at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. I continue to support that program, closing in on $3 million I've donated to the research team.
You might ask what physical activity has to do with my journey as a parent of an autistic child. The answer is twofold. By keeping up my own regular physical activity, my energy levels stay high, my mind stays sharp, and I cope better with stress. . . .Secondly, I have involved regular physical activity in Kilee's treatment program, with the result that today she has a high level of physical skill. She swims, skis, bikes, runs, and rides horseback.
My three A's have given me a sensitivity toward people whose bodies are not perfect, people who have had injuries and accidents, people who are coping with chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes or who are recovering from a heart attack or stroke, and also people who are overwhelmed or scared to exercise because of inexperience. I know what someone means when he or she says, "I had this horrible injury and I feel like I can't do things." I can give people the reassurance that there are things they can do and that their body can indeed find a movement level that will help them.
What are your own personal challenges, and how might physical activity help you? Exercise influences the biggest A of all-your Attitude. When life hits you broadside, respond with your big A-Attitude. And follow your big A with the three E's-Energy, Excitement, and Enthusiasm. Exercise helps you feel the three E's in your body. When you feel it in the body, you feel it in the mind, heart, and spirit. There is no split between mind and body-you are one whole human being.
David Patchell-Evans
From Patch's latest book. 100% of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the autism research team at the University of Western Ontario under the direction of neuroscientist Dr. Derrick MacFabe. This unique team of scientists is collaborating with researchers worldwide. They've made some significant discoveries and are attracting worldwide attention. Patch remains faithful to his passion to find the cause and cure for autism, working to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of thousands of children and their families.
Get your copy at: www.davidpatchellevans.com/book You can also download some wonderful bonuses and be put into a draw for some great prizes - such as a trip in Patch's private airplane and a personal health and well-being coaching session with Patch.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Insight for Today 9/19/09
"There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge; both poverty and riches are the offspring of thought."
Napoleon Hill
Author of Think and Grow Rich
Insight for Today 9/15/09
"I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself."
Walter Anderson
Author of The Confidence Course: Seven Steps to Self-Fulfillment
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Insight for Today 9/10/09
"The health of your body influences what you experience in your mind. There is no split. If you can engage your whole spirit in the pursuit of total fitness - not just your intellect, not just your emotions - but instead everything inside you that is truly you, you'll discover what it is to be a whole person."
David Patchell-Evans
www.davidpatchellevans.com/book
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Another Insight for Today.....
Insight for Today 9/8/09
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bob Proctor's Here is your Friday Story! This is a great story on fear!
Life's Biggest Con
What scares you? What stories do you make up to con yourself into holding back? What would you do if you didn't con yourself into being scared?
I've done something that scared the heck out of me. But it also turned out to be the best thing I've ever done!
Two years ago, I discovered that my Dad needed a kidney and as soon as I realized I might be the answer he needed, the voices in my head began to resist and shout!
"NO WAY can I give up a kidney! Are you kidding me!? I need both kidneys! I can't do it!"
Fear struck me down in an instant. I had never given up a body part. For that matter, I had never even stayed in hospital.
Despite the fear, I mentally considered the idea ... and I the more I thought about it, the more terrified I became. What if I had kidney failure in the future? Would I be able to have kids? What if something went wrong and I had impaired health for the rest of my life? Don't we need both kidneys?
All the while, Dad never asked me or any other member of our family for a kidney. I decided to get tested on my own. I was the only one in my family that got tested and I felt isolated. I felt like Dad's health was my responsibility alone. The fear held an even firmer grip on my mind.
And to accelerate the mental spin I was already in, there were plenty of well-meaning people ready to offer up their unsolicited opinion to help build and fortify my "wall of fear."
These were just a few of the fantastic and ridiculous comments I heard:
· "I know someone who donated a kidney and they got really fat as a result. You might get really fat". (A young woman's worst fear!)
· "Will you be able to have children?"
· "You'll have to give up alcohol."
· "You'll have to change your diet, become a vegetarian."
· "What happens if your kidney fails and you don't have a spare?"
· "What if you're in a car accident and your remaining kidney gets hurt?"
· "What about the yin and yang and flow through your body that they refer to in Chinese medicine? Losing a kidney will interrupt that and ruin your health!"
In the midst of all that, I decided to move forward. Dad told me I could pull out at anytime and he wouldn't think the worst of me. But I had made up my mind and I began to rise above the fear, rise above my own con job.
By the time the day of the operation arrived, I was actually calm.
When I awoke from the surgery, the doctors had me on a drip line and added 7kg of fluid to my body - even my chicken legs were fat! And they had pumped my body cavity full of gas. My surgeons joked that I looked like I should be in the maternity ward!
But, guess what? That was the worst of it. Despite my fears and the warnings of well-meaning friends, there were no complications and my recovery was quick. I was only in the hospital for 4 days. It only took a week for the fluid to leave my body and a few short months for the swelling to deflate completely. I was dancing - albeit somewhat carefully - after just 2 weeks, and returned to work after 4 weeks.
Now, giving up a kidney should be pretty scary for anyone, right? It's an important body part and you can't get it back once it's gone. It certainly was a scary prospect for me! But I did it, and the truth is that it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't a big deal at all! It was only my thinking that made it so. It's sort of like bungy jumping. The scariest part is the fear you con yourself into believing before you jump. After you jump, it's exhilarating.
I realized that I was incredibly fortunate to have been given an opportunity to donate my kidney. With that realization, though, came an insightful question that stopped me in my tracks:
If I could give up a kidney ... if it really wasn't such a big deal ... then what else could I have done if I hadn't let fear get in the way?
I could ... I CAN ... do so much more! I got it! I wasn't living up to my potential and I was 100% responsible. The only thing holding me back was me! I have since decided that I am not going to waste another minute. I LIVE, not exist. I've got massive goals and thoroughly ENJOY every moment of my life.
It's been over two years now and I'm delighted to report that Dad hasn't rejected the kidney. My gift has given Dad a far superior quality of life, has had zero adverse effects on my health, and the whole experience has undoubtedly brought Dad & I closer. I have realized that the joy is truly in the giving.
And I understand that fear is simply a con game we play on ourselves. It is all in our mind.
By acting in the face of fear and giving up my kidney, I received the greatest gift imaginable. I feel fantastic! My life is utterly different now, I LOVE it! From this experience, I've acquired a massive desire to wake people up, to let them know that they should never let fear hold them back, to inspire them to live NOW ...and to make the world a better place.
I'm up for big stuff ... and I'm going for it.
What are you up for? You'll only discover what you're capable of doing if you are willing to do it afraid!
Adrienne Rich
Auckland, New Zealand
Current Member - Bob Proctor Coaching Program
For more information on Bob Proctor Coaching programs or to comment on today's story, please email: bob@bobproctorcoaching.com
What scares you? What stories do you make up to con yourself into holding back? What would you do if you didn't con yourself into being scared?
I've done something that scared the heck out of me. But it also turned out to be the best thing I've ever done!
Two years ago, I discovered that my Dad needed a kidney and as soon as I realized I might be the answer he needed, the voices in my head began to resist and shout!
"NO WAY can I give up a kidney! Are you kidding me!? I need both kidneys! I can't do it!"
Fear struck me down in an instant. I had never given up a body part. For that matter, I had never even stayed in hospital.
Despite the fear, I mentally considered the idea ... and I the more I thought about it, the more terrified I became. What if I had kidney failure in the future? Would I be able to have kids? What if something went wrong and I had impaired health for the rest of my life? Don't we need both kidneys?
All the while, Dad never asked me or any other member of our family for a kidney. I decided to get tested on my own. I was the only one in my family that got tested and I felt isolated. I felt like Dad's health was my responsibility alone. The fear held an even firmer grip on my mind.
And to accelerate the mental spin I was already in, there were plenty of well-meaning people ready to offer up their unsolicited opinion to help build and fortify my "wall of fear."
These were just a few of the fantastic and ridiculous comments I heard:
· "I know someone who donated a kidney and they got really fat as a result. You might get really fat". (A young woman's worst fear!)
· "Will you be able to have children?"
· "You'll have to give up alcohol."
· "You'll have to change your diet, become a vegetarian."
· "What happens if your kidney fails and you don't have a spare?"
· "What if you're in a car accident and your remaining kidney gets hurt?"
· "What about the yin and yang and flow through your body that they refer to in Chinese medicine? Losing a kidney will interrupt that and ruin your health!"
In the midst of all that, I decided to move forward. Dad told me I could pull out at anytime and he wouldn't think the worst of me. But I had made up my mind and I began to rise above the fear, rise above my own con job.
By the time the day of the operation arrived, I was actually calm.
When I awoke from the surgery, the doctors had me on a drip line and added 7kg of fluid to my body - even my chicken legs were fat! And they had pumped my body cavity full of gas. My surgeons joked that I looked like I should be in the maternity ward!
But, guess what? That was the worst of it. Despite my fears and the warnings of well-meaning friends, there were no complications and my recovery was quick. I was only in the hospital for 4 days. It only took a week for the fluid to leave my body and a few short months for the swelling to deflate completely. I was dancing - albeit somewhat carefully - after just 2 weeks, and returned to work after 4 weeks.
Now, giving up a kidney should be pretty scary for anyone, right? It's an important body part and you can't get it back once it's gone. It certainly was a scary prospect for me! But I did it, and the truth is that it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't a big deal at all! It was only my thinking that made it so. It's sort of like bungy jumping. The scariest part is the fear you con yourself into believing before you jump. After you jump, it's exhilarating.
I realized that I was incredibly fortunate to have been given an opportunity to donate my kidney. With that realization, though, came an insightful question that stopped me in my tracks:
If I could give up a kidney ... if it really wasn't such a big deal ... then what else could I have done if I hadn't let fear get in the way?
I could ... I CAN ... do so much more! I got it! I wasn't living up to my potential and I was 100% responsible. The only thing holding me back was me! I have since decided that I am not going to waste another minute. I LIVE, not exist. I've got massive goals and thoroughly ENJOY every moment of my life.
It's been over two years now and I'm delighted to report that Dad hasn't rejected the kidney. My gift has given Dad a far superior quality of life, has had zero adverse effects on my health, and the whole experience has undoubtedly brought Dad & I closer. I have realized that the joy is truly in the giving.
And I understand that fear is simply a con game we play on ourselves. It is all in our mind.
By acting in the face of fear and giving up my kidney, I received the greatest gift imaginable. I feel fantastic! My life is utterly different now, I LOVE it! From this experience, I've acquired a massive desire to wake people up, to let them know that they should never let fear hold them back, to inspire them to live NOW ...and to make the world a better place.
I'm up for big stuff ... and I'm going for it.
What are you up for? You'll only discover what you're capable of doing if you are willing to do it afraid!
Adrienne Rich
Auckland, New Zealand
Current Member - Bob Proctor Coaching Program
For more information on Bob Proctor Coaching programs or to comment on today's story, please email: bob@bobproctorcoaching.com
Blair Singer All-Access Club!
You're Off Track and You Know It!
The project or initiative that you embarked upon so enthusiastically has slowly turned into a nightmare. You know that success is possible, but right now you can't see which direction to go. Join my All-Access Club and get my proven methods for success.
For just $1 the first month, your All-Access Club membership allows you to harness the power within yourself to achieve your dreams. My All-Access Club gives you the tools that get you back on track to success!
"After listening to Blair, I was able to grow my business by over 100%."
~Michael Catlow, The Michael Catlow Group
The All-Access Club isn't just your pass to creating extraordinary income; it's your chance to create an extraordinary life.
Club Benefits Include:
Open-Line Coaching Calls. Get straight-talk answers to your questions and personal coaching during these regularly scheduled monthly member calls. Benefit from what I've learned helping people and businesses worldwide reach new heights quicker than they ever dreamed possible.
One-on-One Tune Ups. Ready to take furious direction in front of others? Sign up for a business tune up. You'll receive a live examination and plan for success on an all-member call. A $1,750 value. FREE, if you jump in the hot seat.
Chats with Champions. Rub shoulders with powerhouse achievers in professional sports, entertainment, business and life. You'll walk away from these monthly calls with inside track information and direct action to put you ahead of the game.
All-star lineup coming in the months ahead...
Kim Kiyosaki
Women's Financial Education Advocate, Investor and Best-selling Author
Ken McElroy
Rich Dad Advisor, Real Estate Superpower and Investor
Robert Kiyosaki
Entrepreneur, Financial Education Advocate and Best-selling Author
Achievers Community. Stay active everyday in this network of spirited people who are helping each other move forward in life and business. Interact with other members, share best practices, and learn from each other in the members-only online discussion forum.
Be Awesome Blueprint. Get in on new techniques and tips on how to achieve success in any economy. Each month, you'll receive an exclusive report from myself or other contributing experts--high-powered achievers--who'll share insights to help you create the life of your dreams.
Member-Only Discounts. All-Access Club members get 15% off Blair Singer products and 25% off the full retail price of programs.
What do you want to become? Where do you want to go?
Say goodbye to your ordinary life and hello to the bigger, better you. Normally $29.95 per month, through September 30 you can gain entry into my exclusive All-Access Club for only $1. Your morning coffee costs more than that!
Access your excellence. Join my All-Access Club NOW!
Be Awesome,
Blair
P.S. Hurry! The $1 All-Access Club offer expires September 30, 2009!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Insight for Today 9/3/09
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Insight for Today 9/2/09
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Insight for Today 9/1/09
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
From the Desk of Linda's Voice Blog Desk: Living with ALS
Living with ALS It's no fun. You lose a lot, actually you lose just about 99% of things. Lose family and just about all your frien...