"Challenges are what make life interseting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

-- Joshua Marine

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand."

-- Henri Nouwen


When was the last time you tried to be the type of person described above? I have experienced so many individuals who are always wanting, and needing someone or something when they have never been the one needed. If we can constantly and continuously try to be better individuals ourselves and give more than receive the rest will follow. Nothing is owed to us, and not everyone deserves companionship's and relationships that help enrich our lives. However, when we give first and ask to receive later we will find that eventually we won't have to ask anymore.

Each day try to be a better person than the day before. Be productive, offer assistance, have compassion and patience. Let the wonderful things in this world soak in and have appreciation for the small things. Show appreciation and gratitude, and never let life pass by without finding enjoyment in it and in yourself.

Circumstance

"I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word, and thought throughout our lifetime".

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

The other day I was talking with a girl who did nothing but complain about her life and her circumstances. I listened for about an hour to her "poor me" stories of how life wasn't served on a silver platter for her. I understand the hardships of life and the struggles so many of us go through; none of which are exactly the same. But we all have two choices. We can take life as a challenge, the ups and downs, and make the best of what we are given. Or we can constantly compare to others, always be wanting and never be satisfied. I personally exercise the first choice and I suggest everyone does the same. There will always be someone who has more, or better. Someone who had it easy or someone who maybe did not get what you felt they deserved, (good or bad). We really only have control of our own actions, our own character and our own choices. We have to take responsibility for each and every one of them. I believe if we focus on the consequences of our deeds and words, then perhaps our actions will improve. I live by the golden rule of "do unto others as you would want done unto you". We can not continue to put the blame of our misfortunes and the circumstances of our own actions on anyone but ourselves. Find focus in the good. Live life like it means something. Don't wait around for something to happen either. We get out of life the amount in which we put into it. Give more, ask for less.

What's important

Focusing on what is important in life for the individual soul will ultimately guide to you to your own happiness. What we put our efforts into; our time and distress, our worries and our love, is the holding cell of our success. Each day, put even the smallest amount of effort into something you really love. It can be a goal, a wish, a person you love, anything you want. Things in life, great things, don't just happen. Only you can make things happen, it all depends on what you put into it. We've all heard the saying "you get out of life what you put into it", and that rings truer that true. Get motivated, find something to KEEP you motivated and change your life one step at a time!

Build your brain

I've been spending some time here and there trying to build my brain. Either by reading educational books, doing puzzles and exercises, or trying something new and I suggest you all do the same. I have learned that if you do not use it, you will lose it. Your brain is a muscle just like the rest, so work it out! This world would be a better place if we all applied ourselves and tried to get the most out of what we've got. No human will ever reach the brain's full capacity. Everybodys brain is different, and everybody is stupid at something. That is human nature. Try things that are challenging and new, and even difficult. We all have tendencies to settle into fixed behaviors and routines. Exercise your brain and get out of the laziness that feels so comfortable. By doing something as small as challenging your brain you'll be amazed at the difference and opportunities you find at your door.

PERSISTENCE

Persistence requires a lot of patience. Listen to the cliche, and never give up. No matter how hard things get, no matter how many times people tell you no, if there is something that you really want, do not give up. I know this from experience, and you need to realize that you are the only one in control of your life's' outcome. Yes, there will be obstacles, and there will be struggles, but if you can make the best out of every situation you will never let yourself down. Be persistent! Be strong, and believe in yourself, because until you do, no one else will.

NAPW

I am recently a new member of the NAPW (The National Association of Professional Women). This is a great accomplishment for me and I am a proud member of this growing and fantastic organization. Please take the time to check out their website and feel free to ask me any questions. It is a great site for networking, help, guidance and endless opportunities. www.NAPW.com .

JENNY SEHENUK, CLC

661-288-7197
JSLIFECOACH@YAHOO.COM