Law of Attraction: Deliberate Thoughts

I've been thinking about this lately because I've found that when I am truly focused on wanting something, I get what I want. When I say truly focused, I mean when you want something so badly you think about it and nothing can distract you from that thought. The thought may only last a moment or can last several minutes. Either way, it is so strong that all other thoughts step aside. This has happened to me several times in my life - where I've focused on jobs, relationships, where I want to live, etc. - it works.

I used to think it was because I was stubborn and wouldn't give up until I got what I wanted. But looking back on certain examples, I realized this isn't true. Like the time I was walking to a client's building and thought to myself that I didn't like my current job and wanted the client to offer me a job. I was making a presentation and during the break the HR Recruiter asked me to step into her office. When I did, just a few hours after having that thought, she offered me a job. Another time, I was in sales and had decided I wanted to go back into corporate. I called one (and only one) client and asked her if she knew of anyone hiring for the type of job I was looking for. Her answer was "Yes! I am taking on a new position in the company and can't make the change until I find my replacement." Within a couple of days I had the job.

I have many stories like this - which made me reconsider that maybe I am not just stubborn. Maybe there is something more to this. Mind you, this was years before I ever heard of the Law of Attraction. I have found that at certain parts of the day, or when I'm doing certain tasks, I can truly focus. For example, when I am walking, I find that my mind tends to wander. It's almost like a meditative state and whatever I think about is a single focus.

Making this deliberate means that I needed to be intentional about my thoughts as I focus and I needed to decide what I wanted to focus on. There are so many things, some small some large. So I decided to take on just a few. Each day, I take some time (15-20 minutes) to focus. I go through each item on my list (there are 3 items) and picture myself as succeeding in acheiving that goal. As I succeed in completing a goal I add more goals to my list.

It is important to have an ever changing and evolving list of goals because as we grow and as our personal circumstances change, so must our goals. Your thoughts need to be strong and clear. Here are some examples:

I see myself as x pounds lighter.
I see myself as acheiving x (career title) at my company
I can and will acheive prosperity
I will attract people into my live that will help me to accomplish my goals

So I challenge you to make your list and take time each day to picture what you would look like if you succeed in accomplish each item on your list.

Pumpkin Oatmeal..... Yum!!!

I know it is summer and I know in many places it is really hot... but if you want a boost of vitamins and fiber, pumpkin oatmeal is a great breakfast (and easy too!). Here is the recipe

Ingredients
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 cup water
Pumpkin Pie Spice - to taste
Agave - to taste
1 tsp Smartbalance (Vegan) - optional

Directions
Mix together the oats, pumpkin, water, and pumpkin pie spice. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and mix. Check that all the water is incorporated. If not, microwave for another 20 seconds until water is gone. Add Agave and Smartbalance as desired.

Enjoy!

Think Positive and Extend Your Smile

I've been thinking about this more and more lately. I'm such a strong believer in the power of positive thinking and what it creates in our lives. Did you ever notice that when you smile at someone, usually they smile back. Why is that and how can it be extended ever further?

Here are some ways I am trying to extend my smile:

• Focus on the good in every situation, health not illness, blessings not challenges, strengths not weaknesses.
• See the good in everyone and accept them for who they are - even when they differ
• Give selflessly
• Love unconditionally

I think many of us (myself included) have gone through times when we are unhappy. But just like misery loves company, so does happiness and happiness creates more happiness. In turn, positive thoughts create positive outcomes.

The Omron HJ-720-ITC - A Pedometer Favorite

Using a pedometer really lets you know how much activity you are getting throughout the day. I used to think I was getting enough exercise just by my daily routine (which incorporated a good deal of walking - or so I thought), until I started wearing a pedometer. Now I know that on an average day (without trying to increase my steps) I only clock about 5,000-7,000 steps.

Wearing a pedometer makes me more conscience of how much exercise I get or need throughout the day. I've heard many times that 10,000 steps a day is all you need. Yes, it's all you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but if you want to lose weight you need to do at least 12,000 steps a day. There are many ways to increase the number of steps you are taking. Here are a few:

* Always choose the farthest parking space
* Walk around while on the phone
* Walk every aisle in the supermarket
* Put away laundry one item at a time
* Walk around (or pace) while watching TV

These small adjustments add up!

I've been using the Omron HJ-720-ITC for a couple of years now and it is still one of my favorites. There are several things I like about this pedometer:

* It is very accurate (I've tested it a number of times when I first got it)
* It is quiet (no beeps!)
* It tracks total steps, aerobic steps, distance, calories burned, fat grams burned
* It comes with software to easily download your walking record and watch your progress over time.
* It stores 7 days of information on display, 41 days stored in memory
* There is a safety strap so if the pedometer falls off, you won't lose it.

However you choose to increase your steps, the pedometer is a worthwhile and inexpensive way to do it. The Omron HJ-720-ITC is a little more expensive than some of the other pedometers, but its accuracy, reliability, and software make it well worth the price.

Getting Fit After 40 - One Really Motivating Success Story

It's amazing what you learn about people after many years. Shari Duncan and I went to high school together and really didn't know each other. But thanks to Facebook and connecting with many of my high school friends we have recently been in touch and began to know each other better.

Shari's story is such and inspiration to so many of us that are trying to get/stay fit after 40 that I need to share it here for all to see. You see, Shari was just like so many of us - trying to juggle her family and career full-time and her fitness on the side. Then, one of her very good friends convinced her to take fitness to the next level. This friend was very fit, a health nut and Shari was (as she describes) the scrawny one. So, being concerned about the Osteoporosis that runs in her family, and after having spent years in the health industry - watching people who didn't worry about their health until after they got sick - she tagged along and started to take fitness/health more seriously.

This same really good friend who had convinced her to take better care of herself, was soon diagnosed with breast cancer and Shari stood by her as she went through her treatment. Shari made a promise to her before she died that Shari would work hard to take better care of herself.

At the age of 45 - Shari began competing as a body builder!

Her passion has changed all aspects of her life. She no longer works in a hospital. She manages a gym, her own training, and represents a company which specializes in nutrient and nutrient timing. She is giving back by helping other people reach their fitness potentials as well.

Take a look at her website @ http://www.shariduncan.com/. I promise you will be inspired!

Eat Well to Keep Your Skin Looking and Feeling Healthy

Our skin is a reflection of what we put in and on our bodies. It is so important to always eat well and use products that are clean (natural, vegan, etc.). Lately, I've been looking into foods that are supposed to be good for our skin. Mostly, I'm finding that foods that have one of the following properties makes your skin healthier:

*  High amount Vitamin E
*  Rich in Omega 3
*  High amount of antioxidant
*  Rich in Vitamin C
*  Good for hydration
*  Reduces inflammation

Here are some of the foods that I find consistently:

Almonds - High in Vitamin E
Blueberries & Strawberries - High in antioxidants
Green Tea - Natural anti-inflammatory
Avocados - Natural anti-inflammatory
Oranges & Grapefruits - Rich in Vitamin C
Salmon - Rich in Omega 3

...and of course, drink lots of water!!! It is essential to hydration.

Remember - even if you are eating well, if you use creams and lotions with unhealthy ingredients, you are really defeating the purpose. So you need to watch both what you put in and what you put on your bodies.