The Top 10 Steps to a Successful Life

by Lynn A. Robinson

1. Make your intuition your ally.
How does your intuition speak to you? Do you receive information in words, feelings, a body sensation? Do you just know? Ask your intuition questions and pay attention to the answers and act on the information you receive.

2. What are you enthusiastic about?

The root of the word enthusiasm is entheos. It literally means "God Within." Just think, when you feel enthusiastic about your dreams it means that God is speaking through you and saying "yes" to your goals! The feeling of enthusiasm is one of the ways your intuition speaks to you. What makes you excited, happy, delighted? What do you look forward to each day? Do more of it!

3. Be clear about your goals.

We are often quite clear about what we don't want. Spend time thinking about what you do want. What does your ideal life look like? Draw pictures or cut out scenes from magazines that illustrate the life you want to create. Write in your journal, envision. Spend time each day imagining your ideal life. Envision the details of that life. Imagine you are living it now. What are you wearing? What are you feeling? Who are the people around you? The power is within your mind and heart to bring forth the new life you want.

4. Spend time in prayer and meditation.

Answers often come to life's questions through self-reflection. Prayer and meditation are two ways we have of slowing down enough to listen to the still, quiet voice of our Higher Self. Remember that the answers don't always pop into your mind fully formed as you meditate or pray. You may find them slowly evolving into your consciousness over several days or weeks as you ask for insight.

5. Create positive self talk.

Pay attention to what you tell yourself about yourself and your life. If the general tone is hopeful and positive you feel better and are more optimistic. William James said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." It's easier to create a life you love when you give yourself affirmative message.

6. Practice an attitude of gratitude.

Research has shown that the happiest people are the ones who have gratitude for all that they have despite their circumstances. You don't have to postpone happiness until you have achieved all your goals. Joy is an inside job. In the Talmud it says, "In the world to come each of us will be called to account for all the good things God put on this earth which we refused to enjoy." Learn to appreciate the unfolding process of your life, not just the realization of your dreams.

7. Take action.

People often get stuck because they can't figure out how to get from Point A to Point Z. What is one thing you could do that would be a next step? Take a class, talk to a friend, read a book on a topic of interest, learn a new skill. Take action on what feels exciting to you.

8. Look for coincidences and synchronicities.

It has been said that coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous. We often have serendipity occurring in our lives as a way to show us we are on the right path. As you trust your intuitive knowing you'll find these synchronicities occurring more often.

9. Know that there will be ebbs and flows.

We often reach success through a series of ups and downs. When you are in a "down" place and feeling stuck, know that it won't last forever. Find some ways to enjoy your life despite the lull and continue to focus on what you want.

10. Trust in divine order.

Maybe you're beginning to feel as Mother Theresa once did when she said, "I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." The Universe has a perfect plan for your growth and unfolding as a human being. As you learn to be guided by your intuition you're beginning to act on this wisdom from the Universe.

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How Self-Aware Are You?

By Alice Landry
August 4, 2:10 PM

Self-awareness is the capability to look deeply into your own mind, body, heart, and soul and discover the underlying beliefs, values, and moral standards that influence the way you think, feel, and behave.

The only constant in life is change, and being able to adapt to the dynamic waves of life is an attribute of self-aware people. Those who resist may continue self-destructive patterns and fail to realize blessings in disguise, lessons they should have learned, or windows to new adventures.
With the desire and intention to increase self-awareness, you present yourself with the opportunity to consciously evolve and improve as an individual.

Review the following ways to become more self-aware:
• Actively listen to those who support and love you
• Develop a conscience
• Forgive yourself and others for past mistakes
• Release the need to control outcomes
• Intend for the highest and best path to unfold before you
• Keep your focus in the here and now
• Live your life from a love/Spirit-centered approach
• Look ahead to understand the potential consequences of your actions
• See the best in everyone, including yourself
• Learn to be more conscious of your thoughts and choose positive ones
• Keep your feelings in check and determine the source of negative emotions
• Avoid thinking in extremes (i.e. all or nothing)
• Release drama and choose peace
• Be responsible and empower yourself by owning your mistakes and achievements
• Be teachable and allow yourself to receive insights and epiphanies
• Know that there is always room for improvement and change is a necessary part of life

Gaining insight into yourself and why you make the choices you make can be scary - like looking in a pool of water and seeing the reflection but knowing there are secrets, fears, and murkiness that lie below.

The benefits of enhanced self-awareness include the ability to make healthier and purposeful choices, to improve the relationships with yourself and loved ones, and to reduce the negative effect of life stressors.

Affirmations: I increase self-awareness every day as I consciously monitor my thoughts, feelings, and actions. I live life from a place of love. I gain insight, learn from my mistakes, and move on. I am teachable and willing to see all sides of a situation. I am responsible for me.