Ideas that were once considered outrageous have become everyday events. The rule is that once a precedent has been set, strange though it may be, you have established a new norm.
Helen Keller couldn’t see, hear, and talk, yet she was one of the most fulfilled, positive, inspiring people of the 20th century. Steven Spielberg started out as a skinny, shy, unknown, mediocre student in high school and went on to become creatively involved with five of the top ten grossing movies of all time. Oprah Winfrey grew up poor in an area where being African-American posed tremendous odds for achievement. Yet she broke all records by becoming a popular talk-show host, TV and film producer, Magazine Publisher, and a billionaire to boot.
The same principle is relevant for each of us. Look back 10 years and consider the changes you have made in your life. Things you once considered outrageous are now part of your everyday existence. Big screen TVs, computers, cell phones, global positioning systems watching our “enemies” as well as tracking stolen vehicles, instant meals, instant messaging to friends and relatives around the globe, and a couple of years ago the stock market hit highs (and probably will again) that many thought to be incomprehensible.
The claim of running the four minute mile was once thought to be impossible. Many had attempted and all fell short. Yet Britain’s Roger Bannister finally broke the record in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at Oxford University, Oxford England in May 1954. He later went on to win the “metric mile,” the 1500 mile at the European Championships in Berne on August 29, 2954 with a record of 3 minutes 43.8 seconds. He set a new norm. Within a short time of his performance, a parade of others broke the 4-minute mile record. A new norm had been set.
It is true, you can’t think too big. What was once considered a disabling flaw or handicap can be navigated with innovation and imagination. Take this principle to heart. What is it that you want that at one time you considered to be pure fantasy?
In 1994 George Rickles lost both hands and most of his forearms in an accident that brought his beloved carpentry career to a dramatic end. Rickles’ determination to return to carpentry led him to be fitted with prosthetic hooks. Then Volunteers for Medical Engineering designed tools and a special toolbox just for him. With patience Rickles’ proficiency with his beloved power tools proved to be promising.
There is a process involved in manifesting dreams. It involves taking one step at a time and accomplishing each with an air of optimism and determination. The first step you take is the one facing you right now. That one will lead you to the next one and so on. What is your dream? Are you ready to take the first step? Words 475
Jean Walters is a St. Louis based Personal Growth Consultant and Life Coach specializing in empowerment. You can reach her at 314 991 8439 or jean@spiritualtransformation.com. Check out her website at www.spiritualtransformation.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Add Enthusiasm to Your Life
Enthusiasm is one of the most important components of success, in any endeavor. Frank Bettger, a former second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals made that point in his book. He tells about playing for a minor league team in Pennsylvania where the manager told him, “Frank, I don’t like firing you because you’re a good baseball player, but you haven’t got any enthusiasm to play baseball. So, I’ve got to let you go.” After that he played for a Delaware team in an even lower league. Bettger played the same unenthusiastic baseball. One day one of the players asked him, “Frank, don’t you like to play baseball?”
“Oh, yes, I love it”, he responded.
“Then, play it like you love it. You’ve got to be enthusiastic. Go out there and act enthusiastic.”
“But, I don’t feel enthusiastic,” answered Frank.
“Act as though you do, and you’ll get it.”
Bettger next stop was with a New Haven team. The first day the temperature on the field soared to 90 degrees in the shade. But, Frank ran the bases like a man electrified. He threw the ball with such force that it seared the hands of the other players. He was like a man let loose. He hit at every ball, good ones, bad ones, all of them, resulting in several good hits. The following day the New Haven newspaper asked, “Where did our team get this human dynamo? This man is super enthusiastic.” They named him “Pep” Bettger. Before long a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals visited and hired him. Thus, in one season, he moved up from a class D team to the national league where he completed a distinguished career.
Frank Bettger always had ability and when enthusiasm was added to the mix, he became one of the greatest second basemen of all time. He said, “What is the use of living, if you don’t give it all you’ve got”.
Are you giving it all you’ve got? Where in your life do you need to add enthusiasm? What would your life be like if you became a human dynamo?
“Oh, yes, I love it”, he responded.
“Then, play it like you love it. You’ve got to be enthusiastic. Go out there and act enthusiastic.”
“But, I don’t feel enthusiastic,” answered Frank.
“Act as though you do, and you’ll get it.”
Bettger next stop was with a New Haven team. The first day the temperature on the field soared to 90 degrees in the shade. But, Frank ran the bases like a man electrified. He threw the ball with such force that it seared the hands of the other players. He was like a man let loose. He hit at every ball, good ones, bad ones, all of them, resulting in several good hits. The following day the New Haven newspaper asked, “Where did our team get this human dynamo? This man is super enthusiastic.” They named him “Pep” Bettger. Before long a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals visited and hired him. Thus, in one season, he moved up from a class D team to the national league where he completed a distinguished career.
Frank Bettger always had ability and when enthusiasm was added to the mix, he became one of the greatest second basemen of all time. He said, “What is the use of living, if you don’t give it all you’ve got”.
Are you giving it all you’ve got? Where in your life do you need to add enthusiasm? What would your life be like if you became a human dynamo?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Authenticity
Authenticity can be a matter of simplicity. When one is truly himself, the trappings of success can seem frivolous and unimportant. Will Rogers experienced great success from his newspaper columns and stage, radio and movie appearances. His celebrity status garnered him all the money he would ever need. Yet he never lost his signature simplicity. He continued to wear the same type clothing as always, a kind of rumpled general-store style.
At the height of his popularity, the furnishings in his dressing room reflected who he was. They consisted of two old straight-backed wooden chairs. His wife, Betty, wanted to surprise Rogers by redecorating his dressing room. She purchased two soft, comfortable armchairs, a chaise lounge, drapes, lamps and an Oriental rug. Everything a celebrity of his caliber might desire. Rogers seemed sincerely appreciative of her thoughtfulness.
Days later she returned to the dressing room thinking he might be relaxing in one of his new comfortable chairs. Instead, she found him sitting on the floor cross-legged. He commented that he couldn’t find anyplace to sit that suited him.
Betty understood. Within a few days Rogers’ dressing room was restored to its original state. His simple, functional chairs came back, for they were what matched Will Rogers’ character. He was not ostentatious and neither were they.
Will Rogers authenticity was his power and his influence. He stated it best when he said, “I use only one set method in my little gags and that is to try and keep to the truth.” Indeed he was a master of simple truth.
If and when there are times when you feel pulled this way and that and you’re not sure what you should do or who you should be, remember Will Rogers, for that might bring you back to your authentic self. Once you are centered in your realness, you will have a better sense of what direction is right for you.
At the height of his popularity, the furnishings in his dressing room reflected who he was. They consisted of two old straight-backed wooden chairs. His wife, Betty, wanted to surprise Rogers by redecorating his dressing room. She purchased two soft, comfortable armchairs, a chaise lounge, drapes, lamps and an Oriental rug. Everything a celebrity of his caliber might desire. Rogers seemed sincerely appreciative of her thoughtfulness.
Days later she returned to the dressing room thinking he might be relaxing in one of his new comfortable chairs. Instead, she found him sitting on the floor cross-legged. He commented that he couldn’t find anyplace to sit that suited him.
Betty understood. Within a few days Rogers’ dressing room was restored to its original state. His simple, functional chairs came back, for they were what matched Will Rogers’ character. He was not ostentatious and neither were they.
Will Rogers authenticity was his power and his influence. He stated it best when he said, “I use only one set method in my little gags and that is to try and keep to the truth.” Indeed he was a master of simple truth.
If and when there are times when you feel pulled this way and that and you’re not sure what you should do or who you should be, remember Will Rogers, for that might bring you back to your authentic self. Once you are centered in your realness, you will have a better sense of what direction is right for you.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Your Dreams Tell a Lot About You
And they never lie.... by Jean WaltersMany people consider dreams frivolous and crazy. That is because they don't know the "dream" language. Fortunately for Joseph of the technicolor coat genre the Egypian Pharoah believed dreams were important. Thus he employed David to interpret his dreams which proved to have far reaching implications for these interpretations allowed him to prepare for a seven year famine. Because of his foresight, he was able to save his people from disaster. We may not be facing such a threat. Yet we have our own dilemmas and dreams can be instrumental in preparing us to make necessary changes to transform our lives. On my website: www.spiritualtransformation there is a place to register your dreams and receive a proper interpretation. Feel free to go there for the insight you desire.The interesting thing about dreams is "they never lie." Thus your dreams are a commentary on your thinking and your life and they say it like it is. They are forthright, honest, objective and non-judgmental. Below are a couple of examples of client or student dreams and how they might provide some practical insight. This is a very common dream. Almost everyone has had a dream like it. It is stated in the first person, from the dreamer's perspective: "I am in a large school and I am lost. I've lost my class schedule and I don't know where I'm supposted to be but I know that I am late for class. I feel panicky and confused." Does this sound familiar? This dream is a commentary on the dreamer's conscious experience in that he is feeling confused and a bit panicky about the situation in which he finds himself. He wasn't sure what he was to learn from it or why he was there and at the same time felt pressured to produce. He needed time to process his situation and determine his purpose for being there. (In the situation described, the dreamer's dilemma dealt with a work situation but the same type dream could occur in a relationship or any setting for that matter.) Once the dreamer faced his own confusion, he was able to deal with his situation more appropriately and figure out ways to handle the pressure he was feeling. He ultimately restructed things so that he had a sense of direction and greater clarity. Again, the dream helped him prepare for needed changes in his life.Here is another dream that delivers a different message. The dreamer is female and describes her dream. "I am walking alone on a train track and hear the train approaching. I feel fear and start to run along the track. The train is bearing down on me. It appears it will run me over. Then I decide to turn and face the train fearlessly and stop the train with my arm outstretched. I do this and the train stops. I feel proud of myself."In the dream the feelings of fear and intimidation are prominent. Given that the train is running on a track, the dream reflects that this one is dealing with a large organization (a train) and the path seems predetermined (the track). It appears to be bearing down on her. She could let it run her down or confront it. She chose to bravely halt the train by outstretching her arm. The result for her was a feeling of courage and pride. The dreamer confirmed that she has been involved in a large organization that was demanding more and more of her (the train). She was feeling mowed down with all the demands. Then she bravely confronted the person in charge (stopped the train) and the pressure was relieved. She was proud of her courage in making this confrontation. The dream was reflecting and confirming her feelings about her situation. It helped her to see herself objectively and recognize her courage and determination. Being able to step back from life and see things clearly is a huge gift. It is the way that we can recognize ourselves and our responses with lucidity and make corrections that not only save us probles down the road but produce more expansive, profitable results. If you have a dream that you would like to comprehend and receive its message, go to www.spiritualtransformation.com and click on dream interpretation. It will walk you through the process of learning about your life through your dreams.
Dreams Tell a Lot About Your Life
And they never lie.... by Jean Walters
Many people consider dreams frivolous and crazy. That is because they don't know the "dream" language. Fortunately for Joseph of the technicolor coat genre the Egypian Pharoah believed dreams were important. Thus he employed David to interpret his dreams which proved to have far reaching implications. For these interpretations allowed this ruler to prepare for a seven year famine. Therefore he was able to save his people from disaster.
We may not be facing such a great threat. Yet we have our own dilemmas and dreams can be instrumental in preparing us to make the necessary changes to transform our lives. On my website: www.spiritualtransformation there is a place to register your dreams and receive a proper interpretation.
The interesting thing about dreams is "they never lie." Thus your dreams are a commentary on your thinking and your life and they say it like it is. They are forthright, honest, objective and non-judgmental. Below are a couple of examples of client or student dreams and how they might provide some practical insight.
This is a very common dream. Almost everything has had a dream like it. It is stated in the first person, from the dreamer's perspective: "I am in a large school and I am lost. I've lost my class schedule and I don't know where I'm supposted to e but I know that I am late to class. I feel panicky and confused."
Does this sound familiar? This dream is a commentary on the dreamer's conscious experience in that he is feeling confused and a bit panicky about the situation he was in. He wasn't sure what he was to learn from it and why he was there, and at the same time felt pressured to produce. He needed time to process his situation and determine his own purpose for being there. (In the situation described, the dreamer's dilemma dealt with a work situation but the same type dream could occur in a relationship or any setting for that matter. Once the dreamer faced his own confusion, he could deal with his situation more appropriately and figure out ways to handle the pressure he was feeling. He ultimately restructed things so that he had a sense of direction and greater clarity. Again, the dream helped him prepare for needed changes in his life.
Here is another dream that delivers a different message. The dreamer is female and describes her dream. "I am walking alone on a train track and hear the train approaching. I feel fear and start to run along the track. The train is beaingdown on me. It appears it will run me down. Then I decide to turn and face the train fearlessly and stop the train with my arm outstretched. I do this and the train stops. I feel proud of myself."
In the dream the feelings of fear and intimidation are prominent. Given that the train is running on a track, the dream reflects that this one is dealing with a large organization (a train) and the path seems predetermined (running on a track). It appears to be bearing down on her. She could let it run her down or she chose bravely to halt the train by outstretching her arm. The result is that she has a feeling of courage and pride.
The dreamer confirmed that she has been involved in a large organization that was demanding more and more of her. She was feeling mowed down. Then she confronted the person in charge and the pressure was relieved. She was proud of her courage in making this confrontation.
The dream was confirming her feelings about he situation. It helped her to see herself objectively and recognize her courage and determination.
Being able to step back from life and see things objectively is a huge gift. It is the way that we can see ourselves and our responses more clearly and make corrections that can save us untold misery, plus make our efforts expansive and profitable.
If you have a dream that you would like to understand and draw forth its message for you, go to www.spiritualtransformation.com website and click on dream interpretation. It will walk you through the process of learning about your through your dreams.
Many people consider dreams frivolous and crazy. That is because they don't know the "dream" language. Fortunately for Joseph of the technicolor coat genre the Egypian Pharoah believed dreams were important. Thus he employed David to interpret his dreams which proved to have far reaching implications. For these interpretations allowed this ruler to prepare for a seven year famine. Therefore he was able to save his people from disaster.
We may not be facing such a great threat. Yet we have our own dilemmas and dreams can be instrumental in preparing us to make the necessary changes to transform our lives. On my website: www.spiritualtransformation there is a place to register your dreams and receive a proper interpretation.
The interesting thing about dreams is "they never lie." Thus your dreams are a commentary on your thinking and your life and they say it like it is. They are forthright, honest, objective and non-judgmental. Below are a couple of examples of client or student dreams and how they might provide some practical insight.
This is a very common dream. Almost everything has had a dream like it. It is stated in the first person, from the dreamer's perspective: "I am in a large school and I am lost. I've lost my class schedule and I don't know where I'm supposted to e but I know that I am late to class. I feel panicky and confused."
Does this sound familiar? This dream is a commentary on the dreamer's conscious experience in that he is feeling confused and a bit panicky about the situation he was in. He wasn't sure what he was to learn from it and why he was there, and at the same time felt pressured to produce. He needed time to process his situation and determine his own purpose for being there. (In the situation described, the dreamer's dilemma dealt with a work situation but the same type dream could occur in a relationship or any setting for that matter. Once the dreamer faced his own confusion, he could deal with his situation more appropriately and figure out ways to handle the pressure he was feeling. He ultimately restructed things so that he had a sense of direction and greater clarity. Again, the dream helped him prepare for needed changes in his life.
Here is another dream that delivers a different message. The dreamer is female and describes her dream. "I am walking alone on a train track and hear the train approaching. I feel fear and start to run along the track. The train is beaingdown on me. It appears it will run me down. Then I decide to turn and face the train fearlessly and stop the train with my arm outstretched. I do this and the train stops. I feel proud of myself."
In the dream the feelings of fear and intimidation are prominent. Given that the train is running on a track, the dream reflects that this one is dealing with a large organization (a train) and the path seems predetermined (running on a track). It appears to be bearing down on her. She could let it run her down or she chose bravely to halt the train by outstretching her arm. The result is that she has a feeling of courage and pride.
The dreamer confirmed that she has been involved in a large organization that was demanding more and more of her. She was feeling mowed down. Then she confronted the person in charge and the pressure was relieved. She was proud of her courage in making this confrontation.
The dream was confirming her feelings about he situation. It helped her to see herself objectively and recognize her courage and determination.
Being able to step back from life and see things objectively is a huge gift. It is the way that we can see ourselves and our responses more clearly and make corrections that can save us untold misery, plus make our efforts expansive and profitable.
If you have a dream that you would like to understand and draw forth its message for you, go to www.spiritualtransformation.com website and click on dream interpretation. It will walk you through the process of learning about your through your dreams.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Combatants for Peace
Heroes come in all shape and sizes and every philosophy and culture. This was proven at a meeting that was held a while back in the auditorium of Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.
One would never suspect that Shimon Katz and Sulaiman Al Hamri would be working together for a common cause. On the surface, they appear to be natural enemies. Katz is a former officer in an elite Israeli Counterterrorism Unit and Al Hamri is a Palestinian who spent more than four years in Israeli prisons for organizing demonstrations against Israel’s military. Yet they met together in St. Louis, along with more than 200 others, to demonstrate their commitment and determination to create peace in their home land.
These men are part of a US speaking tour sponsored by Combatants for Peace, a group dedicated to the peaceful establishment of an independent Palestinian nation and an end to violence in the Mideast.
“We’re not stupid and we know things are not going to change automatically or very quickly,” Katz said when asked about the prospects for a peaceful solution to the region’s problems. “But we set ourselves simple goals.”
Al Hamri was inspired after stints in jail convinced him that the region’s conflict could be solved ONLY by sitting down with the Israelis. Thus the organization, Combatants for Peace, was formed and it includes members from the Israel Defense Forces, former fighters from the Palestinian Liberation Organization and Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization.
There is no surprise that there are a variety of opinions among the members. Yet, the organization’s basic message is consistent. “The solution is, let’s talk. Let’s talk to one another as human beings. We are talking about the small hope of co-existence, to have two states on this piece of land and to live peacefully side by side.” To these remarks, Al Hamri received a huge round of applause.
Indeed, even setting the goal to create peace in a troubled section of the world requires vision and courage. The willingness to hold to strong ideals was a topic about which Robert F. Kennedy was passionate. He said that “each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he send forth a tiny ripple of hope…and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
We have seen great changes in the world – the Berlin Wall came down, the Cold War ended, Russia rejected communism and moved to establish a democratic state. In our changing world, miracles do happen and now we have an opportunity to stand with Katz and Al Hamri for peace. Perhaps their willingness to stand bold in their conviction marks a time to move from hate to love and from separation to unity. Perhaps it is time for each of us to reach out heroically to our entire global family to assist in the mending and healing of our world.
One would never suspect that Shimon Katz and Sulaiman Al Hamri would be working together for a common cause. On the surface, they appear to be natural enemies. Katz is a former officer in an elite Israeli Counterterrorism Unit and Al Hamri is a Palestinian who spent more than four years in Israeli prisons for organizing demonstrations against Israel’s military. Yet they met together in St. Louis, along with more than 200 others, to demonstrate their commitment and determination to create peace in their home land.
These men are part of a US speaking tour sponsored by Combatants for Peace, a group dedicated to the peaceful establishment of an independent Palestinian nation and an end to violence in the Mideast.
“We’re not stupid and we know things are not going to change automatically or very quickly,” Katz said when asked about the prospects for a peaceful solution to the region’s problems. “But we set ourselves simple goals.”
Al Hamri was inspired after stints in jail convinced him that the region’s conflict could be solved ONLY by sitting down with the Israelis. Thus the organization, Combatants for Peace, was formed and it includes members from the Israel Defense Forces, former fighters from the Palestinian Liberation Organization and Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization.
There is no surprise that there are a variety of opinions among the members. Yet, the organization’s basic message is consistent. “The solution is, let’s talk. Let’s talk to one another as human beings. We are talking about the small hope of co-existence, to have two states on this piece of land and to live peacefully side by side.” To these remarks, Al Hamri received a huge round of applause.
Indeed, even setting the goal to create peace in a troubled section of the world requires vision and courage. The willingness to hold to strong ideals was a topic about which Robert F. Kennedy was passionate. He said that “each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he send forth a tiny ripple of hope…and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
We have seen great changes in the world – the Berlin Wall came down, the Cold War ended, Russia rejected communism and moved to establish a democratic state. In our changing world, miracles do happen and now we have an opportunity to stand with Katz and Al Hamri for peace. Perhaps their willingness to stand bold in their conviction marks a time to move from hate to love and from separation to unity. Perhaps it is time for each of us to reach out heroically to our entire global family to assist in the mending and healing of our world.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Yes You Can, Authenticity
Authenticity can be a matter of simplicity. When one is truly himself, the trappings of success can seem frivolous and unimportant. Will Rogers experienced great success from his newspaper columns and stage, radio and movie appearances. His celebrity status garnered him all the money he would ever need yet, he never lost his signature simplicity. He continued to wear the same type clothing as always, a kind of rumpled general-store style. At the height of his popularity, the furnishings in his dressing room reflected who he was. They consisted of two old straight-backed wooden chairs. His wife, Betty, wanted to surprise Rogers by redecorating his dressing room. She purchased two soft, comfortable armchairs, a chaise lounge, drapes, lamps and an Oriental rug. Everything a celebrity of his caliber might desire. Rogers seemed sincerely appreciative of her thoughtfulness. Days later she returned to the dressing room thinking he might be relaxing in one of his new comfortable chairs. Instead, she found him sitting on the floor cross-legged. He commented that he couldn’t find anyplace to sit that suited him. Betty understood. Within a few days Rogers’ dressing room was restored to its original state. His simple, functional chairs came back, for they were what matched Will Rogers’ character. He was not ostentatious and neither were they. Will Rogers authenticity was his power and his influence. He stated it best when he said, “I use only one set method in my little gags and that is to try and keep to the truth.” Indeed he was a master of simple truth. If and when there are times when you feel pulled this way and that and you’re not sure what you should do or who you should be, remember Will Rogers, for that might bring you back to your authentic self. Once you are centered in your realness, you will have a better sense of what direction is right for you.
Jean Walters is a St. Louis based Personal Growth Consultant and Coach. You can reach her at jean@spiritualtransformation.com
Jean Walters is a St. Louis based Personal Growth Consultant and Coach. You can reach her at jean@spiritualtransformation.com
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