anxiety

“This too shall pass.”

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This Too Shall Pass: The Power of Impermanence

The phrase “This too shall pass” is a reminder that nothing in life is permanent, neither the good nor the bad. It is a simple but powerful message that can offer comfort and hope during difficult times.

The idea of impermanence is a central tenet of many spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. These traditions teach that everything in the universe constantly changes, and nothing lasts forever. This concept can be difficult, especially when going through a difficult time.

However, the truth is that even the most difficult times will eventually pass. This does not mean that the pain will not be accurate or that we will not experience it fully. However, it does mean that the pain will not last forever.

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We can do a few things to help ourselves through difficult times and remember that “This too shall pass.”

  • Allow ourselves to feel our emotions. Acknowledging our pain and allowing ourselves to feel it entirely is essential. Trying to suppress our feelings will only make them worse.
  • Seek support from others. Talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted person can help us to feel less alone and to process our emotions healthily.
  • Focus on the present moment. Getting caught up in the past or the future is easy, but doing so can only make us feel more stressed and anxious. Instead, we can focus on the present moment and appreciate the small things in life.
  • Have faith that things will get better. Believing that things will improve, even when they never will, is essential. This does not mean we must be Pollyannaish about our situation, but we should not give up hope.

The phrase “This too shall pass” is a reminder that even the most difficult times will eventually end. It is a message of hope and resilience that can help us to get through tough times.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with difficult times:

  • Take care of yourself physically. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical health will help you to feel better emotionally and mentally.
  • Do things that you enjoy. This could be anything from reading a book to spending time in nature to listening to music. Doing something you want will help you relax and take your mind off your troubles.
  • Help others. Helping others is a great way to take your mind off your problems and feel good about yourself. There are many ways to help others, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or simply listening to a friend in need.

Remember, “This too shall pass.” Things will get better. Just hang in there.

  • Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your breath.
  • Journaling. Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and feelings. It can also help you to identify patterns in your thinking and behavior.
  • Seek professional help. If you are struggling to cope with difficult times, it is essential to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your challenges.

It is also important to remember that everyone experiences difficult times differently. There is no right or wrong way to cope with difficult times. What works for one person may only work for one person. The important thing is to find what works for you and to be patient with yourself.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Remember, you are not alone. Some people care about you and want to help. Please reach out for help if you are struggling.

TAO Te Ching “Wisdom”

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The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text that has been translated and interpreted in many ways. However, at its core, the Tao Te Ching is a guide to living a simple, peaceful, and harmonious life.

The Tao Te Ching teaches that the Tao, or the Way, is the underlying principle of the universe. It is the source of all that is, and it is characterized by simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action.

The Tao Te Ching teaches us to achieve a more fulfilling and peaceful life by following the Tao. This means living simply, without striving or attachment. It means being spontaneous and responsive to the moment. And it means acting without force or coercion.

There are many benefits to living a life following the Tao. Some of these benefits include:

  • Increased peace of mind and tranquility
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved relationships with others
  • Greater self-awareness and self-acceptance
  • Increased creativity and productivity
  • A stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life

If you want a way to live a more fulfilling and peaceful life, the Tao Te Ching can provide you with a valuable guide. By following the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, you can learn to live in harmony with the natural world and yourself.

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Here are some specific examples of how the Tao Te Ching can be applied to our lives today:

  • Simplicity. The Tao Te Ching teaches that simplicity is the key to happiness. When we live, we are less stressed and more content. We also have more time and energy to focus on the essential things to us.
  • Spontaneity. The Tao Te Ching teaches us to be spontaneous and responsive to the moment. Living in the present moment makes us more open to new experiences and possibilities. As a result, we are also more likely to make decisions in our best interests.
  • Non-action. The Tao Te Ching teaches that we should act without force or coercion. When we work this way, we are more likely to achieve our goals without causing harm to ourselves or others.

Many resources are available if you want to learn more about the Tao Te Ching. You can find translations of the text, as well as commentaries and interpretations. In addition, many books and websites offer advice on how to live a life following the Tao.

The Tao Te Ching is a timeless classic that can offer us guidance and inspiration on living a more fulfilling and peaceful life. If you want to improve your life, I encourage you to learn more about this ancient text.

  • Simplicity can help us to focus on what is essential. Living a simple life makes us less distracted by material possessions and other unnecessary things. This allows us to focus on relationships, health, and personal growth.
  • Simplicity can help us to reduce stress and anxiety. When we live a cluttered and chaotic life, it cannot be easy to relax and de-stress. However, when we simplify our lives, we can create a more peaceful and serene environment. This can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, which can improve our overall health and well-being.
  • Simplicity can help us to be more present in the moment. When we are constantly bombarded with stimuli, staying current at the moment can be difficult. However, when we simplify our lives, we can slow down and focus on the present moment. This can help us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to connect with our inner selves.
  • Simplicity can help us to be more grateful. When we live a simple life, we are more likely to appreciate the things that we have. This is because we are not constantly comparing ourselves to others or striving for more. We are happier and more content when we are grateful for what we have.

If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, here are a few tips:

  • Declutter your home. Get rid of anything that you don’t use or need. This will help to create a more peaceful and serene environment for yourself.
  • Simplify your schedule. Take some time each week to plan your schedule and eliminate unnecessary commitments. This will help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to make more time for the things that are truly important to you.
  • Simplify your diet. Eat whole, unprocessed foods and avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. This will help you to improve your health and well-being and to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Simplify your relationships. Spend time with people who make you happy and who support you. Avoid negative people and toxic relationships.
  • Simplify your finances. Create a budget and stick to it. This will help you to save money and to reduce stress.

Simplifying your life can be a challenge, but it is worth it. Living a simple life makes you more likely to be happy, healthy, and content.

Anxiety needs to Go

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Anxiety is a normal and natural human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, it can interfere with daily life and well-being when anxiety becomes intense, persistent, and challenging to manage. If you are struggling with anxiety, several strategies may help you overcome it:

  1. Seek professional help: A mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, can help you identify the causes of your anxiety and develop a treatment plan.
  2. Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help you relax and manage your anxiety.
  3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity reduces anxiety and improves mood.
  4. Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety, so it is vital to get enough rest.
  5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can help improve your overall physical and mental health.
  6. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants that can increase anxiety. Limiting your intake of these substances can help reduce stress.
  7. Practice good self-care: Engage in activities that you find enjoyable, and that help you relax, such as reading, spending time in nature, or listening to music.
  8. Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts and worry are common in anxiety. Challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones can be helpful.
  9. Try different treatments: There are many treatments for anxiety, including medication and therapy. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take some trial and error.
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Remember, it is essential to be patient and persistent when overcoming anxiety. Finding the right combination of strategies that work for you may take time, but with the right help and support, it is possible to manage and reduce your anxiety.

Handling Fear

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Fear is a natural and necessary emotion that helps keep us safe. It is the body’s way of responding to real or perceived threats. However, when fear becomes excessive or irrational, it can interfere with our daily lives and cause significant distress.

One effective way of dealing with fear is to confront it directly. You are gradually exposing yourself to the thing that is causing anxiety. For example, if you are afraid of public speaking, you can start by talking to a small group of friends, then gradually work your way up to speaking in front of larger groups. This technique, known as exposure therapy, can help you overcome fear and build confidence.

Another way to handle fear is to challenge the thoughts and beliefs driving the anxiety. So often, fear is fueled by irrational views and opinions that are not based on reality. By questioning and challenging these thoughts, you can objectively see the situation and reduce your fear.

It can also be helpful to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to calm yourself when feeling anxious or scared. These techniques can help reduce the physical symptoms of fear, such as rapid heart rate and shortness of breath, and help you feel more in control.

It is also essential to take care of your physical health. Fear can take a toll on the body, so eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential. These healthy habits can help improve your overall well-being and make you better equipped to handle fear when it arises.

Lastly, it can be helpful to seek support from others. For example, talking to a therapist or counselor can provide you with additional tools and strategies for dealing with fear and a safe space to process your emotions. Support from friends and family can also be valuable, as they can provide encouragement and understanding.

In conclusion, fear is a natural and necessary emotion, but when it becomes excessive or irrational, it can cause significant distress. By confronting the fear directly, challenging the thoughts and beliefs that fuel it, practicing relaxation techniques, taking care of your physical health, and seeking support from others, you can learn to handle fear and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Plan B Hell NO

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This is a quick look at the first chapter of my book, Plan B Hell NO. Of all my books I love this one for many reasons.

Shatter your Plan B and give way to success! 

Chapter 1

Learning the Difference

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”—Nelson Mandela

We are going to cover some perspectives that if you lean the difference between these ideologies, you will learn the first steps in unwavering faith.

You must change your mindset of lack in this first set of ideas that cause doubt. We don’t have the right resources. Learn when thinking of what you can do, say to yourself, “we just burned the boats now what?”

What to learn before you throw plan-b out:

  • Activity vs. Productivity acquire the difference!
  • Resources vs. Resourcefulness.
  • Failure, delays, obstacles, on the other side, is your success.
  • Unwavering faith!
  • Visualize, see yourself already having achieved your goal.
  • Gratitude is grateful where you are now and thankful for what is coming.

Learn to master these few things, and you will rocket ship your success.

First set: Resources vs. Resourcefulness

Where most folks fail in endeavors is their belief of a lack of resources. “I don’t have this; I don’t have that.” Ultimately, nothing begins, or they don’t finish what they started because they sold themselves on the fact “I don’t have.”

Here is what is lacking. Resourcefulness! It’s not a lack of resources; it’s a lack of ingenuity that causes you to fail. Some of the most beautiful photography does not get shot from a $10,000 camera but a $100 point-and-shoot or a smartphone. It’s not the gear; it’s the eye of the photographer. Take a look at what some of the top YouTube channels shoot with; most will tell you they started with a phone or a point-and-shoot.

We are learning to plan and execute with precision. Meaning, we learn to organize yourself for production. Days are about the output from hour-to-hour. We’re going to get into this later in the book.

So how do we learn to be resourceful?

  1. The most obvious is research. Learn everything there is to know about what you want to begin. Your knowledge needs to be you are the news organization’s first call when they need a professional opinion. The what you do does not matter, the knowledge base you have is unmatched.
  2. Learn to make do with what you have temporarily. If you need a tool to perform your job but do not own one, can you rent, borrow, a joint venture with someone who does. For example, I am a photographer, when I need a camera Lens, I rent it. If offered a job that requires a lens that might cost me tens of thousands of dollars to purchase, I rent it!
  3. I currently have a full-time job. I don’t have time. Can you get up an hour early? Give one hour a day every day, and at the end of the year, you’ve invested 365 hours to your new endeavor. If you’re more inclined to succeed get up at 4:00 AM. You would be in good company, Bill Gates is up, Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson is up, and so is Warren Buffet.
  4. Can you swap for things? If someone has something, you need to see if they’re willing to accept another form of payment from you. It’s a long shot, but long shots win at the track every day! You dare to ask for what you need.
  5. Bend the rules of any situation. BEND NOT BREAK. Bend rules to accomplish. We never bend the rules to destruct or harm. Ever! Think outside the normal.
  6. Learn to play several hands. Double down when you can. Never rely on one solution when others may work as well.
  7. Communicate with potential clients, vendors, or angel help. Learn to voice yourself to get what you need. You will be amazed at how many good-hearted people are out there if you present yourself well.

When you think about resourcefulness, think about people who have defied all odds to achieve.  We’ve all heard of or seen Escape from Alcatraz. Arguably a prison that should be escape-proof but turned out not to be.

We’ve all heard stories of cancer recovery; you’ll never walk again, obstacles placed before folks that didn’t listen. They defied the odds and overcame incredible adversity. Where there is a will, there is a way. Pardon the cliché, but it’s true.

Resourceful people also have patience. Where many fail is, they get frustrated because change is not immediate. Resources may be moving around with the help of the Universe to align themselves with you.

I told this story in a Podcast. Think about patience this way. Say you want a job, not just any job but your dream job. You pray about it, visualize it and know you can do it. You start losing faith, so much so eventually you give up. What you did not see was that your dream job that could have been yours currently occupied by someone that had you waited just a bit longer would have been available because that person retired. God was going to steer you to this job after a deserving person was able to retire with a bang. They earned that for years of service.

God was letting someone retire with the fanfare they richly earned, and he was going to put you in it because you stayed in faith, you made it. You got frustrated and moved on. How stupid do you think you would feel if you had this knowledge after you lost the opportunity?

Opportunity can come quickly, or slowly. If your faith stays true to the course, you’re on, when the knock-on opportunities door comes it will be more than we ever imagined. Imagine the wisdom you might have received from the person exiting your dream job. What did you miss because you could not be patient?

At this point, some of you may be saying, “but I’m not that clever.” Everyone can be clever. Here are some ways you can learn to quiet your mind. When you do this, it’s incredible how much your thoughts will begin to serve you instead of stress you.

  • Meditation is fantastic, and anyone can do it. What this practice allows you to do is to slow your mind down. Declutters your head so you can organize your thoughts and be receptive to receive new ideas.

If you want to learn to be more resourceful, learn to meditate so your mind can clear a pathway to new thoughts.

If life is not set too well right now, meditation can help you find peace. Living in your mind will cause us to live in fear, pain, and anxiety. Our thoughts wander off into the abyss of negativity.

Meditate to get in touch with your soul. When we live from the soul, all things are possible. During meditation practice aligning with God, the divine source will release your energy. Bring into our lives joy, happiness, and oneness with the universe where real peace can live.

Connecting with Devine Energy:

As part of healthy meditation practice, we can cleanse our bodies of toxic, life-draining anxiety. We can see what our deepest desires for health, family, relationships, all in our minds. When you believe in your soul, that’s when things begin to materialize.

It’s a simple process. Find some meditative music. Use headphones if possible. You can find lots of meditation music on YouTube®. Find a relaxing position; I like to lay down on my bed flat. Breathe deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. Deep cleansing breaths relax!

As you begin your meditation, don’t worry if your mind moves in thought. It will take some time for you to get to a point in your meditation practice that you can control your thoughts. It’s ok.

Begin to connect with God, ask him to come into your life, and only pray to him. Release your cares to him. Then show him through your mind, see yourself receiving blessings, see yourself in the state that you want to be. Visualize in your mind, your deepest desires and then tell God how grateful you are.

There is a reason it is called a meditation practice. It will take a bit of time for the mind to clear trash thoughts. It’s ok. Continue this practice daily. Several times a day if you have the time. For sure, before bedtime.

Connecting to Devine source will open your life to wonderous new blessings and peace.

If you want to be resourceful, learn to open your mind, declutter your head so you can find new ways to achieve your goals.

Second set: Activity vs. Productivity

Massive in changing anything about your life. So many people tell me they don’t have time. They can’t fit another thing in their day. My short answer, “you don’t know how to manage your time.” I usually get a lot of expletives shouted at me. Hear me out before you hit the refund button.

You will need to indulge me in an activity. First, get two pages of a daily calendar that starts and ends with your work times. You need a daily view that breaks up the day hour-by-hour. Then what I want you to do is HONESTLY write down what you do for two days literally by the hour.

Yes, you can do it, and yes, it’s a pain in the ass. How bad do you want to change?

Chronicle your day, I mean from bathroom breaks to screwing around on social media. Chin-wagging with friends, talking on the phone, you get the idea. Be honest; this is not a test but will be an ah-ha moment. “Holy crap, I waste a lot of time.”

We can find you somewhere close to 20 hours per week. I promise you will be amazed.

So, this is what activity will look like now let’s talk about what productivity looks like — time-sensitive projects, client fires, things that are typically out of your control but do take time. Of course, we must adjust for issues as they arise. The point to all this is once we get distracted, we immediately get back on task.

What a day looks like filled with production:

  1. Set times that you can do routine daily tasks. For example, email. Can you make two times a day for email? Morning and afternoon. Daily try and identify how much time you spend on email. Most emails can wait for a time.
  2. Give each function of your day a set time to start and complete. Never leave a task incomplete for the day if you can finish.
  3. Learn to keep distractions to a minimum. Let friends and family know that if possible, call you at designated times.
  4. Social media is a killer of time. It boils down to is looking at what your sister-in-law cooked for dinner or is a success your passion? Also, keeping up with friends during the day, why waste productive time? Social media eats time with NO benefit to your success.
  5. You have 24 hours in a day, you need 6 hours of sleep, leaving you 18 hours! Now tell me you don’t have time! Get organized with time. Time is a friend or foe.

Invest time for yourself. Imagine after a year of one hour a day; now, you have 365 hours invested in your freedom. Knowledge is freedom.

Change your perspective about sacrifice. If you feel you must sacrifice anything, you’re in the wrong mode. If you think you must surrender to realize a dream you have. Ask yourself why?

What you put into a thing, for example; getting up earlier to begin your day. Some would say this is a sacrifice. NO!

Anything you do to further your life is an investment, not a sacrifice. Learn to invest in your success. Everything you do that facilitates your life experience is an investment that yields a net result.

It’s not a bloody sacrifice to have a happy life. You don’t have to give up anything to have a happy life. You gave up an hour of sleep to further your life and that somehow realistically is a sacrifice?

Look at actions you’re engaged in that you feel is a sacrifice. Then HONESTLY ask yourself why you feel that way. My guess is you’re not adequately managing your time. Don’t get pissed. We all suck at managing time. Activity vs. Productivity!

Visualize what you want. Not just about material things.

  • Happy
  • Relationship
  • Body
  • Mind
  • Soul
  • Work
  • Home

See where we’re galloping off to here? It’s an all-encompassing visualization of our life. See the life you want to have. We do this in our mind’s eye.

The best time I have found to do this is during my meditation practice. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Have a place where you can quiet your mind without interruption.
  2. I find it easier to de-clutter my mind with soft meditation music or outdoor sounds like crickets, ocean, rain, this type of sounds are soothing.
  3. Begin to see with eyes closed focus your mind on what you desire to see change. See yourself happy, in a happy relationship, new job, new body, focus until you smile. Stay in that state-of-mind for as long as you’re comfortable.
  4. Do this practice at least once per day.
  5. When you begin to believe it, the Universe will start to manifest your dreams.
  6. Have patience and gratitude. Lock in your faith!

Gratitude for where you are, what you have today lets the Universe know you’re available to receive blessings. Demonstrate your true faithfulness in this life. Then learn to be grateful for what is coming, what you can’t see but desire to be a part of your life.

Be happy where you are and for what is coming, and miracles will abound.

Focus on Gratitude every day. Take moments out of your day to thank God for what you have and what you cannot see. Give praise for the life you have.

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