What Kind of Life Do You Want to Have Tomorrow?

It is almost the end of the first month of 2010, and I wonder if you have made choices to meet some of the goals or intentions you set for yourself at the start of the year. If not, what has stopped you? Be mindful of the fact that you have the choice to act and make your intentions real.
The life you have is the result of the choices you make every day, consciously or unconsciously. Your unconscious “choices” are a result of early conditioning and are like pre-programmed reflexes.
I recently wrote about responding versus reacting. We may not be aware of how our thinking determines our responses or reactions, but if we begin observing our thoughts and the messages we give ourselves, we can modify the thoughts that influence our feelings and choices.
What kind of life do you want to have tomorrow? Make a list of five things you want to change in your life and start making today the choices that will bring you a more fulfilling future.
You have the ability to transform any situation by making the decision today.
Have a beautiful life,
Ligia/10

Do You Respond Or React?

In our daily lives we confront situations that may be too demanding, challenging or uncomfortable for us. How do you behave? Do you respond or react? What is the difference between the two?
When we react we are allowing ourselves to behave automatically, almost reflexively. When we choose to respond, we reflect and think about how to handle the situation, taking into account the consequences of our actions.
Do you find yourself reacting or responding on a regular basis?
One of the most common reasons for reacting is stress. If one feels overwhelmed and irritable, one may not have the ability to regulate one’s emotions, reacting in ways that may be detrimental for oneself and others.
Some of the ways in which you can control your emotions and lower your chances of reacting are:
• Observe your thoughts
• Examine your attitudes
• Learn breathing techniques
• Incorporate meditation
Next time you encounter a difficult situation, remember to be flexible and apply one or more of these techniques…you may be surprised how well they work!
To learn more about managing your stress in a holistic manner, register for my stress-relief workshop at: http://www.prlog.org/10500495-stress-relief-workshop-with-ligia-houben.html

Have a beautiful day,
Ligia/10

Practice Happiness

Even in the midst of difficulties, you can choose to be happy.

Happiness is about attitude. Nobody or any external factor can “make” you happy. How often have we heard people say things like, "When I get the perfect job or meet the love of my life, then I will be happy," or, "When the economy gets better, I will finally be happy"?

In truth, being happy is a choice. We know of many people who may be rich, with the best job and a great partner, and still are miserable. How is this possible? It is because inside, they are unhappy, unsatisfied and always wanting more.

If you are facing a tough and challenging situation you have two choices: dwell on misery and suffer through or choose to be happy on the inside and carry joy in your heart. This is not easy and at times you may slip back to feeling sorry for yourself, but...the more you choose joy the easier it gets to experience joy. Practice being happy and before you know it, happiness will come naturally.

Have a beautiful day,

Ligia/10

Have you written a life plan?

In my last post, I mentioned the importance of transforming any loss or transition this year in order to be happier and live with a purpose. For transformation to happen, we need to know what we want to change and where we want to go. Do you have a life plan, or do you just take the days, weeks and months as they come?

If the latter is your established pattern…it is time to change it! You can make things happen! Now is the ideal time to decide whether to live in a reactive or proactive manner.

As 2010 begins, fresh opportunities meet us. We are beginning a new decade that will be wonderful and prosperous if we all work on ourselves. The results will be exponential and have an impact at a global level.

Transition begins with us. Gandhi said it best: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

I urge you today….be that change. Get out a pen and begin the powerful exercise of committing your hopes and goals to paper. You have the resources to transform any situation in your life and live with meaning!

Ligia/10

Learn how to write a life plan in my book, Transform Your Loss: Your Guide to Strength and Hope., based on the Eleven Principles of Transformation™

Transforming 2010!

January 4th, 2010

Some of you may have experienced a loss in 2009 and are carrying emotions from the event into the new year.

Many people would like to move forward from loss but don’t know how to do so. In my book, Transform Your Loss: Your Guide to Strength and Hope, I present an 11-principles system that takes you from the first step—accepting your loss—to visualizing and living the life you want.

On Saturday, I was having dinner with some friends. One of them told me that recovering from loss takes time and is part of the natural flow of life. True, but you can help determine the quality of your life and heal. You can choose to stay in the pits, complaining, and feeling sorry for yourself, or you can face your situation, take correct action, and believe that you will bounce back.

If you want recovery to be truly transformational, engage in the process.

Make 2010 your year of transformation!

Ligia/10

Keeping a journal

January 2nd, 2010

I believe that a great resolution for the year is to keep a journal. Today, I reviewed both my agenda and my 2009 journal. This was very enlightening. I could see the areas where I grew and what I need to focus on this year to become a better person—personally and professionally.

We are always in motion. We need to embrace change, expansion and growth. Did you keep a journal last year? Have you read it?

Sometimes we write just to write...and never revisit our thoughts. Today I invite you to review your words. You may be surprised by the wonderful things you achieved…and may not have been aware of accomplishing.

Now is the time to prepare yourself to receive the things you know and feel will enhance your life in 2010…and beyond. Make this a year of expansion and transformation!

Ligia/10

Find more ways to move forward this year in my book, Transform Your Loss: Your Guide to Strength and Hope.

First Reflection of 2010!

January 1st, 2010

What a special day today is…the first day of the year and of the decade! It is also an ideal day to start re-evaluating the various facets of our lives—spiritual, physical and social—and learn which area needs improvement.

Or even better…we can pinpoint the area in which we can have a breakthrough.

It is totally up to us whether we live without planning or appreciate the many opportunities we have and choose goals with true meaning. I urge going deeper than picking a New Year’s Resolution. We need to understand the intention and value of our goals, see the benefit of achieving them, and imagine how we will feel at the end of the year after we accomplish them.

Have you ever put together an “Action Board” that gives you a visual reference to everything you wish to achieve?

Create one and place it in a spot where you can see it regularly. You will be amazed by how inspired you feel and become!

Have a meaningful 2010!

Ligia/10

Move forward in 2010 with me. Pick up and share a copy of my book, Transform Your Loss: Your Guide to Strength and Hope.