Don't Blink. Blink and You're Dead.....
Sorry, I couldn't help but to quote one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes. It not only is one of the best, it always makes me look at stone statues twice in case they turn into angels who want to steal the rest of your life by sending you back in time to relive a new life. To bad they have the phone box.
And for everyone else who has no idea what I'm talking about, watch Doctor Who! And hopefully you'll all fall in love with the Doctor like I did. Just don't tell my husband.
The real reason I've gotten on the subject of stone angels and phone boxes was to discuss my new book I've been reading, "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. And yes, when I first saw the title, the beginning quote was one that I first thought of. Then my husband vocalized what I was thinking, which he seems to do quite regularly. Something about being married.
I started this book during my previous week's trip to Maine. And it caught me up right away. Having no idea what this book is really about, or what his previous book "The Tipping Point" was about either, it really was a surprise when I suddenly was sucked into a story about a kouro that was sold to the Getty Museum in California. It had been studied and examined for months to figure out it was real, which every test confirmed that it was. But every expert that saw it for the first time had a gut reaction that it was a fake. Even though every test proved otherwise they couldn't shake that initial feeling of dread, that something was terribly wrong. It wasn't until years later that new testing figured out that the aging was artificial and it truly was a fake. But how did all of these experts know that right away without having any test to confirm it?
That is the question that is being addressed in this book. Gladwell is exploring the process of thought that happens "in the blink of an eye". Those first impressions that seem to make the most sense, and often turn out to be true. And how science is showing that the unconscious mind often gets it right first, before the conscious mind has a chance to realize what is going on. Those "epiphanies" people get are when the conscious mind understanding what the unconscious mind has already figured out. It's an amazing concept.
And the great thing about this book is that it's an interesting read. The psychological concepts are there, but it's concepts that are explained through examples, rather than the other way around. I find that alot easier to understand. And I also like that this is different from a motivational self help book in the fact that it's not trying to get you in a higher state of thinking, it's trying to get you to understand that the way we think is much more intricate that we first thought. That we not only have unconscious thought, we have the ability to control it and use it to unconsciously create our life.
I'm very excited about how this book is turning out. Almost as exciting as stone angels who have the phone box.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
The Great "Secret" Is Not So "Secret"
"The secret is the answer to all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever be."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This is the last line of the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne.
And I think it was well picked for explaining everything that was in this 198 page book.
The funny thing is that "The Secret" is not so much of a secret after all. In fact, it seems to be very apparent through all things in life. And yet it seems to be overlooked, like many apparently normal things in life.
So what is this big "Secret"?
That you create the life you live.
Yep, I can hear you all moaning. Well, of course we all create the life we live. We're the ones living them.
But what if I told you that the life you're living now is the creation of the thoughts you had in the past?
Well, that's a little different. But it's true. Thoughts create intentions, which then create actions, which then create the events in our lives that create today. And the thoughts we have today will then turn into our intentions and actions for the future.
So that's it really. But it's such a huge revelation at the same time. From small seeds do large trees grow. And it's really refreshed my perspective on how my thoughts influence my future life. And how I can learn from my thoughts in the past to realize why I'm living the life I am now. And in doing so change what I want to change, and express gratitude for everything that I love about my life.
So, big revelations aside, what did I think of the book?
I thought it was excellent! To the point where I'm going to force my husband to read it because I think the message is something he needs to hear now. In fact it's something I think many people need to hear right now. There's lots of chaotic things happening in this world, and how amazing it would be if everyone realized that their thoughts influenced their futures, in turn the future of the world.
Now, here is where I could list the several points that I learned, and what the author meant about this point or that point. But I feel that the big revelation is the best thing that I could learn from this. And that's enough for me.
I highly recommend "The Secret" to anyone.
In fact I hope that many people do read it, and learn the power of their own thoughts.
The funny thing is that "The Secret" is not so much of a secret after all. In fact, it seems to be very apparent through all things in life. And yet it seems to be overlooked, like many apparently normal things in life.
So what is this big "Secret"?
That you create the life you live.
Yep, I can hear you all moaning. Well, of course we all create the life we live. We're the ones living them.
But what if I told you that the life you're living now is the creation of the thoughts you had in the past?
Well, that's a little different. But it's true. Thoughts create intentions, which then create actions, which then create the events in our lives that create today. And the thoughts we have today will then turn into our intentions and actions for the future.
So that's it really. But it's such a huge revelation at the same time. From small seeds do large trees grow. And it's really refreshed my perspective on how my thoughts influence my future life. And how I can learn from my thoughts in the past to realize why I'm living the life I am now. And in doing so change what I want to change, and express gratitude for everything that I love about my life.
So, big revelations aside, what did I think of the book?
I thought it was excellent! To the point where I'm going to force my husband to read it because I think the message is something he needs to hear now. In fact it's something I think many people need to hear right now. There's lots of chaotic things happening in this world, and how amazing it would be if everyone realized that their thoughts influenced their futures, in turn the future of the world.
Now, here is where I could list the several points that I learned, and what the author meant about this point or that point. But I feel that the big revelation is the best thing that I could learn from this. And that's enough for me.
I highly recommend "The Secret" to anyone.
In fact I hope that many people do read it, and learn the power of their own thoughts.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Expectation and Gratitude
I've got 32 more pages to go in "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrnes.
And so far so good. It's actually a pretty easy read and the points are direct and precise, which I like. Once you state your point and give your example that's all you need to do. Unless there is an entertaining story. Or pictures of kittens! We like kittens. See......
See how a picture of cute, adorable, sleepy kitties makes the most tedious writing worth while?
Hopefully that's not a reflection of my blog posts....
Anyway, with the conclusion of my fourth book in my pursuit of happiness series, I've been looking over everything I've read and found the topics of expectation and gratitude to come up alot with the lessons I've been learning from this book. Sorry, that was a really long sentence. But it's made me think about the importance of expectation and gratitude in not only creating the happy life that you desire, but also just in the everyday interactions that affect you.
Expectation. It's something that equally is simple and yet can be one of the hardest things you can do. To give an example, when you book that vacation you've been wanting to go on, to that place you've always desired to see, it's very easy to have happy and good expectations that you are going to have a good time. That it's going to be relaxing and everything you dreamed it would be. And usually it is. But it's easy to expect the best when your actions are leading you to something that you always desired.
But what if you desire something that you have no idea how to get. I'm going to give a very personal example. Right now I'm trying to get pregnant. Now, it's not been the Goddess's blessing to give me a child yet. And yes, that does weigh heavy in my heart. So it makes it hard for me to create the expectation that I am going to be pregnant when there have been so many times when I thought that, believed that, and it only ended in heart break. But I also know that if I just give up and say that I shouldn't expect to get pregnant, well then I definitely won't get pregnant. So this chapter has given me a boost I've needed in working at creating the expectation of things I desire in my life, like having a child. And that I, and everyone else for that matter, should create the expectation in their lives to be able to achieve all they desire in their lives. Because if they just think that they can't achieve it for this reason or that reason, well then you never will.
Wow, that was heavy ("Weight has nothing to do with it!" Name that movie!)
That leads us into a concept that is even harder, gratitude.
Again, in times of happiness and joy, it's very easy to be grateful for what you have in your life. A loved one comes back home from a long trip safe and sound makes you grateful not only for their safety but also for the loved one. You get an unexpected check that allows you to pay some bills and get that mani/pedi (or something you'd like if you're like me and don't like people touching your toes), you are grateful for that money and the ability to treat yourself. Or when that husband of yours goes all out and surprises you with a cookbook you've been wanting for a while but didn't think you'd have the money for but he gets it for you anyway because he's appreciative of all that you do. And yes, I know this from personal experience, like in yesterday evening personal experience. And that made me very appreciative of not only the little things in life, but also that I have a wonderful husband and I truly am the luckiest girl in the world.
So, now that you all have stopped putting your fingers down your throats and making gagging noises, it's easy to see how when you are happy, or joyful, or surprised, or something wonderful happens, a sense of gratitude is very easy. But it's not so easy to be grateful for that bill that comes in unexpectedly that drains your small amount of savings. Or some one's nasty comment about a project you've been working on for years and are very proud of. Or that person who just rubs you the wrong way and any interaction with them leads to anger. Much harder to be grateful for these people or situations. But the funny thing is those situations are when you need to dig down deep and be grateful for all that you do have, lest you get sucked in to a pity fest, either with others or with yourself. And it just makes you feel bad about life, period. I could get into the energies and aura fields and other things I like to discuss. But really, in the end, if you get angry, upset, or depressed from these interactions it does two things. First of all it gives the negative interaction or person power because it's taking away your happiness. Second, it makes you feel like crap for much longer than the interaction took place. If you continue to feel bad it's because you are beating yourself up about the situation. And it makes any other future interaction with that person/that bill/that nasty comment a stigma of negativity.
Is it easy to be grateful during these times? Yes it is. Do I maintain perfect gratitude during times like this? Hell no. I go back home and think about the many ways I could have done it better. But I now know that I need to pull myself out of the negativity with gratitude if I don't want this negativity to bring me down. That and a good pillow to scream into and beat up a bit, or alot.
Or more pictures of cute kittens!
AWWWWW!!!!!
And so far so good. It's actually a pretty easy read and the points are direct and precise, which I like. Once you state your point and give your example that's all you need to do. Unless there is an entertaining story. Or pictures of kittens! We like kittens. See......
See how a picture of cute, adorable, sleepy kitties makes the most tedious writing worth while?
Hopefully that's not a reflection of my blog posts....
Anyway, with the conclusion of my fourth book in my pursuit of happiness series, I've been looking over everything I've read and found the topics of expectation and gratitude to come up alot with the lessons I've been learning from this book. Sorry, that was a really long sentence. But it's made me think about the importance of expectation and gratitude in not only creating the happy life that you desire, but also just in the everyday interactions that affect you.
Expectation. It's something that equally is simple and yet can be one of the hardest things you can do. To give an example, when you book that vacation you've been wanting to go on, to that place you've always desired to see, it's very easy to have happy and good expectations that you are going to have a good time. That it's going to be relaxing and everything you dreamed it would be. And usually it is. But it's easy to expect the best when your actions are leading you to something that you always desired.
But what if you desire something that you have no idea how to get. I'm going to give a very personal example. Right now I'm trying to get pregnant. Now, it's not been the Goddess's blessing to give me a child yet. And yes, that does weigh heavy in my heart. So it makes it hard for me to create the expectation that I am going to be pregnant when there have been so many times when I thought that, believed that, and it only ended in heart break. But I also know that if I just give up and say that I shouldn't expect to get pregnant, well then I definitely won't get pregnant. So this chapter has given me a boost I've needed in working at creating the expectation of things I desire in my life, like having a child. And that I, and everyone else for that matter, should create the expectation in their lives to be able to achieve all they desire in their lives. Because if they just think that they can't achieve it for this reason or that reason, well then you never will.
Wow, that was heavy ("Weight has nothing to do with it!" Name that movie!)
That leads us into a concept that is even harder, gratitude.
Again, in times of happiness and joy, it's very easy to be grateful for what you have in your life. A loved one comes back home from a long trip safe and sound makes you grateful not only for their safety but also for the loved one. You get an unexpected check that allows you to pay some bills and get that mani/pedi (or something you'd like if you're like me and don't like people touching your toes), you are grateful for that money and the ability to treat yourself. Or when that husband of yours goes all out and surprises you with a cookbook you've been wanting for a while but didn't think you'd have the money for but he gets it for you anyway because he's appreciative of all that you do. And yes, I know this from personal experience, like in yesterday evening personal experience. And that made me very appreciative of not only the little things in life, but also that I have a wonderful husband and I truly am the luckiest girl in the world.
So, now that you all have stopped putting your fingers down your throats and making gagging noises, it's easy to see how when you are happy, or joyful, or surprised, or something wonderful happens, a sense of gratitude is very easy. But it's not so easy to be grateful for that bill that comes in unexpectedly that drains your small amount of savings. Or some one's nasty comment about a project you've been working on for years and are very proud of. Or that person who just rubs you the wrong way and any interaction with them leads to anger. Much harder to be grateful for these people or situations. But the funny thing is those situations are when you need to dig down deep and be grateful for all that you do have, lest you get sucked in to a pity fest, either with others or with yourself. And it just makes you feel bad about life, period. I could get into the energies and aura fields and other things I like to discuss. But really, in the end, if you get angry, upset, or depressed from these interactions it does two things. First of all it gives the negative interaction or person power because it's taking away your happiness. Second, it makes you feel like crap for much longer than the interaction took place. If you continue to feel bad it's because you are beating yourself up about the situation. And it makes any other future interaction with that person/that bill/that nasty comment a stigma of negativity.
Is it easy to be grateful during these times? Yes it is. Do I maintain perfect gratitude during times like this? Hell no. I go back home and think about the many ways I could have done it better. But I now know that I need to pull myself out of the negativity with gratitude if I don't want this negativity to bring me down. That and a good pillow to scream into and beat up a bit, or alot.
Or more pictures of cute kittens!
AWWWWW!!!!!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Three Quotes, Three Men, One Thought
"You create your own universe as you go along."
Winston Churchill
"All that we are is a result of what we have thought."
Buddha
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
Albert Einstein
Three different quotes.
Said by three totally different people.
As I've been reading "The Secret" by Rhona Byrne I've found myself inspired to see my actions at present as the creators of my future. And to see that my thoughts and desires I've had in the past have certainly created the life I am currently living.
So even though they are three different quotes stated by three different men, they are essentially talking about the same thing.
Thought is the root of everything in your life.
And it's not just a concept that is New Age or spiritual. It is scientific as well. Everything that has been created, and everything that will be, is made of energy first. Then that energy takes on a physical form.
But to break it down to even simpler terms, you have to have a thought about something first before you can begin to act upon it and make it a reality.
Three different quotes, by three different men, spoken at three different eras, coming from three different points of view, and out of three different life experiences. And yet, they all connect to one empowering thought, that thought is power.
Isn't that empowering?
Winston Churchill
"All that we are is a result of what we have thought."
Buddha
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
Albert Einstein
Three different quotes.
Said by three totally different people.
As I've been reading "The Secret" by Rhona Byrne I've found myself inspired to see my actions at present as the creators of my future. And to see that my thoughts and desires I've had in the past have certainly created the life I am currently living.
So even though they are three different quotes stated by three different men, they are essentially talking about the same thing.
Thought is the root of everything in your life.
And it's not just a concept that is New Age or spiritual. It is scientific as well. Everything that has been created, and everything that will be, is made of energy first. Then that energy takes on a physical form.
But to break it down to even simpler terms, you have to have a thought about something first before you can begin to act upon it and make it a reality.
Three different quotes, by three different men, spoken at three different eras, coming from three different points of view, and out of three different life experiences. And yet, they all connect to one empowering thought, that thought is power.
Isn't that empowering?
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Secret Is Out
And the Secret is.....
Well, you're going to have to read it to find out.
And that's what I'm doing right now. I'm now reading "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne.
Now, when I first heard about this book it was on Oprah. And I was working at Barnes and Noble. And the minute that Oprah declares she's reading any book it sells off the shelves like hot cakes. And then you get all of these people complaining about how the book should be available because Oprah talked about it even though that's what two hundred people said before you came in the store. So, needless to say, I could really care less about "The Secret" or for Oprah at that time. In fact I wished the book was still a secret. Haha, bad pun.
But now, I'm a little older and a little wiser. And I don't work in a bookstore any more. And now I'm able to let by gones be by gones and finally read about this secret that so many others, inspired by Oprah, have already figured out.
I don't want to spoil it for you though. I want you all to read it for yourselves if you truly want to delve into it. But I will tell you this. The Secret is revealed in the first chapter. And it's not like "Think and Grow Rich" where they don't say exactly what the secret is, and that you have to figure it out.
But, if the whole point of the book has been revealed in the first chapter than why is there still 186 more pages to the book?
Well, I'll just have to take my own advice and read it to find out.
Well, you're going to have to read it to find out.
And that's what I'm doing right now. I'm now reading "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne.
Now, when I first heard about this book it was on Oprah. And I was working at Barnes and Noble. And the minute that Oprah declares she's reading any book it sells off the shelves like hot cakes. And then you get all of these people complaining about how the book should be available because Oprah talked about it even though that's what two hundred people said before you came in the store. So, needless to say, I could really care less about "The Secret" or for Oprah at that time. In fact I wished the book was still a secret. Haha, bad pun.
But now, I'm a little older and a little wiser. And I don't work in a bookstore any more. And now I'm able to let by gones be by gones and finally read about this secret that so many others, inspired by Oprah, have already figured out.
I don't want to spoil it for you though. I want you all to read it for yourselves if you truly want to delve into it. But I will tell you this. The Secret is revealed in the first chapter. And it's not like "Think and Grow Rich" where they don't say exactly what the secret is, and that you have to figure it out.
But, if the whole point of the book has been revealed in the first chapter than why is there still 186 more pages to the book?
Well, I'll just have to take my own advice and read it to find out.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Conclusion to "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
So I've just finished "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey.
And what did I think?
Well, before I get into that I first want to talk about a few things that I have learned.
The first thing, and one of the most important I think, is to schedule your priorities, not make your schedule your priority. I think everyone understands this problem. Lots of times we find ourselves reacting to our surroundings, feeling like we need to get this done or that done. But by doing these things do we come any closer to what we desire in life? For everyone who can say that they do, good for you! I hope to be like you. The point is that we often find ourselves just following along with what we think is necessary, without thinking about whether this brings us closer to what we feel our purpose is, what our greatest desires are in life. And I now know I need to figure out what my purpose is, what I desire to be and do, and to make that a priority in my life.
The second thing I've learned is the importance of a Win/Win situation. Now I never really thought about this too much to be honest. But when Covey started to talk about how society promotes fighting for what you think is right, and the promotion of self sufficiency without thought of cooperation, it then made sense why we usually think in a more Win/Lose way. But really, the better way to do this, is to use cooperation to create a situation where both sides win. And it's not only with business ventures as well. It's also about communication with your peers or family. It's about the choices you make with others, or even with something you need to decide for yourself. To suddenly think about a situation, and realize that I can get what I want, and the other person can get what they want with some creative thinking, then it's certainly something that should be done.
The third major thing I learned from this book was the need for communication. And not just communication, but learning how to truly listen to someone. And in truly listening but also understanding what the person says so that the trust can grow between you. Now this also ties into the Win/Win situation I was talking about in the previous paragraph. But I really like this advice because it's certainly opened my eyes to better communication with my loved ones. To be able to be open and honest about who I am and what I want in life but also to be able to listen and fully take in the fears and hopes of others around me. And, in turn, make decisions that create trust between us. Though I said the first point was the most important, this one certainly is a close second.
Overall, this book did have some good lessons, and I enjoyed some of his stories that he told about his family. Honestly, without the stories, I probably would have been bored out of my mind with the textbook content and probably wouldn't get half of the points he talks about.
Would I read it again? No way.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, because I found some of the information quite educational but I would only give it with the warning that the author is redundant at times, and it's like reading a textbook with stories.
So overall I would give this book a B-. Good information and I like the layout of the 7 Habits. But overall, for someone just reading it, the language can be dry at times and the points are made with an overabundance of medical terms and lettered equations. And pie charts, which just isn't my cup of tea.
So, now, without further delay, and with two weeks to go, I'm now starting my fourth book!
The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.
And what did I think?
Well, before I get into that I first want to talk about a few things that I have learned.
The first thing, and one of the most important I think, is to schedule your priorities, not make your schedule your priority. I think everyone understands this problem. Lots of times we find ourselves reacting to our surroundings, feeling like we need to get this done or that done. But by doing these things do we come any closer to what we desire in life? For everyone who can say that they do, good for you! I hope to be like you. The point is that we often find ourselves just following along with what we think is necessary, without thinking about whether this brings us closer to what we feel our purpose is, what our greatest desires are in life. And I now know I need to figure out what my purpose is, what I desire to be and do, and to make that a priority in my life.
The second thing I've learned is the importance of a Win/Win situation. Now I never really thought about this too much to be honest. But when Covey started to talk about how society promotes fighting for what you think is right, and the promotion of self sufficiency without thought of cooperation, it then made sense why we usually think in a more Win/Lose way. But really, the better way to do this, is to use cooperation to create a situation where both sides win. And it's not only with business ventures as well. It's also about communication with your peers or family. It's about the choices you make with others, or even with something you need to decide for yourself. To suddenly think about a situation, and realize that I can get what I want, and the other person can get what they want with some creative thinking, then it's certainly something that should be done.
The third major thing I learned from this book was the need for communication. And not just communication, but learning how to truly listen to someone. And in truly listening but also understanding what the person says so that the trust can grow between you. Now this also ties into the Win/Win situation I was talking about in the previous paragraph. But I really like this advice because it's certainly opened my eyes to better communication with my loved ones. To be able to be open and honest about who I am and what I want in life but also to be able to listen and fully take in the fears and hopes of others around me. And, in turn, make decisions that create trust between us. Though I said the first point was the most important, this one certainly is a close second.
Overall, this book did have some good lessons, and I enjoyed some of his stories that he told about his family. Honestly, without the stories, I probably would have been bored out of my mind with the textbook content and probably wouldn't get half of the points he talks about.
Would I read it again? No way.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, because I found some of the information quite educational but I would only give it with the warning that the author is redundant at times, and it's like reading a textbook with stories.
So overall I would give this book a B-. Good information and I like the layout of the 7 Habits. But overall, for someone just reading it, the language can be dry at times and the points are made with an overabundance of medical terms and lettered equations. And pie charts, which just isn't my cup of tea.
So, now, without further delay, and with two weeks to go, I'm now starting my fourth book!
The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
To Be Honest......
To be honest, I had debated on writing another post. I debated on whether to keep on reading.
I guess any person will go through times of doubt, or even wondering why they are doing what they are doing. And I know I personally go through times like these alot. I get really excited about a project, I start it and then I hit the bump. The bump that makes you rethink even doing it. And you have a choice. You can either just stop doing what you're doing and do something else, which I've done many times. Or you can just keep going, which I must admit is the harder thing to do.
And that is why, right here, right now, I'm deciding to keep going.
So what I got behind. So what I'm having a hard time finishing a book. I've set up a goal and I'm going to follow through with it!
So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to finish 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And, because it's going to be shorter and I have the book right now, I'm going to read The Secret this month and Blink next month. And that should keep me on track for my goal.
15 books, 12 months, 1 year of inspiration! Lets go!
I guess any person will go through times of doubt, or even wondering why they are doing what they are doing. And I know I personally go through times like these alot. I get really excited about a project, I start it and then I hit the bump. The bump that makes you rethink even doing it. And you have a choice. You can either just stop doing what you're doing and do something else, which I've done many times. Or you can just keep going, which I must admit is the harder thing to do.
And that is why, right here, right now, I'm deciding to keep going.
So what I got behind. So what I'm having a hard time finishing a book. I've set up a goal and I'm going to follow through with it!
So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to finish 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And, because it's going to be shorter and I have the book right now, I'm going to read The Secret this month and Blink next month. And that should keep me on track for my goal.
15 books, 12 months, 1 year of inspiration! Lets go!
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