Good Morning 1.12.2008

Over the past decade, many people have been turning toward the "voluntary simplicity" movement--giving up chaos for calm, and learning to make life choices that reflect a state of calm-energy instead of anxious-energy. This 30-day class will give you 30 steps for embarking down the path to a sane and simpler life.

Starts January 14

Throughout the ages, many women have used journaling to solve problems, gain insight, and encourage self-discovery. One need not be a writer or creative to derive the benefits that can only be found though the practice of journaling.

Starts January 21

During this 30 Day Paper and File Makeover you will learn a new way to tackle the paper piles once and for all. The one unique rule of my approach is that during this class, you are not allowed to purchase any manila folders, hanging files, cute tabs, filing cabinets, paper sorters, or other paper-storing materials. We aren't going to buy a system and try to make your papers "fit into the system." Instead, we are going to discover your unique Paper Personality, and then create the system to support it.

"Expect nothing; live frugally on surprise." Alice Walker

Good morning! This morning I was thinking about the number of people that I talked to in 2007 whose entire day was influenced by their expectations of others. "He (or she) should have...." "If only Person X would have..." "If Person X would just...." Depending on the situation, I sometimes nod knowingly, then encourage a few self-realization questions, but I always walk away with the same sadness in my heart. For I realize this person is really, really, far from discovering happiness. We can't control other people--no matter how close to them we are. Anytime that we truly control another person - we are acting unhealthily and manipulating them. We aren't supposed to control other people. No one is a dictator of another person. We are just called on to control our own thoughts and actions.

To "expect nothing" as Alice encourages, isn't to say that we give up hope. It means that we don't expect things from other people. We don't put our needs in their hands. We put our needs where they belong--in our own hands and our faith.

When we put our needs in our own hands, then the positive actions of others become blessings versus expectations. We don't feel "let down" if something doesn't happen, but we feel inspired when something does.

Your Turn:
What needs have you given to others to fulfill for you? How has that been working for you? What step can you take today to put that need back into the only place where it can be filled---your own hands and your faith?

Your Affirmation:
The only expectation I hold is for me to daily commit to living my best life.

Challenge Life!

Brook Noel

Ready to take the Challenge?

www.changeyourlifechallenge.com

And as always, don't forget to start your day with a heartfelt "Something great is going to happen today... I can't wait to see what it is!"

And when ending your day ask yourself, "What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?"

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