The Reception

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Advice, Affirmation, Change, Goal Setting, Happiness, Honesty, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, Truth

It’s a GREAT day!

 

Aren’t you glad that we made it to another day?  It is my hope that we have all enjoyed the holiday weekend.  We have made good use of our family time and honoring those who have served, past and present, to protect our very freedoms.  Just as they have journeyed for us, we journey to be able to enjoy those freedoms: life, liberty and the pursuit of HAPPINESS.  It is my sincere wish that on this journey, we find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE, & STRENGTH.

Last week, in “The Antidote”, we discussed looking at life and our state of affairs through a lens of TRUTH and HONESTY.  We also discussed casting aside years of layered lies for a true remedy to our unresolved circumstances.  And we proclaimed that our past is not our future, but the BEST is yet to come!

This week, I would like to bring to your attention something that most of us don’t even realize affects us, tremendously.  Have you ever noticed that your environment can affect your disposition?  Having a conversation with a friend or loved one can snatch you right out of a GOOD mood?  Walking into a specific room or visiting someone can instantaneously alter how you feel?  Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that has wrestled up those memories that you like to keep hidden?  It happens to all of us.  But…what can we do about it?

First things first…we have to admit, honestly, that it does happen.  Some of us are extra confident that nothing, besides ourselves, orders our steps.  But the fact of the matter is…that with every experience is the possibility of change, consciously or subconsciously.  In the same way that what we consume affects how our body responds, our environment and/or experiences affect our entire being.

Secondly, let’s be conscious as to the specific things that affect us.  Is it really the room or the items in the room that change your mood?  Is it your current company or a situation from the past that transpired in this room?  Be PRESENT.  Take note.  Is it your friend or is it really just you dealing with some of your own stuff that ‘gets on your nerves’, when talking to them?  Are you more annoyed with the fact that ‘they always have a problem’ or is it that you are not ready to personally deal with the issues they bring up?  Be PRESENT.  Take note.  Is it the TV show or the subject matter it provides?  Is it really the movie that changes how you feel or the memories that it forces you to have during/after you’ve watched it?  Let’s be HONEST with ourselves…

Family…these things happen to all of us.  There is not a person who is not dealing with something.  It could be stress, failed relationships, a ‘traumatic’ experience, depression, or a death.  The “just get over it” coping method is not effective; it won’t lead you to HAPPINESS.  As I mentioned in “The Strategy”, once we understand what the real issue is, we can develop a plan to resolve it. Think about it…

Lastly, as we narrow down the true causes of our attitude/mood changes, let’s do something that counteracts the changes.  “Huh,” you say?  There are some things that you will be able to avoid like negative conversations and places/things that bother you.  But there are also things that you may not be able to avoid like the workplace or family gatherings.  So what can we do to counteract these moments?  Arm yourself with the things that put you in a GOOD mood.  Focus on your children.  Listen to your favorite music.  Be GRATEFUL for the POSITIVE things happening in your life.  LAUGH as much as you can!

**Let us continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition…Start a MOTIVATIONAL reading list.  Books that will serve as your personal ammunition in moments when you need something to bring you back to GOOD.  {It may be religious (Bible, Quran, Dharmapada, or the Bhagavad-Gita).  It may also be from the Self-help/Inspirational section of the bookstore (Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Charles Haanel, James Allen or even ‘The Secret’).  The goal is to feed yourself with things that will help you on your journey.   In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Imagine with me.  Envision your life on a television screen connected to an antenna, converter box, satellite dish, cable line, etc.  How’s the signal?  What are you watching?  If you don’t like what you are seeing, you know that you can change the channel, right?  In your hand is the remote with brand new batteries.  How’s the RECEPTION?

Family…my prayers and meditations are with you, as always.  Remember… that with every experience is the possibility of change.  Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  In this case…YOU MUST BELIEVE it as well.   If you do the work, you’ll see it for yourself.

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Antidote

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Advice, Affirmation, Change, Goal Setting, gratitude, Happiness, Honesty, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The Antidote, Truth

It’s a GREAT day!!

Oh HAPPY Mon-day!  How WONDERFUL it is to be alive with unlimited opportunities to be GREATER.  We rose this morning in our right minds, with the activities of our limbs, driven towards our purpose.  I am so GRATEFUL for those travelling along with us on our “Journey to HAPPINESS”.  To those that are just joining us, we welcome you with open arms. (As time permits, pass through some of our previous stops, this journey starts with “The Invitation”.)  It would be my pleasure to be your tour guide to HAPPINESS.  May we all find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE, & STRENGTH.

Last week, in “The Competition”, we discussed not being judged by the expectations of others.  We want to stop the cycle of living, consciously or subconsciously, by the meter of others’ comparisons and perceptions.  Our defining mantra is that “I am my ONLY COMPETITION”.  Each day that we awake we are left with our own charge of being a better person today, than we were yesterday.

This week I would like to discuss something just as important.  Our reality is that every day will not be perfect.  There will be days where we give everything we have, and our results will appear to be nil.  At our every attempt to be right, we seem to be wrong.  On life’s journey, we will see a few hills and/or mountains we will have to climb or we may stare down into a valley that we will have to cross.  Many will even say that, “all of this is just a part of life…get over it”.  The reality is that we experience a variety of situations to make us think…to challenge us.  Situations are a natural part of our journey through life.  But there is a sickness that continues to spread among us.

The “just get over it” coping method is a virus that delivers lethal results.  The mere notion that silence and nonchalance are the remedies to the pressing issues of our lives is absurd.  When in reality, they tear through us like venom coursing through our veins.  This venom impregnates us with depression, sickness, deep-seated anger, anguish, misery, and hopelessness.  Is this what we really want to continue to pass from generation to generation?  Do we want to continue to subconsciously infuse others with the belief that silence and nonchalance will cure all of our problems?  Or will we continue to welcome a pandemic that feasts on our spirits until they become nonexistent?

Silence is the shovel used to bury you with the soil of nonchalance as it suffocates your hope for a better life.  Many of us have experienced major situations in our lives, that have been traumatic and/or life altering.  Burying those things within ourselves and then pretending that they don’t exist is a time bomb waiting to be detonated.  Think about it…

For every illness there is a cure and for every venom there is an ANTIDOTE.  I believe that in order to counteract this virus we must do something different.  First things first….Let’s replace Silence and Nonchalance with TRUTH and HONESTY.  You may be saying to yourself right now, “Aren’t TRUTH and HONESTY the same thing?”  They are not.  Instead of keeping silent, we should be courageous enough to tell ourselves the TRUTH. Shed the layers of all the ‘little white lies’ that we have been telling ourselves over the years.  Let’s admit to ourselves ‘what actually happened’.  Discover your true transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality.  As highlighted in “The Strategy”, unless we understand what the true problem is, we cannot develop a successful plan to resolve it.

Once you are looking your TRUTH eye to eye, begin a new habit of being HONEST to yourself about it.  Being loyal to a false belief is just as counterproductive as lying to yourself about the facts in the matter.  TRUTH and HONESTY are tag-team partners.  They both must be in place to be successful on your journey.  When you have pulled these two together, wrap them in a POSITIVE mental attitude.  BELIEVE with all your heart that YOU CAN.

**Let us continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  Take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Write out a COMPLIMENT list.  (In many instances, we don’t compliment ourselves enough.  If necessary post it in a place that you will see every day.)  Throughout your week, whisper these compliments to yourself.  In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Repeat after me:

I am WHOLE!

I LOVE me!

I am BIGGER than my circumstances!

My past is not my FUTURE!

I am better TODAY than I was yesterday!

The BEST is yet to come!

Family…my prayers and meditations are with you, as always.  The BEST is yet to come!   Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  In this case…YOU MUST BELIEVE it as well.   If you do the work, you’ll see it for yourself.

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Competition

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Advice, Change, Goal Setting, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The Message, The Voice

It’s a GREAT day!!

 

 

Today is Monday and I feel GREAT!  I am reaching up and out in expectation for success, in all I do!  I am very THANKFUL for all of you as we journey together.  To those that are new to the series, we welcome you with open arms.  As time permits, pass through some of our previous stops, this journey starts with “The Invitation”.  It would be my pleasure to be your tour guide to HAPPINESS.  May we all find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE, & STRENGTH.

In “The Message”, we discussed being able to step away from the hustle of our daily lives, to do the much needed work of self analysis, goal setting & achievement. During this journey, questions are raised, ideologies are challenged and paradigms are shifted.  And as mentioned in “The Voice”, “…many of us will go to someone in our “inner circle”: parent, spouse, or best friend.  Some of us will run it by our most trusted co-worker.  And there will be some of us that will share it with the first person, who will actually take the time and listen.”  This is a normal practice.

These opinions are consciously, or subconsciously, filled with comparisons from others’ perspectives.  And we tend to use these opinions in our own decision making.  Let me explain.  When we seek out the opinion of others, those persons will base their response, solely from their own knowledge bank.  Imagine.  You have an issue with your finances.  You seek out advice on budgeting and saving.  You may mention your desire to a co-worker.  This co-worker may give you the best advise that they have to give, but is it the right advice?  You may or may not fully accept the advice they have given, but were they a credible source?  You may even start to remember past conversations were they shared with you that they had their own trouble paying their bills or living paycheck to paycheck.  Were they the right person to ask?  Think about it…

Or maybe you are trying to work out some of the negatives in your personality.  You may mention this to a close family member.  They give you the best advise they have to give, but is it the right advise?  Are they a credible source?  Were they the right person to ask?  When you go to think about it, you two may even have similar personalities and they may not view your concern as a real issue at all.  Will you stop yourself from making a better change for your life?  Think about it…

Or maybe you would like to change your profession.  You’ve done all of your research and your mind is just about settled.  You turn to your trusted friend for advice.  Will they see your vision?  Will they support you, whether they see it or not?  Will they be 1000 percent honest?  Are they as knowledgeable about the new profession as you are?  Will they project their fear of change on you?   Will they compare you to other people they’ve heard about, doing the same thing?

As humans, we base our thoughts and opinions on what we think we know and what we see.  Our confidants may mean us no harm.  They may offer what they have, from the best place in their heart, but they aren’t able to provide an informed opinion without all the facts.   Why ask a baker for advice on purchasing diamonds?  Why ask a teacher for advice on building a house?  Why ask a person swamped with depression about attaining joy?  Limited knowledge, slighted perspectives, and miscalculated comparisons will not put you the path you are seeking.  Think about it.

Where am I going with this?  Within YOU is the POTENTIAL to accomplish your DESIRES!  The missing factor that your confidants cannot calculate is YOU.  They can’t weigh the STRENGTH of your will, the POWER behind your conviction or the INTENSITY of your focus.  YOU are your ONLY COMPETITION!!

**Let us continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  Take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  In addition, write out a COMPLIMENT list.  (In many instances, we don’t compliment ourselves enough.  If necessary post it in a place that you will see every day.)  Throughout your week, whisper these compliments to yourself.   In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Imagine with me.  There is a caterpillar and it is crawling up from the ground, along the trunk of a tree (away from its fellow caterpillars).  Upon reaching its first branch, it feels something from within.  The caterpillar can feel that a change is coming.  Without fear or second thoughts, it begins to build its cocoon.  Without any certainty of its future, it trusts its guts, and conceals itself within the cocoon.  What do you think the caterpillar is thinking?  Is it concerned about what the others will say?  Is it weighed down by the expectations of what others’ think it should be doing?  My imagination says no.  The caterpillar is fueled with the belief that it is exactly where it is supposed to be.  The caterpillar waits with great faith that it is transforming into its better self.   When the metamorphosis is complete, the entire world takes notice with awe, of a butterfly.

Family…my prayers and meditations are with you, as always.  YOU are your ONLY COMPETITION!   Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  In this case…YOU MUST BELIEVE it as well.  If you do the work, you’ll see it for yourself.

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Assignment

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Advice, Affirmation, Change, Goal Setting, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The Asssignment

It’s a GREAT day!!

Today is full of POTENIAL!  With the GIFT of “right now”, I would like to take the time out to say how GRATEFUL I am for another day.  There are many wonders yet to be performed and I am excited about what is unfolding before me.  I am very THANKFUL for all of you as we journey together.  To those that are new to the series, we welcome you with open arms.  As time permits, pass through some of our previous stops, this journey starts with “The Invitation”.  It would be my pleasure to be your tour guide to HAPPINESS.  May we all find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE, & STRENGTH.

Last week in “The Message”, we discussed the notion that all lessons have associated homework.  How will the ‘teacher’ know if you truly understand, without the homework?  How will you come to believe the lesson as fact, if you haven’t tested its theory?

Finding your own place of HAPPINESS is not as simple as catching the ‘red eye’.  If you are looking for an express train, I wish you the best of luck.  The road to HAPPINESS is a ‘one step followed by another’ journey.  “The Strategy” is chock full of advice on goal setting.  “The Strategy” is also the first time I challenge you to set your plan in motion.

The ASSIGNMENT: “Take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your LEAST important HAPPY item, and then ACT on the plan.”

Have you written out your own personal definition of HAPPINES?  Have you created your HAPPY list?  Have you been able to clearly prioritize it?  Have you designed a plan to achieve you least important item?  Have you acted on it?  Have you been cheating yourself by not following through?

My hope is that you have been making the best of every day, by striving towards your true wants and desires.  But for those that haven’t, let me implore you.  Your HAPPINESS may not be contingent upon me or others, but it is dependent upon what you are willing to do to achieve it.  The majority of things we desire in life require some sort of ACTION to gain them.  When you want to go for a ride, don’t you have to get inside of a car, turn the key, and press the gas pedal?  If you want to start a garden, don’t you have to turn the soil, plant the seed, and water it?  Your life works the exact same way.

If you need more convincing, try these sayings on for size; “Faith without works is dead.”  “Knock and the door shall be opened.” “What you sow, you will also reap.”  “Only what you feed will grow.”  “Ask and you shall receive.”  “Be the change you want to see in the world.”   “Don’t judge a person by what they say but by what they do.”  Need I go on?  We can have all of the desires in the world, but if our ACTIONS are counterproductive or move us away from our goals, how will we achieve them?  Think about it…

** This week our goal is to continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition, take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your least important HAPPY item, then ACT on the plan.  This will be very important as we move forward on the next leg of this journey.  In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Family…my prayers and meditations are with you, as always.  Consistently completing attainable targets will lead you to SUCCESS every time.   I can almost guarantee that when you achieve that goal at the bottom of your list, you will be more excited and have more courage to reach for the next.  Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  Don’t take my word for it, see it for yourself.

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Message

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Advice, Affirmation, Change, Goal Setting, gratitude, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The Message

It’s a GREAT day!

Family…It is Monday!  Aren’t you glad?  I’m excited and energized to get back on this journey to our HAPPINESS.  I am so GRATEFUL for all of you that have been travelling along with me.  And I am excited about those joining us today, as we move on to the next leg of this journey.  As we journey together, may you ALL find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE & STRENGTH.

In “The View”, I left you with a little homework.  The first part of the assignment was; “The MOST IMPORTANT thing I would like for you to do during this time is…Take time to realize that YOU are OVER-looking the road you have just travelled.  Marvel at its beauty.  APPRECIATE that you are no longer where you used to be!  Be THANKFUL for the ability to see your circumstances differently!  Be GRATEFUL for being a BETTER person today, than you were yesterday!  How is the VIEW from here?”

What observations did you make?  How has your perception changed?  Has your appreciation for life increased?  Have you recognized the beauty of your progress (great or small)?  How was the VIEW for you?

Many people wondered why I thought the break was necessary.  They wanted me to continue on and I understand why.  But the reason was simple.  This is not a race to HAPPINESS, it is a JOURNEY.  Some were able to go back and meditate on previous steps.  Others were able to catch up with the rest.  The break, indeed, was necessary.

The greater lesson to be learned from this is, how did use the time spent on your own?  Let me give you some examples.  For those of you familiar with Moses (of the Old Testament in the Bible), he spent time with God on the top of the mountain.  While there he received instruction, directly from the source.  But there also came a time when God sent Moses back down the mountain, to do the work.  God knew that Moses’ destiny could not be achieved on the mountain.  Moses would have to go down alone into Egypt to fulfill his destiny.  Think about it.

For those familiar with Buddha, his desire was to gain a direct connection to his higher self.  Though he was dedicated to his daily meditation and followed the tradition of those that came before him, Buddha believed that there was something more, he could achieve something GREATER.  So there came a day when he went away from others and sat alone under a tree.  The way that the story is told, Buddha stayed there alone, in meditation, until he reached ENLIGHTENMENT.  Until that time, it was said Buddha was the first to achieve this place of WISDOM, PEACE, & UNDERSTANDING…a direct connection to the source.  Think about it.

For those familiar with Jesus (of Nazareth), many people followed him daily.  In the masses that followed his works were his disciples, his fans, and his enemies.  They all desired something different from him, but where did Jesus go?  The Bible depicts several times that Jesus went off and away alone to pray and meditate.  It was away from the masses where he was able to connect with the source, to recharge and gain clarity.

(DISCLAIMER:  I do NOT consider myself (or my writings) a direct connection to God.  I am NOT an expert on world religions.  I do NOT intend to offend any or disrespect anyone’s beliefs.  The latter examples were used because of the familiarity of the stories.)

The MESSAGE is…regardless of the teacher or the lesson, the true test of understanding is when you are home alone doing the work.

**As a reminder, the second part of your assignment was; “Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition, take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your LEAST important HAPPY item, and then ACT on the plan.  This will be very important as we move forward on the next leg of this journey.  In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  We will be working on this next week.**

Family, my prayers and meditations are with you.  Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  Don’t take my word for it.  See it for yourself.  Realize where you are.  Think about it.  Exhale.  Do the work!

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The View

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Advice, Affirmation, Change, Goal Setting, gratitude, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The View

It’s a GREAT day!

 

What a MAGNIFICENT Monday it is!  I am OVERJOYED about what gifts my Monday will bring me.  What does your Monday have in store for you?  If you BELIEVE great things, it will be!  I am so appreciative for those that have journeyed with us since “The Invitation”. And I am so grateful for those you have joined along the way during: “The Decision”, “The Commitment”, “The Confirmation”, “The Reflection I & II”, “The Mission”, “The Offering”, “The Present”, “The Strategy” or “The Voice”.  I am also enthusiastic about those tapping in today, with “The View”.  As we journey together, may you ALL find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE & STRENGTH.

Over the last twelve weeks, we have seen a great many sights.  We have seen, with awe, what we believed to be grand mountains in our lives.  We have witnessed the depths of our own self-created valleys.  And we have escaped drowning in the sea of our own tears.  I am in such high spirits that we have made it this far together.   

Thank you for allowing me to be your tour guide on this journey.  I hold this position, sincerely.  It is the responsibility of every tour guide to warn the group of possible dangers, be knowledgeable of the path, draw attention to the most important sights, and lead the group at a moderate pace.  The tour guide must also know when and where to allow the group to rest.  This is that time.

We will break for the next four weeks.  And we will reconvene this journey Monday, April 30, 2012.  Family…this break does not mean that the journey is over.  There is still work for you to do.  Imagine us standing at an observation point.  Take time to exhale.  Take time to catch up and catch your breath.  Use the time to make preparations for the next leg of the journey.  Take time to chat with your journey friends.  Take time to ask your tour guide questions. 

The MOST IMPORTANT thing I would like for you to do during this time is…Take time to realize that YOU are OVER-looking the road you have just travelled.  Marvel at its beauty.  APPRECIATE that you are no longer where you used to be!  Be THANKFUL for the ability to see your circumstances differently!  Be GRATEFUL for being a BETTER person today, than you were yesterday!  How is the VIEW from here?

**PLEASE continue in our GOOD habit.   Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition, take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your LEAST important HAPPY item, then ACT on the plan.  This will be very important as we move forward on the next leg of this journey.  In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.  I will be checking.**

I am not leaving you.  (For those with questions, comments, or concerns, I am available through my website, email and Facebook.)  It is important, however, that I take a pause.  True HAPPINESS is your destination.  I remind you every week that “YOUR HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.”  This includes me.  I will be checking in with you over the next four weeks.  But I need you all to take the time to DO THE WORK. (Go back and read the previous posts, as needed.)  Get ready for Monday, APRIL 30, 2012!

Family, my prayers and meditations are with you.  Within us ALL, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  Don’t take my word for it.  See it for yourself.  Realize where you are.  Think about it.  Exhale.  ENJOY the VIEW!      

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Voice

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Advice, Change, Goal Setting, gratitude, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, The Voice

It’s a GREAT Day!!

What a WONDERFUL Monday!  This gift has been given to all of us.  Not only am I going to make the absolute BEST of it, I am going to express my GRATITUDE for the duration.  Many of you have been with us since “The Invitation” and some of you are joining us for the first time.  I am so THANKFUL for you taking the time out of your schedule to journey along with us.  I am THANKFUL to be in a position to be able to share my thoughts with you.  I am also THANKFUL for the POSITIVE change happening in our lives.  It is my HOPE, that within these words, you will find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE and STRENGTH.

Last week, we discussed developing a sound STRATEGY to attain that which we seek.  Remember… Every goal, dream, desire, aspiration, mission, aim, and objective must also have a STRATEGY to achieve it.  In many cases, our next step after we develop a plan is to consult someone else, expecting reassurance and validation.  In my personal opinion, this is a good practice.  This week, however, I would like to discuss finding the right VOICE to listen to.  

Who do you discuss your plans with first?  Now, I cannot say with all certainty, that one hundred percent of us do this.  But many of us will go to someone in our “inner circle”: parent, spouse, or best friend.  Some of us will run it by our most trusted co-worker.  And there will be some of us that will share it with the first person, who will actually take the time and listen.  Laugh if you must…this really happens.  

The next time you are in this position, I want you to ask yourself these questions.  Do I really want to share my plan with this person?  Does this person know me well enough?  Does this person respond/react mostly negative or positive?  Can this person relate to my situation?  Has this person had any SUCCESS with the issue/concern that my plan is looking to solve?

My reason for posing these questions is simple.  When seeking advice, whether it is from one or many, the response will affect our perception of our problem & plan.  Revealing your inner thoughts and goals puts you in a vulnerable position.  We should be sure that those providing their thoughts/advice are not attaching their expectations or selfish motives.  You should also be assured that the advice you seek is honest and coming from a good place.

There will also be those, who you don’t ask directly, but will still offer their advice.  We must also be very wary of the unsolicited VOICE.  These will tend to be people who may have been indirectly told.  This advice may also have a profound effect on your perspective.  In this case, my mantra is “chew up the meat and spit out the fat”.  WISDOM can come from many sources, so I can’t totally ignore the advice.  I hold on to the parts that are positive and constructive.  I also cast away the advice that is negative or counterproductive.

I found a GOOD example of this in the movie, “Money Ball”.  The main character Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, found himself in a complex web of several different dilemmas.  Weaved within this web were his personal issues with his past, his purpose, the nature of his work, his staff, and his family life.  At a moment when he had thought that the hole he was in was too deep, he stumbled upon a possible solution.  He created a plan that cut against the grain.  His plan was ridiculed equally by public opinion and those within his camp.  Regardless of the naysayers, he ACTED on his plan.

In the beginning, Beane didn’t see the results he was looking for.  He began to doubt himself and considered trashing the plan.  (This is where it gets tricky for most of us.  When we don’t see the immediate results, we tend to give up.  But this is the perfect time to employ the “PLAN…DO…REVIEW” portion of our STRATEGY.)  Instead of quitting, Beane made a few tweaks and was right on target.  Of those that mocked him, they were not only stunned but forced to see the POSITIVE POTENTIAL of his strategy.  It was his inner VOICE that gave him the best advice of all…It will work!  

After you have muted all of the voices around you, the voices of fear and doubt can still attempt to overtake you, if you let them.  Finding yourself in this position is human, just remember, that you don’t have to stay there.  The strength of our inner VOICE depends on you.  Will you allow it to be drowned out by negativity?  Or will you allow your inner VOICE to be amplified and cheer you on to the accomplishment of your goals & dreams?

Your inner VOICE may have many names like: intuition, sixth sense, instinct, gut feeling, E.S.P., or faith.  Regardless of the name you give it, it works.  If the world rallies to proclaim what you can’t do, causing confusion, making your judgment clouded…it will be your inner VOICE that will keep you on course.  Turn your hearing aids up.  Your INNER VOICE will say things like: “It will work.”, “Keep going.”, “Delay is not denial.”, “The best is yet to come.”, “All is well.”, “Fear not.”,  and/or “I can and I will.” 

** This week our goal is to continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition, take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your least important HAPPY item, then ACT on the plan.**

Family, my prayers and meditations are with you.  Within us all, is the POTENTIAL to do the impossible.  I believe this to be indisputable.  Develop your PLAN and ACT on it!  The whispers of your heart will be the fuel for your fire.  It will work!

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Strategy

Tags

Change, Goal Setting, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help

It’s a GREAT Day!

This Monday is full UNLIMITED possibility.  The gift of “right now” has afforded me the opportunity to reach out to all of you, sharing with you my road map to HAPPINESS.  As we journey along, we will find COURAGE, PURPOSE, PERSPECTIVE and STRENGTH.  I am THANKFUL for all of you who have walked with me since “The Invitation”.  Each week, new travelers join us on our quest and I am so excited for their company.  My hope is to be a good tour guide and continue to inspire GOOD/HEALTHY change in your life.

On this Journey to HAPPINESS, we have been able to begin to look at ourselves and our circumstances through different eyes.  We have decided that we are worthy of true HAPPINESS and made a commitment to possessing it. Our confirmation has been the result of the valuable quality time spent alone, solely for our own enjoyment.  We have studied our reflection and discovered things in our lives that we would love to change.  Our mission has been to simply define our HAPPINESS.  We have realized the WORTH of all that we offer to the world.  And we have declared that the present is the best time to take action for a better life, one of HAPPINESS and JOY.

Many of you are probably wondering why I have just walked you back through all of our steps.  The answer may be simple to me, but I will reveal it to you.  Every goal, dream, desire, aspiration, mission, aim, and objective must also have a STRATEGY to achieve it.  It has been said by many, that “if one fails to plan, they have planned to fail”.

There was a time when all I used to wish for was to be HAPPY.  In my first attempts, I thought that I could get there overnight.  I was wrong.  So I proceeded to randomly try several different things, in hopes that I would stumble upon HAPPY.  I was wrong, again.  It wasn’t until I took a step back, and truly analyzed what it was that I was looking for, that I discovered what it was that I was doing wrong.  I did not have a PLAN.

Over the last ten years, I have discovered another important life jewel.  Many of us do not know how to properly plan.  In staring eye to eye with our problems, some of us just jump in with both feet, praying to land in the proper place.  Others of us, with high expectations, take huge leaps.  And when we lose our footing, missing our marks, we fall discouraged and defeated. 

This week I would like to peel back a layer, and share with you my format for creating a successful plan.  My high school math teacher used to always say, “Show your work.  I need to see how you got your answers.”  Here are the steps:

1.  What is the problem?  My thoughts: Many people are searching for HAPPINESS, unaware of how to attain it.
2. Is it your problem to solve?  My thoughts: Everyone’s individual happiness is not my problem to solve, but I was able to solve this problem for myself.
3. What can I do to provide a solution?  My thoughts: I can share my experience through my writing.
4. Decide on your method.  My thoughts: I will develop and write a blog.
5. Commit to the method.  My thoughts:  Weekly, I will post a blog to share my experiences.
6. Wait for the confirmation.  My thoughts: I began to read responses and emails from those who had been reading the blog.  They expressed, in their own way, that what I was doing was good and that I should continue.
7. Reflect on how your method affects the problem.  My thoughts:  I discovered that I needed to make some changes to the blog, in order to make it more effective.
8. Reflect on how others view your method for solving the problem.  My thoughts:  I took into consideration the constructive criticism of the readers and made additional changes, so that the blog could be more effective for their personal journey towards HAPPINESS.
9. Define (redefine) your objectives in solving the problem.  My thoughts:  I looked at this journey from a broader, more detailed context.  I declared that I didn’t simply want to help people find my HAPPINESS, but I want to help people define and discover their own personal HAPPINESS.   
10. What is the first step?  My thoughts:  I started writing about issues that hinder HAPPINESS.  It is very important to discover the things that are contrary to HAPPINESS, so that we can RECOGNIZE and RECEIVE HAPPINESS when it arrives.
11. Take one baby step at a time.  My thoughts:  Continue to use the same formula.  Consistently completing attainable targets will lead you to SUCCESS every time.
12. PLAN…DO… REVIEW.  My thoughts:  This secret will always keep you on task.  When you create a PLAN…ACT on it!  In acting on your plan…take the time to REVIEW your results.  Remove the steps that were ineffective…redesign a new PLAN based on what you’ve learned.  And REPEAT these steps for SUCCESS.

** This week our goal is to continue in our GOOD HABIT.  Block out two consecutive hours, during the week.  (If possible, plan for Mondays.)  Spend some good ‘ole quality time with yourself.  Whatever the activity…Do it alone!  Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.  In addition, take a closer look at your personal definition of HAPPINESS, revise if necessary.  Review your HAPPY List and prioritize it.  Create a PLAN to achieve your least important HAPPY item, then ACT on the plan.**

Family…my prayers and meditations are with you, as always.  SUCCESS can always be achieved with an effective STRATEGY.  DECLARE what your HAPPINESS will be.  Develop a PLAN & ACT!  Consistently completing attainable targets will lead you to SUCCESS every time.  Don’t just take my word for it…try it for yourself!

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Present

Tags

Affirmation, Change, Happiness, inspiration, Meditation, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help

It’s a GREAT Day!

 

What a privilege it is to meet you here on a BEAUTIFUL Monday morning!  Each Monday, we take another step towards that place we call “HAPPINESS”.  Whether you have been on board since “The Invitation” or just joining us today, my hope is that somewhere within these words you find exactly what you are looking for.  My goal is to serve you with MOTIVATION and ENCOURAGEMENT as you stumble upon the tools you will need for this journey: COURAGE, STRENGTH, PERSPECTIVE, CONFIDENCE, and PURPOSE.  HAPPINESS is our destination.

Last week, we touched on a very heavy subject. We discussed giving our way to HAPPINESS.  Giving is good.  It can also make you happy.  But giving…or should I say, exhausting the very essence of you where the reward is sadness and disappointment is not healthy.  Offering every ounce of yourself to others (and their expectations), for their own fleeting fulfillment, is not a path leading to HAPPINESS.

This week, I would like to discuss a topic which leads us frequently to a crossroad.  Our ability to THINK…is an awesome gift.  Our THOUGHTS will sometimes lead us to our past, sweep past our present, shuffle us into our future and back again.  What we may not always realize is that the THOUGHTS we focus on the most affect how we feel.  Where are your THOUGHTS?

Many of us, when we are approaching a new opportunity, immediately think about what has happened for us in the past.  Can we be honest with ourselves?  When you are looking at a new job/career opportunity, you think about how “I don’t want it to be like the last time”.  You don’t want the micro-managing supervisor.  You don’t want the aggravating gossip mill.  You don’t want the extra work for less pay.  The unclean restrooms.  The pay parking.  The long commute.  The annoying cube mate.  Your list grows on and on.  All the while, you are collecting and attaching negative past THOUGHTS to your brand new opportunity.

How about this one?  You are staring face to face with a brand new romance.  At some point your thoughts sail off into “Not again” island.  You don’t want this new person to transform into the last/past monster.  You don’t want another verbal/mental/physical abusive one.  (And you shouldn’t!)  You don’t want another untidy one.  You don’t want another mother-dependant.  You don’t want another cheap skate.  You don’t want another irresponsible one.  You don’t want another one that has problems with their children’s other parent.  The non-cooker.  The gambler.  The addict.  Your list grows on and on.  All the while, you are collecting and attaching negative past THOUGHTS to your brand new romance.

Don’t get me wrong.  It’s good to understand the things that we no longer want in our lives.  It is the contrast that allows us to realize the things we truly desire.  The part that is not-so good is the attachment to the negative in hopes to create a positive.  It is impossible to plant seeds for cabbage expecting apples to grow.  Our THOUGHTS must be focused on the POSITIVE.  THINK on the things that you DESIRE to have, not on the things that you don’t.

Conversely, there are others of us who dwell in the future.  We tend to focus on all of the things we DESIRE to have in the future.  That’s GREAT!  This should definitely be a part of our regular routine.  But those of us, who dwell only ‘in the future’, tend to lose grasp of everything else.  Now…this may not apply to you, but there are those who desire to have things in the future with no path to getting them, in the past or present.  Let me give you an example.  All I want is a garden full of roses.  I think about roses.  I dream about roses.  I love the smell of roses.  All I want is a garden full of roses.  And every day I awake, I go out to my garden full of anticipation, for my roses.  Then I pick up my bag of seed, labeled magnolias.  I work hard all day, planting magnolia seeds.  And when the sun is set and the air is cool, I proudly take a seat next to my garden waiting for my roses to grow.

In order for me to have a garden full of roses, I have to CHANGE something that I am doing.  Having great hopes and inspirations for the future is grand.  Hard work is necessary to achieve those aspirations.  But what type of work are you investing?  Is the work that you are doing leading you to your destination?  (Better yet…will doing the same unproductive work, consistently, garner you a productive result?) 

The best thing to do for myself is leave that magnolia seed alone.  Go and find seed for roses, purchase it, and head back to my garden.  I may have some long days ahead of me.  I may get a little frustrated and tired.  Pulling up all those magnolias will take some time.  Breaking up and turning the soil will be daunting.  Planting the new seed, watering it, and waiting for it to grow may be exhausting.  But if I truly want my garden full of roses, it must be done.

The latter brings me to my last point.  In order for CHANGE to happen in our lives, we must take advantage of THE PRESENT.  Many of us take it for granted.  One of the GREATEST gifts we have ever been given is THE PRESENT.  I will forever have a garden full of magnolias, until I get up and take action, now.

**Please continue to block out your two consecutive hours from your schedule, this week.  Take the time to enjoy yourself.   (If possible, plan this time for Mondays.)  During these 2 hours, do something that YOU enjoy.  YOU can take a walk, go to the gym, play an instrument, listen to your favorite music, or take yourself to dinner.  Whatever activity you choose, YOU must do it alone.  YOUR HAPPINESS is yours alone, and should not be contingent on others to possess it.  In addition, write out a list of the things you desire.  Write your list in the POSITIVE (i.e.:  I would like to go on a vacation.  I would like to spend more time with my children.  I would like to own my own business.).  Once you have written it, post it where you will see it every day (multiple places if necessary).  Your list will serve as a daily reminder and motivation for what you are striving for.**

As always, my prayers and meditations are with you.  DECLARE what your HAPPINESS will be!  Every minute that passes is an opportunity to CHANGE your life.  Take action, now!  Even having a RIGHT NOW is an awesome gift.  Take full advantage of THE PRESENT, which has been given to you.  If you are unhappy with the return of your harvest, CHANGE your seed!

 

If you were encouraged and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com/ or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline

The Offering

Tags

Change, Happiness, inspiration, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positivity, Self-help, Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

It’s a GREAT Day!!

 We are staring into another MAGNIFICENT Monday!  What WONDERFUL opportunities do you see?  I am so very GRATEFUL for all of you, those who have been travelling along with me and those who are reading this series for the first time.  We began with “The Invitation” some 8 weeks ago.  Today, I am even more motivated to write words that will reach out to ENCOURAGE, INSPIRE and/or MOTIVATE you.  Where will we travel to next?

Last week, I posed the question, “How can we follow this path to HAPPINESS unless we know what it truly is?”  (My hope is that you have truly considered what HAPPINESS means to YOU.)  Today, I want to turn the microscope onto one aspect that many people consider a path to HAPPINESS:  Giving.  

This week, I am attaching a video that encompasses the very essence of this week’s principle.  While watching, please be patient.  Watch the entire video.

 

The Giving Tree was first published in 1964 as a children’s book by Shel Silverstein.  Although this book was created for children, there are tons of hidden wisdom for the adults who will read it to them.    Many will read/see this story and interpret it as a parent/child relationship, solely.  Others may read/see a relationship with one and their Creator.  (Seeing yourself in the position of the young boy only reaching out to your Higher Power when you need something, is a talking point for another day.)  However, I would like to focus on another perspective.

Imagine yourself as the tree.  Everything and everyone else stands in the place of the ‘little boy’.  How many of you can see your family and their expectations as the ‘little boy’?  How about your significant other?  Maybe you can see your organization (i.e. church, fraternity, sorority, PTA, neighborhood association, social club, etc.) in the shoes of the ‘little boy’?

How long will you allow them to swing and play among your branches?  How many leaves will you allow them to take and gather for themselves?  Will you offer all of your apples for them to enjoy?  How many will you allow to sleep in your shade?  Think about it…

Where are they when the seasons change in your life?  Are they around when you grow and add branches?  When you are in a place of need, are they anywhere to be found?  There may even have been a time where you found yourself almost begging for their company and their only response was what they needed from you?  Think about it…

Will you offer yourself until you have given your last apple?  Will you offer all of your branches for someone else’s happiness as they leave you in sadness?  Will you allow someone to chop down your trunk, carrying with them the essence of who you are, just to move farther away from you?  Think about it…

The future of this tree does not have to be yours.  You do not have to look up one day and apologize because you have nothing left to give.  Every week I make the same statement…

Your HAPPINESS should not be contingent on anyone else to give it to you.

** I want you to block out 2 consecutive hours from your schedule.  (If possible, plan this time for Mondays.)  During these 2 hours, do something that YOU enjoy.  YOU can take a walk, go to the gym, play an instrument, listen to your favorite music, or take yourself to dinner.  Whatever activity you choose, YOU must do it alone.  In addition, in the course of your week, think about what HAPPINESS means to you.  Write out your own personal definition.  Your definition should be detailed and specific to you.  (If you wrote out your definition last week, look at it again.  Revised it…if necessary.)  When you have written it out, post it in a place where you will see it often.  (Post it in multiple places, if need be.)  Every time that you see it, you will be reminded of exactly what you desire to have in YOUR life.**

 My prayers and meditations are with you.  Please remember, Family…YOUR HAPPINESS is at stake.  True HAPPINESS is not binding nor depressing, neither is it dependant on others for you to possess it.  DECLARE what your HAPPINESS will be!  There is a morning coming where HAPPINESS will be smiling back at you in the sunshine.

If you were inspired and would like to read more, please click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this page.  For more information on J.T. Barber, visit: http://www.jtbarberonline.com or www.facebook.com/JTBarberonline