The Celebration

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

It’s a GREAT Day!!

TODAY is the first day of the rest of my life!  This morning met me with light, love and laughter.  I intend to enjoy this Monday with my heart set to GRATITUDE.  Thank you all for joining me on this journey.  Together, we seek to find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE & STRENGTH.  I BELIEVE that we can do it!

Family…I am still riding high from last week’s, “The Ceremony”.  If you missed it, click the link to catch it.  I was inspired by the title of the latest Tina C. Hines workshop, “You Can’t Move On Until You Bury Some Things”.  (For more information, please visit www.tinachines.com)  The title is a message within itself.  Last week, we discussed exactly how to bury those things.  But once “The Ceremony” is all over, it’s time to party!

Take this time to CELEBRATE the ‘new’ you.  Think about where you were when you first started this journey with me.  What changes have occurred these last six months?  Focus on the GOOD things.  Have you noticed that you have been smiling more?  Are you more focused at work?  Spending more quality time with your children?  Is there a new spring in your step?  Are you sleeping better?  Think about it…

REJOICE that you have been more focused on your goals.  You’re on track for the next promotion at work.  You are another step closer to getting your house in order.  Your reflection looks different now, when you pass that mirror.  REJOICE because you are able to say that, “I am a better person today than I was yesterday!”

Do a HAPPY dance for everything GREAT coming your way.  See yourself achieving all of your goals.  BELIEVE with ANTICIPATION!  Turn on your favorite dancing music. Enjoy yourself.  Dance like you are on the top of the world!  With GRATITUDE in your heart, party like all of your dreams have been gift wrapped and special delivered.

** Here’s your homework…

1. 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.
2. Start writing a list of all the things you are GRATEFUL for.  Today, begin with 10 things.  For each day this week, add 10 NEW things.  You will be surprised what jewel you will have at the end of the week.

In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

 

Family, my prayers and meditations are always with you.  The party has just begun.  I delight in knowing that the desires of your heart are just within your grasp.  I rejoice for your new beginning and your bright future.  HAPPINESS is yours!   BELIEVE…

 

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 Ceremony

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

It’s a GREAT Day!!

It is a brand new day.  I intend to enjoy it as if it’s my first.  With excitement and joy in my heart, I will create a masterpiece.  I BELIEVE that I will enjoy a life of PURPOSE and PEACE.  I BELIEVE that my new PERSPECTIVE on life assures me that my best is yet to come.  I BELIEVE that the shedding of my fears has enhanced my COURAGE to approach my dreams with vigor.  I also BELIEVE this will happen for you!

Last week, in our continued discussion of BEING PRESENT RIGHT NOW, we discussed some of the tools needed on our ‘Journey to HAPPINESS’.  We acknowledge our destination and our length of travel.  We determine our best route and maybe length of time by our map.  Our compass helps us to recognize our actual location in reference to where we would like to go.  And gratitude makes it easier to change course.  But there is another important tool that most people forget to pack on a trip such as this….a shovel.

For centuries, we have been using shovels; to loosen hard ground, to dig to find forgotten things, and moving unwanted materials.  On this journey we will need shovels for the same reasons.  Think about it.  The longer we are on this journey; we begin to realize that there are some hardened places in our hearts that need loosening.  In doing self analysis, we begin to dig up some things in our past, that we have desperately tried to forget about.  And in most cases those are the things we need to remove in order to heal.  But there are two other major reasons we need shovels on this journey.

This week, I am inspired by the Tina C. Hines workshop, “You Can’t Move On Until You Bury Some Things”.  (For more information, visit www.tinachines.com)   Once we have done all that hard work of softening and digging up things, there will be some holes left.  What do we do with the ditches we have dug for ourselves?  My answer to this problem is to have an intimate CEREMONY.  Don’t laugh.  I am extremely serious.  During this CEREMONY two things must be done.

First things first, let’s have a proper funeral for all those unwanted things.  Somewhere on this path we are travelling, find a nice quiet spot.  Take with you all the things in your life that do not belong.  Dig a nice pretty hole.  In this hole, I want you to place every moment of pain, pictures that trigger bad memories, the phone numbers of those that put you in a negative space.  And while you are throwing stuff in, remember to toss in your fears, low self-worth, lack of confidence, shame, nightmares, defeat, self-pity, procrastination, and addictions.  Once you get that stuff in the hole, take your shovel and begin to bury it.  With every load of dirt, say your last goodbyes.  These are the things that hindered your growth.  These are the things that made your life miserable.  These are the things that distracted you from your aspirations.  As you pat down the last of the dirt…Shed your last tear.  Pray.  Sing a song.  LAUGH if you must.  But as you turn away, do not look back.  Have relief in knowing that those things are ‘dead and gone’.

In many cultures, immediately following a funeral there is some sort of repast.  The family gets together to bond, to break bread together, to begin the grieving process.  But in our case, we are having a party.  Yes, I said it…a party.  At this point, we have left all the sad stuff at the gravesite.  Now it is time to begin to fill all of our open or empty spaces with good stuff.  Remember, all of those things had to come from a place within us.  We can’t leave them empty and vulnerable.  We have been preparing for this for months.  Let’s replace those old memories with the new ones we have been creating during our “good ‘ole quality time”.  Instead of fear, now you can load up on faith.   You removed procrastination, now replace it with motivation.  In places that held low self-worth, fill them up with your compliment list.  Fill those spaces with your dreams and aspirations.  Fill your idle time with items from your strategic to-do list.  Take your time to replenish yourself with the good things.

Now, the hardest place to fill will be those deep places where pain used to live.  These are the places that take a little longer to heal.  But they are also the places that JOY and HAPPINESS will fill.  But in the meantime, let’s put some GRATITUDE salve on them.  Begin to prep those places with the list you started last week.  One by one, fill those spaces with the things that you are GRATEFUL for.  Realize that you are no longer the person you used to be.  You dwell in a more positive space.  Be thankful for the opportunity to say, “Yes” to a new way of life.  And by the time you reach your destination, HAPPINESS, will be an easy exchange.

** Here’s your homework…

1. 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.
2. Start writing a list of all the things you are GRATEFUL for.  Today, begin with 10 things.  For each day this week, add 10 NEW things.  You will be surprised what jewel you will have at the end of the week.

In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Family, my prayers and meditations are always with you.  I anticipate the day I receive your party invitation.  We will rejoice for your new beginning.  We will celebrate the passing of the old, and the rebirth of the new.  I will stand beside you as we continue to journey along together.  Make good use of the tools at your disposal.  HAPPINESS is yours!  Don’t take my word for it…try it for yourself.  BELIEVE…

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 Compass

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

It’s a GREAT Day!

What a Magnificent Monday it is!  I am inspired to reach further, climb higher & dream bigger.  There is no obstacle greater than ‘Yes, I can’.  Family…BELIEVE with anticipation!  We are another step closer to HAPPINESS.  I am GRATEFUL for each of you for having the courage to seek your heart’s desires.  May we continue to be motivated to find PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE & STRENGTH.

Last week in “The Gift”, we unwrapped the beauty of BEING PRESENT RIGHT NOW.  Being fully aware of our environment, our interactions with others, and our true feelings gives us leverage over our circumstances.  In “The Strategy”, we developed a solid plan to accomplish our goals.  And BEING PRESENT allows us to make better decisions which will usher us into achieving those goals.  Although this is not an easy step to master, there are tools that can help you in your daily practice.

For centuries, people have used compasses to determine their geographical location and their direction of travel.  In our case, we can use our compass to check our way of thinking, our feelings and how we are being affected by those around us.

In dealing with others, check your compass to determine whether your interaction with someone (or a group) is moving in the right direction.  Is the other person’s conversation coming from a good place?  Are your responses coming from a good place?  Check your compass to determine how you feel in that moment.

In terms of your feelings, at any moment you are also able to use your compass to check in on how you feel.  Think about it.  Check in when you first wake up, during your morning commute, at the grocery store, your doctor’s appointment or at the post office.  Check your compass while in the shower, at work, at dinner, watching television or at night right before bed.

Many of us don’t even realize that how we feel and what we think are interrelated.  What is the nature of your thoughts?  Are they negative or positive?  Are they destructive or constructive?  Are your thoughts defeating or motivating?  Are your thoughts full of complaints or thanksgiving?  Check your compass.

What we must realize is that understanding and progress go hand in hand.  When we realize exactly what triggers bad thoughts and feelings in our lives we can change it.  This goes back to our premise in ‘The Strategy’, once we know exactly what the problem is, we can create a solution or draw ourselves a map.  Once a soldier checks their compass, they can refer to their map to determine where they are in relation to where they desire to be and change course.  You can too!

For most of us, changing course is the most difficult thing to do.  I have, however found another very effective tool to change course…GRATITUDE.  Gratitude can be the fuel needed to push you over the finish line.  Being thankful can transform sorrow into tears of JOY.  Gratitude is the channel through which we receive our blessings.

Here is what others have said about the power of GRATITUDE:

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” –Jean-Baptiste Massieu

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.” –Marcus Aurelius

“Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.” –John Henry Jowett

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” –Thornton Wilder

“I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased.  That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.  Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.”          –Oprah Winfrey

** Here’s your homework…

1. 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.
2. Start writing a list of all the things you are GRATEFUL for.  Today, begin with 10 things.  For each day this week, add 10 NEW things.  You will be surprised what jewel you will have at the end of the week.

In order for us to be successful, WE MUST DO THE WORK.”  **

Family, my prayers and meditations are always with you.  This journey requires hard work, diligence and patience, but it will also be your greatest accomplishment.  Practice BEING PRESENT RIGHT NOW.  Make good use of the tools at your disposal.  HAPPINESS is yours! When in doubt, CHECK YOUR COMPASS.  Don’t take my word for it…try it for yourself.  BELIEVE…

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 Gift

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

It’s a GREAT Day!!

It really is.  This Monday offers me the opportunity to receive my heart’s desires.  I breathe with anticipation in my heart for the very BEST.  I can possess it because I claimed it!  Family, we are consistently moving forward on our ‘Journey to HAPPINESS’.  Whether you have been with us since “The Invitation” or just joining us today, my hope is that somewhere within these words you find exactly what you are looking for.  I am ever so THANKFUL for you all.  May we continue to be motivated to seek out PURPOSE, COURAGE, PERSPECTIVE, INNER PEACE, & STRENGTH.

Last week, in “The Reception”, we discussed how people, places, and things in our environment affect us in a powerful way.  We also discussed “BEING PRESENT”.  What do we see when we really take the time to analyze our life?  Do we like what we see?  How can we counteract it, if we don’t?

In “The Present”, we introduced the notion that with everyday, we are given the gift of “RIGHT NOW”.  See, some would have us to believe that our entire being is centered around ‘who we are’, ‘what we do’, and ‘what we have’ RIGHT NOW.  And in most cases, that rationale leads many to be doubtful and counterproductive because what we may see RIGHT NOW is blocking our view of ‘who we can become’.  So, let’s steer away from this negative premise.  Let’s add our gift to last week’s advice.  What are we looking at?  This week, I would like to discuss BEING PRESENT RIGHT NOW.

These two pieces right here are a dynamic duo.  When we are able to BE PRESENT, we become fully conscious of our environment, how we truly feel and be aware of the nature of our interactions with others.  Why is this important?  In most cases, we may only possess one of the three.  Having two is great, but how often will this happen for us?  Let me give you a few examples.

Let’s say that you are having a heated argument with someone.  You know, absolutely, that you are irritated, insulted, or angry.  You know, exactly, who you are angry with and may even realize that this argument will forever alter the nature of your relationship with this person.  But in the heat of the moment, are you really conscious of your environment?  How much do you care where you are or who is witnessing the scene?  (It’s funny enough that the same can also be said about having an intimate/sexual moment with someone.  Think about it…)

Let’s try another.  Let’s say that you woke up on the wrong side and are in a cranky mood.  You are aware of where you are, let’s say, work.  Where else would you clock in, in order to get your check on Friday?  You are aware of how you feel.  Maybe you are disappointed or angry about being passed over for a promotion.  Or maybe someone cut you off in traffic and knocked your car fender right off.  Your mind is racing a thousand miles a minute about whether you should bother to call their insurance, if your own rates will go up, and where will the money come from if you have to pay to fix it yourself.  Let’s add that you’re angry that people just don’t know how to drive anymore or the person who got the promotion over you is finding slick ways to rub it in your face.  You are hot under the collar.  You know exactly how you feel.  But are you conscious of how you are interacting with the people around you?  How many people did you ignore?  How many people did you snap at for no reason?  (Think about it…you may even need to go back and make some apologies later, once you have cleared your head.)

BEING PRESENT is not easy.  It is something to aspire to.  It requires much prayer & meditation.  But once YOU ACHIEVE IT…you can wear it as a badge of personal ACCOMPLISHMENT.  It will mean that you will have not only gained a tremendous amount of self-control, but you will have also attained a consistent level of PEACE in your life.  (It is POSSIBLE.  You can have it!  BELIEVE…)

You are probably saying to yourself, “Now, I’m all excited about something that I don’t have and takes a bunch of work to get.  So what was the point in telling me?”  Did you forget about your GIFT that goes along with it?  Don’t be so quick to view BEING PRESENT as unattainable, especially when you have RIGHT NOW.  Well…what is it?  Why is it so special?  RIGHT NOW is a prompt for action.  RIGHT NOW is a reminder that something can/should be done.  RIGHT NOW says that in this moment, no, now this minute…now in this very second I can make a decision to change my life for the better.  RIGHT NOW is YOUR OPPORTUNITY!

**Here’s your homework…

1. 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.
2. 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.”  **

If you remember nothing else that I have typed, remember this (say it to yourself)…

RIGHT NOW…I can have PEACE.

RIGHT NOW…I can take control over my life.

RIGHT NOW…I can take a step towards my PURPOSE.

RIGHT NOW…I can CHANGE my circumstance.

RIGHT NOW…I can be HAPPY.

RIGHT NOW…I BELIEVE in me.

Family, my prayers and meditations are with you.  May the power of your Creator ignite the spark in you, to be courageous.  True HAPPINESS is within your grasp.  At any/every moment, you can practice BEING PRESENT.  The more you practice, the easier it will become.  Don’t take my word for it…try it for yourself.  BELIEVE…

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 Reception

Tags

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

Tags

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

Tags

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