Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Learn A Life Skill TODAY!

Did you ever watch your grandma knitting? Wasn't it boring? Didn't it seem to take forever?Most of us live life in the fast lane. Who needs to buy balls of yarn, search for patterns and spend - heaven forbid - the next three months making a jumper, when we can buy one in the high street for next to nothing.....So why bother learning to knit? the garment you make yourself is special to you or wh. . .

10 Ways To Boost Your Creativity

Creativity is your birthright – but can often be hidden in the everyday. To facilitate your personal development and self growth, here are some creativity tips you can use to resurrect, refresh and enhance your creative faculties. 1. Look after yourself. Sleep well/Eat well/meditate/do what you enjoy and do it more often (if it is life enhancing!). Creativity is reduced when your senses ar. . .

The Independent Woman and the Metrosexual Man

A lot of people are starting to wonder why dating in the big city has suddenly become such a perplexing and complicated experience. And when, exactly, did this happen? The dating scene has always been a little troublesome for some people and could even feel like more of a chore than what should be a fun time. But lately the single jungle of Houston and other large cities are changing and evolvi. . .

What to Do When You Are Alone for the Holidays

Being alone for the holidays is a major challenge for many people. Holidays often conjure images of family, of warmth and the sharing of special time. Loneliness can be overwhelming when you have no one with whom to share holiday time.Many people, however, miss the point of what holidays are really about and what makes them special. Holidays are not about what you GET – they are about what you . . .

Vastu Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can be a time of stress for many. Vastu can help you experience a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious holiday season.How the science of Vastu affects the quality of your life can be compared to how an antenna affects the quality of your television reception. Vastu is like the antenna for the quality of your life. If you have poor reception due . . .

5 Tips to Help You Win Big & Become a Village Hero

A few years ago, I returned to my impoverished village in Haiti. Many in the village came to see me—the tiny and diseased child they didn’t expect to make it. Some of them used to call me Souyen and kokobay—words that mean “crippled.” A man from the village, Alfred, reminded the people how they treated me. “Today” He said, “He returns as our village hero.” I am sure you, too, may already be a v. . .

Irreversible

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 15, 2004My husband had two affairs last year. I am pretty confident he is not cheating now, and we are seeing a marriage counselor. He has changed much since I found out what he was doing. He put our property in my name and bought me a $12,000 diamond ring.He is affectionate to me most of the time. I believe this is proof that he loves me. T. . .

Your Fingertips and a Phone-line, perhaps.

Never, before the Internet and its components, did a regular person have such cheap access to such a wide database.With it comes an opportunity.To download music or play games, if that is what you want, but never, could a person rapidly gain access to information!Never could a person disperse information to such a degree, either.With it comes a freedom to express ideas, creations, or business c. . .

Sexual Networking in the Fish Bowl

Most of us belong to a large circle of friends that we have known for years. Few of us have more than two circles of friends. You know what I am talking about. These are the girl and guy friends that you hang out every weekend with. You know everything that is going on in each other’s life, you are there for each other and it seems like you will always be together. We are the generation th. . .

Writing a Resume: To Template Or Not To Template?

Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing a killer resume? It’s a fact that if your resume doesn’t stand out--both in terms of content AND appearance-- you’ll find it very difficult to get the job you seek. Hiring managers get hundreds of resumes for every open position, but usually have time to interview only a handful of applicants. So, they’ll scan through the resumes as quickly. . .

Avoid the Tendency to Underestimate Your Greatness

As a whole I think there is a sad tendency in most of us to underestimate just how powerful we are. Just how much greatness lies inside each and every one of us - just waiting to get out. The reality is if you knew just how special you were - and how much greatness went into making you the unique you that you are I'm convinced you'd immediately know that nothing can truly keep you from achievin. . .

Control, Helplessness, and Love

During my 35 years of counseling individuals, couples, families and business partners, I have discovered that an important purpose of our controlling behavior in our relationships is to avoid the feeling of helplessness. One of the hardest feelings to feel is helplessness. Most of us are unwilling to even know what we are and are not helpless over. Our controlling behavior toward others general. . .

Controlling Behavior, Loving Behavior

When Zack and Tiffany started counseling with me, they were on the verge of divorce after 16 years of marriage. Neither really wanted to end the marriage, yet both were miserable. Both of them believed that their misery was because of the other person, and both could clearly articulate what the other person was doing wrong.“Tiffany is just so distant and unaffectionate most of the time, and whe. . .

Dominant by Day, Submissive by Night

If you are like most men out there, you probably have no idea what makes those head-strong, powerful and intelligent career women “tick”. I am referring to those women you see in power suits, managing a company or running her own, who seem completely invincible and on top of the world. These women know what they want in life and they do not stop until they get it. They are fast talkers, they ca. . .

Feng Shui Your Love Pad

What began centuries ago in China as a way of interpreting the natural world to create more efficient agricultural systems and even study astronomy to understand the passage of time is an age old institution named Feng Shui. Through the ages feng shui (pronounced Fung Shway) has evolved due to superstition and folklore into a belief system with five distinct components: Wealth, Health, Fame, . . .

Five Tips for EASY WEIGHT LOSS!

Whoever told you that weight loss was difficult never read this article!Weight loss is a hot topic among people today, especially considering the fact that more than half of us are overweight. As we get older we often get busier, and before we know it, find ourselves in the prime of our lives and packing a few extra pounds. With so little extra time in our lives it is impractical to join the la. . .

Are You Sabotaging Your Career?

My experience working with thousands of leaders world wide for the past two decades teaches me that most leaders are screwing up their careers.On a daily basis, these leaders are getting the wrong results or the right results in the wrong ways. Interestingly, they themselves are choosing to fail. They're actively sabotaging their own careers. Leaders commit this sabotage for a simple reason: Th. . .

Still Single for the Holidays? Lucky You!

Oh, no! Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s Eve are coming, and you’re still not dating anybody.The specter of enduring gatherings with relatives who harass you because you’ve failed to hook up trounces your hopes for peace and goodwill. You’ll be explaining your sorry self from the first sip of eggnog to your last bite of mincemeat pie.Afterwards, you’ll tuck into bed feeling like a colossal lo. . .

Do You Have Excuse-itis When Looking for a Job?

How many times have you done or heard someon else say: "I don't have the time, I don't have the money, I don't have my family behind me, and on and on"? This excuse-itis is worse than pro- crastination. Procrastination implies that you will eventually get something done. Excuses, however, are just little fears in disguise. It is hard to approach employers and ask for a job. The big fear comes o. . .

30 Ways to be a Butt-Head Boss

1. Trust no one. Not your superiors and not your employees. Especially not your employees. They’re probably out to get you anyway.2. Believe that all of your people are lazy, good-for-nothing slackers. Remind them of that frequently.3. Get mad and shout a lot. This will reinforce to your “workers” that you mean business.4. Never grant special favors. Having babies, being sick, taking time off t. . .

A Quick Tip for Delivering a Great Speech

Does speaking in public leave you tongue-tied? Do you stumble over your words? Do you want to learn how to speak more eloquently in front of a crowed?Here’s a simple tip for getting started: Talk about something that you’re passionate about.Have you ever noticed how people sound more eloquent when they’re talking about something that’s dear to their heart? They speak more fluidly, and they’re l. . .

What Planet is your Relationship on?

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, what planet is their relationship on?John Gray's bestselling book used a planetary analogy to understand relationships. It proved very popular as a way of understanding and interpreting the behaviour patterns that men and women display.Astrology also uses planets to understand and predict character traits and behaviour patterns. It is an extremely. . .

It’s a Gut Feeling – Finding love

Most single guys are settled in their life. Their mornings, afternoons and evenings have a routine they are comfortable with and rarely will they go beyond the boundaries of that routine. Even a single guy’s loneliness can become his norm and if someone crosses his path that interest him, he rationalizes instead of trying to adapt. Many times this leads to confusion – he just isn’t sure if she . . .

What To Expect From A Feng Shui Consultation

If you are wishing to harmonize or balance your house or any other environment according to feng shui, the ideal way to do so is through a feng shui consultation. A feng shui consultation would provide you the right and proper guidance for you to successfully achieve your goal.Before you go to a feng shui consultation, it is important that you pay attention to choosing a good consultant. You sh. . .

Just Listen. Please!

When did you last do that? When did you last listen to yourself? Is there a small voice inside you calling out “Just listen to me” Just listen. Please”. “All I want is for you to listen to me”. “ I am tired and fed up of continuing doing. Just stop for a moment and just listen. Please”.When was the last time you sat down quietly with a cup of coffee and just listened to what is going on inside . . .

The Path of Relationship

Each month after completing and fine tuning Letters on Life I’m excited about sending it out. Within a few hours I start to wonder about the next letter and whether people will like it. Is it going to be good enough? Because of this concern I procrastinate and wait until the last minute to start writing the next letter. Underlying this version of the fear of rejection or the fear of fai. . .

Creating A Gratitude Journal

grate.ful adj. 1 a : appreciative of benefits received: syn. thankful 4.19.02 Today I am grateful for _______________ . As I write the above line, I wonder, "What is my answer?" My first thought is, "I am grateful for today." Then I realize there are so many people, places and things for which I am grateful. Everyday the list grows. Everyday there are things that happen to us, and for us, that . . .

Curbing the Public Nuisance (Part 1)

He's been around since the dawn of humanity. His profession is even older than the world's oldest profession. He's been loathed and reviled by politicians, bureaucrats and hot dog vendors.I am speaking, of course, of the public nuisance.He was that slithery dude in the Garden of Eden, taunting folks to shoplift. "Go on. Take a bite of the apple. The grocer will never know it's misssssing."E. . .

How to Save Yourself from Negative Influences

Watching the news can be hazardous to your health. It's a fact, especially when you're watching events related to terrorism, kidnapping, murder, accidents, or calamities. These incidents make you worry and will leave you feeling weak and insecure. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling of becoming a victim someday. This will have a negative effect on your outlook in life. Your surroundings have a bi. . .

Nine Career "Zappers"

Today, everyone is looking for the secret to business success. Professionals read books, take training classes, ask questions, study others that are successful and strive to outperform themselves. However, some behavior patterns can develop into bad habits and cause even the most seasoned and professional person to self-destruct.Let's take a look at some common behaviors that can put your caree. . .

Walt Disney, the Inspiration to Form a Better Life?

You, like many others, may have come to this article because you want more from life. In this sense, you and I may be alike because we’re searching for greater happiness and a stronger sense of fulfillment. If you are someone in your thirties or older, and perhaps western, then you, like me, may have read enough adventure stories or seen enough Walt Disney to have been heartened by the st. . .

From The WorkWise Collection: Job Hunting in the New Economy

To succeed in today’s global marketplace, companies must hire the best and the brightest. Having talented employees can make the difference between success and failure. Job hunting in this new economy is competitive, dynamic, results-driven, and requires your best efforts. In the past, jobs and careers were permanent, stable, and predictable. Today all of that has changed. Jobs, careers, a. . .

Curbing the Public Nuisance (Part 2)

Yes, that pillar of society that has been with us since that slithery dude threw humanity for a curve in the Garden of Eden – that cornerstone of society has been automated.I am speaking, of course, of the public nuisance ( I wrote about him in Part 1 at http://www.thehappyguy.com/nuisance1.html. )No longer do pests have to come around in restaurants and train stations and villages singing loud. . .

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: “Why Did You Leave...

This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is, “Why are you available?” The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your performance at this company. The. . .

Life After Life ... Death Is Merely a Changing Room

Since I awoke from my three month coma in August of 2004, I have been asked many times about what I remembered and experienced. After looking over my notes and speaking with my wife and some of the medical professionals involved, I decided that it might be a good idea to write a short overview of these experiences. They were both wonderful and frightening, but the lessons I learned and the "g. . .

Cell Phone Abuse. Are You A Victim?

Like millions of others, you may be the victim of cell phone abuse. What is cell phone abuse? Let's say you're in a public place trying to concentrate on something or having a face-to-face conversation or just enjoying a peaceful moment when a stranger 5-10 feet away starts talking on his or her cell phone. If, as a result, your concentration is broken or your conversation is interrupted or you. . .

Do You Suffer From The "Chef" Personality?

As a chef I have a unique perspective on anger.In my time I have worked with the greatest in the finest kitchens of Europe. And I know what the pressure of the cooking kitchen is.I have seen the casualties and the conflicts - the ruined lives and the personal heartache of those who could only cope by indulging in drink, drugs, sex or gambling.You're probably familiar with the stereotype of the. . .

The Gift of Failure

During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to reflect on the bounty in our lives. Most of us have jobs, family, a place we call home and food on the table, and for these things and our ability to obtain them we should be grateful.But what about those who are struggling with financial difficulties, bad relationships, or employment problems? Do they owe any thanks for their circumstances? . . .

Discovering Your Passion and Purpose

“I can’t seem to discover why I’m on the planet.”“What is my purpose here? I know there’s something I’m supposed to be doing, but I don’t know how to find out what it is.”“I don’t seem to be passionate about anything.”I’ve heard these complaints over and over from my clients.Discovering our passion and purpose is vital to our joy and well-being. The problem is that many people have lost touch w. . .

Discerning The Loving Heart

How often have you had the experience of connecting with someone – a friend or a potential partner – who turns out to be an uncaring person? At first you think this is a really good person, and then down the line you discover that the person is self-centered, narcissistic, angry and uncaring. You wonder how you could be so wrong, and what can you do differently next time?I have discovered in my. . .

Beyond Her Grasp

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 22, 2004I am a woman, 42, who three years ago married a wonderful man who will be 48 on his next birthday. I love him very, very much. The only problem is our sex life is horrible. Pretty much nonexistent. I can safely say we have had sex maybe 20 times in our six year relationship.When I've tried numerous times to talk to him, he gets defens. . .

Dating in the New Millenium

Over the past 20 years the face of dating has gone through some noticeable changes. Traditional methods of finding a date would be to rely on friends to play matchmaker or to attend bars, various different social events and parties. We now rely on internet service providers to open the doors for romance. Whether we like it or not, the internet has changed our lives especially in the way we date. . .

Love's All About Chemistry

People who have been swept off their feet know the feeling. Love makes us all feel funny. That sense of giddy disorientation, unsinkable euphoria and complete obsession with a new love can be so overpowering, that it's hard to imagine it's all about emotion. Now scientists are confirming there indeed may be a lot more going on in a body that's in love than simple, happy thoughts. In fact, a spa. . .

How Stressed Out Are You? Take this quiz and see how you ...

Stress, America’s #1 health problem, is a leading cause of major illness. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression are just some of the harmful effects of stress. Research has shown that releasing stress and learning how to relax promotes a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.Take this quiz and see how you rate on your stress level!1. I make time for myself every day.2. I hav. . .

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life. Five simple ways ...

When you change your thoughts, you change your life. The fastest way to achieve peace and harmony is to change your thinking. In order to change your outer world you must first change your inner world. Your thoughts dictate your behavior, and when you change your thought patterns, you will be changing your behavioral patterns as well. Altering your behavior will change the course of your life. . . .

Not Getting What You Want in Life?Your Thoughts Could Be ...

Unhappy? Stressed out? Do you feel you not only want more fun in your life, but you need more fun in your life? You seem to be doing all the right things, but yet you still feel unfulfilled. So, what’s wrong? You want that feeling of happiness again, like that sense of pleasure you had as a child when you saw your first rainbow. But now you feel like you aren’t getting what you want out of life. . .

Could Your Thoughts Sabotage Your Happiness?Take this qui...

Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught to be “nice” even if that’s means comprising their happiness, and often times that is exactly what happens. We have a tendency to do, and say things just so the other person’s feelings don’t get hurt. How many times have you wanted to say something, but thought, you can’t say that, they might think you’re too harsh, or unpleasant. Ti. . .

Your Responsibility

The other day I decided to skip cooking dinner and ordered fast food, and I ended up finding an insect on it. My husband and I were shocked, grossed out, disappointed, and I do not know what else.The insect was not the only gift included; I also found the longest hair ever! After thinking about it, we concluded that it fell on the floor, and they decide to deliver the food anyways.I can easily. . .

Belief, Designed For Life!

Liam says to Joe; “where is your God now, when life can be made in a laboratory”?Joe says to Liam; “it couldn’t have happened, but for the presence of God”.It was a short debate involving two non-scientific people, but wasn’t it interesting?While Liam set out to demolish Joe’s faith, he was left with a simple retort that quietened him. In this case, the non-believer lost because he had nothing . . .

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress

Stress, America’s #1 health problem, is a leading cause of major illness. In fact, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression are just some of the harmful effects of stress. Research has shown that releasing stress and learning how to relax promotes a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.Here are 3 easy ways to reduce your stress fast.1. Breathe DeeplyTake 3 slow deep breaths. T. . .