Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Getting To The Top By Fits And Starts

I would venture to believe that most people have the qualities to make them a success. Then why are not more of them successful? One observation is; by not following through on actions that they started with. They have victory in sight and then do you want to know what they do?Settle For Mediocrity!Have you ever known someone who was full of immediate action with no ultimate purpose? Their body. . .

October: A Month of Personal Harvest

October is hands down my favorite month. Every year l look forward to a visit to Lynd's Fruit Farm in Pataskala, Ohio. My husband and I get in the car on a crisp day and take in the leaves displaying their glorious colors as we travel the country road. Once we reach the farm, I pour through bushel baskets brimming with gourds and Indian corn, wander the pumpkin patch, and pluck ripe apples from. . .

Caste Out

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 29, 2003I am a 28-year-old Indian lady. I am in love with a 30-year-old Indian guy for the last four years. We share many interests in common and get along well. We are both Ph.D. students.The problem is the different communities to which we belong. We have a very complex social system and are allowed to marry only the person who belongs to . . .

Confessions of a Professional Matchmaker

Don't make these mistakes when searching for love online!"I spent my life searching for the perfect woman. I finally found her but alas, she was searching for the perfect man." align=rightAnonymousI was a professional matchmaker for several years - trying to help singles meet others with whom they shared common interests and complementary personality traits. I met with my clients in person and . . .

Accepting Change

Well I've finally done it...I turned my heat on. After shouting at the kids that it's not cold and making them dress like they are outside, I turned on the heat in the house. I finally gave in when I couldn't feel my fingers anymore while typing and the cat, Bogey, was sitting next to the desk sneezing continuously. I started thinking, hmmm he has fur and he's cold. Maybe it is cold. (One of th. . .

The Art Of Happy Living

What do you think about happiness? A philosophical approach to life; an intellectual activity or an academical pursuit. No, not at all, nothing of the sort.Happy living is nothing more than living a normal life free from undue pressures, problems and tensions. The Art of Happy Living is not a complicated kind of art difficult to learn rather a simple art of living well, eating well, thinking. . .

Flight Delay

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 6, 2003It took me eight years after my husband died to try a relationship, and now I am thinking maybe I should never have tried.Over a year ago I met Jay. I always felt we had the perfect relationship. We like the same things, have the same type personality, and talked things through when there was a misunderstanding. A few days ago Jay came o. . .

Coping with the Time Crunch

“There is never enough time, unless you're serving it.” align=right-Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990)My son is 17 months old. (OK, all you seasoned parents out there, stop laughing!) I work full time, commute an hour to work each day, cook most meals, attempt other household chores and try to carve out a small amount of time for myself and my partner each day. Did I mention the 2 dogs. . .

Learning From Life

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Life has taught me some tough lessons, and the scars do not heal easily."? This article can help you learn valuable lessons from the past, instead of allowing the past to determine your future. The quality of the life we live, is based upon the learning we derive from our experiences. I know that for myself, it is sometimes easy to feel that "Life has taught. . .

Remember, Worse Things Can Happen At Sea, So..... Don't E...

Throughout the many pages of scores of motivational books, with the Bible being at the forefront, we are encouraged to "not give up." We are told to believe that we can come through any situation and be victorious in life. Ask yourself this question: Am I up-beat or am I beat-up?Focus On Winning!No matter what you are going through, set your focus on the winning side. Understand that winning is. . .

Courage Is A Gift

“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” align=right-Epictetus, the 1st Century Greek PhilosopherCourage is daring to be… Brave. Enterprising. Bold. In your business or personal life, how often do you question your thoughts, your actions, or your motives? When you don’t exercise the ability to always test yourself, you may lose not only your confidence, but more i. . .

Use Your Imagination to Create the Self You Want

“Every prayer - every thought, every statement, every feeling -is creative. To the degree that it is fervently held as truth, to that degree will it be made manifest in your experience.” align=right-Neale Donald WalschIn your business and in your personal life, if your mind was a huge, blank sheet of paper, what would you fill the space with? Would you use it to create positive or negative tho. . .

Artificial Intelligence ... what have we learned through ...

During the late '80s and early '90s, I had the opportunity to work with expert systems in real-time production environments. I found artificial intelligence, or AI, to be thoroughly intriguing. I even went so far as to write an expert system package, under Microsoft Windows, called WindExS. However, as I continued my work, and expanded into other areas of knowledge management and, eventually. . .

You Teach People How to Treat You

So often we hear people ask the question, "Why does he/she/they treat me/us so badly?". The honest answer, in most cases, is "Because you let him, her or they!" If that seems too simple an answer, think of it this way. You make a date for lunch with someone new. They arrive twenty minutes late, citing traffic, office hold ups, the weather, their car or their kids. Of course, things do happe. . .

If It Looks Like A Duck And It Quacks Like A Duck.........

Ok, gang; it's time to get our mental vision checked. Not your physical vision, that's not what I'm talking about. Mental vision, just like physical vision, can become cloudy. And then would you like to know what happens? Don't miss this. You end up about as lucky as the only man in a women's prison with a fist full of pardons. Nah, I'm kidding, Or…. am I? :) don't you get mad at me now. Let's . . .

The Career Athlete: What it takes to Manage your Career

Managing your career, just like managing your life, requires preparation and ensuring that your time is directed meaningfully. Don't wait and see; make things happen. Just like athletes who prepare for the "big game” or a marathon, designing your career requires goals, planning, work, and above all, commitment. Think of yourself as a Career Athlete.Being a Career Athlete requires awareness and . . .

The Grief And Belief Connection

"Grief is healing: To take away our grief is to take away our healing. And learning about life after death helps us heal with greater hope, comfort and peace." ~ Bob Olson In approximately five years of investigating the possibility of life after death, I have discovered convincing evidence that there really is an afterlife, that we really do continue to exist after death, and that our loved . . .

Finding A Little Adventure

I have had more than my share of exciting times and I'm grateful for every one of them.There was the time the bear came into camp at 11:00 p.m. and we listened to him consume two weeks worth of food for two people and a dog in only six hours. At 5:00 a.m., when it became obvious he had run out of goodies, we paddled our canoe out on to a very dark lake. He was still there when we went back at 7. . .

The New Age Mathematician...Changing the World One Step A...

Jerald Bothell began his studies at Syracuse University. He received his B.S. from there in 1990 and moved to the University of California at Berkeley to undertake research in the area of theory of probability. After completing his Ph.D., Bothell spent the years of 1995-96 in Vegas to study the addictive habits of casino players and their magnetic draw to this city.Throughout this period, Bot. . .

Emancipation

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 8, 2003When is it time to divorce a family member?I've been helping my partner manage his father's long-term care. This entails working with his brother who controls the purse strings. My partner and I are both artists, juggling multiple careers to realize our life work and get the bills paid. Our income is limited.My partner's brother is a s. . .

What is Happiness and How to Achieve It?

True happiness is such a rare commodity that the whole of the world is continuously seeking it and failing to find it. All the people, who we consider to be the best in their fields, are seeking it too and failing to acquire it. The most brilliant of the scientists, the most gifted of artists, the most talented of poets and authors, the wealthiest businessmen, the most powerful rulers, the grea. . .

Accurate Psychic Advice

Psychic readings can be an invaluable tool for obtaining answers to your most confusing questions. A psychic reading can help you gain insight regarding your love life, family, career, finances and more!We invite you to select a psychic and begin your personal and confidential psychic reading today!Quality Psychic AdvisorsUnlike most other "live psychic advice" web sites, all psychic readers ob. . .

Boosting Your Success with Six Easy Happiness Tips

In what areas of your life would you like to achieve greater success? State-of-mind (attitude towards life and work) absolutely affects your performance and your outcomes. People who stay in jobs they hate, or relationships and situations in which they are chronically unhappy are not only missing out on the joy life has to offer, but are literally putting their health at risk at the same time. . .

Life Management Skills for Greater Happiness

“Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise.” align=right--Samuel LoverOne of the most common complaints people have these days is that their plate is fuller than full. The demands of modern life often leaves some people feeling dragged out and inadequate. Many people know intellectually that they can’t give 100% to everything, yet still they have unreas. . .

Keep on Keeping on!

Whenever we are working on our dreams we are going to run into some road blocks or obstacles. The important thing for us to remember is that these are only temporary set backs. We should treat each obstacle as a learning experience and make a mental note not to take that road again. As long as we keep this in mind we won't give up on our dreams.While attemting to get a car that I couldn't affor. . .

The Cracked Pot

Letters on Life#3Some experiences you never forget. In some of them there is great learning. Many years ago I had such an experience that remains with me to this day. It shows up in so many areas of my life. To begin with I like to perform. I was a trial lawyer for 30 years and have been a musician since I was seven. Most people would say I am comfortable in front of people. But even now, wh. . .

Internet Is Not Just For Techies

This is a smaller secondary headline - White Rock mother of four stays home and prospers on the Net with websites for Babies and PetsIf you thought the Internet was just for techies, Arlene Martell, a mother of four, who runs two profitable websites from her beautiful White Rock home, would like to talk to you.In discussing her success as an affiliated publisher for several major U.S. companies. . .

Essential Ingredient

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 15, 2003I have a couple of questions for you. If a person no longer feels they love their spouse, is it time to divorce?Also, do you think a person who has had an affair can change enough for the betrayed to forgive and continue the marriage? Is it possible to salvage a marriage after the affair?MarieMarie, a book could be written on each of y. . .

A Career In Medical Assisting

My name is Danni R, and I am a certified medical assistant and online educator. I am writing this article to introduce you to an exciting career in the allied health profession that has existed for quite a long time but is just recently gaining the attention and recognition it deserves. I am talking about a career in medical assisting!A Career In Medical AssistingMedical assisting is a field fu. . .

Self Care

What does it mean to practice self care? It’s creating a space and a healthy mind and body to support you in being the best you can be. If your space is filled with chaos, drama, disorganization, sadness and negativity then greatness cannot easily occur.We have so many choices in our daily life that either support us or diminish us in some way. We choose to either drink water or have a soda.. . .

Top Ten Ways to Set Appropriate Expectations for Dating

1) Give yourself time to get back into the groove of datingIf you haven’t dated in a while it may require an investment of time and effort on your part if you are ultimately looking for a soul-mate. As we get older and learn from our experiences our requirements for an ideal mate may change and some things that were must haves may become negotiable. Getting dating experience helps with clarity . . .

Top Ten Ways to Get Yourself Ready for Dating

1) So what’s it gonna be?Decide on your attitude – a positive attitude can make all the difference. If you view dating or finding your soul-mate as a nagging problem that has yet to be resolved – you effectively close down access for increased possibilities to come in. By adopting an attitude of optimism you create space for broader thinking and infinite possibilities.2) What I really want is…W. . .

Turning Obstacles Into Blessings

“Your capacity to be creatively alive in virtually all life circumstances will depend in large part upon the kind of attitude you choose for yourself.” align=right- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Author/Lecturer In almost every part of daily living, there are obstacles that prevent you from accomplishing your goals. Whether the obstacles are in running a business or in handling a personal crisis, the objec. . .

Teacher's Pet

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 20, 2003I am 32 and a mom with two children. I've pretty much been single for two years. My problem is I found myself falling for my son's teacher. I never saw a ring on his finger, so last school year I made every attempt to visit my son's school as often as I could.Eventually I took the chicken's way out and e-mailed this man and told him how. . .

Fight Terror, With Education

A War on Terrorism? Conventional war being brought on an unconventional enemy is ineffective out of date. Building these countries up to a certain level of stability, and allowing them to take over and govern themselves is part of the Presidents plan. If we think the need help getting to build a stable and profitable country in the world market, than let’s say what we mean and just do it. W. . .

Case Closed

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 27, 2003I met my boyfriend on an online dating service four months ago. About a month ago I went to the dating service website to take my profile off. Out of curiosity I looked his up, and it was still there. When I mentioned it to him, he said he would take his profile off because he wanted to be with me.Now I know I should have trusted him, b. . .

10 Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem

The way you feel about yourself impacts how and why you do everything in life. If you feel good about who you are, then what you do will be an outside reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings. Contrary to popular belief, self-esteem is not something anyone or any accomplishment can give you. Just because people like you or you receive an award, does not mean that you will love and tak. . .

Avoid This Tendency And You'll Press Beyond Your Limits!

Inside of every one of us is the desire to press beyond our own limitations. Just forty years ago, the goal to land on the moon was a huge step for mankind. Now, we've gone beyond the moon and the end is nowhere in sight. But, consider this: Every challenge we face, can be stopped dead in its tracks with one little undesirable tendency. Hmm…As Dead As Dead Can Be!Many people allow themselves t. . .

Planning Ahead Of Everyone Else To Win

What does it take to plan like a champion? Well lets take a look into our minds a little bit to answer this question.OK, I need you to be honest to yourself with these next questions. If you lie, you will only lie to yourself and will have learned nothing... Do you regularly plan ahead? Does your plans involve EVERYTHING you ever wanted? Do you plan ahead for your business and family? Do you vi. . .

Learning the Disturbing Facts about Credit Card Debt

When I received my first credit card in the mail at age 18 I was ecstatic, I said to myself, wow now I’m getting somewhere in life. This credit card company thinks I’m worthy of 500 dollars in credit. So I made my monthly payments like a good consumer and watched my credit limit grow. I thought boy this company must think alot of me to take such a risk. I however had no idea how the money came . . .

Make Up Excuses Why You Can

We all have excuses as to why we can't do something. Ask anyone and they can give you a million excuses why it can't be done, why they haven't moved forward on their goals, and on and on. Making up excuses takes a lot of energy and time. So since, as humans, we seem to enjoy making up excuses, I have a great idea. Lets make up excuses why we can.Since we all are experts in making up excuses, we. . .

Plastic Acupuncture?

Plastic Acupuncture, abbreviated as (P.Ac) is not really a new development. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used it tools and talents for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes. In China’s ancient past, procedures which involved a cosmetic change were available only to the very wealthy, probably members to the imperial family. Commoners would not have had access to either the funds or exper. . .

Limitations Real Or Imagined, Stick Em In A Pigs Eye!

It's about time to take a real hard look at what you think about yourself. What do you really think you're capable of? What if I told you that you could walk on water? Would you believe me? Well, what if I told you that you could never be an important person? What would you say to that?Against All Hope!What you are capable of doing first and foremost rests with what's between your ears. The nex. . .

10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination: The Challenge for T...

Did you realize that as much as 47% of the time we spend on-line has nothing whatsoever to do with our work? In 1978 15% of the population stated that they do procrastinate somewhat. Only 1% admitted to chronic procrastination. In 2002 the numbers quadrupled! 60% of people stated that they experience mild to moderate procrastination in their lives and 6% stated that procrastination ruled th. . .

Discover The 8 Steps To A Mountain Moving Faith

“ If you have faith as a grain of musterd seed you can say to this mountain : move ! And it will move ! And nothing will be impossible to you. “ You can transform your life and your future if you will discover and dispatch the power of mountain moving faith to your life or business situation. You can accomplish what seems at first impossible if you will take the eight steps of mountain moving f. . .

Cure Your Burnout!

Do you ever get those Sunday night blues? Dreading the week ahead, feeling the daily grind just draining away all of your energy before the week even starts? Or what about those days where you just feel like you are going through the motions and not really being present in your own life?We’ve all been there – burned out. Recently I received the following email:I work from a home office and m. . .

Secrets Exposed

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 13, 2003I've been friends with "Jenny" for three years after my husband and I started a business with her husband. When her husband decided he didn't want to come to work anymore, we pretty much took his name off the business, and they stopped calling and coming over.We would call, but they'd never answer or return our calls. Through another fri. . .

Bigger Fish To Fry

Last month I was on another adventure, fishing Dog Lake in Northern Ontario. That trip really brought home to me the power of the Law of Attraction.I have been reading about and practicing the Law of Attraction for several years now. It started with Lynn Grabhorn’s book, Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting. Recently I took a teleclass with Michael Losier, a Law of Attraction coach and author.Here's. . .

From Failure To Victory; The Cat's Out Of The Bag!

Did you ever think that all of the great heroes we read about may not have been particularly great men in and of themselves? They may not have been born with any great skills, talents or abilities. But, each of them did have one special quality that we would all do well to cultivate. A Tough Nut To Crack!Because of my passion for recording and singing I've had the opportunity to meet some reall. . .

Focal Point Of Success

Fortune will flow into your hands like a river flow into the sea if only you can invest a high percent of your time on a high value activity with big pay off.I mean you can attract great riches into your life when you harbitually focus all your heart and mind on that critical action that will lead you to attaining your much cherish goal.Let me tell you, you can achieve anything in life when you. . .