Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Waking Up

Picture this. You’re sitting in the audience at a hypnosis show. A hypnotized subject on stage has been told by the hypnotist that he hates the show, that he’s not hypnotized, and that there’s an invisible wall in front of him, preventing him from leaving the stage. On cue, the subject jumps up, yells at the hypnotist, and begins to storm off. But he hits the wall and recoils back, furious abou. . .

Postpone your Procrastination indefinitely-5 ways to conq...

We’ve all done it at some time or other. We put off our exercise routine until tomorrow; we continually delay finishing that project or starting that business.Procrastination is the mother of all demons and can literally stop you in your tracks from achieving all that you desire.Sandra Baptist provides you with 5 effective processes you can use to slay this giant.1. Do it nowHold your breath an. . .

First Things First

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” -Stephen Covey Managing our time requires tough choices. That means that sometimes we may have to say NO to important activities in order to attend to even more important activities that will enable us to accomplish higher priorities. When we embark on a journey and we aren't sure how to get there, we typically jot down travel direction. . .

The Changes You Want- “Coffee House Conversations”

Everywhere you go, you hear people talk about the changes they want to make in their lives. Certainly while your getting your coffee or tea at the coffee house you do.“I want to lose weight.” ”I want a better job.” “I want to make more money.”Maybe for you it’s travel, education, meeting someone or improving a current relationship. We all have goals and changes we want that go unresolved. So w. . .

Memories Are Made Of This!

Catching Lightning Bugs in a jar on a late summer evening at dusk! The earthy smell of the country during a late evening drive! The first kiss with that special someone you just knew was THE one! The first time you held that new-born baby! Memories...they can make us sigh. They can make us laugh. They can make us cry. We cherish those memories and we hold them dear.BUT, what about those memorie. . .

Adults building self confidence

If you’re a parent, you would have read about 1,001 articles and about a few dozen books on how important it is for kids today have confidence. Confidence says everything. When kids have confidence, they will learn better, they dare to go for things they believe in and they dare to make mistakes and learn from them. Regardless of how much it all sound like hogwash (I know some people from the o. . .

Legacies Are Societal Actions

Have you ever thought that you have not done much with your life? During a recent conversation with a very dear friend, she expressed this very same sentiment. I was astounded that this energetic, high family and work ethic person had this negative self-image, but pleased that she felt comfortable sharing this thought.Quickly, I began to ask her questions about all of the “Legacies” that she h. . .

Surrender and Allow for Miracles to Happen

There is a wonderful thing that happens when a person gets to a point in their life where the realization dawns, that all that they have tried only continues to perpetuate the struggle of everyday living. When this point is reached many have gone down to their knees and surrendered, praying to a force greater than them to intervene.The scriptures tell us that in surrendering, we allow for Grace. . .

The Art of Manifestation

We should strive to attain a desireless state. As long as we have desire, we lack. Lack and want are the same thing. Wanting traps us in a world of limitation. Wanting is the greatest enemy of joy.~Lester Levenson.Desire is our enemy.The more we try and satiate desires, the more we want of them.There is no way to fulfill them all. And, in fact, it's futile. We’re trying to be our own real selve. . .

Patience Wins

'He (she) who endures to the end wins,' said the Chancellor of the University of Santa Monica during a visit to our graduate class. The statement stuck, and it has been true for me during my many years as a business owner, student, wife, mother and competitor. Recently I gave a speech for a woman’s organization. As part of the package, I was offered a table on which to sell my products. The spe. . .

True Success

I did it my way -Frank SinatraWhat is a successful life?Success, I believe, is living your life in your own way. It means doing what you love.Money comes when you do what you love because you will do this one thing with passion.Your passion gives you courage and persistence in the face of all obstacles.Even if you lack the skills to do what you love, your passion will drive you to learn those s. . .

What Is Happiness?

What is it that everyone is seeking? Happiness with no sorrow. A continuous happiness with no taint whatsoever of sorrow.~Lester LevensonHappiness is our basic nature.We rarely find it because we are not in touch with our basic nature. Instead we look for happiness everywhere where it doesn’t exist.The world equates happiness with fulfilling a desire. Yet every goal achieved and every possessio. . .

Loving Our Bodies "As Is": Three Fun, Funny, No-Fail Tec...

I'm Talking to You!I heard you groan when you read the title. I know what you are thinking: "Not me. Not ever! I am too disgusting, too fat, too ugly, too unacceptable, too rejected, too skinny, too pock-marked, too flat-chested . . ." I have heard it all and said much of it to myself.Aren't you tired of wishing you looked different? Aren't you sick of trying every new diet that steamrolls . . .

The BOOZE SNOOZE (Alcohol Abuse)

Dangers of the booze snooze Drink driving not a very good combination kill or be killed. Think before you drink? You may be saving your own life by saying no to last orders or that of a friend who you feel may have had too much to drink. You do not want to live the rest of your life with that terrible feeling of guilt if only. Top of the guest list at any party is Booze. Happy events and occasi. . .

Do It Now!

Winners understand that success comes from a series of small steps that keep in mind their ultimate destination. We may have a dream and not the foggiest idea of how or where to begin. Stephen Covey summed it up best when he said, “Begin with the end in mind.” I find that if I map out how I will feel, think and act when I have reached my goal, I then begin to build an internal kinesthetic sens. . .

Are You Tired of Insomnia?

How frustrating! Day after day of sleepless nights, begging for the sweet release of sleep.Insomnia. The common sleeping problem that has many people around the world concerned. The consequences that this disorder can inflict on folks can be downright punishing.Endless hours of looking repeatedly at your clock while moving around in your bed. It’s mental and emotional agony that we can do . . .

Looking To Where The Grass Is Greener?

Change is as good as a holiday or so it goes.Is it really? From past experience, some changes can actually make things worse than they were before.What if the only thing we changed was to deal with things in a different way? Get a different perspective on things?I’ve written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with the idea of making things better, brighter and diffe. . .

Peace – Your Ticket to the Warm and Fuzzies

In the past I mistakenly thought lots of effort and action was needed to change my situation and solve immediate problems. I never contemplated looking at peace as another way toward achieving change. Back then I did many things the hard way - if it sounded too easy, there was no way it would work. Thus it became ‘the hard way was my way’.I’d move mountains to create change never realising t. . .

How to get that It factor happening

You know when you meet charismatic and compelling people. They exude a personal power that’s hard to miss. You can 'feel' their presence as they enter a room and both male and female heads turn. For some, this magnetism is as natural as organic food whilst for others it can be developed over time. Sitting here today in sunny Queensland Australia, I’m reflecting on what makes one person more att. . .

Elvis Left The Building And Moved In With Me!

I’ve lived in some very strange homes. Funny thing is they were all pretty much what could be classed as your average suburban home. Some were new and others old. The common denominator was that odd things would happen in all of them. Years ago no matter where I lived, whether a house was new or not, I’d experience doors opening and closing by themselves, items disappearing only to be found. . .

Why Should You Forgive?

When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware that a client has issues that cause anxiety, depression, and a negative outlook on life. This often causes difficulty for the student when trying to practice a stage-by-stage relaxation, and especially during meditation sessions. When I mention letting go of a situation and forgiving others, very often I hear, “What’s in it for me?” . . .

Facts About Accepting Change

In order to be successful in life, we have to accept the fact that everything around us changes, all the time. Once you have reached the point where you can accept, it is time to adapt to the world around you. You only have control over your own mind, and for some of us, that’s debatable. First, let’s talk about accepting change. There are some things in life we have limited control over, such . . .

Acts of Kindness Benefit Everyone

Do you really want to be happy? Everyone says yes, but the gateway to happiness makes some of us frown. The gateway to happiness, is giving to others. Think about this: "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - The Dalai Lama Some of us may feel that, if we give too much, our generosity, will be taken advantage of by others. This is t. . .

Discover Your Path to Success - Part 3

If you have read this far, we both know you are serious about succeeding, getting the most out of life, and attaining your goals. Now, how do you “keep the fire burning” during life’s daily struggle? It’s simple really, but will require the patience to take each task into consideration, without doing everything at once. You will get the urge to make up for lost time. You now want to jump ahead . . .

Parts That Make The Whole…Or Not

If you were to sit back for a moment and think about who you are and what parts make up you, how many would you come up with?If you were to remember the last time you found yourself at a stalemate regarding a decision, or a time where you had too many choices, did you consider your parts were involved?There are many parts that make up you. There’s the Musical You, the Friendly You, the Amazin. . .

Surfing the Edge of the Known

• Spending a lot of energy wondering what's next for you?• Oscillating from being sure you're in transition to worrying that you're being neurotic to declaring firmly that life is fine and you better not even think of rocking the proverbial boat?• Find yourself muttering, "I don't know" (and wishing you did) about your work, creative passion, or life purpose?• Sense a deep, rumbling change brew. . .

There Is No Negative In My Program

Imagine what you could achieve if: You were 100 % focused on your goal Eliminated all self -doubt Believed it were impossible to fail. Are there really individuals who think like this? I saw a story the other night about two modern day cowboys. Their real life experiences couldn't have been more amazing if it was written by a Hollywood screen writer. The young men are brothers and champion r. . .

Do You Neglect The Power Of Your Mind?

James Allen, who wrote the masterpiece, As a Man Thinketh, talks about the vital power of the mind in creating success. “All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct results of his own thoughts. In a justly ordered universe, where loss of equipoise would mean total destruction, individual responsibility must be absolute. A man’s weakness and strength, purity and imp. . .

Quest for Freedom--A Story Of Pure Courage

The Nazis stormed into the house of Stanislavsky Lech, who was Jewish, herded the entire family out at gunpoint, packed them into an overcrowded train, filled with the stench of death and despair, and sent them to Krakow. Then, before his eyes, Lech saw his entire family shot. Somehow, he managed to live from one day to the next, in a numb, oblivious, zombie-like state. Impatiently, he awaited . . .

Spiritual Prosperity

You will become as great as your dominant aspiration...If you cherish a vision, a lofty ideal in your heart, you will realize it.~James Allen, As You ThinkTrue wealth is spiritual wealth.While it is fine to pursue material wealth to create positive living conditions for self and others, we should not neglect the true meaning of life: spiritual ascension.We come into the world with a certain spi. . .

Exemplary Online Learning

As the demand, and supply, for online learning and distance learning of all kinds continues to increase, it's fascinating to look at what a fully developed and highly acclaimed online university is like.The University of Phoenix is a relatively new institution. Founded less than 30 years ago (in 1976), it was not only one of the first accredited universities to provide complete degree programs. . .

Connecting with Bliss

Every day, I witness people leading chaotic lifestyles, responding like robots to the negative circumstances of their lives, creating more dissonance and conflict. They seek solace in the next best thing, person or position they can find, but always end up frustrated and wondering why they are not truly happy. It is a conundrum of sorts. Sadly, it is self-perpetuating. Stress, negativity and . . .

How to Achive and Maintain a Healthy, Sexy Body

In a world where slim, slender, and sexy are the standards of the society, obesity has no place. From television programs, commercials, and product advertisements to magazine features, billboards, and internet pop-ups, you won’t be able to find men unpacked with biceps, triceps, and abdominal muscles nor women with vital statistics other than 36-24-36. How strange society can be! It dictates wh. . .

Lessons from the First Space Strike

On Apollo 13, the crew staged the first strike in the history of space travel. The date was December 27, 1973. Mission Control had sent more commands than the crew could cope with. Commander General Carr put a stop to this when he radioed in to Mission Control. “You have given us too much to do,” he complained. “We’re not going to do a thing until you get your act in better order.” He then shut. . .

Healing Your Life

You have everything you need: a miraculous body, a phenomenal brain, and a vast and powerful subconscious mind. Now it's just a matter of focusing them in the right direction.~Marc AllenAlthough we are all born gifted with tremendous potential to conquer life, few of us rise to the occasion.By the time we reach adulthood, most of our potential has been buried by years of corrupted beliefs.Like . . .

Self Care and the Truth

I've been observing the tremendous power our interpretations of events have to influence our bodies, our moods, and our ability to be present and notice what is. An example: My knee started hurting about two weeks ago. Having had my share of knee injuries and two surgeries, I quickly assumed (or interpreted) the pain to mean something was seriously wrong with my knee. I told myself my days of b. . .

Meditation: The Art Of Seeking The Silence

Within every obstacle there is an equivalent or greater benefit.~Napoleon HillHow would it feel if you rose to each obstacle with calm determination...completely free of anxiety and depression...ready to face each challenge with a smile?How would it feel to look in the mirror and see yourself as unstoppable, invincible, and even a force of nature?This can be much more than an exercise in imagin. . .

Get The Man Right

One Saturday morning, a minister could not think of a sermon to write. He simply could not get inspired. He stared out of the window, at the birds splashing in the bird-bath. His mind was blank, as was the sheet of paper on his writing desk.He also had to write a sermon under difficult conditions. His wife, out shopping, had left him with his son. Since it was raining, his son was restless. . .

Self-Judgment Versus Self-Compassion

We hear a lot about how important it is to be compassionate toward others, and it is very important. The problem is that you may not be able to really feel compassion toward others until you are able to feel compassionate toward yourself.In the 37 years that I’ve been doing counseling, I’ve discovered that the most common underlying cause of anxiety, depression, addictive behavior and relations. . .

Summer Observations About Rest and Guidance

I had tea with my dear friend Billy on Friday. She had just returned from two weeks in a small town in Mexico, where her daughter surfed and she rested. It was the first time in a very long time that Billy allowed herself a deep rest. She was telling me how depressed she had been since coming home because she couldn't understand why her life at home felt so different than her life in Mexico. "I. . .

How You Can Change Your Destiny

The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. ~James Allen, As A Man ThinkethThe world you live in arises from the world within.As you think and feel, you create your outer circumstances, relationships, and choices. Your thoughts determine the home you live in, the automobile you drive, the avenues you walk on, the buildings you wo. . .

How To Step Into The Flow Of Abundance

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. ~ Luke 6:38All of us have needs and wants. The funny thing is that they arise no matter how hard you try to be self-sufficient. Life has a way of throwing you a curve ball when you. . .

Commitment and Change

Ten years ago, I was living an entirely different life. I owned a large chiropractic, holistic health clinic. I was the president of my state chiropractic association, and I was seeing many hundreds of people for their health concerns each month. I was, by all outward measures, successful. Yet, I was discontent. Everything on the outside seemed alright, but I couldn’t get excited about my life.. . .

The Road to Bliss

The road to bliss is a process—a process within you, your community, your state, your country and your world. Within each of us is the ability to choose harmony and peace over dissonance and vengeful, fear-based reactions to the circumstances of life. If we choose to follow our hearts and listen to our spirits, we can choose a better way of thinking and acting. We will have an impact and last. . .

Discover The Magic Of Doing What You Love

Do what you love to do and give it your very best. Whether it's business or baseball, or the theater, or any field. If you don't love what you're doing and you can't give it your best, get out of it. Life is too short. You'll be an old man before you know it. Al LopezSince childhood we are coerced to follow the conventional path. Along the way, through happy accidents we discover small pockets. . .

The Difference Between An Optimist And A Pessimist

Optimist: There is nothing more important than feeling good.Pessimist: Come again? Didn't I just tell you how bad everything isOptimist: When you feel good you raise your vibrations. You get what you prefer. You send out a frequency that brings you what you love.When you feel miserable, you’re setting yourself up to miscreate your reality. Your pain is a signal for you to change. It’s a wa. . .

Inducing Conciousness in Others

Over the last few years, I’ve clocked some serious hours on my meditation cushion. Sometimes, serenity evades me despite my best efforts. But at other times, I get a glimpse of liberation. I’ve come to understand that that state is present and available whenever I’m able to interrupt the constant stream of thought that imprisons me in my self image. Interestingly, although I didn’t choose these. . .

Could you use a “Stop Doing” list?

One of the tried and true organization and time-management tools is the trusty old “to do” list. I was trained to diligently put one together at the end of the day for the following day, and whatever tasks I failed to complete, to carry it forward. This system has worked well in helping me prioritize and focus. But I have also heard many of my colleagues complain about having too much on the. . .

The Power That Controls Our Lives

Deep within each of us lie two things that control our lives and the way we live them. Our behavior and attitudes and lifestyle are governed by them. If we want to change our life then we need to look at these foundational things that have governed us all our lives. These foundations are our beliefs and our values. They color our lives even though we may not be aware of them. They are deeply af. . .

Get Your Job Search Organized

What was the name of the manager you met at last month’s business mixer? Did you ever follow up on the application you mailed two weeks ago? Which version of your résumé is the most recent one -- without the typos? If you’re asking yourself questions like these, your job search could benefit from some organization.The typical job search can generate a daunting stack of paper and a backlog of co. . .