Be Successful And Be Happy

This little girl had her eye on us yesterday while we were fishing.

We often define success and happiness with money. Being financially secure certainly can help open opportunities, relieve stress, and offer some piece of mind. But successful people realize that all the money in the world cannot make you happy if you are unable to feel happiness from within. Some of the most miserable people I've met have been wealthy. To be happy start each day with a plan and a purpose. What you do mentally, physically, and spiritually sets the tone for the entire day. Next practice progress over perfection. By understanding it’s not about achieving one perfect goal, but the skills you develop from reaching several goals, you allow yourself to make constant improvements while living a life of accomplishments you can learn from and be proud of. Next keep in mind that there is energy in everything, and that includes human beings. It's easy to absorb negative energy when you are around toxic people who are always complaining, procrastinating, and making excuses.
So surround yourself with positive people that will inspire you to be successful.  Don't concern yourself with what others think of you and or how they judge others. Develop your own  values, goals, and principles without having to depend on anyone to validate them. Lastly don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Work on these few things and you will find yourself a much happier and successful life.

God Bless
Jason

Dealing With Stess

Walk by these amazing water falls a couple weekends ago in the San Juan National Forest.

Dealing with stress is no easy task yet we have to encounter this task every day.  How you feel and the way you deal with a situation is a choice. I’m reminded of a counselor who would often state “no one can drive your car unless you give them the keys.” You cannot control others’ actions, but you can be responsible for your reactions. The prayer states “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” When applied, this can be a great stress reliever. Look at the situation and ask yourself “is this something I can change?” If so, start exploring positive ways to change the situation. Our attitude has a profound effect on how we deal with situations. Negative attitudes affect our physical, spiritual, and mental well being. When in a particularly stressful situation, try exchanging attitude for gratitude. When you are running late for a meeting because you are stuck in traffic, change your attitude. Instead of being frustrated about the traffic, find some gratitude. Look around and think of all the things you can be thankful for. Sometimes you can find gratitude in the smallest things. You can be thankful for life, health, strength, friends, family, nature, etc. Focusing on gratitude can definitely change your attitude.  Dealing with stress is not easy but it is possible. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Coping With Pain

Some high mountain water on our hike this past weekend in the San Juan Mountains.

Coping with pain is a very important topic. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis nearly 15 years ago. I was almost bed ridden and the pain meds were killing me. I decided to go a different direction. I found a doctor that was against using medications. He started me off by teaching me to change my train of thought. Teaching me how to cope with the pain mentally allowed me to make other changes in my life and the arthritis has been nonexistent for the past 12 years. If you or someone you know is dealing with pain here are some ideas to make the changes needed to live a happier life.  Manage your stress. Emotional and physical pain are closely related, and persistent pain can lead to increased levels of stress. Learning how to deal with your stress in healthy ways can position you to cope more effectively with your chronic pain. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in approved physical activity are all positive ways for you to handle your stress and pain. Next talk to yourself constructively. Positive thinking is a powerful tool. By focusing on the improvements you are making (i.e., the pain is less today than yesterday or you feel better than you did a week ago) you can make a difference in your perceived comfort level. For example, instead of considering yourself powerless and thinking that you absolutely cannot deal with the pain, remind yourself that you are uncomfortable, but that you are working toward finding a healthy way to deal with it and living a productive and fulfilling life. Next become active and engaged. Distracting yourself from your pain by engaging in activities you enjoy will help you highlight the positive aspects of your life. Isolating yourself from others fosters a negative attitude and may increase your perception of your pain. Consider finding a hobby or a pastime that makes you feel good and helps you connect with family, friends or other people via your local community groups or the Internet. Finally find support. Going through the daily struggle of your pain can be extremely trying, especially if you’re doing it alone. Reach out to other people who are in your same position and who can share and understand your highs and lows. Search the internet or your local community for support groups, which can reduce your burden by helping you understand that you’re not alone. Lastly don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way. Thanks for visiting my thought today.

God Bless
Jason

Self Motivation

On our hike in the Escalante Canyon last week.

Self motivation is very important. Not so much that you're good at it, but at least work on it. It doesn't matter if it's just getting out of bed in the morning or climbing Mount Everest. As long as you working on self motivation and trying to move forward. Many of us find ourselves in motivational slumps that we have to work to get out of. Sometimes it’s like a continuous cycle where we are motivated for a period of time, fall out and then have to build things back up again. That's OK. Just keep moving. Keep a positive attitude: There’s is nothing more powerful for self-motivation than the right attitude. You can’t choose or control your circumstance, but can choose your attitude towards your circumstances. Next keep it simple, keep motivators around your work area, things that give you that initial spark to get going. Finally keep good company. Make more regular encounters with positive and motivated people. This could be as simple as IM chats with peers or a quick discussion with a friend who likes sharing ideas. These are the first steps to self motivation. Give it a try and you will be on your way.  Also don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason

Self Satisfaction

A high mountain lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park a couple weeks ago.

Self satisfaction is very important in order to be happy. Self satisfaction concerns you and only you. It doesn't reflect anyone else's thoughts or opinions. Being satisfied with who and where you are is the key to happiness. This doesn't mean that you have to stop dreaming and working for more. It simply means that you accept what is and continue on from there. Don't be bothered with what others think or say. Don't let negativity by others slow your momentum. You should be enthusiastic in what you do and you should follow your instincts. If it's something you truly want then it's definitely worth the effort to obtain. Put your heart and sole into your efforts and you will obtain your goals. Even if you fall short you should be satisfied with you efforts. Having self satisfaction will lift your life up higher than you ever imagined. Keep self satisfaction high on your list of priorities and you will see many great things. Don't forget to love always, forgive quickly and smile along the way.

God Bless
Jason