"Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses." (Dayak Proverb)

Many times when we don't want to do something we make excuses for not getting them done or not having the time. Truth is, if we truly wanted to do them, we would find a way no matter what. So the next time you find yourself making excuses about doing something, stop and ask yourself why you don't really want to do it.

Exercise Your Mind!

The 30-day exercise is over for most of you. Congratulations for making it through! How do you feel? What did you learn over the last 30 days? What things were you able to accomplish with your new found extra time? Are you going back to engaging in all the negative you used to?

I would love to get your thoughts and feedback on this exercise if you completed it. Just leave a message here:

Contact De

This next month I'd like you to focus on practicing a new "Tip", so let's get to it . . .

Personal-Growth Tip:

Do one thing.
Everyday
To:
1. Compliment yourself.
2. Help or compliment someone else.
3. Work toward your dream.

For example:

1. You get up in the morning and one of the first things you say is "I am a good person!" or "I am good at my job!" Whatever is something you like about yourself.

2. During each day you help at least one person do something or compliment them. Maybe you hold open a door for someone carrying a heavy load. Maybe you compliment a coworker or friend on a new suit or haircut. Just be sincere!

3. Let's say you dream of publishing a book. You started writing it, but haven't done much on it lately. Start doing one thing every day to work toward publishing the book. Read up on the publishing house you want to approach. Sit down and write a few more pages of the book. Brainstorm more ideas for chapters or plot in the book. Sketch out a cover for it. Check into self-publishing. There are tons of things you can do. Just do one thing everyday!

On The Bus (Musings On Mass Transit)

The Story of "Abraham"

I rushed to the bus stop, fearing I would be late. A man (I'll call him Abraham) I had seen riding many times came up and asked very politely if I had $3 he could borrow. I told him I didn't have any cash. He thanked me anyway. I was looking for my watch in my backpack and realized I did have some cash. I instantly felt like a liar, then contemplated whether to give him the money.

Now Abraham has never asked me for anything in the year and a half I've been riding. He's always been polite, sent a compliment or two my way, or wished me a good day. I must admit when I first met him he put me on guard. You see, at times he would sit and talk aloud to himself and repeat the same sentences over and over. He never bothered anyone. He was always groomed and dressed well.

I must share the story he told me of being in the Navy a long time ago. How he discovered he had sea sickness (which is not a good thing if you're in the Navy). He managed to get land duty, but didn't end up having a career in the Navy like he had wanted. I could see sadness, regret, and some anger in his eyes as he told his story. The bus came and our conversation ended, but I knew there was certainly more to the story of Abraham. For now I saw a veteran who was alone and dealing with many problems in life.

I look in my wallet and there are no ones. I pull out a $5 bill and hand it to him and say "I forgot I got some money at the bank yesterday." He thanks me very much and tells me he'll pay me back when he can. I tell him that's fine.

One thing about me, I never lend money with the thought of getting it back. I just let it go and hope it helps the person in the way that is best for them. If they pay it back, then that's a bonus! If not, I'm not feeling any resentment about it. Makes life, for me, less stressful.

The lesson here is when I automatically told Abraham I didn't have any cash I was in "work mode". Work mode came about because I work where I constantly get asked for money and other things. I felt I had to not carry cash shortly after I started working there because of this. I don't like to lie, so I started not carrying cash so I wouldn't have to lie when asked for money. (Long story)

So when I was asked by Abraham for $3, I automatically went to my "work mode" programming because I was on my way to work. We all use our programming for various things every day. I realized this day that I didn't like the program I run for work. I'll be glad when the day comes I can release my "work mode" programming.

Recommended Read:

The past recommends have been relatively short books or e-books that could be read within a couple of weeks. This next read is an excellent book for anyone looking to improve their life and happiness.

"Feelings Buried Alive Never Die" By Karol K. Truman

As this is a "working newsletter" I'm going to bring the reader's club concept into play here so we can share what we learned or "got" from each chapter. How does that sound? I think most of us could manage a short chapter every two weeks.

To get a copy of the book:
Go to the library and check one out (they can order one if they don't have it).
Go to my "resources" page on my website and order one.

The Inside First Resources

Go to a bookstore and pick one up.
Borrow one from a friend who has a copy.

Look at the book or read the excerpts on-line before you buy it or check it out at the library. Make sure it's a book that interests you. Very important! If you choose not to read this book along with me, then choose another book and read it. The important thing is to read and educate yourself.

Ok, if you do decide to read and discuss this book, read chapter one and send me your thoughts, etc. Here or the 'Contact De' link on the menu bar on any page.
I'll re-cap and discuss the chapter in the next edition of the newsletter!

This is going to be fun! I can't wait to get started!

Parting Thought . . .

I hope you are finding this newsletter a welcome addition to your self-growth efforts. I would love to get your feedback on the articles and suggestions for making it an even more powerful tool.

Thanks for sharing your time with me. I appreciate it.
Have fun and I'll see you again in a couple of weeks.

De