Sometimes we think too much. We think we are unable to do something based on what we see in front of us. If we would get out of our own way, we might see that there is another way to see things. When you are faced with a difficult task, or an obstacle, ask yourself, "Am I the only thing preventing this from happening?" Then start working towards what you want to happen. If you think you can't afford a car, go car shopping, and start your mind to work on how you can get the car. Make something shift in your mind so that you see the possibilities in a circumstance rather than the limitations. Think about what you CAN do rather than what you CAN'T do, and watch how your life improves. Henry Ford is credited with the saying, "Whether you believe you can or can't, either way, you are right." I'm not sure any truer words have ever been spoken.

There is a scene in the movie City Slickers where the wise, old cowboy, Curly, tells Mitch, one of the city slickers visiting the dude ranch, the secret to life. Curly (played by Jack Pallance) says, "It's One Thing..." To which Mitch (played by Billy Crystal) asks, "What is the ONE THING?" It is the ONE THING that matters at the time. We are told that it is important to be able to "multitask," (which, by the way, is impossible for our brains to do). But real success is found in focusing on ONE THING at a time. A great way to think of the word FOCUS is to use an acronym: Follow One Course Until Successful. What is your "ONE THING" that you should be working on today? What's your ONE THING on which you should focus your attention to this month? What's your ONE THING in life? As it has been said long ago, "He who chases two rabbits catches neither of them."

The way to approach the giving season is to give presence, not necessarily presents. Give your time, talents, and attention in addition to a gift (if you must). Be there, and make their day with an experience that you won't soon forget (like the socks from three Christmases ago). Love and forgiveness are always a great gift!

There are four phrases (stay tuned for another blog post that identifies the phrases) that should be used daily to promote personal well-being and emotional health. The phrases focus our attention outward, rather than inward, which will encourage compassion, and empathy. Demonstrating generosity, empathy, and compassion stimulates serotonin production in our brains, and that has been linked to happiness. We want to be happy, don't we? Of course we do! In order to promote happiness, and receive a serotonin boost, we should find a way to be generous. Find a beneficiary of something you have to give. It doesn't have to be a financial gift. You could donate your time and energy to help somebody in need. Go find somebody who needs your time, energy, or resources, and give! Your gift will be well received...by both of you.