By Marisue Alsobrook

Introduction:  Need a new life? We all feel that way sometimes.  Family pressures and children’s needs can overwhelm parents quickly.  However, I know that we can bring joy into our life and be happy with just a few simple steps.   The Secret is not really a secret at all.  It’s so simple, that I’m really mad at myself today.  I read parts of “The Secret” book and realized I “wudda, coulda and shudda” written that book.  If I had,  I’d be sippin’ tea in England right now thinking of my next cruise.

All of my life I’ve used self talk to pull me out of sad, mad, or bad situations.  Now, did she take a walk in my mind and steal my show?  I think so.  Maybe she took your thoughts as well.  Thinking positively brings about good things.  It’s not magic, I don’t think it’s even cosmic.  I think it’s right here, right now, and we just get so distracted with the mad, bad and sad we don’t SEE.  Grab the windex and clean those peepers and improve your mood.  Everyone’s got the same 24 hours today.  Make it work. 

Dang, I wish I’d written that book!   See?  We don’t do half of what we should do, on any given day.  So, don’t be idle!  Get BUSY LIVING.  Today’s the day.

Boredom

Boredom strikes us all.  Want a new life? We all get bored with daily routines and think we’re missing something exciting.  Everyday we’re bombarded with music, tv, movies, and news; all of which seems to be designed to make us think that life is just not giving us enough.  Actually, most of us probably have more than we think.  Still, it’s ok to want more.  We need to focus.  I will use the “begin” word many times as I attempt to brainwash you into “starting.”  Here we go.

Procrastination 

Procrastination makes us freeze.  Procrastination causes the inaction that destroys our future.  Putting off paying bills, or doing other somewhat unpleasant tasks can cause big problems.  You know it.  You’ve been there or suffered by your own indecision or that of others. 

Begin today! Looking at your whole dream, at first, can make you feel overwhelmed.  You’ll waste valuable time thinking it’s not possible or it will never happen.  Chunk it up! Make a list of what you already have that is making you happy.  Then, list 3 - 5 things you think you want but don’t have.  Or, maybe just list one major  “something” that’s important to you.  There’s no set rules except - begin!  You have the power, don’t wait for others.

Use Self Talk! 

Everyday, “self talk” can bring your dream within grasp!

Say:

• “I can do this!” 
• “I don’t have to know all of it today.”
• “Today I’m closer than I was yesterday.”
• “Nothing will stop me.”
• “Today, I will ask for help if I need it.”
• “The days will pass anyway, I might as well be working on that degree.” (or class, or new job, or new place to live, etc.)

Plan your work and work your plan!

Working and planing is half the fun! After 32 years of marriage, my husband and I still have dreams we want to come true.  Now, with a new road of “empty nest” ahead of us, we have to put more in our life to get more out.  We’re excited and a bit nervous about the years ahead.  We know that our health is more dependent on our lifestyle than ever before.  We’ve got critical choices in front of us and it will take some thought to be where we want to be and be doing what will make us happy.  Life has taught us that it won’t happen by wishing. 

Put a new plan in place, write down the steps that will draw you closer to your dream.  Think: 

• Is my dream real or fantasy?
• What should I do first?
• Say “Everyday brings me closer.”
• How can I do it?
• Can I get anyone to help me?
• What is the opposition going to be?
• Can I overcome it?

Just planning new things, taking a new road, focusing on new job goals, even taking a class can bring pizazz to your step and smiles to your face. 

Dream or Reality

We don’t have to give up a dream, but we do need to make them  “reachable.”  Reaching for fantasy or daydreams sets us up for failure.  Think it through, then do it.

Happiness

Happiness is within our grasp.  Keep it real, but quit wishing and begin!

I always wanted a college degree, but life interferred.  Before I knew it, I was married, had kids, and was stuck in a job with no future.  One morning, I made a decision.  I went back to college at the age of 37.  What got me started was the realization that I would be 40 in a few years, and I might as well be 40 with a degree.  It worked!  It wasn’t easy, but I did it one semester at a time.

Decision Making

If we fail to decide, we stay where we are. Don’t let fear stop your progress. The last few years, my husband and I’ve decided we want to be somewhere else, and to get there, we’ll need to do more than “wish.”  I woke up one morning and said “Hey, we’re not in prison, let’s quit acting like it.  We can have what we want, but we have to begin the plan.” 

No Fear

No fear allowed!  The planning has begun and it’s put energy in our step as we talk and discuss our future.  Even not having the money we need has not slowed us down.  Instead, we are reminded of our start, 32 years ago, when we had no cash, but lots of plans and dreams.  Now, 3 boys, and 250 foster kids later, we’ve worked in many fields, both education and law enforcement, as well as property management and sales.  We feel invincible; there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.  A new journey has begun and we’re having fun! 

When you take the first step down your new path, who knows what doors will open to you?  You can do it!  Begin today!  I wish you luck, but you won’t need it. 

Related Posts:

1. The Secret to Coping With Life: Light at the End of the Tunnel
2. The Secret to Stress Management
3. Anger Problems? The Secret to Self Control
4. Finding Happiness! Yes, You Can! Here’s The Secret!
5. The Secret to Beating the Holiday Blues: How Serving Others Brings Peace!
6. The Secret to Happiness Now
7. The Secret to Successful Family Meetings: Steps For Success!
8. Kid’s Misbehaving? Here’s the Secret to Teaching Them How To Behave In Public!
9. Family Meetings: Here’s the Secret 10 Steps That Link To Success
10. Spark Up Your Relationships! The Secret to an Exciting Relationship