Article Contributed by Christine Priorie

Is it really difficult to make changes or are we just accustomed to believing change is difficult? Good question.  Regardless of what we would like to change, most of us have a host of excuses that we use that actually keep us from accomplishing what we would like to achieve.  This is silly and yet we all have very strong beliefs of why we should avoid making changes.  Perhaps it’s because we have a fear of the UNKNOWN.  Think about it…  If we had no fear or resistance, making changes would certainly be easy to approach.  If we believe change is difficult, we are perpetuating that reality.  A better way to approach change is by learning to do things in a positive way.  By holding in mind the positive accomplishments that will occur as a result of making the change, instead of focusing on negative realities, is making a better choice.  If we choose to have a positive outcome, that is what we will be creating for ourselves.

Change simply means to “transform or convert something into another reality other than how it exists in its current form.”  For example, in order for us to accomplish making a batch of cookies there are things we need to do in order to achieve this reality.  First we check the recipe and make a list of ingredients that we need.  Then we gather up the ingredients.  We mix ingredients according to instructions.  We turn the oven on and place cookie sheet in oven in order to bake the cookies.  We wait for the cookies to bake and then cool.  At a later time, we enjoy eating the cookies or perhaps we decided to give the cookies as a treat for others to enjoy.  Baking is a simple process that involves changing the raw ingredients into a yummy batch of cookies.  Notice the many steps (decisions and tasks) involved that we needed to incorporate in order to accomplish making cookies.  Assuming we like to bake, there is a good chance we will find this process easy to accomplish.  However, in the event we are intimidated in making cookies (or accomplishing something else); we may not realize it, although we are protecting ourselves with fear.  The fear we are holding onto will prevent us from making the cookies (making changes).

Unfortunately when we allow fear to determine what we can and cannot have, do, or be, suggests that in order for us to be safe involves our avoiding to attempt doing something else.  Can you see how limiting it is to protect ourselves with fear?  Can you also recognize that the fear belongs to us?  When we aren’t sure of the outcome of something, or perhaps are intimidated in some way, our fear will usually prevent us from making changes or taking steps toward a new reality.  If we are holding in mind a perceived danger such as making a mistake, again the fear will prevent us from achieving our goals.  Mistakes are actually great motivators in learning to do things in a different way.  Mistakes offer us an opportunity to gain experience or to ask for assistance.  Mistakes teach us to trust ourselves and others.  Mistakes help us to overcome the obstacles that we created for ourselves by showing us what we were holding in mind.  Mistakes always allow for correction.  It is better to attempt to do something, then to do nothing at all.

If we mistakenly believe, “We should just stay where we are,” and opt to do nothing, we are making the change process difficult.  If this is how we approach change, any time an opportunity arises to do something different, we are challenged. The only challenge that exists is in our thinking limited.  By doing nothing, results in remaining stuck with a situation that we wish were different.  This pattern translates into our becoming frustrated because we would like to make changes and yet are hesitant. Think about changing your hair color…, getting a new stylist…, applying for a new or different type of job…, or perhaps relocating to a different community.  Notice what happens in just considering making changes.  Several things got stimulated within your subconscious mind.  The things that were stimulated are all of the reasons and excuses of what we are holding in mind.  When we are holding onto fear, we are allowing several perceived factors to interfere with our ability to make decisions and move forward.   We may wonder what others will think of us because of what we are hoping to have or experience.  We question our ability to make changes in moving forward and being successful.  We are also holding in mind, “What if, things don’t work out?”  Notice we are focusing on negative results.  In addition, we are spinning by trying to figure out what to do.  Anytime we are attempting to figure things out, keeps us from taking action.  Figuring things out, also keeps us from moving towards experiencing goodness (satisfaction, resolution, peace and harmony, etc.).

We can easily change our minds and accomplish anything that we would like to experience.  Accomplishing something, even if we are unsure of the outcome, is certainly better than waiting indefinitely for someone or something to make decisions for us.  Simple things like returning something to the store, taking a new route home, or trying a new recipe can be enjoyable if we approach things with a positive attitude.  In reality, making a change is truly only a decision.  Always begin looking at making changes by including a positive intention about the change.  Give yourself permission to enjoy making changes. Give yourself permission to be adventurous.  Be willing to try new things.  The more you practice making simple decisions, the easier the decision process becomes.  Be willing to acquire the appropriate knowledge so that you can make the best decision for your situation.  Allow yourself to make a decision and take action within a particular time frame; otherwise the task(s) will remain undone.  Change can only occur if we are proactive.  View the process of change as an enjoyable experience.  Trust the changes you are initiating will help you to have a healthier outlook and more self-confidence.

Have you ever experienced something beyond words?  Perhaps a first kiss…  An unbelievable sports victory…  Wearing a new outfit by your favorite designer…  Driving an expensive car…  How about wedding day bliss?  The birth of your children…  Yes all of these occurrences are transformational!  Imagine feeling happy and blissful like this all of the time.  In some ways it is slightly difficult to imagine always being happy.  This is because we may think happiness is only available to us on special (really special) occasions.  What if the only thing you need to do to experience more joy and more happiness was to change your focus?  Seriously, what if the only thing standing in your way of being happy is ONLY a decision?  Well the good news is that by making the decision to be happy, allows for you to begin feeling happy.  Without making the decision to be happy, how can happiness materialize within our lives?

Surely today is a wonderful opportunity for you to begin to experience real happiness.  Yes in this very moment, you, and you alone, can decide to be happy.  Go ahead and try it for yourself.  Decide to be happy.  Better yet, give yourself permission to be happy now.  Did you notice that in the few seconds that you contemplated feeling happy, something magical occurred within you?  If you were paying attention you may have actually noticed you felt happy or light.  Ok, let’s try this again.  Imagine feeling happy right now.  Now could you feel even happier?  Of course you can feel happier because real happiness exists within you.  This magical and transformational experience of feeling happy just occurred because you made the decision to be happy.  You decided, “I am now happy!”  What we hold in mind is what we experience.  This is a law of nature.  Positive always attracts positive.  And, negative will attract negative.

Happiness is right where you are–in each and every moment says Lester Levenson, founder of the Release Technique method.  He also says, “Happiness is our basic nature.”  Gifting ourselves permission to be happy is simply deciding to be positive.  It is deciding that in spite of whatever is going on around me, I can be happy.  Let’s say things are hectic at work or at home, just by making the decision to look at this situation in a positive manner, will instantly transform your outlook.  So by changing your focus and deciding to be happy now, in spite of what’s going on, is how you can begin to overcome obstacles and bad moods.  Nothing will ever change if you keep focusing on a negative aspect by looking at ‘what is wrong’ within a particular situation.  If you think you have a problem, you will sustain the problem.  The more we complain about something we don’t like, the more we are holding the problem in place.

In order for things to change we need to change how we are looking at the matter. Instead of looking at having a peaceful and positive resolution which is what we would like to experience; if we are seeing and holding onto problems, that is what we are creating.  Problems are simply opportunities for us to look at things from a different perspective.  Change your mind and everything changes.  Change your attitude and you’ll begin to experience more happiness and goodness on a regular basis.  Transforming negative issues into positive realities is a much better way to live.  Remember, happiness is where you are and in every moment you have the power to decide to be happy or unhappy.  Decide to be happy!

Article Contributed by Christine Priorie

What if failure, disappointment and frustration are only a perception?  What if so called failures are actually launching pads for incredible motivation and inspiration?  What if the only thing that is stopping us from turning our perceived failures into accomplishment, is simply a decision?  Truthfully, anytime we accept apparent setbacks as an opportunity to achieve something greater gives us a new point of view… a new focus… and a new adventure.  If we are motivated to overcome the apparent setback, we’ll find a way to move beyond the apparent limitation.  If we are lacking motivation or feel defeated, we will create an excuse to justify the disappointment.  Anytime we view a situation from a limited point of view, is pointing out if we approach the situation from a different perspective, that we can create an improved outcome.  The only failures that really exist are choosing to hold onto limiting thoughts such as, “There is nothing we can do to move beyond this situation.”  Life is a series of decisions.  If something didn’t work out in the past, accept what happened as being an incident from the past, and be willing to move on.  If we are spending time trying to change the past, we have limited ourselves from moving forward.  Please remind yourself that we can’t change what has already happened.  We can change how we feel about past situations.

In order for us to turn lemons into lemonade, begins with a “whatever it takes attitude.”  If we believe we are too busy, or that we can’t move forward, those thoughts will prevent us from accomplishing anything that is positive.  How many times have you said or heard others say, “Maybe tomorrow…?   Maybe next week…?  I’ll get around to it…  I can’t…!  Or, what’s the point?”  Notice all of these phrases are excuses that we use that keeps us from accomplishing things we would like to experience.    Limiting beliefs always create limited outcomes.  Limited thinking also keeps us stuck from moving beyond the imaginary walls known as our comfort zones.   If we really wish to turn failure, disappointment, or frustration into something positive, we need to be willing to step out of the comfort zone arena.  Whenever we approach any situation in a limited manner, it is because we are holding onto excuses and fear.  When we feel limited or challenged usually also results in feeling discouraged.  Discouragement translates into more excuses; and eventually because of thinking from a limited point of view causes us to stop working on achieving our goal(s).  By understanding that in order to experience disappointment or failure, if we can recognize that we made a decision to stop, quit or give up, is only a decision.  This incredible insight suggests that if we were to make better decisions we can turn the whole thing around.

When working on goals, instead of approaching the situation as difficult, vague or impossible, let’s begin by changing our point of view.  By beginning to use positive intentions helps us to view tasks as being possible and manageable.  We are changing what we are holding in mind.  Instead of responding with, “Maybe tomorrow… or giving yourself some other excuse,” make a decision that focuses on easily completing the task.  A better response would be, “I can easily take care of this,” and give yourself a reasonable period of time to accomplish the task (i.e. by the end of day, week, or month, etc.).  By approaching tasks as easy, and also providing a reasonable timeframe, allows us to take the appropriate actions to accomplish the task without getting discouraged.  When we intend to finish or positively resolve something, and include a specific time frame, we are holding ourselves accountable to complete the task(s).  By approaching things in this manner, allows us to have a more positive attitude.  When we view things from the point of view such as, “I can!” we are seeing things possible and doable.  Notice the difference in how you feel in looking at things positively.   By holding in mind, “Yes, I can!”  Or, “Yes, the task(s) can easily be completed or resolved within the allotted timeframe,” is making simple changes in our belief systems.   In making simple changes in what we are holding in mind supports our efforts to keep moving forward.    By believing we can achieve our goals, aligns us to stay focused on accomplishment of the goal.  When approaching tasks as easy, certainly makes more sense than holding in mind, “This is difficult.”  If we perceive something as difficult, we will create challenges and the situation will become difficult.   Hold in mind what you would like to achieve.  Every positive decision we make supports our overturning perceived failures, disappointments, or frustration.  Life is a decision!  Decide to let go of holding onto excuses of limitation or frustration.  Believe you can accomplish all of your goals.  Invest in yourself and watch what happens.  Whatever we put out, is what comes back.  Or another way of saying this is, “Positive attracts positive and negative attracts negative.”  Making better decisions is a skill.  Practice saying “Yes!”  Practice believing, “I can accomplish my goals!” And, you’ll find you have more enjoyment in whatever you are doing!  There is no disappointment or failure in achieving our goals.  There is no frustration in accomplishing things easily.

Article Contributed by Christine Priorie

The only reason we haven’t decided to be happy, is because most of us aren’t really sure what real happiness is.  We mistakenly believe that other people, experiences, or things are what we need to make us happy.  In truth, you are the only one capable of making yourself happy.  Happiness is your basic nature.  Happiness exists within you, right in this very moment.  Happiness is ALWAYS a part of you.  Real happiness is quite simply, without regret or sorrow.  Happiness is an expressive way of being filled with gratitude, bursting with energy, feeling safe, worthy and comfortable at all times.  So with that being said, it makes us stop for a moment and notice we have been looking for happiness where it isn’t.  In order for us to be happy, we have to begin believing we can be happy.  In spite of our economics, our appearances, the place we call home, where we went to college or not, we need to recognize that none of these issues are what gives us real happiness.

Happiness without sorrow or regret is possible if we look within the core of our self.  Right within us, available and in unlimited proportions, is all of the love and happiness we could ever imagine.  This happiness equates to our loving unconditionally.  Real happiness is about giving without expecting to be rewarded or acknowledged.  Real happiness affords us better health, improved relationships with our self and others, opportunities of being successful.  When we are motivated in looking for happiness where it really is, we begin to notice, life seems easier…, less complicated…, less judgmental…  Life becomes more enjoyable.  Our relationships become more harmonious…, more peaceful.  We experience more joy.  We are filled with appreciation and gratitude.  We are willing to take responsibility by examining our thinking and making corrections to what we are holding in mind.  The external world is a reflection of what we are holding in mind.  Our happiness becomes more available to us by removing our non-loving feelings.  In order for us to be truly happy, we would need to let go of holding onto that which makes us unhappy.  What makes us unhappy is simply holding onto limited thinking.  When we blame, complain, attack, reject ourselves and others, we are creating a non-loving incident that gets recorded within our minds.  By expressing our self in a non-loving way, we are then filled with regret.  We regret that which we said, did, or didn’t do.  We regret feeling guilty, ashamed or embarrassed for reacting in an out-of-control manner.  We then avoid the other person.  More importantly we avoid taking responsibility for what happened.  None of this is positive, which causes us to want to change what happened.  By holding onto to the perception that others have done something to us or vice versa, creates awkward relationships.  We are expecting another person to correct what we were holding in mind, and that isn’t possible.  Our happiness is up to us.  We decide in each moment.  If we are holding in mind, peaceful and harmonious outcomes, we are more certain to be creating that reality.

Releasing is a scientifically-proven formula that points us in the direction of being happy at all times, without sorrow.  When we can see what we are holding in mind, and understand why we act or react in the manner that we do, we are better capable of being able to correct these negative occurrences from continuing to appear.  Each time we release, we instantly become lighter and happier.  Pretty good return on our investment.  Happiness presents itself just by letting go of the non-loving feelings and stories that were running in the background.  This is similar to when we peel back the skin on a banana.  The beautiful fruit that is contained within the banana peel comes into focus.  When we remove the non-loving feelings, our beautiful and happy self begins to shine.  Just like with the banana, we didn’t add anything to obtain and enjoy the fruit; all we did was simply removed the limitation.  Releasing allows us to see for ourselves our true self.  By removing the perceptions and limitations such as fear, doubt, regret, etc. helps us to be able to move from I can’t! to “I can!”  When we move into the energy of “I can!” we are accepting that by changing our focus, allows us to change the outcome and how we are feeling.  When we are looking at a situation from the point of view that says, “Yes, I can accomplish my goal!” we find that we are more motivated to continue on that path.  And if we choose to see things as ‘I can’t,’ that mind set will prevent us from taking action and achieving the goal.  Life is a decision and each time we take one step towards being happy, we are moving in the direction of being positive.  Please remember that positive never hurts.  Positive is always filled with good intentions.  Being positive includes sharing, a kind and considerate outreach, and also being in acceptance.  Positive is always gentle, loving, and supportive.  Notice positive or happiness isn’t greedy, desperate, or lacking in any way.  In looking at happiness in this way, we begin to identify that we are gifting ourselves with an improved way of living. By changing our focus, is allowing our lives to be filled with more happiness than we realized is available to us.  Make the decision to release your non-loving feelings, and watch your entire life transform itself in a loving and positive way.

Article Contributed by Christine Priorie

How often do you tell yourself that you can’t do something?  Believing we can’t do something is a belief that we can begin to challenge.  If we believe, for whatever reasons, that we can’t do something, we will resist (with all of our might), in an effort to hold onto our belief.  In the long run, what will we accomplish by believing that the limitation or excuse is true? NOTHING…  Nothing can be accomplished because of holding in mind a thought or belief that suggests “I can’t…”  If we challenge our “I can’t” thoughts, behind them we will find, that there is also a very strong “I won’t” thought running in relation to whatever we are resisting.  Let’s say the issue is:  Taking out the garbage.  In truth, it’s not that we can’t take out the garbage. Right?  What is actually going on is that we made a decision that is more like, “I don’t want to take out the garbage.”  So therefore the perceived “I can’t…” is really an “I don’t want to do it… or possibly I won’t do it!” in disguise.  Do you see the difference?  Looking at “I can’t…” as being correct equals defeat, disempowerment, or perhaps giving up.  It is saying there is nothing we can do to take responsibility for the issue regarding our taking out the garbage (or whatever issue or concern that we are working on).

However, if we change our thinking and accept that we can take out the garbage (something else), even though we may choose to avoid doing so, is a very different picture.  Each time we challenge our “I can’t or I won’t” thoughts, we are choosing to move beyond being stuck in limited point of view.  Lester Levenson and Larry Crane have said many times, “There are no impossibles, if we aren’t holding them in mind.”  In believing you can’t, take out the garbage (or accomplishing whatever you would like to accomplish) that’s exactly what you will be creating.  Every “I can’t…” is showing us resistance, fear, or our not wanting to do a particular task.  A better way of handling the issue of “I can’t or I won’t” is to begin asking ourselves better questions.  If you don’t want to take out the garbage (or do whatever challenge you are facing), admit that.  Taking responsibility is first step in moving into courageousness, acceptance and peace.  If we are being spiteful as referenced in the example of taking out the garbage, we should take a moment and notice who or what we are resenting. Whatever is causing us resistance is something that is pointing out that we are in disharmony or disagreement.  Sometimes there maybe something else going on at a deeper level (i.e. overwhelmed, pain, wanting to change something or trying to figure out what to do).  By looking at issue even more closely is looking beyond what is on the surface.

So how do we turn around the beliefs of “I can’t or I won’t?”  Every time we face or challenge issues or concerns believing “I can’t,” is moving towards resolution.  The resistance or fear will remain within our subconscious mind, until we decide to move towards it and begin correcting what we are holding in mind.  Trust that you can let go of believing you can’t do something… Trust you can have and achieve anything that you would like to have, do or be.  Hold in mind ONLY what you would like to have!  See yourself doing it.  Having it!  And, enjoying it!  Every time you believe you can, you will find a way to accomplish your goal.  Each “I CAN!” will take you further.  Give yourself permission to easily and successfully move beyond holding onto limiting thoughts such as I can’t.  Decide to step out of your comfort zone.  Decide, “I CAN!”