Success Through Developing Personal Assets

“The quality of life is determined by its activities.”
Aristotle (Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scientist and Physician)

What makes people feel fulfilled and happy?

What we are, what we feel, what we think and, doing the things we most want to do!

Things such as positive emotions, optimism and healthy character traits are a very positive part of life. They include good health, peace of mind, a clear conscience, self respect, love and compassion for our fellow man, a happy home and, the acquisition of spiritual happiness.

These are worthy assets that stand firm when built on proper values and ideals that help the individual to develop a strong character, promote harmonious relations and provide a contented mind.

Our life, our personality and our talents, make us unique like no one else. There are many doors and many choices that set a direction. Life is designed to inspire and, enjoying it should reflect who we truly are to find our fulfillment and happiness in life.

Physically, mentally, socially and spiritually, life can be improved provided one takes advantage of the opportunities they have to reach their potential.

A positive attitude provides hope.

Hope

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind and confident expectation that circumstances, no matter how big or small, will become better. It creates a positive mood that can influence how you feel in the present.

Like a bright shining light in adversity, it gives comfort and peace of mind to move forward. It's strength provides the belief to persevere and, to endure anything and everything that comes your way knowing that there is a brighter tomorrow.

Values

Living In Tune With Your Values

Values are the basic principles that you believe in. They establish guidelines within which to think and direct your behavior, to distinguish good from bad, right from wrong and what is worth striving for.

Your values can influence:

*how you live

*how you relate to the rest of the world

*how you think and feel about yourself

Virtues

Moral Excellence

*Virtues are habits of character that lead the way to living the good life

*Integrity, fairness, loyalty, kindness, generosity and compassion all foster feelings of goodwill among people

*Empathy is a feeling of being able to put yourself in others shoes and seeing the world as they see it

*Good manners are based on consideration and kindness.

*Truth requires honesty. It means that you can be trusted

Peace Of Mind

A Sense Of Happiness, Serenity And Freedom

Do you feel that you never have enough time? Do you find yourself constantly thinking and responding to situations with a negative state of mind?

Negative thinking and attitudes can rob us of inner peace leading to anxiety or, even depression.

Our thoughts and attitudes determine our state of mind. A peaceful mind is essential to being happier and more productive, it overcomes negative thinking and, enables you to stay calm in difficult situations.

Focus your mind on positive thinking and, stay true to your values.

Simplify your life by identifying what’s most important to you.

The Rewards

*mental and physical well-being

*self-confidence

*better relationships

*opportunities begin to open many doors

Your Conscience

What Is Right And What Is Wrong!

Do you lie awake at night wondering what you could have handled better? Are you constantly thinking about things over which you have no control?

A clear conscience is essential for true happiness. It is a part of an individual’s value system that acts as a guide.

Listen to your conscience to make wise choices for your actions: This is where your values tell you what is right and what is wrong.

A burdened conscience can severely affect the individual both mentally and physically. The best example of a burdened conscience can be found in the traitor Judas, who hanged himself after he had betrayed Jesus Christ.

Self Respect

Treating People Like You Want To Be Treated

If you really want people to respect you then, you should practice modesty and humility. Nobody likes a person who is an arrogant egotist.

A sense of self-respect can help you fulfill your potential, develop healthy relationships, and make everyone around you see you as a person who is worthy of respect.

*Discover yourself through your personality, values and talents

*Build your confidence through achieving your own goals

The Power Within To Achieve Whatever You Desire.

Your beliefs become your thoughts,Your thoughts become your words,Your words become your actions,Your actions become your habits,Your habits become your values,Your values become your destiny.
Mahatma Gandhi

Use the power within you to climb the ladder of success, open the door to opportunity, find peace of mind and, to make your dreams a reality.

Take control of the direction you take and the results you achieve.

A Desire To Achieve

The starting point of all achievement is desire.
Napoleon Hill

From within lies the power to develop natural abilities and, to make dreams come true. It depends on what you do in the present, and, having a positive attitude, positive thoughts and positive expectations.

Two Biblical Proverbs provide the basic foundations on which success can be achieved.

The first proverb:

"Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you."

He who asks will receive, he who seeks will find, and,he who knocks will have the door opened to him.

The second Proverb:

"Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reapeth."

The harvest you reap depends on the kind of seeds you sow. You will not go very far unless you put forth the effort.

The Power Of The Imagination:Picture in your mind the kind of things you really want and, their end result, to keep you constantly inspired and to help you reach your goals.

Goal Setting

A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.
Elbert Hubbard

Turning Dreams Into Reality

Goals motivate, establish priorities, give a direction and, provide the energy to keep you focused provided they are in harmony with your values. Setting realistic goals on the things you truly want begins with a plan and a list of action steps.

Planning:You are deciding in advance the direction you wish to take by developing strategies and tactics for the attainment of your objectives.

A Positive Mind:Enables the best decisions and course of action to be chosen.

Take small steps consistently until you're done.

*identify your goals

*gather relevant information

*identify problems

*examine alternative courses of action

*set a time frame

*review your progress periodically to assess your performance

Effort:It is well worth the effort to the individual who takes the initiative to endure the sacrifices necessary for the achievement of their goals.

Self Education

Understanding The World Around Us

The more you know, the better off you will be. An individual can extend the boundaries of his or her knowledge and to grow intellectually, develop better attitudes and habits and generally, gain a better understanding of their world.

Your goals and interests in life determine what knowledge or skills you will need.

A Connection To The Kingdom Of God

We achieve spiritual enlightenment by believing and having faith in God.

Spiritual Values:They bring us closer to God. They satisfy the longing for meaning and purpose in life and, helps you to live by values that encompass all that is good, moral and wholesome.

Ultimately, they set us on the path toward the Kingdom Of God. Their attributes include inner peace, compassion, harmony, joy, kindness, patience, tolerance and love.

Faith:Faith is a source of strength, it provides a sense of connection to a Higher Power and, it satisfies the need for a direction, meaning and a reason to life.

Christian faith is a way of life that helps to shape character and life by emphasizing the importance of moral values and the dignity of human life. It helps us to distinguish good from bad, right from wrong and provides a way of life enriched by selfless service to others.

True faith transcends limitations through spiritual strength and inspiration that can heal the mind and body and help the individual to find the light of hope.

Jesus Christ is the Light of the World: "He who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life" (John 8:12).

Seeking God:Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (verse 33, King James Version).

With faith, we seek GOD. Our senses experience God's Creation's everywhere and everyday that fill the mind with beauty and contentment. Just look around, above and beyond. God Himself put the desire to seek Him within us.

Faith opens our eyes to God and, the Light of Jesus Christ to illuminate our way through a life that has an eternal destination in the Kingdom of God. We come to Him in humility and hope that has no end. He is our anchor.

Through God and Jesus Christ we discover love, compassion and goodness. Amen.

Parable Of The Good Samaritan

The Parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke teaches us who our neighbor is and how to become good neighbors ourselves.

Jesus used the Parable of the Good Samaritan to describe any person who goes out of his way to help another.

Living Out The Vision Of God:When you give generously from the heart and, reach out to those in need.

Love And Compassion

Material wealth and egotistical delusions are short-lived. Love brings happiness and creates miracles. Compassion allows us to see the world through the eyes of others. A helping hand, a kind word and a warm smile brings happiness to you and, those around you.

Being Humble:Being humble is a spirit of humility that is free from selfish pride and arrogance. You recognize that everyone is equal and treat them in the way we expect them to treat us.

Home Is Where The Heart Is!

Modern life today is a world where time is money and, the media culture has now become the new values transmitters.

Many of the old fashioned values and traditions based on God and, the close-knit family that helped create a sense of community and belonging are being undermined.

Every family should preserve their cultural assets and faith. In a warm and loving home is where strong family bonds are forged and where children may grow and develop to their full potential generating lasting family traditions and enduring, pleasant memories which last forever. These things hold the family together.

Quality Of Life, Being Active, Feeling Good, Looking Great And Staying Healthy For The Rest Of Our Lives

Prevention Is Always Far Better Than The Cure:Good health and well-being is directly related to the quality of life.

Every Area Of Life Requires Balance:Follow the laws of nature to have a healthy body and a sound mind that functions in complete harmony. It requires taking control of yourself at every age of life.

Food provides the essential nutrients for the growth and repair of the body from all the major food groups.

Carbohydrates (including fiber), protein, fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water all have there own specific health giving functions necessary to maintain health and well-being. The body cannot do without these essential nutrients.

There are limits as to how much abuse the body can take. Foods of little value such as processed, convenience foods with all their chemical additives, extra salt, fat and sugar are detrimental to health because they do not supply the body with the essential nutrients the body requires.

Smoking, alcohol, gambling, and drug abuse are some of the other major health risks. For good health and well-being, learn the basic fundamentals of proper nutrition and apply them to your own health program.

The seven basic food groups:

*green and yellow vegetables

*citrus fruits, tomatoes, raw cabbage

*potatoes and other vegetables and fruits

*milk and dairy products

*meat, poultry,fish, eggs

*whole grain bread and cereals

*butter and soft margarine

Lifestyle Can Determine An Individual's Quality Of Life

Complete Health Involves:

*a balanced and varied nutritious diet

*maintaining fitness through regular exercise

*sufficient rest and relaxation

*the right amount of sleep

*maintaining a tranquil mind

*maintaining a healthy weight

*a regular walking program

*personal cleanliness, fresh air and sunshine

*cutting back on high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar foods

*avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs and risk-taking behavior

*regular health examinations

*making free time more interesting through creative activities that provide a healthy diversity

Super Foods

Nature's Own Super foods

Many super foods containing a high concentration of nutrients are naturally rich in phytochemical and antioxidants (such as beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, flavanoids and selenium), omega-3 fatty acids, they contain important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients needed by your body to help you stay healthy. They include:

Blueberries, goji berries, acai berries, sardines and other oily fish, salmon, spinach, garlic, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, pomegranate, red bell peppers, beans, eggs, oats, tea, ginger, soy, dark chocolate, broccoli, tomatoes, yoghurt, kiwi fruit, quinoa, nuts, avocado, apples, lentils, olive oil, chia, linseeds, spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, wheatgerm, lecithin, flax seeds molasses.

Foods To Avoid:Eating bad food can cause all sorts of health problems. Foods to avoid include, refined sugar, foods that are highly processed like white rice, white flour, jams and soft drinks.

Avoid also, trans fat products which include anything fried or battered, cake mixes, non-dairy milk substitutes, supermarket baked products, artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes.

FROM THE GARDEN TO THE TABLE

The Keen Gardener

Out in the clean, fresh air, the keen gardener enjoys a peaceful, satisfying and healthy respite from the routine of every day life.

A simple garden with its bountiful fruit trees, herbal and vegetable patches can provide a family the best pick of an abundant crop that has extraordinary depths of flavor. These are the foods you can only find, taste and enjoy from home-grown produce.

Home-grown, quality produce is nutritionally superior, fresh from the garden. It is a thrill to enjoy favorite fruit, vegetables and herbs in season and harvested at the peak of perfection.

SHAPING UP THROUGH EXERCISE

For Better Health And Fitness

Regular exercise supports physical and mental well-being, staying youthful and having more energy. It should form an important part of life through the right program of diet, exercise and attitude.

Exercise According To Your Needs:Choose an activity which you will enjoy and maintain.

Exercise builds muscle shape and strength, it invigorates the organs increasing the health of your heart and lungs and, is also a good way of spending leisure time.

Join a gym, take up walking, jogging, running, bicycling, do aerobic exercises or, take up a favorite sporting activity.

Advantages you gain from exercising include:

*increased energy levels

*burns body fat, increases lean muscle and develops muscle tone

*improves metabolism, strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of many serious diseases

*improves your self esteem

Ideal Body-weight:The ideal body-weight, proportional to ones gender, age and height not only enhances the overall appearance of the individual, it also lessens health risk factors.

Reaching Your Ideal Body-weight:Make appropriate adjustments to your eating habits, yet, continue to eat a balanced diet that provides the full range of nutrients it requires.

The Waistline:The waistline is the truest indication of the body's condition. Strong, well-developed abdominal muscles improve the physique, protect important organs and contribute to improved general health.

"The smaller your waistline, the longer your lifeline" has real meaning.

Being overweight increases the risk of high blood cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes which in turn increase the chances of damaging and clogging the arteries precipitating a heart attack.

A sensible diet and exercise plan is the quickest and healthiest way to a well-tapered waistline.

Losing Weight

The first step is to develop the desire, find the proper balance of diet and exercise that works for you. Your success will depend on your persistence. The results will be a slimmer, youthful appearance and a new you.

Being overweight puts extra strain on the heart, kidneys, bones and joints which in turn, increases the risk of developing diseases like arthritis, high blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Your Weight Loss Program:Base it on foods from each of the important food groups that includes whole grains, fresh fruit, green and yellow vegetables, skim milk, brown rice, low-fat cottage cheese, lean meat, poultry and nuts. Just reduce the overall quantities.

Weight Loss Formula

*set realistic goals through a balanced diet plan

*eat regularly, watch portion sizes and, keep your total calorie intake low

*avoid calorie-rich junk foods

*curb hunger by increasing your intake of fiber such as bran, whole grain cereals and green vegetables

*make breakfast your biggest meal of the day

*develop an exercise program designed to suit your body shape

*moderate alcohol and stay away from soft drinks

*drink plenty of water

*visualize daily, the benefits of your weight loss goals

Walking:For most people, the best exercise is walking. A walking program strengthens your heart and lowers your blood pressure.

Combined with a muscle toning program, it will help firm the muscles and make you look and feel good. Activities like jogging, cycling, swimming or aerobics not only burn calories, they also keep your heart healthy.

Present Actions Determine Future Results.


CAUTION:Before undertaking any program of exercise or change in diet consult your doctor.