If you think about it, everything in our life is like a story.
When we hear stories on the news, we get to choose to believe them or not. (Hopefully, people do believe stories based on science!)
We also get to choose what we think about ourselves too. Do we choose to believe negative thoughts, perhaps influenced by those around us, or do we choose to think big?
What story do you want to believe? What story do you really want to live? The root of our stories begins with our beliefs. (And we can change those beliefs at any time!)
My story is a journey of learning self-worth. Growing up in a traditional Jewish home, I noticed that my brothers received a Bar-Mitzvah, but I was told that girls didn’t “need” one. Those words triggered my brain to think that being a girl wasn’t as important.
Strange, isn’t it? One traditional belief affected my attitude about myself. I didn’t even understand its impact. My parents couldn’t figure out why I never felt good enough. As an adult, I studied to become a Bat Mitzvah, which gave me immense satisfaction. I was declaring my own value to myself. A Bat Mitzvah literally means, “Daughter of the commandment.” As an official “adult,” my commitment is to do “mitzvot” – good deeds, and “Tikkun Olam” – to heal the world.
I share this with you because over time, I’ve become sensitive to words — from myself and others. I know our brain is a finely tuned computer. It picks up the energy of our thoughts, and translates those thoughts into feelings, which becomes our belief. Our beliefs can stay with us forever… unless we consciously decide to change.
It took the shocking passing of my beloved mom at the end of 2004 to propel me into a journey of self-discovery. Why was I still alive? What did I want to do while on this earth? How could I make a difference?
The devastating grief affected me physically, until my back gave out with three slipped discs, until I could barely walk. It took an energy healer to eventually ease the pain and bring the discs back into alignment. I suddenly saw in real life how my negative thoughts were physically creating “dis-ease.” With a different belief, I could ultimately heal.
Over time, I’ve learned from amazing world-class thought leaders. I remember finding a book, “Secrets Of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. I was so moved that I decided to travel on my own to Denver to attend a free 3-Day Millionaire Mind Intensive. I never knew you could create your own Millionaire Mind! Those three days were quite powerful.
The underlying lessons from many world-class leaders continues to reverberate.
No matter what happens to us on the outside, we need to care for ourselves on the inside. We are a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being. To stay healthy, we must take care of each part of who we are.
From the personal development seminars, books, courses and sessions, here are five insights I’ve gained…
Life Lesson #1: We’re all connected. Every thought, word, action carries a vibration and can be felt by others. We get to choose our thoughts. Choose wisely.
Life Lesson #2: Since we’re on this earth plane for a limited time, let us choose to love ourselves. Kindness grows from the inside out.
Lesson #3: You have greatness within you. You can do more than you believe. (And you get to choose what you believe!) Belief becomes reality!
Life lesson #4: Never give up on your dreams.Write down your dreams. Say positive affirmations to reinforce your belief in your dreams. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
Life Lesson #5:Commit to what’s important to you.Take action. Make the most of your life More positive stories from Difference Makers are needed!
If you’d like to schedule a 15-minute chat, feel free to connect with me at:http://bit.ly/DMM-Chat
With over one BILLION videos posted on YouTube daily, the — how do you get found?
Here are story marketing tips so YOU stand out from your competition.
SOLVE A PROBLEM – The trend nowadays is creating a challenge. But a challenge is useless unless you’res solving a problem for someone. So, instead of encouraging people to simply post any video, think to yourself — what solution can I offer my prospect?
CREATE A CATCHY TITLE — Can you make it emotional? Does it appeal to a specific audience? Come up with several titles for your video or webinar, and do a brief survey with your trusted colleagues to get their feedback. What’s most appealing? Consider using a keyword that ties in with your topic.
MODEL A SUCCESSFUL COMPANY/PERSON – Who is outstanding in your field? Check out their work and see how you might create a similar video or program.
MAKE YOURSELF A HABIT – Build trust among your followers by providing value at every step. As you fulfill needs or exceed expectations, your prospects will WANT to tune in to whatever you have to say.
GET DIRECTION – Distraction can be easy without accountability. Without guidance, the hard way is inevitable. Consider having a coach to move your business forward. Empowerment coaching helps you be accountable.
On the horizon, I plan to create a new Difference Makers Connections Cafe. It will be a chance to learn directly from business leaders from around the country and beyond. What questions would you like answers to? Please let me know.
Now, for more tips on boosting your business through video marketing, check out the article below.
Do our stories define us or do WE define our stories?
Each day, we’re given a gift — “the present.” So, how do we choose to use those 24 hours? Most of the time, we’re making judgements, aren’t we? Each day, our inner voice is talking to us, a mile a minute, saying positive or negative words that actually subconsciously affect our body.
“That was great!”
“I’m BAD!”
“Why did I DO that?”
“I’m so proud of myself!”
How does that inner voice make you feel?
Your thoughts become feelings, which then affect your actions. I ask you to contemplate your feelings. They are your guide to your inner state. While challenges happen to all of us — WE get to decide our attitude.
How are you affected by the opinions of others? Does someone else’s comments make your day or depress you? There’s a saying, “Your attitude affects your altitude.” It’s so true. You can go farther in life if your attitude is positive. So what do YOU choose to believe about yourself?
Ultimately, the most important story is what YOU say about YOU!
That inner storyteller dialogue is more powerful than you realize. However, once you’re conscious of that inner voice, you can monitor what it says. I’d like to offer some tips in helping you create the inner stories that can change your life. (Everything starts from the inside out!)
No matter what happens — You can change your story!
Imagine your brain is like a giant computer. You’re about to reprogram your brain for success.
First step: Be aware of what you tell yourself.
Second step: Decide what you want to believe about yourself.
Third step: Tell yourself great things about YOU! (You can write down positive affirmations, speak the words aloud, and read something positive every day!)
Here are more actions you can take…
REPROGRAMMING YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS
1. Check out NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming), which involves repeating positive affirmations and tapping specific energy points around your head, face, neck and wrist. (One of my favorite online NLP practitioners is Brad Yates. You can check out his YouTube video for free that has over 559,000 hits on how to get rid of worry and fear!)
2. Create a dream board with pictures and statements of your dreams. Study this board every day, and envision your dreams coming true.
3. Practice meditation and writing gratitude statements in a journal.
4. Learn about Strategic Attraction and how you can attract what you want into your life energetically! (Contact Lynn at: lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com)
The key is – FOCUS on what you want… and speak it into the present. Avoid the negatives…
RIGHT WAY: “I am a best-selling author.”
WRONG WAY: “I will be a best-selling author.” (In the future)
RIGHT WAY: “I’m having a very productive day today.”
WRONG WAY: “I want to be productive today.”
5. Share your story and engage with potential followers by getting interviewed on a live streaming video program!
(Yes, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Once you do it once, it gets easier. You have greatness within you… great stories to share… and now they need to be heard!)
What’s live streaming? It’s a LIVE, interactive interview, done from the comfort of your own computer. It’s fun, easy, and inexpensive. Best of all, you can IMMEDIATELY engage live with an audience from anywhere in the WORLD!
Here’s my brand new interview as a guest on my friend Roland’s show, “The Saturday Morning Marketing Smarties.” You can watch, listen to my stories, and see how viewers from around the world commented back.
The world needs to hear YOUR stories of inspiration.
Believe in yourself and share them!
You never know whose life you will touch…
To learn more, visit: https://differencemakersmedia.com. For those who join our list, I’ll send my 7-Step Story Guide to help you become an expert storyteller to grow your business. Contact me about a free story marketing assessment and session at: Lynn@DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
P.S. I’m sharing a special photo from my past… one of our healthcare visits to Ecuador, where I entertained the children in 90+ heat, while they waited for their first-ever dental exam. What an exhilarating experience to be around so many loving people!
Did you ever wonder how you got to be the way you are?
Why do many of us share similar values? Why do others operate on a totally different wavelength? My friends share common traits: having faith, belief and perseverance. Living with a high degree of integrity. Doing what they promise. They’re loving, kind and generous.
So – what makes us who we are?
In a recent conversation with my friend, Carolyn Owens, I mentioned my belief that “children learn what they live.” That’s how we become who are as adults.
“You’ve GOT to write that in an article,” Carolyn said excitedly.
“Really?” (I didn’t think it was so profound. After all, I had read and re-read this poem in our family’s kitchen for years. My mom had posted it till the paper got yellowed.)
“You REALLY think people want to read that?” I asked again.
“Yes – YES!” Carolyn urged me on. I can’t resist Carolyn, so here we are… I never imagined I’d be writing on this topic, but sometimes I think we’re guided to move forward in a new way.
Since many decades have passed since I read the whole poem, I did a little research.
“Children Learn What They Live” was written by Dorothy Nolte and printed in a column for the Torrance Herald in 1954. The poem was distributed to MILLIONS of new parents in BABY FORMULA! (How about that? No wonder mom found this poem!) Nolte’s poem was eventually copyrighted in 1972, and expanded into a book in 1998. At the time of Nolte’s death, this book had more than 3 MILLION copies in print worldwide, and translated into 18 languages!
Now, I suddenly realized the significance of this poem. It has been teaching generations how to raise their children!
Please take a minute to learn from a master teacher. Keep in mind: whatever we do affects our youth. It’s up to us to shape the next generation…
Please – take a time out!We all need it more than you know.
From past conditioning, the words, “Time Out” always represented something bad to me. I still remember a gradeschool classmate who was given a “time out.” The teacher put him in the corner with a dunce hat, and his chair had to face the wall. How humiliating! (He had committed the grave error of pulling up his shirt to get a laugh by exposing his stomach.)
As parents, we’re taught to give children a “time out” when their negative behavior requires a punishment. But why is “time out” supposed to be terrible? Have you considered that we need a time out regularly from this world?
My husband Joel and I just returned from a wonderful “time out” vacation in Santa Barbara, California. We had been feeling frazzled and needed rest badly! I booked overnight stays in three different Airbnb homes, and the last one was truly a heavenly gift.
We discovered an amazing getaway, at the end of a hidden street with no traffic. Our wonderful host, Janet, showed us to our private apartment, connected to her ranch home. We walked on paths, shaded by towering trees, through a “Garden of Eden” that was situated on at least an acre of property. Surrounding us were lemon, lime, orange and plum trees. Even stately bamboo trees! A profusion of red, yellow, and white roses swept across this magical scene, framed by the Santa Ynez mountains.
A side path led to a meditation circle with a carved Buddha statue. At a corner, the Tibetan flag fluttered in the breeze. The aura of peace was palpable. Our large space included a sleeping area, living room, kitchen space, private bathroom and patio. Each morning, we’d open our doors to the patio and backyard with its vegetable plots, hearing the birds singing joyfully. The stillness of this retreat was incredibly uplifting! I have to admit – it was hard to leave!
Indeed, the stresses of life get to all of us. We’re bombarded daily by negative news. Our energy fields are affected by words, by people, by even noises. Every sound carries a vibration. When we’re around too many negative vibrations – whatever they may be – I believe our souls need a “time out!”
Without hopping on a plane and booking yourself on a remote, tropical island, I’d like to share a few easy ways for you to care for your inner self. Being healthy starts from the inside out!
Tips for an inner renewal
1. Start With Conscious Breathing
Breathe in deeply and feel your lower abdomen fill with air. Hold your breath for a count of three. Exhale slo-o-o-wly through your mouth. Now, do that deep breathing at least three times. (Here are a few instructions from the book, A Year To Live, by Stephen Levine.)
“Feel the body expanding and contracting with each breath…
“Focus on the rising and falling of the abdomen…
“Note the constantly changing flow of sensation in each inhalation, in each exhalation…
“Let thoughts come and go, floating like bubbles… Let the healing in, let the pain go…”
Do you feel any different?
2. Quiet Time Every Day – Set aside at least 15-20 minutes. Learn to meditate, read a spiritual book, walk your dog around the black. Even sitting quietly, closing your eyes, and listening to the birds will give you a positive feeling.
3. Connect With Nature – Did you know that trees have feelings and communicate with each other? (See: The Hidden Life Of Treesby Peter Wohlleben). Take time to walk among these wise beings, touch their bark, and offer your gratitude. Recognize the loving energy you receive.
4. Explore Something New – It’s rejuvenating to do something different. How about taking some time on your weekend for just fun? Perhaps it’s taking your dog to a new park. Or driving to a beach and squishing sand between your toes. Even moving your computer and working at a library or coffee shop can give you a boost from staying at your desk, day after day.
5. Spend Time With A Good Friend – Being around a good friend will naturally lift your spirits. That’s because your energies are vibrating together in a high frequency. Feel the joy of hanging out with someone you care about. You’ll both get an inner glow that can last all day.
6. Share Your Love – “All you need is love,” are profound lyrics. We’re all hungry for loving kindness. A smile, a hug, a pat on the back. Take a moment to let someone know you love them. Make a call. Write a note. Hold a door open. Say, “thank you.”
“When we stop protecting ourselves from life, each moment takes on new significance. We come to treasure our being even more than our becoming.”A Year To Live, by Stephen Levine
Thank YOU for taking this “time out” with me!
If you’ve enjoyed my article, please feel free to comment and share it with others. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Looking forward to hearing from you!
