by Lynn Sanders | Sep 16, 2024 | DMM Blog, Personal Stories
Every morning (well, almost every morning), I consciously choose to start my day with six spiritual practices that set the tone for a GREAT day.
These practices are referred to with the acronym of SAVERS. They continue making a difference for my inner state and how I approach life. And I’m not the only one. These guidelines were developed through the wisdom of Hal Elrod, internationally best-selling author, speaker, and founder of The Miracle Morning. Hal faced two different near death experiences, and the SAVERS kept him going strong on the inside.
The SAVERS represent::
- Silence
- Affirmations
- Visualization
- Exercise
- Reading
- Scribing
It’s incredible how much clarity and inspiration can emerge when we dedicate time to nurture our mindset. The SAVERS awaken me to making the most of each day, because I become more conscious of my values.
Often, we’re focused on the gaps in our lives—what we haven’t achieved, what didn’t go as planned. Those negative thoughts can easily take over, but the truth is… they don’t have to. When we know our values, and live in alignment with those values, then we can feel good about ourselves. Even when things don’t go as planned, we can turn to a positive affirmation… and shift our thinking into a positive state.
For instance, last week, I was facing technical issues a day before my book launch party. My new zoom subscription suddenly required a password, and no one had been told of that password. Meanwhile, several people were having difficulty in locating the zoom link on my Eventbrite page. My anxiety level started rising. In my mind, all kinds of negative thoughts were popping up.
But then — like sun breaking through the clouds, something good happened. Unexpected clarity and encouragement. And from an unexpected source…. my mom’s spirit on the Other Side. Yes, I know that may sound strange to some of you, but to me, it was a blessing.
You see, I awoke on the morning of the book launch with a forgotten poem that my mother used to post in our kitchen. I hadn’t thought of in decades, and yet it was suddenly in the forefront of my mind. While I didn’t remember every word, I did recall enough of the lines to do a quick Google search and find this classic poem by Walter Wintle.
Its words were exactly what I needed to hear. They reminded me that we create our own reality with our thoughts, and I was determined to make that book launch a positive and memorable experience. Written at the turn of the century, this message is forever relevant…
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost.
For out in the world, we find,
Success begins with a fellow’s will—
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late, the one who wins
Is the one WHO THINKS HE CAN!
This poem gave me the boost I needed that day.
Our thoughts shape our destiny. And we get to choose those thoughts.
Sure enough, the book launch party was a success. It all began with one powerful thought: “I think I CAN!” For a peek at our festive gahtering, filled with uplifting, compelling stories, you can visit: https://bit.ly/BookPartyVideo
For those who’d like to empower youth, check out my new best-seller on Amazon: Adventures In Ecuador: Diary of a Volunteer. https://bit.ly/AdventuresBook
Here’s to your success,
Lynn
P.S. Get the 7 Keys To Build Your Business WIth Your Story at:
https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com
by Lynn Sanders | Aug 22, 2024 | DMM Blog, Personal Development
Our inner story is the foundation of everything we do.
It’s the quiet, often unnoticed narrative that plays in the background of our minds, shaping our beliefs, mindset, and, ultimately, our actions.
This inner dialogue can either lift us up or hold us back.
The outer story, the one others see, is simply a reflection of that inner conversation.
We have the ability to choose how we are at each moment.
While watching the Democratic National Convention, I’ve been impressed by the recurring theme of joy. The choice to recognize the unity among us. To choose to dream in a better future for everyone together. That’s an inner story that deserves attention… because it’s focused on positive values.
So — what brings you joy? What are you grateful for? What thoughts run through your head that can be focused on a positive perspective? We need to be mindful of those inner thoughts every day.
To prepare myself for each day. I choose to do a meditation practice. It keeps me in a positive inner mindset.
I remember hearing the great motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar talk about the power of our thoughts. He said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”
When my new children’s book, ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: Diary of a Volunteer needed to be reformatted four times — four times — it tested my patience. A wave of frustration swept over me. After a few minutes, I took a deep breath and calmed down. I decided to focus the positive thought — Let’s make this better!
I was able to rely on a very talented person who also shared my positive thinking. She redid the technical details. We collaborated with the vision and belief that everything will work out for the best. And it has!
Now, we’re planning a book launch party on September 5th at 7:00 pm CST, and I’d love for you to join us. You’ll meet Zully JF Alvarado, Founder/Director of Causes For Change, whose healthcare mission in Ecuador inspired many, including me, to help children in need. You’re invited to celebrate the launch of ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR — and receive a free gift too! I’ll soon be posting a registration page. We’re celebrating this journey of publishing, and would love to have you there.
You can check out my book on Amazon and on my site. Stay in touch with story tips and strategies by getting my free 7-Keys To Grow Your Business Story guide at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
Remember — the key to stepping into your greatness rests in your inner beliefs.
When you truly believe in your ability to overcome challenges, your actions naturally align with that belief. Then, the results you see in your outer world start to change.
It’s all connected—inner mindset, outer actions, and the results that follow.
So, as you navigate your own journey, remember to tell yourself positive thoughts.
Let your inner story be one of resilience, determination, and hope. When you get up after falling, you’re telling the world that you believe in your strength.
And that belief? It’s contagious.
by Lynn Sanders | Nov 13, 2020 | DMM Blog
The Joy Of Simply BEING!
Over fifteen years ago, my mom casually said, “You don’t have to be doing all the time. How are you ‘being?’
Her words stopped me in my tracks. My mom’s innate wisdom often got me pondering over what was really important. I tend to measure myself by my actions, as most of us do.
But what’s really important? Yes – how are we being on the inside?
We get to choose that inner state, so I’m asking you right now to consider taking a few minutes to pause. Think of how your thoughts affect you. Thoughts turn into feelings, which then become our words and actions.
At this time of our country’s upheaval, I see a great deal of angry and hurt messages.
Many of us act without thinking. And some of us think a great deal on the inside without acting.
Where’s that gentle balance? How do we turn to the abundant love and peace that’s inside each of us?
I ask you to consider taking a few minutes today, perhaps everyday, to hit the “pause” button and take a few deep breaths. Breathing deeply actually resets the chemistry in our brain.
Here’s the scientific reason behind deep breathing:
When you become stressed or anxious, your brain releases cortisol, the “stress hormone.” By taking deep breaths, your heart rate slows, more oxygen enters our blood stream and ultimately communicates with the brain to relax. Deep breathing also ups your endorphins, the “feel good” chemical.
So, let’s do this together – both for your own well-BEING and for the well-BEING of our planet. Breathe deeply, hold it for a count of three, and then exhale. Feel your shoulders relax as your mind settles into a peaceful state. Let’s do it at least two more times.
Now – how are you being? Our breath is the one thing we have from the moment of birth, and the last thing to leave us.
As we choose the story of our life, let’s make our stories good ones.
