Say No to Yes!

Let's face it. Some of us are always in a hurry. Rushing to work, school or even to play. We rush to get a great deal or sale before the so-called savings are gone, we hurry to get to someone or something or do something before it's too late. All I have to say is, where's the fire? I understand as humans we are limited, constricted and quite simply, in a cold war with time. But there is something to be said about just taking it slowly, learning to work with time instead of against time. Let it work for us instead of us working against it. It may be as simple as saying, no, at times we would normally say yes. Let's take a closer look at how this interesting flip on the theory unfolds for our benefit. -DeMaster A. Thomas

The Cost and Craziness of Culture

The Vision for Life: Living with Peace

Making and Keeping Priorities

The Priority and Reward of Rest (Quiet Time)

"Yes and "No" mean something. When you say it, stand by it. It only has as much strength as you give it. Let what you say be simple and clear and it will leave little room for confusion. K.I.S.S.-Keep It Sweet and Simple and mean it. Anything more is doing too much and invites room for misunderstanding.

Say NO to the urgent and YES to important. There is truth to the saying, "the early bird gets the worm." Here's an experiment for you, take a day, maybe once a week, where you get up in the morning before sunrise, take a few moments to be quiet and just do some deep breathing and meditation. 

This is just a simple exercise to literally clear the mind of all the gunk and start fresh. This is the brain's way of saying "NO" to the noise of everyday hustle and bustle and "YES" to the peace and quiet of the soul. Once your mind is clear, your are more attentive, focused and you free your mind to say "NO" to things take your attention away from what's really important and "YES" to the mission that lies ahead. This can be done for just about anything; school, work and daily activities. 

Another popular saying is, life is but a stage and we are all but actors. This too is true. Especially when it comes to truly doing and being at your best. You see, Life doesn't sign autographs. Because to Life, you are the star! To be at your best, you have to say "NO" to the things that will bring you down and tear you apart and "YES" to the priorities that make the most of your time. You would be surprised if you take a moment to really do inventory on your life at how much you have around you that can kill, steal and destroy your momentum, motivation, excitement and enthusiasm. This is the hardest of them all, because we are human. Temptation is a human's worst enemy. It kills more lives than any known or unknown disease since the beginning of humankind. Saying "NO" to temptation will prevent unhealthy things in life from overtaking you and robbing you from living a full and abundant life. In your faith and your walk in Life, you will never be tempted beyond your ability or given too much of anything you can't handle. This is simply a matter of believing in yourself and knowing that no matter how much you "think" you can't. YOU CAN! So, say "NO" to temptation and "YES" to success and it will give the strength you need to endure and overcome.

 

Getting through your Weak Days

  

Se7en Ways to Make It Through Your Weak Days

If you are like most of us, you have that one day of the week that's just grand. All is well with the world and your mind and spirit are at peace. This is commonly Saturday or Sunday. But what about the much needed 

"R & R", "Revitalizing and Recuperating", that we need Monday through Friday? Well, fret no more. Here are simple, easy tips you can start today that are sure to refresh your mind and body.

Because we have such a diverse audience, we will take a holistic approach. Ready? Here we go!

MONDAY

Monday is the day of quiet time. This is achieved through prayer, meditation or just sitting still for at least a minimum of 10-15 minutes. Take deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Do this until you feel completely relaxed. Here's come the hard part. Now, just be still and quiet. During this time, your mind and body will be letting go of all the gunk and junk piled up from a manic Monday and you will come out of your quiet time refreshed and ready to go.

TUESDAY

Tuesday is the day to spend some time stimulating and massaging those brain cells. Tuesday is the day to read. For those of you who practice a faith base, read your Bible. Sewing the Word of God into your heart will reap peace, love and blessing. For those of you who may not read the Bible, read a book that is uplifting, encouraging, fulfilling and has an overall pleasant outcome. Reading leaves an impression. So the impression you want is something that is positive and rewarding.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday is the day of reaping. The benefits of Monday and Tuesday will show on Wednesday. The week is half way through, you are focused, energized and ready to take on your daily tasks with a healthy outlook.

THURSDAY

This is a day of reflection. Take some time to sit down and look back on the week. What have I accomplished? What do I have planned for the weekend? Have I prioritized my week so that I am not overwhelmed? Is my house and finances in order? Thursday is a good day to address household issues. Thursday is also a good day for family meetings such as game night or just spending some much appreciated quality time alone or with a friend.

FRIDAY

Finally Friday! Many people say, "Friday is My Day!" And they are absolutely right. 

Friday is always a great day to spend time with friends and family. Whether you're staying in or hanging out, make it a fun day for everyone. Of course there is also great joy in spending Friday in the peace of your own company if you desire. Otherwise, it is a good day to surround yourself with others who are like-minded and just a lot of fun to be around. For those of you who practice a faith base, Fridays are always good days for spending time with others who share your beliefs. Get together for some fun time doing faith based activities, projects, games, movies or just talking and sharing the events of the week.

SATURDAY 

Now Saturdays are a bit confusing. It's not Friday, but it's not Sunday either. So what do I do for my peace of mind? Well that's the beauty of it: anything you want. Exercise, chores, hobbies, special interests, home projects, sports, entertainment, travel! The list goes on and on. As long as you can say at the end of the day, wow. That was fun! It was a good day. You have subconsciously stimulated the mind and rejuvenated the body.

 SUNDAY

And now the moment you've been waiting for....exhale! Let your head fall back, let your eyes close, because this is the coveted day of rest. For those who have a faith base, this is commonly the day you attend church or some other social gathering with others who share your beliefs. And this is good. It is a great way to replenish the spirit, feed the soul and restore your overall mental attitude to a clean, clear state of consciousness. For those of you who may not attend a church or similar type of social gathering, this is a good day to do something special for your family or for yourself. Whether it is taking a drive out to the country, having a picnic, taking a walk, taking a really good nap without worrying about the time. All of these, including doing nothing at all, actually puts the mind and body at rest and really helps to regain clarity for the week ahead.

So there you have it. I know, so simple that anyone can do it, right? Of course. And what is the one thing you notice about all the days? That's right! They are interchangeable. You can start any of them any day of the week and continue them throughout the week. You can arrange the order however it fits your lifestyle. It's nice to know that peace of mind comes in all shapes and sizes. Find the one that's right for you and start today. 

For now, I am DeMaster Thomas and this - is Real Living. Be well.