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How does one become a butterfly?

You must want to fly so much that you are

willing to give up being a caterpillar.

~Trina Paulus

I was talking with my good friend Tom Hanson the other day and the topic of “choice vs. chance” came up. Tom is a sports psychology coach (you can see all about him at www.FocusedBaseball.com) who has an extensive history of working with professional baseball players to improve their “mental game”.

In our conversation Tom was telling me that he coached his players to hit by choice, not by chance. When I asked him more of what he meant by this, he explained that he mentally prepared his players to have an attitude of success every time they stepped up to the plate.

In doing so, they felt like they had more control over the outcome of their hitting, and were more confident of their abilities. The other players, however, who hit more by chance, felt more “victimized” by slumps of little or no hits.

And so by now you are probably wondering what this has to do with you, right??!! Please read on…

We live daily in a very similar way as these two types of baseball attitudes: we make choices, and therefore have some power, input, and control over our lives; or we default to chance, which then allows other forces, circumstances, and/or people to have influence over our lives.

The former choice model is certainly a more empowering model of self-actualization, whereas the latter chance model invites dependency, loss of identity, and a “victim” mentality that points blame at external forces for the outcome of one’s life.

So the next really big question is: What the heck does any of this have to do with butterflies? Please, continue to read on…

The caterpillar probably has very little choice about becoming a butterfly, as that process is very instinct driven. And perhaps as well when it takes its first leap and expands its wings into the new frontier of flying.

But imagine for just a moment that you were that transformed caterpillar with those brand new not-yet-flown wings. Would you choose to leap and soar into that wonderful (and perhaps a bit scary) new dimension, or would you simply wait to let it happen (or not) by chance?

Furthermore, what if everyone told you that you were still a caterpillar and that you would never be able to fly…would you believe them? Or, would you listen to that small inner voice that beckoned you to take the leap and soar into your true essence? Would you make a self-empowered choice or would you take a chance that maybe everyone else was correct?

So now that you see the correlation between butterflies and baseball (I know…it’s a stretch, but I bet it’s first for you!!), the real question comes back to you: How will you live; by choice or by chance?

Naturally, my bias for you is for you to choose choice. In doing so you receive all the benefits of blazing your own trail as you march to the beat of your own drum. In other words, you get to be you, totally expressed and 100%…You get to live on the path of empowerment…You get to hit home runs…You get to fly…

It’s your choice..

Ken Donaldson has been based in Tampa Bay offering counseling, coaching, and educational programs since 1987. His REALationship Coaching programs empower people to have more successful lives, businesses and relationships by building a powerful relationship with themselves first. Visit his website at http://www.REALationshipCoach.com for more information and sign-up his free e-program Illuminations and Sparks of Brilliance. Ken is also the author of the upcoming book Marry YourSelf First!

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Every working individual spends a great amount of money each year to purchase a vacations package at a tourist resort anywhere in the world in order to relax, rejuvenate and leave the stress and anxiety of everyday business behind. However, as much as one might relax at a sunny beach somewhere or enjoy the view from a hotel located on a mountain top, it is certain he or she will have to face a probably rather large bill when the “dream” vacations are unfortunately over. For this and many other reasons, more and more vacationers decide to become motor home owners and reduce their financial deficits over time.

Having to pay daily only for gas and perhaps parking or camping area costs considerably lowers one’s budget and allows for more things to take place. Cutting down vacation costs, however, is only one reason to consider becoming a motor home vehicle owner. Apart from paying an overpriced hotel room, owning a motor home can be a thrilling experience both for families and individuals. Having the ability to pack your bags and drive your motor home wherever you please adds the feeling of excitement and adventure to the equation. In addition, it is, according to many happy campers, pretty fantastic to have the opportunity of traveling with your family or friends and not having to reserve or stress over tickets or hotel availability. Owning a recreational vehicle, the other name for motor home vehicle, allows people to spend as much time as they please to the destination of their liking, without having to pack their bags before they go off to experience something new.

But why should one consider investing in a recreational vehicle, instead of getting in his or her car and drive away? Well, simple things, like the fact that motor home vehicles have less glass than cars, so they do not heat up as fast when parked under the sun, may give another perspective to motor home argument. Due to shades, or curtains, the greenhouse effect is further reduced. Some even have fans or air-condition units that reduce heat inside the space of the vehicle and create a comfortable place for one to live in. Mobility is the next argument, which cannot be easily surpassed. Driving away is always an option and the fact that you do not have to stress about finding another hotel room or packing bags, makes things so much simpler. Finally, recreational vehicles are usually spacious and offer most of the contemporary amenities. With interchangeable features, the morning bench can easily and quickly become the night’s bed, while the luxury of having a bathroom and a kitchen can only be part of the positive things list.

Whether you are an adventurer, have photography as your hobby, or just want to experience the great outdoors with your family and friends, entering a recreational vehicle and driving away can be part of your long weekend plans and not a practice limited to your summer vacations. But before spending some of your life’s savings on a RV, rent one, try it and if you love it, buy it!

John Gibb is the owner of motor home resources
, For more information on motor homes check out http://www.motor-homes-information2k.info

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Have you ever had one of those days when you woke up feeling kind of run down, tired, even a bit out of sorts?

It is particularly difficult if you run your own home based or small business.

Those days seem to go from bad to worse, unless we make a continuous effort to turn it around.

How do you do that?

Here are ten ideas that can turn that dark day to one of sunshine.

1. Commit to changing your attitude from glum to fun.
If we dwell on bad fortune or aches and pains, we are on a one-way downhill trip to Bluesville. Immediately say to yourself, “This is going to be a great day.” Then start to make it so. You can do the rest of the ideas in any order and as needed.

2. Sing or whistle a happy tune. Over the next few weeks, notice what songs leave you feeling upbeat and ready to meet the world. Write the names down and then try to find their lyrics. Sing them whenever you feel down. It sounds stupid, but it really works.

3. Take time to make yourself look and feel extra nice. Wear that new shirt or blouse you have been saving for a special occasion. A few compliments from those you meet about, how great you look, will go a long way toward lifting your spirits. Don’t forget to give out a few compliments of your own.

4. Speaking of appearance, don’t forget your smile. Remember the advice from the hit musical, Annie: “You are never fully dressed without a smile.” You can never get rid of a smile, because the one you smile at, will insist on giving you one back. Again it is an aquired skill for some, but worth practising.

5. Make a list of all the good things in your life. Don’t forget to write down the things that most of us take for granted, such as sight, hearing, mobility, and a clear mind, if they are among your blessings. It is hard to stay depressed in the face of abundance.

6. Make an effort to brighten someone else’s day. Take someone flowers, or write a note to someone who could use cheering. Your day will brighten as theirs does.

7. Do something good for yourself. Keep in mind that I said something good for yourself. Buying something new is good if you can afford it, and eating a candy bar is all right if your health permits. Splurging occasionally is great therapy.

8. Make time for fun. All work makes Johnny a dull boy, and Mary a drag,(my apologies to all the Johnny’s, and Mary’s). Go to a funny movie, or ride a merry-go-round, let your hair down.

9. Start planning a fun event like a vacation or party. Just thinking about its will give you something to smile about.

10. Give your body some good physical exercise. Much of the tension that makes us feel bad can be released by getting involved in a regular exercise program. A healthy body is, as they say, an important step toward having a healthy mind.

If you try some or all of these ideas and they work for you - as I know they will, you should be warned that having a great day can be addictive, but it is a wonderful way to live.

Bill Ritchie helps with developing home based businesses, startups, business ideas, Internet Marketing Tips, plus writes the occasional article, and runs a useful, informative website at http://www.thehomebusinessprofessor.com

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