Tag Archives: positive thinking

Did You Put the Big Rocks in First?

Posted on by
1

Your Health and Sanity Are Big Rocks

Steven Covey used to talk about the importance of taking care of the most important  things in our lives first.  He used the analogy of filling a jar with big rocks, pebbles, sand, and finally water.  He talked about how important the order in which you put things into the jar determined how much could fit in the jar. Most people are busy and overwhelmed these days with stuff (some important, others not so important).

The big rocks represent the most important things in our lives that give us meaning, joy, and purpose. The small pebbles, sand, and water represent the day-to-day duties, distractions, and things we spend our time on.  Covey suggests that if you first fill the jar up with sand, water, and small stones, then it will be hard if not impossible to get the big rocks in later.

Put the Big Rocks in First

However if you have your priorities straight and put the big rocks in first, then the pebbles, then the sand, then the water, you’ll be able to get a lot more in the jar.  We all lead busy complicated lives and we’ve got to decide what our big rocks, pebbles, sand, and water are.  One thing is for sure, your health is a big rock.  Put it in first.  In my life management system, I discuss 10 big rocks.   They are discussed in my ‘On Track, On Fire, and On Purpose‘ book

I’m Barbara Talley, The Poet who speaks and inspires.   To find more about me, check out my promo sheet or visit  my website.

Give People a Reason to Support You

Posted on by
1

Support Comes Naturally When You Get Serious!

How can you realistically and honestly expect others to believe in you and support your endeavors when you have not demonstrated by your persistent and faithful action, enthusiasm, commitment, and focus that you truly believe in your own dreams.

Faith attracts others while desperation and doubt detract.

The Creator, His Messengers, the universe, teachers, friends, mentors, angels, and even strangers are ready to help you if you would only ask and believe. Inspiration and enthusiasm come naturally when you get serious about your goals and are doing something about them.  Realizing that your amazing destiny is within your reach is of the utmost urgency; so stake your claim now.  The world is in desperate need of the contribution that you alone were created and destined to offer.

I’m Barbara Talley, the poet who speaks and inspires.  To find out more about me check out: What Does Barbara Do? or visit  my website.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: GO WITH IT!

Posted on by
Reply

ImageLife is about change.  You can’t escape it.  You’ve heard it said, “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.”  The seasons change, people change, and WE change. It’s what we call living. All things that are alive continue to change. Change is part of the circle of life and is vitally necessary. Like the trees letting go of her leaves,  we’ve got to learn when to let go too, whether it is in our careers, relationships, or other pursuits.  We change and we can even outgrow our own puny dreams of the past. Other times it’s people; we don’t connect so well anymore with some because we are each growing at different speeds or we’re choosing to grow and they have chosen to not grow.  Now that doesn’t mean you don’t fight for the important relationships in your life for we don’t just throw away people. But it does mean that we are more discerning with your choices and we have to let others grow at their own pace and not invest so much time in changing THEM. Rather we must use that energy to change OURSELVES.

Embrace Change. Just like the earth, we are all changing seasons right now. And, as I watch how easily the leaves fall from the trees with a little wind, I wonder why we try so hard to hold onto what is, instead of welcoming what might be. I know that each of us (just like the trees) is just being prepared for our beautiful springtime that is assuredly ahead. So just as spring follows winter, each of our own individual harvests is inevitably just ahead. Like the trees, we’ve got to learn when to just let go. Fall is a beautiful time and the falling of the leaves has a purpose. The tree knows this instinctively.  And like the trees we must have faith that something better is awaiting each of us. And finally, with a heart full of joy and appreciation we must learn to greet each day knowing that blessings are on the way and thank God for them right now in advance.  Remember, a grateful heart attracts blessings.

I’m Barbara Talley, the poet who speaks and inspires.  To find out more about me check out: What Does Barbara Do? or visit  my website.

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

Posted on by
Reply

Most are familiar with this quote and who doesn’t want to be more Godly and closer to God?  While many attribute this quote to the Bible, in fact, it is not in the Bible. However cleanliness (purity) is attributed to most spiritual practices, e.g, ablutions before prayers, baptism, etc. Cleanliness means to be pure, free from dirt, marks or stains. The body and our surroundings can be dirty. Our unkind words and deeds can leave marks on our soul and the hearts of others.  Our shameful deeds can leave stains in our memories.  So where did the quote come from? John Wesley spoke in a sermon:

“Let it be observed, that slovenliness is no part of religion; that neither this, nor any text of Scripture, condemns neatness of apparel. Certainly this is a duty, not a sin. ‘Cleanliness is, indeed, next to godliness.’ Sermons No xciii,” On Dress.”

How clean is your mind, body, and soul? The first thing we see in an individual is their physical appearance and that is what many react to, but cleanliness and purity must be present in all things, our dress, our speech, and our deeds. The Baha’i Faith teaches:
“External cleanliness, although it is but a physical thing, hath a great influence upon spirituality (1).”   Cleanliness and sanctity in all conditions are characteristics of pure beings and necessities of free souls.  In all his actions and conduct there must first be purity, then beauty and independence. The channel must be cleansed before it is filled with sweet water. The pure eye comprehendeth the sight and the meeting of God; the pure nostril inhaleth the perfumes of the rose-garden of bounty; the pure heart becometh the mirror of the beauty of truth.”(Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 333)

A New Wealth Program is Necessary

Posted on by
Reply

A Reprogramming Was Necessary

It was the thoughts, beliefs, and ideas of my formative caretakers that helped to shape me.  I am grateful for many of the positive lessons.  However some things I had to throw off for they no longer served me.  I had to use my mind, for I learned that my reality was my thoughts and that “as a man (or woman) thinketh so is he (or she).” I had to open my eyes, my mind, and my heart to receive new input. Thoughts of poverty did not serve me well and for that matter no one else around me. I had to think myself out of the Projects where seeing poverty everyday was normal. I had to create a new normal and I did, but so many people I know are still stuck with an impoverished mindset, fearing and hating and needing and craving money all at the same time.  For this reason I felt compelled to write about wealth and programming. It could be the economy but lately I’ve run into so many poor people who desire yet shun or despise wealth at the same time. You can’t have it both ways.  Money is not evil.  It is only currency, the currency to buy freedom, healthier foods, pay your bills on time so that you can have integrity, and to live a life of purpose and passion.

I’m Barbara Talley, the poet who speaks and inspires.  To find out more about me check out: What Does Barbara Do? or visit  my website.
Audio Testimonials of Satisfied Clients
Video in New Orleans- Candid audience testimonials