When Barack Obama Talks About Change, He's Got You in Mind!

By Henry M. John

We live in exciting times! Barack Obama's victory signals that we're entering a period of change. Actually, people are hungry for change. Don't all those people standing in line to vote say something? They sure do!

He stood for change and that is probably what he's going to deliver. Some of the change won't be particularly pleasant, but let's hope for the first time we have a president who doesn't care if he doesn't get re-elected. Let's hope he just does what has to be done.

But what about change: have any of us really sat down and thought what it really means? A lot of people are afraid of change. Why? Primarily because they are afraid of the unknown.

Change is not something to be afraid of, it is to be embraced! If you remember that change is just another word for learning it should dispel any fear that you might have.

A world without change is a world where there is no progress. All of us have been stuck in a time-warp, happy to protect the status quo. It's done us a whole lot of no good too!

When Barack Obama talks about change, he also wants you to change. He doesn't want to be the only catalyst, he's expecting you to play your part too.

If change is just another word for learning, shouldn't we be taking a leaf from his book? If we were to exercise the same amount of self-discipline, determination and effort in our personal lives as he has demonstrated in his bid for the White House, what a huge difference that would make.

Let's take one part of our lives that far too many of us have seriously neglected: our health, and in particular our weight. If we really made an effort to lose weight - permanently, we would need to change, change our behaviour and learn new habits - new slim habits. What a difference we could make to our lives - and to the health and well-being of the nation. Isn't this the spirit of what Barack Obama wants us to do? Let's go for it!

About the author: Henry M John has a particular interest in changing behavior through learning new habits. Learn more about how to lose weight permanently by learning new habits. Visit http://www.slimhabit.com Image Credit: AllPosters Article Source: EzineArticles.Com

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Various Quotes on Confidence

It may be difficult for you to keep focusing on the positive and the accomplishments in your life, especially when you are going through a particularly challenging obstacle. Here are 8 of my personal favorite quotes on self confidence, and the importance of it to our lives. Keep this quotes close on hand, or look for others that may inspire you further, for those moments when you need something to keep you motivated! 

1. What you think of me is none of my business. What is most important is what I think of myself. -- Robert Kiyosaki 

2. Luck has a peculiar habit of favoring those who do not depend on it. -- George Clason 

3. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. -- Tomas Edison 

4. Just as we can learn from our mistakes, we can gain character from our disappointments. -- Robert Kiyosaki 

5. Don't go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first. -- Mark Twain 

6. The self-confidence of a person multiplies their powers a hundredfold. -- Robert Collier 

7. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great. -- Mark Twain 

8. Keep your thoughts positive, because thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive, because words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive, because behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive, because habits become your values. Keep your values positive, because values become your destiny. -- Mahatma Gandhi 

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5 Brilliant Rumi Quotes

by: Wendy Betterini

I have a lot of favorite authors, but one that tends to spark a welcome wave of inspiration and renewal every time I read his work is Rumi. Rumi was a 13th century Persian poet (1207-1273). Though his original works were written in Persian, they have also been translated into other languages and are still enjoyed by people in many countries today - even seven centuries after his death! Such timeless writings hold true gems of wisdom that we can rediscover and savor each time we ponder them. 

With that thought in mind, I'd love to share five of Rumi's quotes that I believe are truly brilliant. They are my personal favorites and I've shared a few thoughts about why they speak so strongly to my heart - but don't take my word for it; ponder them yourself and let them speak to you. What insights do they hold for you? 

"Let the beauty you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth." 

This quote immediately moves me into that fabulous state of passion and joy that can only come from following your heart! Every time I read it I feel like kicking off my shoes, grabbing a notebook and pen and heading out to the back yard to write some poetry. Not that I write much poetry. Besides, it's winter here so my feet would get cold. But Rumi's words make me want to do it anyway. 

On a deeper level, this quote reminds me that our true happiness comes from having a purpose in life. Something that makes us feel like we're doing worthwhile work - even if it's only worthwhile to us. And I love the phrase, "kneel and kiss the earth" - it brings to mind thoughts of gratitude and appreciation for, well - everything. The world around us and all of its inhabitants from people to animals to plants and even the tiniest insects. What wonders surround us! 

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." 

So many of us forget this simple wisdom in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. We're so focused on what we have to do, need to do, almost forgot to do - that we end up living from our harried minds rather than the deeper place that makes everything so sacred. 

Try an experiment yourself to feel the power in Rumi's words: Choose one task, big or small and do it from your soul. Take a walk and make a point of moving your body slowly and reverently. Brush your hair as if it were made of spun glass that might break if you tug too hard. Revel in the sensation of the brush bristles massaging your scalp and softening your hair. Even simple activities, when done in a conscious spiritual state, can awaken you in such profound ways that you'll never be the same. 

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." 

Nowadays we are becoming more aware of the power of our own thoughts and the role they play in forming our physical reality, and this quote is very revealing in that context! Every time I read it I'm reminded that lack does not exist except in my own mind. Whatever I think I don't have enough of, I simply need to awaken to the ways I am blocking it from my perception. When I do that, suddenly it's all there right before my eyes, as it always was - if only I had been willing to see it. This can apply not only to love but money, good health, joy, inner peace, and so much more. 

"The universe and the light of the stars come through me." 

I don't think Rumi was bragging about his own greatness with this line, but rather sharing the insight that all of us "give birth" to our reality (our own universe, really) through our perceptions. He also may have been referring to inspiration - I've often said that written words "come through me" at times, especially when I'm "in the flow" and the words just come out with little editing on my part. 

"Burdens are the foundations of ease and bitter things the forerunners of pleasure." 

What a powerful message is contained in this gem! So often we resent the difficult moments in life and forget that they provide an important service for us. Not only do they lay a foundation and pave the way for better times later; they help us to become stronger, better people so we can appreciate those pleasant experiences when they arrive. 

When I think back to some of the more difficult times I've had in life, I'm truly grateful for them now. They taught me a lot about myself and contributed greatly to the person I've become. I try hard to remember that when I find myself in tough situations these days - which makes them easier to bear. 

In fact, that's what I love so much about quotes like Rumi's; they offer a moment of reprieve, a glimpse of grace, and a gentle reminder that the difficult moments will pass and the sun will shine once again. What more could we ask for? ***

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Motivational Quotes by Zig Ziglar

A goal properly set is halfway reached.

Ability can take you the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

All of us perform better and more willingly when we know why we're doing what we have been told or asked to do.

Ambition, fueled by compassion, wisdom and integrity, is a powerful force for good that will turn the wheels of industry and open the doors of oppurtunity for you and countless others.

Are you a SNIOP? Someone who is Sensitive to the Negative Influence Of Others?

Attitude determines altitude.

Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him yours.

Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do the things you need to do when you need to them,and the day will come when you will be able to do the things you want to do them!

Don't become a wandering generality. Be a meaningful specific.

Every sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust.

Everybody says they want to be free. Take the train off the tracks and it's free-but it can't go anywhere.

Happiness is not pleasure, it is victory.

If we don't start, it's certain we can't arrive.

If you don't see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.


If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere.

It is easy to get to the top after you get through the crowd at the bottom .

It's not the situation, but wheather we react (negative) or respond (positive) to the situation that's important.


I'ts not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life ;it is how you handle what happens to you.

About Zig Ziglar:
Hilary Hinton "Zig" Ziglar (born 6 November 1926) is an American author, salesperson, and motivational speaker. Since 1970, his career has naturally moved from that of champion seller to master motivator. Ten of his 25 books have been best sellers. He is in constant demand as speaker and instructor to audiences of all kinds and sizes. An inspiration for the Living to Change Lives Foundation, he travels all over the world, delivering his messages of humor, hope and enthusiasm.
His latest book (as of 2007) is God's Way Is Still the Best Way.

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20 Character Building Quotations

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one. Henry David Thoreau

Be your character what it will, it will be known, and nobody will take it upon your word. Lord Chesterfield

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. Thomas Paine

Nothing of character is really permanent but virtue and personal worth. Daniel Webster

The essential thing is not knowledge, but character. Joseph Le Conte

It requires less character to discover the faults of others, than to tolerate them. J. Petit Senn

A good name will shine forever. Proverb

A fair reputation is a plant, delicate in its nature, and by no means rapid in its growth. It will not shoot up in a night like the gourd of the prophet; but, like that gourd, it may perish in a night. Jeremy Taylor

Sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny. George Dana Boardman

Talents are best nurtured in solitude. Character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Our character is but the stamp on our souls of the free choices of good and evil we have made through life. John C. Geikie

Reputation is for time; character is for eternity. B. Gough

Character is a diamond that scratches every other stone. Cyrus A. Bartol

Talents are best nurtured in solitude, but character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Men best show their character in trifles, where they are not on their guard. It is in the simplest habits, that we often see the boundless egotism which pays no regard to the feelings of others and denies nothing to itself. Arthur Schopenhauer

Every man, as to character, is the creature of the age in which he lives. Very few are able to raise themselves above the ideas of their times. Voltaire

Character and personal force are the only investments that are worth anything. Walt Whitman

Character is, for the most part, simply habit become fixed. C. H. Parkhurst

Let us not say, Every man is the architect of his own fortune; but let us say, Every man is the architect of his own character. George Dana Boardman

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think. Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Source: Inspirational Quotes Dotcom

Self Improvement - Journey of Discovery!

By: David Gau-Ghan

"The way you think, not only affects your own life, but others around you - it affects your world. You have the power to change the world you live in." - White Star

So who, you may ask, is White Star?

On face value, White Star is a character in the series of books The Blue Star Millennium and Quest for Genesis. Many readers,after viewing these books, have invariably asked the question "were these books channeled?"

Of course, that query begs another question, "What is channeling?"

Well, there are various possibilities, including the Channel being a vehicle for another entity to speak through them, or simply verbalizing their own subconscious thoughts. Hmmm, subconscious... Yes! But what about the super-conscious?

"There are several parts of your Essence living simultaneous lives. A part of you will always remain in the higher realms. This is your Higher Self, which is a spark of the Essence that permeates all of creation, and which is the Creator. You are all Sons and Daughters of this Essence, Co-creators of all that you see and experience."

Okay, from this point of view, isn't it possible that we are ALL capable of channeling these higher wisdoms? After all, isn't it just tapping into the higher force, the fountain of wisdom of which we are all a part? So why do so many of us choose to go to others to hear the messages?

Admittedly, in times of emotional trauma it's often comforting to go to others for guidance. Such experiences, perhaps, could be viewed as valuable stepping stones that eventually lead to the question "Are they any more capable of tapping into the source than you are?"

"Every individual has the potential to heal the planet and to help unify the people in co-operation and understanding. Every individual has the power of creative visualization. Each of you has the potential to use your power of thought to bring about change in your own environment. There is power in numbers and the more people who project positive thought-forms at the same time, the more powerful the effect. Now the future is in your hands. Put a little effort into creating the future that you desire, and you will achieve miraculous rewards. It is up to you!"

In that case, you may ask, why do we limit ourselves by incarnating on this physical plane at all? It is as though we have temporary amnesia of our true origins - our true divinity.

"You are on a wondrous journey of self-discovery. From the moment you separated from the Source you chose to go through certain experiences in order to learn and develop through these trials. It is not wise to seek the end of the journey prematurely. There is much to be gained along the way. Become engrossed in the excitement of your quest and you will suddenly realise that you are a Co-Creator in the Divine Plan. You create your own reality. You re-affirm your reality through your beliefs. If you dwell on the negative, you will manifest that negativity in your life. Similarly, if you concentrate on the positive, you re-affirm that reality, in your personal life, and throughout the universe."

So is it all positive, love and light? You would be right in pointing out that there seems to be so much negativity in the world. How does this equate with the above metaphysics philosophy statements? Hmmm ... perhaps we should ask the White Star.

"Each of us has a negative aspect of ourselves, although most of us would prefer not to acknowledge that darker side. The darker side can be so powerful as to form its own identity. We keep it alive through feeding it on a constant diet of negative thoughts and emotions. It can reach a stage where it will fight for its very survival, as a separate entity. If its existence is threatened, the Dark Side will come out from the shadows to confront us. It will try and destroy us if we allow it to do so."

Whew! Okay, so if we're honest with ourselves, we all have the potential for the destructive negative side of our nature to gain the upper hand. If this happens, how do we conquer that negative aspect?

"You cannot fight your negative side. The more you deny it, the more you empower it. The ultimate test is to accept and recognize the negative aspect of your Being. As long as you deny it, it will have power over you. When you accept it, you love it into submission. By merging with it, you transform it."

So why, I hear many of you ask, would we come to the Earth in the first place. Why come to a world where duality exists, where positive and negative forces are in perpetual conflict?

"The physical plane holds the greatest lessons. It is the ultimate testing ground. When trapped in the physical form, you are forced to confront your main obstacles to spiritual development. If you are able to conquer these tests while in the physical body, you make the greatest progress spiritually."

"The choice is yours. The choice has always been yours. You can either use your power of thought to manifest unity and harmony in your life, or you can add to the discord by allowing negative thoughts to dominate. Which is it to be? It is your decision. The way you think, not only affects your own life, but others around you; it affects your loved ones; it affects your world. You have the power to change the world you live in."

White Star, as stated above, is a fictional character in a series of metaphysical books. The intention of making these mind, body, soul/spirit quotes available is to stimulate ideas in YOU, the reader, to help you discover your own power. The initial response to White Star quotes has been very positive and in recent times, many ezine, newsletter and magazine editors use these quotes as a supplement to their articles.

The quotes are excerpts from the new age spirituality books displayed on the web site www.1-inspirational-quote-book.com

The stories are fiction, written in an exciting and action packed format that is a medium for ideas to help bring about positive change in our world. Some view them as new age spirituality, others as simply inspirational. Regardless of personal beliefs, all have found them entertaining and enlightening. As one reader wrote "The story slowly engulfed me, drew me in until I was on my own journey, opening my mind, enticing me to read more. I ask, is this just a novel or a key to our future ...?

Unlike any other books, if you take the time to read and digest these thought provoking stories, I guarantee your outlook on life will never be the same - it will certainly change for the positive. As the White Star would say "You have the power to change the world you live in!"

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Author Bio:
Born November 30 in New Zealand, Gau-Ghan shares the same birthday as Mark Twain. And likewise, avid readers will stick with Gau-Ghan like paint to the picket fence in Huckleberry Finn. His stories on mind, body, soul and spirituality will challenge your view on life.

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The Power of Inspiration

INSPIRATION can be a powerful thing. It can keep you going when all around you cries out “quit!” It is even more powerful than motivation, as motivation gives you your basic reasons to keep going--it tells you why you want to do what you do, because motivation is based on goals. These, in turn, may be based on necessity want or desire. But inspiration fills those reasons with hope, possibil- ity and enjoyment and keeps the “grind” from becoming too grindy.

But just what does inspiration consist of? I posit two elements: vision and mission. Proverbs 29:18 says ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish.” A vision is the first step toward turning your motivation into inspiration. A person with a vision sees down the road. He can sense what it will be like six weeks, six months, a year, two years, five years and more ahead.

But how do you get a vision?, you ask. First of all, you need to narrow your perspective. You can’t attempt to “ride off in all directions at once,” so to speak. Try to decide what it is you are looking for, so you’ll know it when you see it. In other words, try to have in mind some general goals as to where you want to be six months a year, etc. from now. These goals will not only form the basis of your motivation but should also serve to limit to an extent the scope of your activity.

Next, try to locate and choose an opportunity (business, career or job) which you feel is right for you. This may be easier said then done, as there are many choices which sound good. You may come upon an outstanding one right away, purely by chance. If so, latch onto it. But you will probably have to pick several at first and study the things which each one offers and try to evaluate the potential of each one as you see it. Settle on the one which you feel has the most potential with the least amount of hassle (preferably one that is totally Internet driven as opposed to one where you have to spend time calling potential prospects by phone).

Once you have chosen your company, stand behind it in every way and don’t quit or change your mind. B.C. Forbes said “Without loyalty, nothing can be accomplished in any sphere...” Think of yourself as being in it for the long haul, no matter what. And try to envision, based on what you know, how things will be down the road. Keep that picture before your mind, and never doubt. Napoleon Hill said “What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.”

Once the vision is firmly implanted in your mind, let it become your driving force. Let the vision excite you with the possibility of its fulfillment and you will automatically begin the next step--you are on a mission. Your mission is to bring about the realization of the vision. If you keep the vision in mind, you will move forward in the mission, accomplishing enthusiastically step by step that which is necessary to bring the vision into reality. You will have developed a sense of excite- ment, importance and urgency which will keep the fires of inspiration burning in your heart and moving you ever onward and upward.
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Source: ezinearticles.com

Improve Yourself By 10 Inspirational Quotes

It might take a little coffee or probably a few rounds of beer or any other booze you could get your hands on when it comes to relaxing after a hard day's work. Well, yeah I'm guilty about that one as well, unless I'm caught dead wearing a lampshade over my head after a few rounds of vodka… half-naked! Okay, bad example and I apologize to everyone reading this after getting nightmares about me in that state of drunken stupor.

Just don't ask how it happened, please.

But what's really interesting is that how do people go through the usual part of life when faced with vein-popping stress? I mean, the new age thing like Zen or yoga is one of the good things and it actually works. Is there room for the intellectual side of people who can actually smell the roses-in-a-can while on the move? It kind of had me thinking that there really must be something in this 'mind-over-matter' thing.

Humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what's been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it's better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. One of my favorite celebrities of all time may have to be Woody Allen. Now this is one guy who gives you the in-your-face bluntness that he pulls out with gusto, even without even trying. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he's bound to mock the subject and you'll end up laughing rather than being upset about it.

Woody Allen has this to say:

1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn't have to take an arm and a leg to get it.

2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government." 'Nuff said.

3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life's little problems isn't all that bad, until 'he' shows up.

Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you're talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.

4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions." And if you want more, just keep on asking!

5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no'." It sounds, 'practical', I think.

And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn't involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.

6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats." I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.

7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." If it rains, it pours.

8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." It could get worse when you're guzzling on beer… or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!

9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." At least he doesn't smite us with lightning, and I'm thankful for that.

And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can't seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we're religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.

And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go by… however, whenever, and wherever we may be.

10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."