SPECIAL HEROES

Order the media acclaimed book:
TEENS! Improve Your Life -
Don't Overlook The Obvious
Available through TeensImproveYourLife.com ,
Amazon.com , and
Barnes & Noble Website.

www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

It'sAbout Time That You Failed!
By Russell Irving

What is this guy talking about? He wants us to fail? Every adult I know has pounded SUCCESS into my head!... What is he talking About?... "

Well, I do mean what I said in this piece's title!

For far too many years now, many of your parents and grandparents applauded almost everything you did. You learned how to potty. They clapped and rewarded you. Your artwork? Great, good, or like mine, awful, they hung it up for the world to see. You played sports? Well every team's players got some sort of trophy or certificate. You took tests, and the teacher graded everyone on a curve so that no one flunked. You did something wrong at home and you weren't punished, you were simply asked not to do it again.

Yes, it's been sort of nice, hasn't it? And, I certainly don't question that these adults have meant well. But, the fact of the matter is, that not everyone is good at everything. And, that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay. It's super! Why? Well, hang in there for a minute and I'll explain it to you.

Another reality of life is that no matter how good or talented you are at something, there will be someone who is better than you. Smarter, funnier, tougher, more eloquent, more beautiful, handsomer, wittier, more athletic, more artistic, more logical, a better leader,...

And, in 'real life', good or bad, there are 'winners' and if not 'losers', 'non-winners'.

"If you're trying to scare me or burst my bubble, here, you might be doing a good job of it. But, why would you do this to me?"

My point is not to do any of the above. It is to help prepare you for the real world.

When kids or teens have always been told that everything they did was successful. That they have no limits in life. That they can never lose by trying something... Then they are in for huge disappointments as they spend more time away from an artificial world and enter the real world.

If you never fail, you can never truly know the sweetness of a great win. If you are told that you can do anything, then what disappointment when you try out for your college or local club's basketball team and discover that you're a lousy shot. Or that you are too tall to be a horse racing jockey. Or that while you enjoy your singing, you will never make it to the finals of American Idol or perform at Carnegie Hall. (What's that?... Trust me, it's a big deal for many folks.)

If you only ever had 'Passing' grades or even all A's, then what happens when you take a course and get a C or even a D, as can happen to the best of you. - I remember reading how some of a college's professors quit rather than retroactively scale students' grades so that they and prospective employers would believe that they were better students than they were. - I know that many colleges now find themselves requiring students to take remedial English or Math classes because they might have graduated from high school, but they lack the skills to do well in college. Quite a surprise to these students who thought that they always did such fine work.

Then, of course, you have those who were great inventors. Thomas Edison failed countless times before his light bulbs worked as hoped for. The inventor of the Dyson vacuums failed more than times than one would care to count. Yet, each failure led him closer to success.

The same theory applies to so many areas of life.

As important as all this is, you will gain something else very important after you have failed at something. You will know how those whom you always did do better than in areas, always felt when you bested them.

Why is this important? Because you will gain empathy. You will achieve a better sense of compassion for your fellow student.

And, you will be able to observe how the 'Winners' treat you. Are they respectful? Or, do they rub your nose in your defeat? Are they cocky? Or, simply confident?

And, you will be able to think back on how you have treated those who were not as talented or successful as you.

For better or for worse, failure and a lack of winning (the 2 are not the same thing) come with the territory of being human. And, when you know that you have done your best, you will develop a sense of inner pride, that cannot be taken away from you simply because you did not succeed at the task or do as well as someone else.

Oh, and there is another thing to remember. Just as there is always someone who can do better than you. There will be those who cannot. And those who do as well as you.

And, no one is a failure at everything. No one!

The important things are to stretch your limits, know what they are (when it is appropriate to do so), and to be a compassionate person.

So while you should always strive to do your best and succeed, don't fear failure. It is one of the true stepping stones toward becoming a great adult!

'Nuff said!

The Pursuit Of Happiness
By Ricky Powell

By the same token, guess what� most everyone else feels the same way! So, ask yourself, �Am I a joy to be around?� �Do I present an aurora of happiness and well being for my kids, parents, spouse, friends, and co-workers?� If not, I strongly recommend you take a good, long, deep look within. If you haven�t heard it yet, �Life is 5% what happens to you and 95% how you react to it.�

On my website, one lady took my happiness survey and wrote some rather critical words about this topic. I only wish she would have left her contact information so that I could have written her back and started a dialogue about her comments. Although I was unable to do that, I am pleased to be able to respond in this article instead.

Allow me to paraphrase. First, she wrote that life is never this simplistic. She claimed that criminals are happy when they are committing their crimes. I have to disagree. While I am no expert on the criminal mind, my guess is that most of them are actually miserable. I dare say that the evil forces in the world, murderers, rapists, even terrorists, are actually not happy. This may be a generalization but I would bet in the majority of cases, it�s true. Overall, I would say that happy people do not rape, pillage and murder.

Next, she wrote that happiness may well be a choice for some people, but not for everyone. She continued, �Environment, genetics and a number of other things have to be factored in and it appears you, (meaning me), ignored them. Perhaps it is because you have never known unhappiness, stress, genes with glitches, etc. If everyone were always happy, we would still be living in caves. Unhappiness with something or someone is a great motivator for change.� She went on to talk about the state of the world and how we should all be unhappy with it.

I am actually very grateful she took the time to submit the survey because until I read it, quite frankly I was completely remiss in addressing these extremely important points that need to be tackled. First, let me just say that I have had plenty of sadness and stress in my life. Haven�t we all? Yet, I believe there is a difference between feeling sad over particular events taking place, versus an overall attitude of unhappiness.

At age 4, I had an older brother who ran away from home and disappeared for the next 18 years, only to show up years later for just a few fleeting moments until he left again for good. Unfortunately for my family, he was a very unhappy person.

At age 23, I lost my very best friend suddenly due to congenital heart defect. We had gone through High School and College together, and I actually attribute my entire post graduate career in Entertainment to him as he was responsible for helping me land my first job out of school where we worked together side by side. He was such a powerful, positive force in my life, and touched so many others� lives, that to this day, 21 years later, not a day goes by when I don�t think about and miss him terribly. He was one of the happiest people I knew and was a great inspiration in my creating a website about happiness.

Five years ago, I lost my mother prematurely. She was just 73. We were so close my entire life and after my kids came along, she was absolutely overjoyed to spoil them as much and for as long as she could. I felt horrible about losing her, and even worse that my kids would never again be able to spend time with her. As young as they were when she passed, fortunately they have nothing but wonderful memories of her and thank goodness we captured many happy events on video so that her memory can live on for generations to come. My mom, despite a very difficult life, was also one of the happiest people I have ever known.

I share all of this for no other reason than to help my anonymous visitor understand that we all have bad things happen to us. The world is full of horrible people, places and things that go on each and every day. For one to choose happiness does not mean that they are ignoring or condoning all of these atrocities. Imagine what doctors and lawyers and morticians go through every day. If they let what they see each and every day affect their ability to be happy, none of them would stand a chance.

I believe also, that she may have misunderstood the difference between �unhappiness� and �dissatisfied�. Human nature itself is insatiable. From the moment we are born, we are never satisfied. Radio talk show host and author of Happiness is a Serious Problem, Dennis Prager, recalled that his son�s third word was �more�. His order of speaking was mama, dada and more! I am sure that is something to which all of us can relate. It is this dissatisfaction that drives us to constantly improve. The caveman was not satisfied with the way things were, and thus invented the wheel. Then came the discovery of fire, and so on it goes. Did Bill Gates stop with Windows XP? No, here comes Vista. Today, the i-phone� tomorrow, the i-world! None of this has anything to do with being unhappy. That is an entirely different animal. We can be dissatisfied with the way things are and strive to make them better, but we can still enjoy inner peace and happiness while working on making the world a better place.

Genetics is a completely separate issue. There are people who suffer from chemical imbalances and other physiological anomalies, which can lead to depression, anxiety and other problems, all possible contributors to unhappiness, (some members of my family included� remember my brother?) Thankfully, there are medications that can help people in these situations. Drugs are only part of the answer though. From what I understand, these medications are only meant to enable the patient to feel better.

To summarize for now though, I emphatically believe that happiness is absolutely a choice. It is the very reason that I created LifelongHappiness.com. It is truly your personal responsibility to be as happy as you possibly can. The world will be a much better place when the majority of its inhabitants are a just a little happier!

Ricky Powell is the man behind the curtain at Lifelonghappiness.comYou may think the pursuit of happiness, as our forefathers mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, is that of a selfish search. However, quite to the contrary, it is one of the most selfless quests an individual can undertake.

Although you may not realize it, being happy or at the very least acting happy, is the ultimate win-win feeling. Why? Think about it. When you reflect on all of the people in your life, which folks tend to make you feel good? The miserable ones? Of course not, happy people tend to make us feel better. When you are at work, do you like being around others who do nothing but criticize, complain and belittle others? Most likely, you enjoy working side by side with people who have a positive outlook on life and are able to find the good in others and in most situations.

Study Skills Guide for Students
Author: Andre Thunestvedt

Have you read about some standard memorization techniques? (Can you even remember those memory techniques?) Here are a couple of studies habits that help you retain information� and recall it when you need it. The information sticks! These study techniques also help you improve your overall memory function.

First, Timing is everything.
Choosing the right timing will be the first step to improving your grades. Believe it! It turns out that your memory is geared to work better by using certain intervals of study and rest. Once you understand this timing�and use it--you'll put your brain in the best position to learn. Super memory, here you come!

Here's the deal. If you follow the time table below, success will follow: � Review a small chunk of your test information . Don't tackle more than a page or two, and don't review for more than half an hour�even if you're tempted. � Take a break, but come back to the task in five minutes. � Review for another half an hour. � Take another break. � Come back to studying an hour later. Yes, rest that brain for an hour. � Come back to the information after an hour and review it for 15 minutes. � Repeat the 15 minute review for the next 24 hours.

Congratulations! When you use this routine, you make a transformation. Your short term memory has become long term memory! Your reward will be better grades.

Second, Tell Yourself a Story

Oh, you know how boring it is to memorize lists! You feel sleepy even though it's the middle of the day. Surely there's a better way.

There is! If you turn the information into a story, things change. This study technique helps you stay awake and interested in the information. It helps you get better grades because it's easier to recall the information during the actual test.

Here's an example. Say you've got a list of vocabulary words. Instead of staring at those words until you zone out, try using the words to make up a story. Write the story down. Use the words appropriately, with their meanings. Don't worry if the story seems silly or doesn't make a lot of sense. It will take some work, and you'll laugh because the story will probably be goofy.

But guess what? Come exam time, you'll be surprised how well you remember the words' meaning and spelling. This is a study tip that works on your memory and pays off with better grades.
------

Andre Thunestvedt has been studying the human memory for years, and has written many articles on the subject. He is well-versed in ways to improve memory and is the creator of

How-Improve-Memory.com Go to his website now and get ten expert tips on improving memory.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://andrethunestvedt.articlealley.com/study-skills-guide-for-students-2012856.html
About the Author:

Major bookstores, and libraries are now able to order the book,
Improve Your Marriage - Don't Overlook The Obvious !
If you do not see it on their shelves, simply request that they stock it!
You can also order it directly from this site or from Amazon.com

And, visit www.DontOverlookTheObvious.com

Motivational Strategies For Your Workouts So You Finish Every Time

Author: Derek Manuel

Staying motivated is a key factor to having success in the gym. As they say, most people are good starters but poor finishers. This is because it is easy to get fired up and excited about a future goal you want to attain, such as trying to get in shape and build muscle fast, especially when you flip through a bodybuilding magazine or see a role model with a body like the one you want.

For the first couple days, we are all excited and ready to hit the gym and train with more intensity then ever. After the workout, we feel good and can't wait until the next training day. This goes on for a few more days, for some even a few weeks. Then suddenly, our motivation level drops. All of the sudden doing something else like watching T.V. or going out with your buddies to the beach sounds much more appealing. On our next workout day, we're just not that eager to hit the gym hard and punish our bodies. We tend to even think about working out less and less.

Let me just say that at this point, and if you ever experienced this before, your goals for that particular workout are pretty much toast - unless you do something about it fast. Think about it. What got you all pumped up to begin the workout in the first place? What was different about the beginning of the workout that changed later on that kept you from continuing your workouts in the future? One word: Motivation.

What exactly is motivation? The actual definition of motivate is "to provide with a motive or motives." So if motivation is what provides you with a motive, a reason to workout, how do you maintain motivation until your reach your goals? Figure out your reasons why and how to constantly remind yourself on a daily basis. In other words, figure out "what" motivates you and "why" it motivates you and implement them into your daily thoughts and you will always be motivated!

Obviously this is much harder then it sounds, but there is a logical way to go about doing this. My mentor always used to tell me, "when you know your reason why, you will overcome any how." So the first step to keep you motivated throughout your whole workout program until you complete it is to figure out your reason why and make sure it is big enough to compel you to action and keep your desire for its attainment a burning obsession.

Write it out on a piece of paper in one or two sentences and place it somewhere where you will see it every morning and every night. Write it on a smaller note card and carry it around in your pocket everywhere you go to constantly remind yourself of it.

This step is so important that I can't stress it enough. Ask anybody who has had great success in any endeavor and they will tell you that their goal or dream was never two sentences away from their thoughts. They thought about it every minute of every day. They were in the zone. They knew exactly what they wanted and never took their mind off of it until it was achieved. Adapt this kind of thinking and attitude and motivation will follow you like a shadow.

The second approach to maintaining motivation and to keep it habitually in your thoughts is to set yourself up to where you are constantly reminded and fired up about working out. This can and should be done in several ways. The most effective way is to set up a series of ways in which you can be reminded all the time through literary, audio, visual, as well as face-to-face learning and training.

When you are constantly reading new workout material, listening to audio recordings that motivate you, watching videos or movies about working out and bodybuilding, and are associating with other like-minded people with the same or similar goals, you will have a steady and constant flow of motivation.

One of my favorite quotes is, "you will be the same person today in five years except for the books you read and the people whom you most associate with." The truism in this quote cannot be denied. If "birds of a feather flock together," what can you tell about your motivation and results based on the people whom you most hang around? How often are you reading new material on weight training and bodybuilding? These questions can often present the reason why you may be losing motivation every time you start a new workout program.

Begin today before anything else by finding your reason why you workout and ingrain it in your brain until it becomes a burning obsession. Then make sure you are always around information and people that support your goals. By just making a habit of these two things will not only jump start your motivation but also gives it the long lasting vitality and lifeblood it needs to continue to compel you all the way to the finish line.

Derek Manuel is the author of the best-selling, How to Gain Weight and Build Muscle for Hardgainers. If you want to learn how you too can gain 20 to 30 pounds of solid muscle in as short as 8 weeks, or if you just want more quality information on how to gain weight and build muscle, please visit http://www.hardgainers-weight-tips.com

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/motivational-strategies-for-your-workouts-so-you-finish-every-time-596355.html

Triumph over Troubled Childhoods:
10 Strategies to Help Adults

Author: James P Krehbiel

According to recent conclusions from a decade-long study by the Center for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente Hospital, 60% of American adults were affected in some way by adverse childhood experiences. ACE's were defined as dysfunctional behaviors displayed by parents, such as emotional and physical abuse or neglect. ACE's leave an imprint on children and impact their ability to cope effectively in adulthood.

Negative childhood experiences leave scars in need of healing. Some adults are capable of processing their past more adaptively than others. Often, adults will cling to childhood scripts that no longer are necessary or helpful. Some of these basic childhood assumptions that get activated are:

I must perform admirably at all times.

I am responsible for all the bad things that happened to me and I should be blamed for them.

I must avoid conflict at all costs because it is risky.

Other people's opinions and beliefs are more important and convincing than my own.

Adults from troubled childhoods need to learn how to process the perils of their past as opposed to denying one's story or ruminating about it. This search to heal from the vestiges of worn out thinking and behavior takes courage and persistence. Here are 10 strategies to assist adults in leaving behind the negative interpretations of childhood:

Give up the magical illusion that somehow your parents will morph and become the loving, caring adults you have always yearned for.

Write a letter to the abusive parent. Share your deepest feelings about what you experienced as a child. Don't hold back. Do not deliver the letter. This exercise is designed to therapeutically assist you in releasing pain from the past.

Consider your earliest childhood recollection. Where were you located? Who was with you? What were you wearing? How did you feel? What beliefs about your life are captured in your story.

Listen to your inner critic. This is the voice (derived from a parent) that speaks in harsh tones and provides disparaging messages. Let it speak and learn to understand the nature of its noise. Learn to detach from its contents.

Rationally respond to the inner critic. If it says, "How could you do such a stupid thing," respond by exclaiming, "We all make mistakes. This experience doesn't define who I am. I will do better next time."

Learn to make realistic appraisals about who you are and what you do. Leave behind, the tyranny of the, I should have, I ought to, I must not, and so on. Think in terms of preferences rather than absolutes. For example, "It would be nice if my business partner thanked me for a job well done, but is not essential." Another realistic, thoughtful appraisal might be, "What role did I play in this problem, if any?" Get out of self-blame because it is not helpful in solving problems and only serves to victimize you.

Learn to set more realistic boundaries. Quit giving your power away to other people. Start asserting yourself, telling others what you need and want. If you confront potential conflict, people will respect you, not abandon you.

Your troubled childhood was not your fault. Let go of the need to blame yourself for a problem you didn't create. It never was about you!

Find supportive friends that you trust that can help you role-model more intimate, connected behavior. Understand that your past doesn't need to have power over you in the present. Remember, your friends are not your parents. You can learn to selectively disclose information to others, letting yourself be more emotionally transparent.

Forgiveness is a process, not an act. Hopefully, at some point, you will be able to forgive your parents for being less than perfect and causing you harm.

Overcoming a troubled past and learning to live a triumphant life takes time and patience. Seek counseling support if you feel stuck in trying to handle your thoughts, feelings and relationship issues. There is hope and healing for those who courageously seek to transcend the difficulties of a troubled childhood.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/triumph-over-troubled-childhoods-10-strategies-to-help-adults-4944320.html
About the Author
James P. Krehbiel is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist. His first book, Stepping Out of the Bubble is available at www.booklocker.com. His latest book, Troubled Childhood, Triumphant LIfe (New Horizon Press) is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and other book stores. James specializes in working with children and adults experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders. He has published numerous counseling-related articles, most available via Google searches. He can be reached at jkboardroomsuites@yahoo.com.

Why You Should Not Feel Comfortable in Your Comfort Zone

by: plbrooks10

Life is a continuous journey filled with endless future possibilities and future accomplishments. Yet many people think life is a destination, they achieve a certain plateau of success in their lives and begin to rest on their laurels. In other words they become complacent or content which is the foundation of mental, physical, spiritual, and professional atrophy and stagnation. They began to allow themselves to be stuck in a quagmire of mediocrity and self absorption. I have stated a few reasons why your comfort zone can completely stifle your personal growth, and your unlimited potential (the problem). In this article I will offer you several viable solutions to this problem, which you can place into practice starting today.

Be in a state of perpetual self development and life exploration. Never have the mindset that you know, all there is to know about yourself or your fields of expertise, there will always something new and exciting to discover. Approach life as if you were a young child again, constantly exploring, learning, and doing. Don�t be afraid or intimidated by trial and error. Many of humanity�s greatest triumphs and achievements have occurred because of it. Don�t be afraid to be a risk taker, and remember �the greater the risk the greater the reward�.

Embrace change with an open mind. It has been stated that most people resist change. I believe the reasons are many why humans fight change. I feel the three most prevalent ones are fear of the unknown, acceptance of the status quo or conformity, and the fear of failure. Think back to situations or circumstances in your life where change was needed in your life and you constantly fought against it, whether it were personal, professional or otherwise. Finally you decided you did not have a choice but to change, or face dire consequences you did not want or desired if you did not change. More times than not, you emerged as a better person, and the transformation enriched your life�s experiences in some fashion or form.

Give even though you feel you�ve given all you had to give. In other words, when you feel you are completely exhausted from giving do even more. Regardless if your giving efforts are relating to your professional life, your personal life, your marriage, or any other relationship or endeavor you deem important in your life. You will be pleasantly surprised and impressed by your limitless potential to give and achieve. You will grow exponentially as a human being and many others will greatly benefit from your inexhaustible focus and tireless effort. I am sure you know some individuals personally, or heard of people universally famous for their endless giving and monumental achievements regardless of their age or background.

Set high standards for yourself. Continuously reach for the stars and beyond, you owe to yourself, and others you love and cherish. Having high standards in any progressive relationship will elicit the best in you. You talents and skills will constantly be tested, and most certainly arise to overcome any challenge. You will be amazed of what you can accomplish when once you continuously raise the bar and upping the ante.

In summary if you want to continuously grow and live a constantly enriching life, avoid staying in your comfort zone as if it were some type of deadly contagious disease. Continue to be curious about what life can offer you, once you decide to constantly develop your talents and skills. Give until you are exhausted, and then give some more. Have an inexhaustible lust and zeal life. Set high standards, and always continue to raise the bar for achievement.
About the AuthorPaul is also an experienced personal online marketing mentor and leader. For more info visit http://www.entrepreneur2day.com You can follow Paul on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PaullBrooks

Addressing The Problem Of Traumatized Youth In America

The level of violence among youths has risen to alarming proportions over the last few decades. The inner cities have become breeding grounds for youths committing felony crimes and grave yards for those being killed.

The conditions that contribute to the delinquency among our youths are widely studied, documented and reported. Our juvenile systems are now bulging and growing as rapidly as adult jails. Speaking with inner city youths, they know that "Juvenile Hall" is jail for kids and they report having many friends and peers who have gone there, or are still there. As a psychotherapist trained in trauma resolution, I have worked with children ages three through eighteen, resolving trauma triggered by many types of occurrences. These include death of parents through illness, sudden and traumatic death of parents, relatives and friends, rape and sexual molestation and through separation from their parents and family.

Great empathy is extended to the young child who cannot understand the absence of a mother due to untimely death. Most family members are not appropriately trained to handle trauma in their children. Youths, age seven to twelve, may be left alone to grieve, or ignored and avoided by the adults in the family, school and community. Children thirteen through eighteen normally isolate themselves in sadness, loneliness and depression. Some youths act-out in defiance and aggression, secretly yearning for help and understanding to cope with their loss, pain and sadness.

A large percent of the violence among our youths stems from unresolved trauma. Youths today are very familiar with death, they are witnesses to violent and traumatic incidences. Most of the deaths of their peers are from violence and the rest from suicide, illness and accidents. Particularly in the inner cities, children are confronted with deaths at an early age, especially traumatic death of family members, friends and peers. These children are highly exposed to shootings and killings in their neighborhoods attributed to drugs and the drug related culture. They are traumatized by incestuous relations by fathers, sexual molestation at the hands of family members, friends of the family and frequently from the boyfriends of their drug using mothers.

Our systems are ill equipped to address the needs of children in trauma. The census of traumatized children in our communities will be greatly under assessed, as many of the crimes go unreported. Many school systems are oblivious to the problem of trauma among the children. Principals and teachers report as defiant and bad behavior the 'acting out' children engage in as defense mechanisms to mask the pain, shame and confusion of traumatic events. On many occasions, I have arrived at a school to counsel a child reported to be bad, fighting and defying authority, only to uncover a traumatized child camouflaging the impact of the loss of a parent, relative, friend or peer.

When assessing changes in behavior patterns and academic performance in children, I observed that in most cases a traumatic event preceded the onset of the problems. Consequently, our jails, foster homes, schools and communities are filled with children with unresolved trauma. Consider the young child who, after loosing a parent or relative, is suddenly placed in foster care. As this child struggles to adjust and cope, he or she is labeled "bad" and is shuffled from one foster home to the next. Pain, frustration and anger are piled on each time that child is removed. As the trauma is compounded and goes unresolved, the child is labeled and rejected as a bad child, gets lost in the system, or ends up in the juvenile system or dead.

The problem of the millions of traumatized youths in our communities must be addressed. While we linger in ignorance and confusion as a society, our young people are being criminalized and killed by the thousands. We have seen the blank stares and frightened responses of adults in trauma. Children in trauma act differently, they might laugh or act-out to cover their emotions. Some turn to anger, defiance and maybe drugs; still others engage in truancy in the home and school, drop out of school and run away from home. Always their defense mechanisms are focused upon as the problems while the underlying cause of the problem goes untreated.

The shootings, death and trauma in our inner cities grow daily. If our traumatized youths are not given urgent attention, the headlines and news casts will continue to report increased violence and deaths. Social and educational systems, especially in states with large urban communities, must allocate budgets to provide treatment for our traumatized youths. This group of children has gone unnoticed and unattended for far too long. The time is now to address the problem. Yesterday is a terrible memory and tomorrow a dreaded reality. Let us not forget that today's youths are the adults of tomorrow, future parents and heads of families, leaders of our communities, governments and our world.

Motivating Self and the Soul
By: Arjun Singhe

Motivating assists us with discovering the soul and self. It gives us inner strengths, which helps us to complete our daily tasks. Instead of looking at a job as something negative, when we develop motivation, it helps us to see that jobs can become rewarding. Thus, we take control of our life. We also need self-control to find our self and soul. Control can hamper us, since we may let it go to our head and indulge in doing wrong. We must have balance with self-control.
To find soul and self, one must endeavor. Once we embalm our skills to find self and soul, we see the need to consider our behaviors and thinking patterns. What is in my thoughts? Why do I think in such way? What makes me tick?
One can achieve finding soul and self by developing a quick-witted insight and a physically and mentally powerful will to set unchanging boundaries. The fixed boundaries help us by not allowing us to take the control we gain to our head.
The soul and self is a broad term in which it encompasses both steadfastness and regard. The soul and self plays a fundamental role in assisting an entity with working out control over their chagrin or mortification.
We all need the ability to control the self. It takes strong willpower to enable us to take this control. Some individuals have heightened aptitude to exercise control in comparison to others. The aptitude to exercise control over the self could slow down however, when disagreeable knowledge from the past emerge.
We need to develop motivation by using optimistic affirmations. It will enhance our process in finding the soul and self. This task is accomplished by learning to encode messages that stream from the subconscious mind. We can develop constructive energy that allots us to absorb positive thoughts.
Our actions originate from our thoughts. What time an entity is highly focusing on positive energy, he then is prone to think and act positive despite what situations he encounters. Developing a keen insight while managing particular tasks drives one to feel the optimistic vibrations within self and it plays a substantial role in helping one to overcome his impediments.
By developing positive affirmations it assists one with achieving control by facilitating him to breakout away from mentally challenging situations, e.g. exaggerated suffering, fretfulness and phobias.
Affirmatives assist one with overcoming obstacles that get in the way of our journey to find the soul and self. We develop respect for self by maintaining positive affirmatives.
These affirmatives serve to channel our energy cells giving us the aptitude to manage our performance in a number of areas. Motivation will allot us room to grow healthy and strong and we will enjoy enduring relationships with self and others. It enhances our memory by altering dysfunctional attitudes towards self and others.
Self-development process is noted by tests conducted by Mischel. He made some good points when he discovered that development serves to control altering responses. During his testing, he spoke with a small child, asking him to restrain self. The child was asked to control his desire to eat a marshmallow. He was given fifteen minutes. If he were capable of controlling self, he would receive the marshmallow as the reward. The child maintained for the fifteen minutes, which Mischel predicted that the child would develop healthy skills. In short, we must control our impulses throughout the development stage to discover self and the soul without losing control.
We must endeavor and develop motivation in order to become strong and willfully capable of finding this soul and self.

Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: Author sites: Home Remedies , Health Articles and Self Help Guides

Life Provides Lessons for Home Schoolers
By Codie Brenner

As home school moms it is important to look for ways to incorporate learning into activities we already have planned. Infusing everyday life with lessons is not difficult. God has created the world to speak of Him, even the rocks and plants would cry out about Him if we did not. Since our heavenly designer created all things, there are discoveries to be found and knowledge to gain built into life itself and the way we live it.
Let me give an example of what I mean.
My daughter loves horses and takes riding lessons each week. Her journey is an opportunity to learn not only about how to ride horses and care for them, a unit study on its own, but also one in character development, service, and responsibility. Everything associated with her venture is educational so why not make it a part of her education.
I suggest beginning with a mind map or brainstorm of the activities and interests already on your child's agenda. Follow these steps:

1. Write "activities and interests" at the center of a clean piece of paper (horizontal). Draw a circle around it.
2. Begin to draw legs out from the center circle listing off your interests and extracurricular activities. This can include lessons, sports, arts & crafts, church, play dates, class days, ISP meetings, etc. Include anything you do.
3. It would be helpful for both the parent and the child to complete their own brainstorm.
4. Compare mind maps when finished.
5. Take out a piece of lined paper, or if you like using the computer, open up your favorite word processor. Create a list using the information from the mind maps. (Keep in mind that not all the information on the mind map will be useful. Mind maps help sort through information to help you find the most important items associated with the topic.)

Once you have completed the brainstorm and list, you can begin to develop lessons. We have been able to use our daughter's horseback riding for lessons in creative writing, character development - responsibility, technology - blogging, physical education, and reading. Use the brainstorm exercise and get started capturing lessons from your life today.

For more information on homeschooling or to read additional articles by Codie Brenner, go to http://www.ispmom.com
Codie Brenner has a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing from Pepperdine University. She is a freelance writer, Christian school Librarian, and soon-to-be homeschool mom.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Codie_Brenner
http://EzineArticles.com/?Life-Provides-Lessons-for-Home-Schoolers&id=1018396

Simple Ways to Be a Better You
By: Daegan Smith

We all have goals in life. We have something beyond us to look forward to or to work for every time we do a task or we begin the day.
Very few of us have achieved what we wanted. At times, some can get it simply by having lady luck on your side. However, most people get what they want when they work hard to achieve it.
Still, there are times that working too hard can't get you what you want. This applies when there are many people who work just as hard as you do to get what you are aiming for. In these cases, you have to stand out from the rest.
Let take for example an employee who wants to be promoted to a supervisory position since his current supervisor will be elevated to be a manager in a different department. Almost everyone in the team will work hard to make the management choose them for the vacant position. Since everyone will be doing his or her own job excellently, what will give a person the edge to be chosen?
Therefore, simply doing your job well is not enough proof that you are capable of handling a leadership post. One has to strive to be a better person.
Improving oneself cannot be compared with the progress one's co-workers are making. Unlike the performance statistics that can be compared among the workers, you can only determine how much you have improved by only gauging what new skills have you learned or can you perform. In short, you compare your "present self" with your "old self," and not with your co-workers.
Consequently, how far you go or how much you improve depends on you, too. Usually, nobody tells you what you should do to make yourself better. You have to assess what new skills you needed to improve yourself or to make yourself qualified for your dream job.
Making yourself better is not a difficult task. You may choose to enroll in a course. If you don't have that much time and resources, just attending seminars, reading books and learning new skills or methods to do things will do. Just make sure that you practice it everyday. In fact, if you get used to doing it everyday, you will not notice the effort that you are making. Or, it will not take that much time and effort anymore. Here are some simple ways to give you several ideas on how to start.

* Be creative
When you start doing creative things, you release stress. Being creative may be practiced at work where you can experiment on other methods to do your job, or by having a hobby that you enjoy doing or that has just caught your interest.

Practicing your hobby may not directly mean your professional growth. However, just keeping your creative juices flowing means that you are prepared in case your work requires variations that need your creative skills.

* Keep on reading
Reading shouldn't stop when you graduate from school. In fact you should read more when you're no longer attending a school to refresh your knowledge and gain more information. Moreover, do not confine your reading in your work-related materials. Read anything - newspapers, books, advertisements, flyers, and even street signs. You don't know when the information will be handy.

* Meet people.
Apart from being sources of information or from having a mutually beneficial professional relationship, the people you meet and associate with help you know yourself better. When you meet different types of people in various situations, you learn what skills you may need to develop in yourself, what is really important for you and what direction you are taking.

* Prepare yourself.
While many people rely on fate or are dependent on the company's outlined contingency plans, you can also prepare yourself by checking what other areas have been overlooked in the contingency plans. When you get the opportunity, you may present your suggestions to the administration or implement the plan yourself.
Also, managers prefer that their employees can look at the situation from outside the box. They value people who are observant, creative, and well organized to know what they needed to do when things are not as they should be.

These are just the basics. From these you can devise your own ways to improve yourself. Just don't forget to share what you have learned especially those who are just at the beginning of their careers.

Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: Daegan Smith is an Expert Internet Network Marketer. "Learn How To Make $10,717 In Less Than a Week While Quickly And Easily EXPLODING Your Network Marketing Organization Without EVER Buying a Single Lead?" http://www.internetmlmsuccess.com mailto:netmlmsuccess@aweber.com

Leadership : How to Become an Ideal Leader
By: Sulamita Berrezi

When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they�re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that � goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.
Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen � to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.
Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.
You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.
First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.
Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.
First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?
People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.
You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.
Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you're subordinates must be.
Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization.
Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.
The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.
Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.
Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.
Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.
It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.
Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.
You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.
Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.
So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.

Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: Sulamita work on le canzoni del festival di sanremo negli anni 80, and canzoni sanremo anni 80and festival canzone italiana anni 80

Challenges And The Power Of Acceptance
By: Wendy Betterini

Inevitably in life we will have to face disappointment from time to time. Sometimes they may be little disappointments, and other times they may be great, big, heart wrenching disappointments. When this happens to us, we have a choice in how we react. Some of us may give up on our dreams, others may keep fighting stubbornly against the tide, and still others may choose another path to travel.
One important aspect of dealing with disappointment is acceptance. When we keep fighting against our circumstances and disappointments, it can leave us feeling frustrated, bitter and exhausted. Especially during those times in life when everything seems to keep going wrong for us, we get more and more stressed as we try to resist the undesirable circumstances.
Practicing acceptance can help ease that inner tension and allow us to see our situation more clearly. Accepting your circumstances does not mean giving up! It does not mean that you have to be 100% happy with your current situation. Acceptance means that you acknowledge and accept where you are in your life at this moment, even though it may not be ideal.
Maybe you hate your job or your marriage is faltering. Maybe you are struggling to lose weight and can't seem to get anywhere with it. Whatever it is that is causing you stress, try accepting it instead of fighting against it. Repeat the following to yourself: "I may not be thrilled with the way things are in my life right now, but I accept it. I will do what I can and give the rest to God. I am thankful for the blessings I do have right now, and I know that more are on the way."
It may take alot of practice at the beginning, but as you continue to do this, something amazing happens. The struggles suddenly don't seem so large anymore. They won't magically dissolve before your eyes, but the edges seem to soften a bit. Life doesn't seem quite so harsh anymore. Solutions to the problems may even begin to appear. If that doesn't happen right away, that's okay! Know that they will eventually. Just keep practicing acceptance and have faith that things will turn around.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. We are where we are in our lives right now because we are meant to be here. Several factors may have contributed to our current circumstances, such as choices we made in the past, or outside influences we have no control over. The questions to ask yourself are: What is the lesson here? What do I need to learn about this situation? Though you may not be happy with your current situation, there IS a reason you are there right now.
This is especially true if you continuously find yourself in similar situations! For example, if you keep choosing unhealthy relationships, you might want to take some time to discover why. If you are always struggling financially, there may be a message for you there. If you can't seem to figure it out on your own, you might consider seeking professional help. Sometimes an outside party can see things that we can't.
No matter what difficulties you are struggling with right now, know that this too shall pass. Difficulties do not last forever. Sometimes struggles are opportunities in disguise . . .

Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer who strives to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to make your dreams a reality. Visit her website, http://www.WingsForTheHeart.com for more positive thoughts to help you on your journey.

Triumph over Troubled Childhoods: 10 Strategies to Help Adults

Why You Should Not Feel Comfortable in Your Comfort Zone

Triumph over Troubled Childhoods:
10 Strategies to Help Adults