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Shotokan Karate Principles of Power -

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     Hello GutsIsTheKey Reader. This Writing is for a select group of you. Those interested in the martial arts and especially the karate sources of power, that can seem to generate “secret” abilities.

Chuck Norris secret power

     In some respects, I am one of those hard-core karate guys. I have done it pretty much all of my life and as such, it has become an inextricable part of my life. It is a source of dynamism and strength for me and produces MANY genuine benefits. Still, I am aware that there is much puff and fluff in the field of karate also. There is a certain abundance of the showy and pretensive in and around the whole subject of the martial arts. So much so, that it could discourage one from looking at the subject altogether. But I have found that counterfeits normally only more clearly prove, that there is a genuine artifact somewhere to be found.

100% real

     Such is the case with karate. Deeper aspects of learning and power are real. Hidden truths do exist, which do not readily appear to the general public. What do I mean? If you have pursued the martial arts through many seasons of your life; a strange thing happens to some of us. We no longer only work on “it.” “It” also works on us. … I can not explain this exactly, except to say that God has ingrained miraculous, mysterious principles which operate wonderfully in our world.  And sometimes, only the most devoted students of any discipline are aware of these underlying facts, in a substantive way. “Seek and ye shall find.” Mt. 7:7

     Yet, aside from this mystical sounding talk. Real karate is transparent. I want nothing more than to teach students its depths.  Yet, It’s just that for every one that you acquaint with karate. Only a small percentage will actually discover it’s more profound possibilities.

     One of the things that consistently attracts and intrigues people about karate is the amazing power that can be generated through its practice. In my last summer camp with my students; I taught on some of these. This article is dedicated to a basic, entry-level examination of some of karate’s underlying principles of power; that can be learned in its practice.

Paraclete

1- Pendulum                 Power :           “Be in the sway of Divine Power. “

     A pendulum is a dynamic control of energy. More accurately, it is a predictable flow of energy. It is a synthesis of material and motion. It synergizes objects and energy. In karate, the flow of one motion leads to the flow of another. Practicing the flow of one motion co-operating with the flow of another body motion can produce tremendous power.

     In eastern cultures, they refer to this idea as the Yin-Yang concept. There is plain evidence that the positive balances the negative and conversely, in our natural world. Many see this as a very complete synopsis of how our world works and where karate power comes from. As a Christian martial arts teacher; I see this concept also but a little differently.

     For this karate teacher, the sovereign God who reigns above these defined natural principles can also dwell in them. Christ is my Lord and Teacher and I let the flow of His power energize my heart and body. And His power can flow in and through these principles of nature, in the world that He has created and energizes. And His Spirit can flood through my being, through this channeled power. The point of contact that keeps me in this cleanest of all energies is being humbly submitted in reverence, to He without whom, none of these marvelous principles could exist (Jesus).

     Still, Karate is essentially very practical. We take the deeper underlying meanings of these described forces and teach them through very real physical training exercises. Practicing repetitious strategies, where one motion of the body flows into another is the way that I help my students to develop and plug into this unseen, but continuously operating Pendulum power.

simple pendulum

2- Gravity                       Power            “Let it Fall”

     Gravity Power and Relaxed Power are separate but often tie in together.  When people grab you, the natural tendency is to fight back. Yet one of the simplest and most effective self defense strategies that I teach is just to relax and fall, when held tightly. Often the tighter someone holds you, the more susceptible they are that a reaction of complete passivity will take them by surprise. A slick bar of soap is a good example of this. When someone grabs you from behind, a very effective response is to drop limply like a dish rag. Not only will you escape the hold but you are set up for rapid retaliatory movement. 

     Oftentimes to push down will slow you up. Letting gravity do its work and cooperating with this natural force can be much quicker and explosive. The most devastating impacts can often be generated by yielding to gravity’s help, than  by trying to force a muscular movement. Dynamic movements can be generated by allowing downward movements to be fueled by gravity’s natural power. Let it fall.

3-  Relaxed                     Power            “Weightlessness”

     I tell students truthfully that a normally healthy body can move faster than the mind. This is true. Rational thought can slow karate techniques and power.  Blinding speed can happen, when the only moment of thought is to start the technique. To let this movement go, with no further strength or strain until impact is the most super-charged way to make moves fly faster.

3 – Compression          Power            “Bring it together tight”

         When I was a child, everyone loved to give you a box to open that would have a snake-like spring coiled in the box. So that when you opened it; it sprang suddenly at you. Often bringing body parts together is like this. Bringing the legs together can lead to a much more potent movement.

     Compressing the abdomen at the time of impact can make every technique more explosive. Something about contracting this powerful muscle adds to the focus of any punch or kick. It is very important many times in karate; to bring it together tight.

4 – Expansion                Power            “Extend dynamically”

    For years fires were stoked and enhanced by fireplace bellows. Expanding these devices allowed them to fill up with air and be ready for a powerful expulsion.  If you concentrate on full expansions, every technique is lengthened and maximized. There is something incredibly brisk and explosive about expressing a full expansion, after a full contraction.

     Extending dynamically is a certain way to turn karate strikes into penetrating projectiles.

5 – Rootedness             Power            “Power of the Ground”

     This is one of those areas of karate empowerment that you can teach but can come truly to a student only when they “feel it.” How would I describe this moment of discovery? It is like tapping into the strength of the earth that causes a seed to explode. It is like being infused with the unmovable steadiness, of a powerful oak anchored to the ground by its roots. It is like feeling that you can take the energy of the ground and transmit it into the target.

     When I demonstrate this to a student it can be quite frightening to them; even when I make no contact. I can plant my foot and aim a strike and you can feel the dynamic of the ground come through you; even when I hold back the strike. There is great Power in learning to “Ground” your techniques.

6- Rubberband                        Power            “Sudden Release”

     I will often stand behind students and hold back their punch. And then unexpectedly let go as they are pushing. The sudden launching of the technique is obviously more forceful.

     It is like a rubber band. Suddenly letting go of pent up energy can produce incredible snap and speed.

7- Small Point               Power            “Two knuckle” AND

8- Steel Object             Power            “Harder the striking object, harder the impact.”

     Principles Seven and eight work strongly together.Often karate power is generated by bringing things together tightly. I spend a lot of time with students working on their fists. The impact of the strike can be no harder, than the instrument delivering the force.

     As students progress, I have them do knuckle push-ups. And not 5 knuckle push ups But 2 knuckle push-ups. I teach students to align the strength of the forearm behind the first two knuckles. I use an arrow as an illustration. Would you rather be hit by an eraser or an arrow? Of course the arrow is going to have penetrating and cutting power, where the eraser will not. Focusing energy into a small point multiplies its effectiveness.

     Learning to focus on small points can be a means to aim and intensify the power of techniques.

9- Augmented Motion Power            “One withdrawing strengthens one extending!”     AND

 10- Synergy                    Power            “Moving parts strengthening moving parts”   

     Nine and Ten, also flow together.

     I remember in my Floridian travels coming across a bus stopped at a roadside store, 15 to 20 years ago. There was a crowd gathered watching a man I later learned to be a great Chinese karate Master train in the parking lot. This was an extended visit as bus traveller’s stretched legs, had refreshments and etc. People came and went, as the aged man trained in his techniques. It was obvious to this wonderful man that I was more than just passively curious. So, even without being able to speak a word of English, he motioned me to him and began to teach me and let me train with him.

     I soaked up his instruction like a sponge. I learned things I have never forgotten. It was beautiful watching him move. Every move resulted in a corresponding move. Every move up, lead to a move down. Every move in was matched by a move out. there was a graceful synergy coming from him in everything. Every move augmented or strengthened another. I will always be grateful to this wonderful teacher for taking his time to train me that day. 

11- CircularMotion        Power            “Deceptive whirlwind”

     Shotokan is a very linear form of martial arts. Movements are generally based on straight techniques. The most efficient movements are always preferred to more showy ones. Yet still, there is great power in circular movements. The universe turns. The sun spins. The earth rotates. There is something very deep about the strength of circular movements. They can be deceptive. They can build cycles of inertia and energy. Properly focused they can be great sources of power.

12- Strike Through       Power            “Go through the target”

     One of the things that stops people from developing devastating power is aiming AT a target. I teach students to aim THROUGH targets. If the force is directed through the target, then the power generated is much more dynamic.

13- Explosion                 Power            “1:00 Training”

     I once had a student call me at One O’clock in the morning extremely and intensely excited. He had gotten a green belt technique I had been trying to teach him. So from that day, I called teaching this power source; my 1:00 training.

     Elements put together may possess the capacity to generate unbelievable power. But it is only when these elements explode with combustible flame that they produce an amazing blast. Putting many elements together and letting them flow with the combustion of an explosive release is a tremendous karate lesson, only realized by a few students.

14 – Lever                         Power            “Brawn vs. leverage”

     My father was a powerful man. I could write a lot on his physical exploits. Yet, one of the most amazing things about my father was not only his personal power and strength but how he knew how to use levers, block and tackle, winches  and etc. to greatly multiply his strength.

     It seemed to me that my dad could move anything, no matter how big; because he always knew how to find a gear or angle or device to multiply his force.

     You can push like crazy in one way and get nowhere. And yet the same force correctly applied in another place can have amazing results. Karate is built around working on and with these efficiencies. Brawn can seldom hold its own against leverage.

15 – Body Motion            Power            “Use yours & opponents motion to advantage”

     Steven Seagal’s Aikido and George Dillman’s Tuite have always fascinated me. Often the maximum attack or defense with an opponent is one that is energized by their own motion. A fighter leans forward; help him tumble down. A fighter leans backward; help him fall. A fighter charges with a rage; use his own drive to impale him or lose his balance.

     Moving with an aggressor can be like reading the tide. More success can be found in moving with it, than just trying to stop it. I help my students with mind like a moon training and mind like still water training, to help them get in sync with what is going on around them. Also, making them move in synchronous harmony with a class opponent can help them get in to the picture of other’s body movements.

     Not only prevail because you have terrific power but also because you use your opponents power to your own advantage.

16 – Diaphragm               Power            “Underestimated large muscle.”

Wow! Our world it seems is hooked on how abs look. A good karateka will focus on how abs work.

      Loosening and relaxing the diaphragm and learning to breathe deeply into the diaphragm can improve wind, stamina and strength. Loosening the diaphragm can increase muscle elasticity and improve stretching. Contrary to popular thought; Learning to relax our mid section is as important as learning to tighten it.

     Tensing and tightening the diaphragm can be an unparalleled source of karate power. Tightening the diaphragm at the right time can make every technique stronger and more focused. Tightening the diaphragm at the right time can eliminate air in the body and make nearly impossible “getting the wind knocked out of you.” 

     I work with karate students on breathing exercises. This always involves breathing into the abdomen. In my demonstrations, I literally let volunteers punch me in the mid section. Often it hurts their hand. I look like a butterball but my abdomen is like steel. When a punch is coming in one of these demonstrations; I actually attack the volunteer with my mid-section, to the fear of the puncher.

      Also, the karate kiai is vitalized by diaphragm power. The eastern mystics always see the inner fire and source of personal spiritual strength as coming from the mid-section. Through hip twisting and powerful diaphragm tightening; I teach students a realm of potency in their attacks and defenses that is truly devastating to opponents.

17 – Focus                                    Power            “Summoning all body energy into pt. of impact.”

      The Shotokan teacher that I trained under more years than the rest was Sam Jaquinta. Aptly, his nickname was “Sudden Sam.” His techniques were both powerful and electrifying. I can remember a kazillion times in his class; hearing the words: “Focus up on your punches!”

      Learning to tense the body suddenly and with great tension and emphasis at the correct moment can generate terrific power. Few people ever pool all of their resources and strengths into a single moment, much less a single second. And yet this is the goal of good Shotokan. From a relaxed posture to move at absolutely astonishing speed. And then at the precise moment that contact will be made; tense the whole body into a weapon of iron; especially the striking instrument.

     In conclusion, karate; like acupuncture the pyramids and the like; represents an ancient science. An ancient science that still baffles many today. There is tremendous power to be realized and harnessed in its study. I hope this Beam has made you aware of some of these.

Tim with Glenn & Joe in his fighting prime



Karate’s life transforming power

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     Dear GutsIsTheKey reader. This BEAM is about karate’s positive potential and power to change lives in a healthy way. Karate has been a life long experience for me. I remember, when I had my first karate lesson over 40 years ago; karate was practically an unknown in America. The only successful karate movie I knew of was Billy Jack and for the most part; karate was an art followed only by a select few in this country.

Billy Jack

     Now karate is a cultural phenomenon and known in every part of the country. Many, many box office hits feature and highlight martial arts and its value. It has grown, merged with other self-defense concepts and lead to the massive MMA movement in America today.

     Now, karate is prolific in the United States. And in nearly every country throughout the world,  millions of people regularly put on a white-colored uniform or gi with belt, and go to a work-out studio to learn this art with ancient roots.

Sensei Tim

Sensei Tim

     This is amazing really. In nearly every gym or dojo where karate is taught, people subject themselves to one of the most rigorous physical discipline’s known. And not because they have to for military training or are required for some work-place benefit. No, people all across the world regularly train in this art, for “Personal” reasons.

     What is it that attracts so many to the practice of this sport? [I prefer to call it an art.] It seems that there is a general consensus that the practice of karate can produce positive personality development and psychological well-being for the practitioner. Many benefits are cited by karate practitioners, as reasons why they train. Among them are physical fitness, relaxation, improved self-confidence, concentration and self-discipline.

     The following points seem to prove that the practice of Shotokan or other traditional karate systems can improve the general well-being of the participant.

  • There is an observable and significant increase in self-esteem among juvenile delinquents who trained karate for 6 months. 

  • Elementary children given traditional karate training have also demonstrated improved self-esteem.

  • Novice students seem to have a less secure sense of well-being than advanced students. {Proving that the ongoing pursuit of karate, yields ongoing results in personal self-concept and wellness.}

  • There are also studies that show that karate students, compared to fitness and health students obtain a higher degree of improvement, in self-confidence.

The above points are documented By L. A. Mata, Ph.D.

     I know that if I had to cite only a handful of accomplishments, as the greatest events in my life. Obtaining my black belts would definitely be one of the highest. It has been demonstrated that black-belts show a significantly higher perception of confidence and physical skill.  The ongoing and demanding training requirements and grading examinations involved in obtaining the Dan rank create a solid self-perception of worth, confidence and physical ability.. 

self defense attack points

     Karate, more than just the self-defense applications; produces in its devotees an increased readiness to face challenges. The black belt for me is worn in the heart, more than just on my body. It generates healthy attitudes that influence all of life, not just in the training hall.

      The diligent and persistent practice of kihon, kata and kumite with Sensei’s and Senior class instructors can be a life changing event. There is probably no better environment for mentorship, than the karate studio. My Sensei’s training shaped my development in ways that have positively transformed nearly every facet of my life.

     I know that I have this life molding opportunity with my students today. I guard and honor it as a serious responsibility. Karate, especially in its traditional forms is an awesome tool to help people experience positive and lasting transformations of their self worth. Karate truly has an amazing power to improve wellness. Therefore, I will spend the rest of my able life, in the teaching of this wonderful art.

2012 Karate Plaque


Missed Opportunities and Renewed Possibilities

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     I don’t care how goal oriented and positive minded you are; there will be times that life gives you sour grapes. But sometimes, we can not control what happens to us; only how we look at it. The circumstances of our life are not always of our own dictate or design but our attitude is.

sour grapes

     There is a narrative of one of Paul’s experiences in the New Testament that really helps illustrate this point. While trapped in the dreariness of a prison cell, he and his brothers of faith sang. Yes, they sang. Rather than bemoan the harshness of the terrible situation they found themselves in. They found the courage and inspiration to sing songs of celebration. The outcome of this account is their freedom and a demonstration of God’s willingness to help them in their circumstance. How often this message can help us. 

     By looking at the blessings within us, rather than only the challenges around us; doors of deliverance often open.

     When I first wrote the framework of these thoughts a couple of years ago, chances that I had given up on had come back into the horizon of my life.  A new approach on life was what caused this. And a new approach was what I needed to see these changes take place. I tell you truly; this kind of change is often easy to talk about and hard to do.  It was very costly for me to make this life transformation. It  was worth it but it was not easy.

     The problem with a new attitude is that we have to get rid of the old one. The best analogy I can think of to explain this idea is:  We must change the oil…… In a car, when you get rid of the old, you must immediately put in the new. You can not just recycle the old oil and the car continue to perform. You must completely change the oil, not just refresh the old.

oil change

     This would be difficult enough were the need transparent. But many of our problems are not so clear. Our problems are not always what is so evident to us. But our problems are usually the issues that are not so clear. The problem that most often haunts us is the problem behind the problem.

problems beneath the surface

     And the problem behind the problem is that we can’t change the oil, until we recognize that the old stuff is just that; old stuff. We hang on to the old. We Even deny that it is a problem. We stay tore up, messed up and upset; because we deny that we have a problem. The only way for lost chances to return (& they don’t always) is to approach life with a new outlook.  

attitude

With a new outlook; even if missed opportunities do not return; renewed possibilities often will. This brings

me to the elephant hiding in the room. The real question is: How are you looking at things today? Perhaps the answer to a new you is a new outlook based on some honest, deep soul-searching.

attitude

     Sometimes, we can not just keep on with the status quo and expect life to be good. Life is not static. It requires change. Sometimes, it even requires that we stop, to change. There was an important season in my life that I could not go forward, until I stopped what I was doing. And a major cease, halt and re-evaluation was needed for me to make needed course re-directions.

     I literally had to stop my whole world and take a look at my life for the purpose of changing it. This strategy is with much historical precedent. A sabbatical has been long recognized in many circles as a solid, healthy way to change.  Is a sabbatical needed for you to get rid of the old, so you can make room for the new?  

     Do you need to stop your world for a pause, before you plunge further in a misguided direction? Only you can answer this question. But I can help you with a healthy word of advice, if you decide you need such a season to rejuvenate. Remember, We don’t need cleaned oil. We need new oil…

    Maybe this BEAM (article) has not answered your questions but has only confirmed to you that you have questions, you need to answer,before you go further. If so, then it has served its purpose.

    May God help you make the course corrections you need; to have a happy, productive and fulfilled life.!

Tim - a.k.a. "Slam"
Tim – a.k.a. “Slam”

Refuse to Be Used – Seek help.

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Fire, Wind & Rain; These are Natural events we have to

deal with. Joy, Anger & Pain; These are Internal reactions

we have to deal with. Abuse is an unnatural event you

do not have to deal with. And Hate is an internal reaction

you do not have to deal with. Get help now if abused by

someone else and thereby bound by the turmoil of hate.

Really! …… Break the cycle of abuse. Refuse to be used.

     People want so desperately to find love and acceptance that often, it is sadly amazing what they will tolerate to stay in unhealthy situations. No relationship should be engaged in or continued, if it results in your ongoing harm or injury.

     This truth is not meant to be an excuse for not being committed to a relationship. Not nearly enough people are really committed to the degree they should be to those they love. Discarding relationships, for the sake of selfishness or convenience is allowed in our day. But that does not make it right or healthy. I Strongly endorse and recommend that people “work-out” normal problems in relationships, to be faithful and good to their family and friends.. Our Creator made us to be loving and joined in loving relationships to other people. That is the context in which we grow best.

we need each other

     But just like water is an exception to the building of a fire. A fire can not be built, while water is being poured on it. A healthy relationship can not be built, while it is being saturated with abuse. Physical or mental abuse from a so-called “lover” should be an exception to what is accepted in a relationship. There can be no “love” in an environment, where someone takes advantage of another to that person’s detriment or harm. Life is too short to live it in bondage and fear. Refuse to be used. Seek help.

water on a candle

     Being a lover should not mean that you have to be a victim.  Often the cycle of being abused is actually like an addiction. You can actually get to the point where you blame yourself, for the other persons unacceptable behavior. And the abuser will often encourage this, by blaming the innocent for their actions. This type of relationship is destructive in nature and should no more be tolerated than, putting your hand in acid. You know if you expose yourself to poison that you will be hurt. You should know, if you stay in a relationship or situation in which you or someone you love is being harmed that it is just like poison to you. No good will come of you staying in it.

poison sticker

In this cycle of hurt and injury, there is only one path of solution. Get out of the situation of abuse. Get away from the Abuser. The path of change is your path of healing and hope. If you are in an abusive situation. Like poison, you must get away from it and not continue to expose yourself to it. Either the Abuser has to change or you do. Tolerating abuse should not be acceptable in anyone’s vocabulary.

winds of change - direction     The toughest part of changing a cycle of abuse is that most often, the victim has to be the one to change; before the abuser ever will, if they will. And that change most frequently involves getting out of the relationship; until the abuser seeks help and therapy.

     Fox hole prayers are a dime a dozen to an Abuser. They will tell you a million times that they will change. And they may think they mean it at the time. But most frequently they will not change, until they get open about their problem and seek outside help.

foxhole prayer 1foxhole prayer 2

     The notion that staying in a situation of physical or mental harm will somehow help the person, normally only perpetuates the problem. By staying in the situation, you may actually be enabling the sick person to sustain their unhealthy behavior. If they will not change, you must. Life is too short, to live in a prison of your own design.

Being happy is a choice

     The Abuser can be a parent, spouse or even a child. But if you find yourself in an unsafe, unhealthy, harmful situation; do not sit back and hope it will get better. Seek help……  Now!... There are many groups available to help you in your situation. Here are 3, to get you started.

RESOURCES FOR YOU TO CONSIDER:

Al-Anon Family Groups‎1 (888) 425 2666

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800−799−SAFE(7233)

Safe Horizon moves violence victims 800.621.HOPE (4673)

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Tim Carter - Author of GutsIsTheyKey urges you to get help if you are in an abusive situation.

Tim Carter – Author of GutsIsTheyKey urges you to get help if you are in an abusive situation.


G.U.T.S. #37 – Growth Using The Steps

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     OK GutsIsTheKey reader; even though more of my writings are of a business, sales and leadership nature; I still want to keep my other writing promises to my readers. So, I will continue to offer inspiration and faith-based helps, creative word games, karate articles and the famous G.U.T.S. installments. So here is a dose of the latter, for your enjoyment.

G.U.T.S. #37 – Growth Using the Steps

taking steps - walking

     Growth Using The Steps – Living a full, vital life is a daily thing. No matter how many positive steps you have taken. There is always more to do. There are always more steps to take. God enriches our understanding, growth and development every day, we try to learn. A healthy fulfilled life is a journey, not a destination. If we are trying our best, to be our best, we take definite steps every day to grow. Here are some suggestions. Some may be for you. Others not. But you can certainly find some, in the following fifteen; that will help you grow in your own steps to fulfillment.

learning from our mistakes

  1.      Step Numero Uno is honest appraisal. Whether it be in the personal or the professional dimension of  your life; it is absolutely critical to examine your experience, outlook and expectations. To be happy at home or enjoy your work; you must take significant steps to examine yourself and the facts, with some intensity and curiosity. An honest appraisal precludes fulfillment in life.

  2.      Another first step is to enliven the power of your dreams. It is hard to say whether this is point 1 or 2 but without honest acceptance of reality, dreams don’t amount to any more than fairy tales.  So this point being second only to honest appraisal. No success can be won, without harnessing the power of your dreams.  What do you want your relationships to look like? What do you want your home to look like? On and on this list can go. But the point is: Dreams of today can be your source of satisfaction tomorrow, if you empower your dreams with faith & labor.  new dream

  3.      Once you have a base of honest objectivity and have harnessed the incredible power of your dreams. It is time to turn those dreams into structures. You do this by having goals. Define the goal you have in mind; Clarify your Passion & Purpose. Establish your Goals & Initiative. What is your Why? & How will you achieve your What.  starting point

  4.       Nebulous goals seldom come to pass. To hit the target, aim for the bullseye. Aim for the very essence of that which you wish to achieve. Aim for the periphery and you will miss. You have to aim dead center to hit your goal. Get very specific about what it is that you want to achieve.  

    The Power of Planning to help us reach our goals. No missing pieces!

    The Power of Planning to help us reach our goals. No missing pieces!

  5.      One of the ways that we do this focusing is by doing an inventory of what we have already achieved and assessing the strengths that we bring to the table. What advantages lead us to believe that we can accomplish our specific goals? Before mapping out a new battle plan; Utilize the advantages of your previous experience, in your next plan of action. Harness the strengths you already have. It really is foolish to re-invent the wheel.

  6.      Fulfillment is most often found where we are at. And then grows into something more, somewhere else because we outgrow the situation, we mastered. Do not always look somewhere else for satisfaction. Satisfaction is most likely to start in your current dimension. You may wind up somewhere else. But you will have to start where you are at, to genuinely grow. positive thinker

  7.      The hardest step is most often the first step. Start today. I repeat: The hardest step is most often the first step. Start today.

  8.      I know that some of my readers are of a secular mindset. That is ok. But it has been my experience that We are not alone. Someone is there!! And that Someone is God. http://gutsisthekey.com/2012/01/03/someone-is-there/  It is my conviction that He will help us take the steps that we must take; if we ask Him to. ….. If you get to a point in your success efforts, that you are stuck and feel that you can not progress.  You may want to revisit this point. Try putting God in the equation. You may find it much easier to get results.  Faith breakthroughs

  9.      For this seeker of truth. I find great meaning in reading the Bible. For me, it is like a secret treasure map. During my life, I have poured over each word, seeking hidden meaning, to gain high and holy knowledge – For me, the scriptures not only diagnose the problem but also solve it.  I find The Bible to be both thermometer and prescription. I suggest The Scriptures as a source of wisdom as you plan the steps to your success. Also, there are many other wonder books of inspiration and knowledge that can help you along your way. 

  10.      If you get in the middle of the street, one place is always wrong “to stay where you are at.” Sometimes the best advice is DO SOMETHING! If you are stuck, it could mean that you need to move from where you are at. inaction picture

  11.      To achieve the most desirable results, you need to get your motives straight. Positive steps do not work out, without an honest heart and clean mind. Shakespeare penned the words, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”  They were true then and they are true today. To get the best outcome, you must have the best intentions. Keep the shot straight and true, to hit the most ideal target.

  12.      Never forget that you are a trichotomy. You are a spirit. You have a mind. And you live in a body. Since you can not be separated from the body, until death; the mind must be trained, to achieve maximum good from the body; and the body must be trained, to achieve maximum good from the mind. Balance is a key to fulfillment. As you pursue success in one dimension of your life, do not forget the others. Healthy Balance

  13.      It is important to frame life in 24 hour segments.  Stay out of the endless bog of regretting the mistakes of yesterday. And avoid the exhausting endless loop of worrying about tomorrow. Learn to look at your life; a day, at a time. Though you learn from the past and have vision for tomorrow; you will never attain fulfillment, without living intensely in today.

  14.      Dreams take time, planning and consistent effort to bring to pass. Time takes time. Do not look at your goals short-term only. Be prepared for the long haul. There are steps you must take to make your dream come true and you must take them in order. Patience is a key. Be ready to attend to the real matters of change and challenge, in your goals for success. Diligence, determination and dedication will be required to see your hopes realized.  personal development

  15.      One final suggestion I offer from personal experience for those of you who may face unusual difficulties. Like millions of others I have discovered a literal “step” program that helps me design and construct a more ideal, free, moral and happy life. These groups are places full of honesty, courage, and support. The 12 steps of these programs can be one of the most wonderful experiences, you can possibly have. They have been for me. They are effective. They are free. And They are available in nearly every locality. – – –  So, If you struggle in some overwhelming problem in your life or deal with someone who else who does, then one of these groups may be your answer to a happier life. You may write me privately at CCCDynaPro@aol.com, for more information.

     So treat the attainment of a full, vital life as a daily target. Apply the steps above to enrich your understanding, growth and development. Remember, A healthy fulfilled life is a journey, not a destination. Let this writing be the catalyst, to Grow into a more ideal life, using the steps that work for you.

Margo's cropped image of me - Tim

25 brilliant Mentors - Tim G Carter Slam banner


Seven steps to Positive Change

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     Every day we must change. From the very simple, such as what we will wear to the very complicated, such as what we will do vocationally. Life does not allow stagnation. It demands change.

Change sign

      For the purposes of this article, I will assume that you are in touch with what you need to do. That you have good direction in the areas you need change. …  I will also assume for this writing that motivation is not your problem, that you are willing and ready, to make the changes you need. These are big assumptions but assuming that these things are true. Then comes the thousand pound gorilla question. … How do we change? How do we improve our performance, to address the need we recognize?

winds of change - direction

     Good question! Here are some ideas to help you: seven steps to help you make the changes you believe you should make. Seven basic ideas that will help you improve your performance, when you see the need.

Step #1 – Realize the area of deficiency.
Write it down. I remember that one of the hardest deficiencies to correct in my selling performance was a tendency not to listen deeply enough. Through work and time, I replaced this tendency with a habit of active listening. But first I had to realize what I needed to change. I had to honestly admit it and be clear about what I wanted to fix, with a course correction. So in the same light. Be honest with yourself. What is it that you need to change?

overcoming challenges

Step #2 – Identify the corrective behavior or action.
Write it down. Replace your negative with a positive. If you have a trait that you do not like. What is the trait that you want to replace it with? It is very important that you do not generalize this. You must see specifically and know clearly, the solution that you need to build into your life. Change without clearly identifying the replacement ideal will be short-lived and not last. What is the outcome that you seek?

Step #3 – Recognize the moments that you need to change?
Arresting a problem area of your life is like going after a rabbit. First, you have to catch it and it will not stay still. How do you catch the rabbit of your problem? Do you realize when you do the thing, you need to change?

Learning to sense the moment, when change is needed is half the battle. When your attention is sought in a department store, often they will flash the lights. That grabs our attention. When attention is needed in school, they will ring a bell. That grabs our attention. Sometimes, to make sure we get it, an announcement is made on the intercom. That really drives the point home.

 

     This is what we need to do at the moment when change is needed. We need to let the lights flash. We need to let the bells ring. We need to make an announcement to ourselves. This is it! This is the pregnant moment we are looking to do differently. Recognize the moment, when change is needed.

ideal moment perfect timing

Step #4 – Have a moment of heightened consciousness.
When we realize the moment when change is needed. Remember, you have won half the battle. Seize the moment. Carpe Diem. Consciously think the replacement ideal. Get crystal that now is your moment of opportunity. See it for what it is. No longer a moment of inadequacy but a new moment of growth. Turn the channel in your mind, on the old thought or practice and replace it with the new thought or trait.

outrageously positive

Step #5 – Act upon the realization.
Consciously practice the desired trait, behavior or performance. Do the desired change. Fill the void of the old pursuit, with your intended new course of action. Practice the new meaningful directed action, at the very moment where you were tempted to do the old thing.

Work on the new behavior or purpose, with each moment of realization.

promise promises and good character good intentions

Step #6 – Repeat the cycle until your course is corrected.
Les Brown has said it best; “It’s not over till I win.” And it’s not. You are not after a one time change but a renewed mind and performance. Practice and keep practicing the change you seek, until it becomes a habit. Repeat the positive cycle.
Be patient with yourself. Just like the old ideology or problem did not happen overnight. Effecting real lasting change will not happen suddenly. Keep on keeping on this process, until the change you seek has become a way of life!

NEAL BRAMLEY DETERMINATION PHOTO

Step #7 – Note your success!
Reward yourself. More specifically, reinforce the change that you have effected in your life with positive gratification. Go do something special! Have a private victory dance! Mark the moment! Celebrate the victory of your course correction, with an internal Atta-Boy or Atta-Girl and an external observance to note it.

fireworks
A good example of this is found In the Old Testament. Here, Patriarchs and leaders of the people marked special events in their lives with an altar. They made a place of remembrance that caused them and others, to see the good thing that happened there. Even-so, Build alters of gratitude when you affect positive changes in your life, with the help of your Higher Power. If you do, they are likely mean more and to last longer.

 

      So what are you to do now, because of this article? Believe you are blessed. Believe you can change with good motives, foundation and realism. Realize, identify and recognize changes, You need to make. Seize your moment of opportunity; act at the moment needed; repeat the cycle as long as it takes and celebrate your victory.

providence

     Commit to improve this day. Today, Build a link in a chain of positive, reinforcing behavior. Grow and change, with God’s help to have a better life and career…

Your down to earth sales consultant. The one, The only "Slam" Carter. ;) Contact me at 336-688-7538 to speak to your group or organization!

Your down to earth sales consultant. The one, The only “Slam” Carter. ;) Contact me at 336-688-7538 to speak to your group or organization!


THE PERIL OF LIMITING BELIEFS

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What we believe about ourselves can empower us or stop us in our tracks. Replacing beliefs that hinder our progress with beliefs that encourage our progress is critical to growth and development.

The importance of this lesson gripped me so strongly that I discarded one of my already developed ideas, to include this exponential thought. Limiting beliefs are literally the arsenic that poisons many people from achieving, who could and should succeed.

We can saw off the limb that we are counting on by our limiting beliefs.

We can saw off the limb that we are counting on by our limiting beliefs.

If we do not have a faith outlook, we are often doomed to demise only because of our own flawed belief system. The Master Book of Wisdom says that “Faith is the Substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” In other words, faith is the real stuff that helps turn from day dreams, into visions and reality.

Faith breakthroughs

And the thing that stops most of us from having thoughts of faith that lead to better lives is fear; and most especially a certain kind of fear. That being the fear of failure.

It is amusing to watch a powerful 1,000 plus pound bull veer away from a wire line, because he has been conditioned by the pain of an electric fence. The bull will still avoid this boundary, even when it is cut off; because he fears the pain. Dogs who stay in the yard, because of the collar shock of an underground fence are exactly the same. And we are this way too.

Bull Electric Fence limiting beliefs

If we have been stopped by something repeatedly, we fear to dare try again. The pain of ridicule, discouragement, disappointment and more are severe deterrents to keep us from trying again, if we have failed before.

The worst part of limiting beliefs is that we most often do not know we have them. They are not external blocks we can see but internal blocks that can easily escape our attention.

problems beneath the surface

Not only do our experiences cause us to have limitations in our confidence and outlook but our culture and heritage do this also. Often a good thing can become very limiting, in this way. Some good value and truth that our forefathers have followed becomes a mandate in our minds, without our understanding the thought behind their practice. When we have imposed limits, because of walls like this; without understanding the point of them. Then these are entrenched obstacles and not positive traditions.

Many things society teaches us are good but sometimes they are very wrong and lead to limiting, harmful beliefs.

Many things society teaches us are good but sometimes they are very wrong and lead to limiting, harmful beliefs.

How do you know if you have internalized walls like this that are stopping you from growing? Most times, the answer to this becomes obvious when we ask ourselves honestly; is the conviction faith based or fear based. Fear of retribution is not a conduit of positive change. Faith in principles that you have thought through is a stream of healthy growth and dynamic energy. Asking yourself: “Is my belief fear based or faith based?” and really experiencing the discovery about your motives can turn a mindless fear that limits growth, into a mindful faith that causes meaningful action.

Your problems are too small frog that does not see opportunity

Self-worth statements can help you overcome internal limiting beliefs. I am not talking about wild minded platitudes, where you unrealistically tell yourself you can reach the moon. I mean specific goal oriented statements that address your limitations.

For instance, maybe you have discovered that you do not have a better exercise habit, because of previous ridicule in this area. So a worth statement might be: “I believe that I will succeed in a more healthy exercise habit. I have confidence that I will achieve better conditioning. I am going to do this by” (and define your new approach). Look at yourself in the mirror and say this new belief statement daily; until you can make the image looking back believe it!

 

mirror practice

Oh! And one really important thing to realize about these positive, self-worth statements. If you need to develop a new healthy statement. Then that probably means you already have an unhealthy fear based one running in the private theater of your mind. So the really big key to making self worth statements work is catching yourself when you are thinking the wrong thoughts and putting the good one in its place.

Yes, experience can be a teacher. But remember that it can also be a thief. What areas have your experiences caused you to believe that you can not win? These limiting beliefs caused by misinterpreted experiences are a great place to start in growing a new powerhouse of positive, goal oriented, growth thinking. By this process of honest evaluation, and replacement of flawed thoughts with healthy thoughts; you can actually turn your greatest liabilities, into your greatest assets.

Problems or Solutions

Keys to remember, as you work on replacing your limiting beliefs are:
1- You are never through. Always be looking to grow, with stronger more empowering beliefs.
2- Believing that which strengthens and causes you to grow may require some discipline but it will result in the freedom of a better life.
3- The best way to get outside yourself and see limiting beliefs is to value the advice of others. Stay humbly open to empowering suggestions.
4- Better advice can-not be given than: “Seek and You will find.” Mt. 5 – Soul searching is a key. Have daily times of focus and meditation.
5- Honesty is another key. Denial is so easy to do and will keep you shallow and empty.
6- Get real with yourself. Sometimes growth requires some uncomfortable stretching, to obtain.
7- Sabbaticals can change your life. Sometimes the only way to change is to stop everything and make a fresh start. Dare to do this, if you have tried other things and they have not worked.

Vision with Action

In conclusion; What areas have your experiences caused you to believe that you can-not win? Identify these limiting beliefs. Develop positive faith convictions and confident outlooks, to replace them with. Work on daily replacing fear based thinking, with faith based vision.

Remember:
1- Limiting beliefs are literally the arsenic that poisons many people from achieving, who could and should succeed.
2- Faith is the real stuff that helps turn day dreams, into visions and reality.

"Slam" Tim G Carter - Inspirational Communicator - 336-688-7538

“Slam” Tim G Carter – Inspirational Communicator – 336-688-7538


PREMIUM Strategy for the Work-Place

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   Previously I owned a 91 Caddy.  It was not running

right & I almost went to a mechanic, until I self-realized

the problem.  It takes Premium to run its best.

    Now, I often drive my 1977 classic Ford truck. Just like

my old Caddy; it just doesn’t perform with 2nd rate fuel.

I have to not only run high octane but non-ethanol fuel,

to get performance from my truck.

Slam's 77 Truck

   These vehicles have an important lesson to teach us.

We; like those vintage vehicles operate best only with

Premium fuel. 

   I like to develop acrostics to teach points and principles.

So, Here is a word picture to help us think about

improving our work with the Octane of Premium.

P ositive Mindset

    – nothing works poorer on the job than stinking thinking.

R ested & Relaxed Focus

    – up tight agitated people rarely do their best work.

E ncouraged mindset

    – people do not function at high thresh-holds of ability

        when they are browbeaten and distressed.

M otivated method

     – high achievement requires that we give good effort

         coupled with smart plans.

I nterested attitude

     – if you are bored with your job, you will not produce

        good work. Find ways to make your work interesting.

U tilization techniques

     – skills only lead to better job performance, if we find

        solid ways to relate them to our tasks.

M ental Stimulation

        – nothing works, when we don’t put our brain to the

task.  A time each day should be spent thinking about

how to do things better. Reading is a great catalyst here. 

   It may seem like overstating the obvious, to encourage

you to focus on stimulating your life with maximum

quality influences. Yet, nothing is so easy to overlook

as the obvious. It really is important to evaluate the

kinds of things that we are counting on to sustain and

nourish us.

   So don’t run the special high  performance vehicle of

your efforts on low octane fuel.  Use a Premium

strategy for Premium Performance.

P  ositive Mindset

R  ested & Relaxed Focus

E  ncouraged mindset

M otivated method

I   nterested attitude

U  tilization techniques

M ental Stimulation

Each day apply these to your work and you will see

your job appreciation and performance improve.

Slam is available to help your group learn how to finish strong. Hire him as a speaker at: 336-688-7538.

Slam is available to help your group learn how to have a Premium work strategy. Hire him as a speaker at: 336-688-7538.



Healthy and Unhealthy Religious thought

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It is widely known that in the past, I was a Quaker Minister. I stay away from that term now, because I would rather be known just as a good, solid man, than a Preacher. Part of my reasoning for that is: I feel like we all have the same responsibility before God, to do our best to serve Him. I feel, no one has more or less responsibility in this department.  Each one of our lives should be gratefully dedicated to honor and harmonize with God.

Quaker life

Yet, some of us do seem to have a special call in the (spiritual) area of life and I am one of these. So, I accept my responsibility to be a spokesman for Christ, when called upon. Recent events, namely seeing people beheaded in the name of religion, overwhelms my conscience with fervent passion.  I feel, I must speak out as a voice of sanity, in a world attacked by religious nuts.

Quaker values

So it will not seem that I am picking on other religions, I remind you of Jim Jones (of a Christian culture), who in 1978 lead 909 people to their deaths by suicide. No, it is not just other religions; . . . .  absurdities abound in the name of the spiritual part of life…… And this should be the part of life that makes us the most sound, well rounded and healthy people, possible.

healthy religion spirit mind and body Quaker

This is not surprising to a man like me, of deep devotion to God. For wherever there is genuine value and treasure, there will always be counterfeits. Faith should be full and free. Yet, when we see such horror in the name of religion; we know that this kind of faith is foolish.

Plainly, There seems to be a lot of confusion about what should and should not be accepted and expected from any kind of religious faith. The following 10 ideas seem to be plain truths, about what is good about faith and when to suspect that religion has turned into insanity.

Current events make it necessary for me to speak out on this subject. So here are some simple guidelines to think about, in determining if your religious influences are inspiring or degrading; healthy or unhealthy.

1- It is healthy to respect people of all faith & persuasions, as long as their belief inspires that which is good & healthy in humankind .

2- If religion is healthy- it inspires virtue-truth-honor-nobility-courage-humility-character-honesty-value & compassion .

3 – My father taught me a wise lesson; my freedom ends where your nose begins and vice versus. Healthy, Religious Liberty is fair for all concerned.

4 – Deep personal devotion to God will always inspire that which is good, uplifting & just; otherwise it is oppressive confusion-not true spirituality..

5 – All belief systems that produce well-being; ascribe to justice and truth; to guiding principles of honesty and love.-

6 – All men & women with healthy beliefs ascribe and follow clear moral codes of conduct.

7 – How can we truly serve God that we do not see & mistreat men that we do see. What we believe must influence what we do in a positive way, for it to be acceptable and right.

8 – God is that Being who’s principles are so good & righteous that they encourage us to be benevolent beings in His image .

9 – Faith should liberate our eyes and heart to be more considerate, caring, courageous, noble souls championing truth.

10 – A healthy faith should make the heart stronger, the mind clearer and the motives purer.

good thoughts pic

A friend of mine (CJ Jones) said on her FB page this morning as I was finishing this up. “As you go through your day, show kindness to those you encounter and you will feel filled up.” I replied: Such a simple, yet profound way to live. To practice being good to each other. To which she said: “Right? It’s so simple and yet sooooo many people do not do it.” Our faith can not be of positive effect, if our lives are not truly helpful to others.

Think good thoughts pic

In conclusion, Paul Johnson in his “History of Christianity” makes the statement “a sincere follower of the truth has nothing to fear from the facts.” Even so, those of us of a sincere faith must be mindful to make sure our faith is leading us to our loftiest accomplishments of humility, love and service. Not deceiving us to become arrogant agents of evil.

Difficult words? I know. But this is a difficult day in which we live and they are needed.

Tim the Quaker in black

                                 Tim G. Carter – “Slam” 336-688-7538


HAVE A DAILY FOCUS TIME

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   This is one of the most important articles that I have written on this site. Spiritually, Professionally and Personally; the content of this article will help you.

    How do you integrate and maximize work, career, vision, purpose, faith, focus, courage, business, meaning, energy and satisfaction? How do you turn these very important life elements into an action plan? A daily focus time is the answer to these imperative life questions.

Daily Living One Day At a Time

    Each day that you get up to go to work, you must start your car. If you forget to start it, it will not go.  If we are to live effective, on target lives; our operation is similar to our cars. We must start and maintain the functioning of our life, for it to get us where we want to go. A Daily Focus Time can help you achieve more and be happier.

Happiness is picture

     The aim of a focus time is to help you get more out of your daily life, work and career.  It should be directed to increase your vision, purpose, faith, focus, courage, business professionalism, meaning, energy and satisfaction in the work-place.  This targeting time will help you find empowered strategies to get you to “Act” on what you have learned and make it a living reality.

Choose happiness

     There is little I can do to help you get more gratification out of your life, than cause you to have a Daily Focus Time. There is joy and meaning to be found every day. Cheerfulness is a disposition not a magic activity. Simple pleasures of music, flowers, sea, sky, animals, friends & family can be enjoyed every day. There is joy in a cup of coffee.  There is the happiness of a good meal, the mirth of a good joke, and the sense of satisfaction of a job well done. These and one million other delights can invade our senses each day, when we give them proper attention. We can experience these joys every day; ….. In which our mind and heart is alive and open enough to appreciate them.

Happiness and attitude

The problem that prevents many from having this kind of a healthy outlook is the lack of a definite approach in working on the task.  To jump-start my daily living,  I literally have a time each day, when the matters of my own soul and well-being are my 100% concern.

Daily joy can be lost, when there is not a concentrated effort to make it a priority.  In the requirements and duties of each day, there is meaning and good.  But this realization is a mindset that must be cultivated regularly.

Find and celebrate the blessings of each day … God’s love and care is present, every day.  It is today. But, like any treasure, you must look to find it. I literally start and end each day with a definite time of focus, reflection, meditation, reading and prayer.

rules for happiness

Your focus time does not have to be just like mine to work. Yet, it must be daily and targeted, to be effective. You can and should integrate thoughts of family, health, career, church, community and service into the mix of this daily habit.

I cannot over-stress how these times of empowerment, learning and growth are as critical as fuel is to your car. You must be steady, relentless and consistent to see the good of this enriching practice.

 

Make Today Great logos

 

     Be relevant, right now. Make a contribution today. The best time to feel good about your own efforts is when you are doing something good. Target your current efforts. Yesterday’s aim will not do. You must aim again today.  Let your Daily Focus Time be a time when you take good aim on today’s tasks.

 

Being happy is a choice

Be flexible. Roll with the punches. What you are doing today may not necessarily be what you do tomorrow.  I recommend that you think a lot about the Serenity Prayer in your Daily Focus Times.  You can shock people with your adaptability. By having a more accepting tolerance about things that you cannot change, you will greatly enhance your peace of mind and serenity.

Concentrate all of your intensity on the absolute ideal of what you want to achieve in these Daily Focus Times. Identify weaknesses and work on them. Identify strengths and focus on them. This will help you hit the bulls-eye. Even if you miss the bulls-eye, you will still hit the target strongly. Furthermore, these daily times of direction will help you made sure you clearly see the target in the first place.

readiness like shooting an arrow

For me, what I do to help others attain more satisfaction in the workplace is through service to God. I dedicate every day to Him, especially in my Daily Focus Times.  I find this to be the surest ingredient to give daily balance in this walk of life.

 Have a definite time each day, when your own growth, development and well-being is your complete focus during that time. A Daily Focus Time can help you achieve more and be happier. Try it. You will like it.

Tim G. Carter - a.k.a. "Slam" 336-688-7538

Tim G. Carter – a.k.a. “Slam”           336-688-7538


Believe in your own Value!

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      Developing a sense of worth is a critical component in a healthy life. To be fully human demands that we achieve a deep self-realization. Self-realization begins with knowing who we are.  So, if our quest to be in touch with ourselves is to be a healthy journey;  it must begin with a knowledge of self-worth and personal value.

Believe in yourself personal value self worth Einstein

  A figure called Polonius, in Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet is alleged to say some of the most powerful words in human history: “To thine own self be true.” Though, these famous words come from a drama of fiction; scarcely any words can be truer to life.

   If we do not believe in our own value, we can never achieve our full potential.  We cannot contribute to others until we realize our own significance.  During pre-flight instructions, flight attendants advise parents in case of a loss of cabin pressure to first put on their own oxygen mask.

    Why would a parent put themselves before their child? Because if the parent is not conscious and self-aware; they cannot care for and sustain their dependent.  It is clearly true that taking care of ourselves is a huge part of being able to do anything for others.

confidence, worth, value, personal identity

      No one can pour from an empty cup.  If we do not find value in our existence, then we cannot give to others.  To contribute, we must first believe in our own worth.

It drives me crazy when I listen to sales reps. and their only well-made point is what the competition does or does not do. While it is true that you need to be market place savvy and that in the workplace, we must know what our competition is doing.  Our personal excellence will only grow when we focus on the awesomeness, of our own brand and service…  Believe in your own value. Sell your own Value.

What do I mean?  When someone ridicules you in the workplace and doubts your ability; Sell Your Own Value.  When someone in your home life does not believe in you and discourages you, instead of supporting and encouraging you; Sell Your Own Value.

Believe in what you do Have a dream

      By selling your own value, you can pull yourself literally out of nearly, any situation. Ascribing your own value is not pride, ego or hedonism. It is acknowledging the worth that your Creator has deposited in your being. It is a necessary mindset, to grow towards the threshold of higher realms of potential in life.

     For truly it is impossible to please our Divine Master if we do not multiply the gifts that He has given us. The stewardship of maximizing our talents is clearly a scriptural mandate. (Matt. 25:14-30)  Please read this “Parable of The Talents” for one of the clearest stories, as to how important the correct use of our abilities is to God. Therefore, from even the most reverent point of view; it is imperative that we learn to Sell Our Own Value.

karma give and it shall be given unto you

      A true sense of self-worth also affirms the value of those around us.  Acknowledging the merit of others actually increases our capacity for self-worth.  If a glass is clean we can see through both ways!  In the same way, a healthy outlook can also lead to a more meaningful in-look.

      Part of realizing our worth is in understanding our own significance.  To have a happier life, we must credit ourselves for the worthwhile things we do.  We should pay attention to the score cards of others.  They can be very revealing.  Additionally, we should keep our own score card.  Then if no one else praises us; at least give ourselves proper credit for the good we do.  We should stay off our own back.  The song, ”Don’t Worry.  Be Happy.“ is over simplistic but I have found many times, it is good advice.  Self-esteem is built on a frame of solid self-worth.

rules for happiness

      The Energizer Bunny keeps going and going because of good batteries.  We also need a good internal power source if we are to sustain meaningful efforts in our own life.  A healthy sense of worth is a great internal power source.  It also can keep us going and going.  It is a great energizer.

Happiness and attitude

      One thing that prevents many from learning this power source is confusing a good sense of self-worth, with being self……ish.  Worth is neither pride, nor egotism.  Worth honestly appraises our own performance, while still realizing need for developmental growth.  Worth credits God and others for indispensable importance, while still realizing its own value.  Worth grows in proper context to the value of others. It finds meaning in reality, courtesy and even in humility. Worth grows a healthy self-concept that respects this same need in others.

strength through humility

      Still, if we must believe in ourselves to advance in the pursuit of personal growth: The question is then, how do we grow to feel better about ourselves?

The answer starts in how we talk to ourselves, about ourselves.

 Our self-talk must be healthy to grow personally. We must develop our own self-worth beliefs and statements and say them about ourselves.  We must learn to have an internal dialogue that says and believes positive things about ourselves.  This habit can completely change the way we feel and behave.  This will cause us to have a healthier self-worth; and a healthy self-worth will keep us working harder, smarter, and with more satisfaction, on any career path.

Develop and write down positive statements of worth and say them daily.

Believe in your own worth and value and be happier and healthier. 

Focus on the awesomeness of your own brand and service. Work on your own excellence.

Grow to feel better about yourself, by thinking about how you talk to yourself, about yourself.

Believe in your own value!

Slam image!

BE LOOKING FOR MY BOOK , POSITIVE X POSITIVE = UNLIMITED

TO BE RELEASED BY AMAZON NOV. 10, SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE FROM TIM. CALL 336-688-7538

 


A tough man who was good, And A good man who was tough!

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Courage runs deep with me. It started with a wise father who lived that lesson himself. John W. Carter Sr. had GUTS. Real guts and he taught me.  So this is a personal story about where GUTS comes from. You may find it interesting and helpful to you. So, read on.

   I remember when I was a young boy a whole gang of boys came after me on bicycles and knocked me off my bike. I was on my way home after little league football practice. They hit me, spit on me, ridiculed me and humiliated me. Most were older boys and I didn’t stand a chance against them all. There were 20 or more.

bullying

     After I was thoroughly distraught and crying, I guess they thought they had enough fun and let me go. But then, as I rode off on my bike; they changed their mind. And in an old gravel parking lot, they knocked me down again and continued with another session of terrifying and tormenting me.

gang of bullies

      My world literally seemed ended. As a child, I was horror stricken to be so despicably used by a gang of boys, I would still have to face every day at school. I knew I would be branded as a coward.

Then a wonderful thing happened, right in the middle of my torture. I saw from the ground my father’s old tree climbing station-wagon drive around the corner at the Old Amazon Cotton Mill. My dad wondered why I didn’t make it home and came to check on me.

      I was thrilled. My heart skipped with joy. I repeatedly said to myself, Here comes the rescue squad! Here comes the rescue squad! As my father pulled his vehicle over beside the curb. You have never seen a bunch of boys scatter, as fast as those boys did from the tight knit circle around me. My dad looked like a Mountain coming out of the vehicle and he was obviously in no mood to play.

      He dared the boys to move and slowly took off his belt. As he did this, I was saying Yahoo, inside. Then he asked me, which boy was it that had beat me up! Well, it had been several of them. But I picked the biggest, oldest and meanest who had been the most cruel to me. I looked at the gang leader and said “it was him dad”! I was elated to point him out to my father. Then unexpectedly, My father turned his steel-blue eyes to mine and said son; Do you want to fight him or me??? And he wasn’t kidding…  My delight turned fast, to resolve. Cause I knew my dad wasn’t kidding and if I had to pick between that grade school ruffian and my father; then my choice was clear. Let me at him! At least it would be one on one, now.

     And so I jumped on the bigger, older boy. Everybody claimed he won the fight, because of my bloody nose. All I know is that my father finally stopped the fight, when it seemed I had the better hand of the boy and my dad felt it necessary to pull me off the top of him.

       So, On a day when my little world would have been shattered. My dignity was restored. By teaching me to fight for myself and making me face my own challenges; my father did far more for me than he could have by coming to my aid and rescuing me.

self preservation

     Instead of looking at my shoes in shame the next day at school; I held my head high. My father had helped me earn self-respect and the respect of the other boys. I never forgot that lesson. It serves me well, even today. I guess that lesson is the core of why I title this BEAM (blog) GutsIsTheKey. I feel that it is one of the most important lessons in life.

Courage

     I guess GUTS is not a pretty word. It reminds us of a part of us, nobody but doctor’s want to see. Yet, no part of us is more important than our insides. They make us tick. No GUTS. No life. May not sound pretty but it’s the truth.

     And then there is this colloquial connotation of

GUTS being equal to courage. I remember in the

Patton movie, with George C. Scott (telling my age).

He announced to the soldiers: “With your blood

and my GUTS, I will conquer Europe.” Funny thing

though, that didn’t go over very well. People didn’t

like that. I suppose they like it better when we talk

about our own blood, when we mention the word

courage & GUTS.

Heather's Courage Picture 1

     That was the kind of man my father was. He

demonstrated courage, with his own GUTS.

Growing up, my father was a man’s, man; in a

world where men were still tough. There were no

metro-men back then. I can remember the strongest

of these great World War II era men; telling me

about my dad. They would say said; Your dad has

(you guessed it)…… GUTS.

     I remember after climbing trees to cut them

Dad would be bleeding, from where the steel hooks

dug in his legs. I would have never known this, had

I not saw him undress. He was tough and did not

seem to notice pain. Or at least, he didn’t mention

it.

     I remember the bully’s dad coming to my house

to whip my dad, after my dad made me fight his

boy to take up for myself. Yet, The man had second

thoughts after he met my dad face to face. He

decided my dad was right, in his unconventional

methods. My dad was tough. And everybody knew

it.

My hero, my father, John Woodard Carter, Sr.

My hero, my father, John Woodard Carter, Sr.

     Some people are tough, some times. Dad was

tough all the time. I remember dad working 3

jobs to make his dreams come true. He worked

when other men played. My dad was tough daily

and relentlessly.

     But the toughness I remember most was how

fair my dad was, how he would take up for the

underdog, how he would defend the little guy

and how he knew no prejudice. He would give you a

chance, even if everybody else said you were bad.

He made his own evaluations of people from his own

experiences. Yet though dad was merciful, he would

whip the preacher’s behind, if he caught him

lying, [literally - another story :)]. Yeah, my dad was

tough but more than that; he had GUTS.

Guts 2

     How is GUTS more than tough? There was a John

Wayne move called True Grit. My brother has said

that’s what dad had. I think he is right.

John Wayne - An American Icon and "True Grit"

John Wayne – An American Icon and “True Grit”

     GUTS may not be a pretty word but you

can’t live without them. And that’s what I think my

dad had. True Grit, GUTS, the stuff that makes

tough men good, and good men, tough. 

I remember being alone with my father after cancer surgery in the middle of the night at Duke University Center. His surgery went awry and because of internal bleeding, he literally swelled up twice his size. I called in the doctors and nurses. They could not get blood in him, as fast as he was losing it.  At one moment, when the room was emptied as the doctors readied an operation room, for a second emergency surgery; I knew they would never operate on my father in time.  I asked my father if I could pray with him. There in the stillness of the night, my father spoke aloud the 23rd Psalm. I did not know that he knew that passage. Certainly did not know that he knew it by heart. Until he spoke it with conviction in that moment, dangling between life and death.  

As my father prayed, I could feel the angelic host come in the hospital room. I could literally see the light lumens in the room brighten. My father, suddenly and unexplainably stopped bleeding without the 2nd surgery that he would have never survived, and this happened at that very moment.  My dad had divine courage. The kind of courage that can only come from God. He taught me this.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

     I thank God for a great father, who taught me

the meaning of courage in many, many ways.  I pray this prayer twice

every day.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change;

the courage to change the things I can

and the wisdom to know the difference.”

John W. Carter Sr. would be proud to see the courage I have in

my daily life today…….. I think.

2012 Karate Plaque

FoothillsKarateClassic

 

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I can be contacted at 336-688-7538 for speaking engagements. Leave a message and I will get back with you!

 


The Bread of God. The manna of His presence.

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Only a humble heart can receive the fullest blessing of the bread of God. There should be no pride about Divine guidance. The Makers voice is a gift that we cannot find on our own . We lose the power of the gift, when we are not grateful for it. It is a gift of grace, not merit. I hear from God, not because I am so good but because He is! Thank God for His tender mercies and unmerited guidance and presence. I best honor Him , when I am eager to give God credit for my blessings and am equally quick to take personal credit for my mistakes. Thank you God for your faithful gentle leading in our lives, when we humbly seek You .

Jesus is the bread of life

The same as you can smell the honeysuckle in the summer air, before you know exactly where it is; sensing the Spirit of God is like that. You can sense that He is there like the voice of many waters. Clearly present but somehow all around us. Let’s be thankful that God is relentless in His love for us—ever-pursuing, ever-present, and ever-guiding. Choosing to relate to us if we relate to Him.

The Presence of God

Knowing God is like a kinetic flow. It is always a moving relationship. God’s Spirit is always the same but You will never be the same, after you open your heart to Him. Edel Walsh said: “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.”  Evenso, it is not God failing to speak to us, when we sense a breach in our communication with Him. It is some barrier that we have built up within us that prevents this conscious contact.

The best place to find the secrets of your own heart is to find the secrets of the heart of Jesus. He is the Pearl Above Price. Frequently when something is wrong on the inside of us, the answer is not to figure it out but to draw reverently closer to Christ and let His answer flow in.

Jesus the friend

We do not understand heaven. It is not a place. It is a dimension. That’s why we can know the kingdom of heaven now. God wants us to dwell there. he wants His kingdom to be found in us. (Lk. 17:20-21)

God promises to reward us if we seek Him, because He wants to be found by us. He desires us to cultivate a relationship with Him, yes in eternity. But more-so in eternity beginning now.

There is a ready supply of good, right, uplifting regeneration available to us at all times, if we will make ourselves available to God. I can never get deeper into God than I let Him into me. But He is always willing to go into me, as deep as I will let Him go.

Jesus in the heart

God broods and woos men to higher, nobler thinking. Just as the wheel steers the ship; so God’s Spirit directs our lives, if we let Him. As surely as electricity lights up the room when u plug into active current-God’s Spirit will fill up the room of our heart when we plug into Him!

God’s Wisdom is like a deep well ever available in your own yard. It is yours personally & plentifully when you keep it clear, clean and open and when you choose to access it.

God shares His heart with those who share their heart with Him.

Jesus - standing at the door knocking
Tim talking about The Book

Tim G. Carter – a.k.a. “Slam” 336-688-7538


Daily Confession

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     The following is something I have used for a long time to keep good, daily mental hygiene. Perhaps it will be useful for some of you.

Daily Living One Day At a Time

Slam’s Daily Confession:

I love Jesus.

I believe in myself.

I can tackle any problem with God’s help!

I will make the best of today.

I am becoming a better person.

I can find solutions to my problems.

I choose to forgive today and have a clean heart!

I will help my fellow man today.

I am glad to be alive! I have joy in my life.

I believe in my dreams. I can make them come true.

I am making the most of my life today.

I love living!

Thank you Jesus, for my life!

MAKE_TODaY_GREAT_2014

Slam image!

Timothy Grant Carter; author of Positive x Positive = Unlimited; a.k.a. “Slam” – Public Speaker at: timothygrantcarter@gmail.com and 336-688-7538.

 


Slam’s Don’t Worry Model – a personal reply

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This BEAM (post) was inspired by a friend on twitter today, who asked me a question. I have misplaced better artwork of the flow-chart in this article. But I will locate it soon and replace this poor artwork and expand the article’s content, in the future.

The point of this writing is to provide a couple of simple, effective tools to help with figuring out you own answers, in a troubling situation.

I love to help people. Sometimes, when I do not understand the specific circumstances of someone’s problem enough to give a targeted answer; I can still offer some general guidelines to help them find their own answer, for themselves.

As many of my reader’s know, I live in a daily personal application of the serenity prayer below.

 Serenity Prayer Pic

The concepts in this little word of wisdom are literally so profound that they can give you a powerful tool, to analyze and deal with every troubling situation that you face.

As I was writing my book Positive x Positive = Unlimited;

 

I tried to think of a way to help people better personally apply this simple but important thinking to their lives. And so, I came up with this flow chart to help people see the futility of worry about any situation.

Slam's Don't Worry Model phone pic

Worry is always pointless. And We are more empowered most times, than we think we are. If we can not alter or influence a situation, then fret is a needless, unproductive state of mind. If we truly can change a troubling situation, … the concern need only be how to produce and implement an effective action plan, to repair the problem we face.

Often, we are lulled into inaction on problems we might change, because we are dwelling on too many things that require acceptance, not courage. On the other hand, when we are realistic enough to accept what we can not change. It leaves us with more energy and effectiveness to make a difference, in the matters where we can influence the outcome!

Nearly every situation that causes us to fret and wonder what to do, can benefit by applying the Serenity Prayer thought model.  And the simple steps in my “Don’t Worry Model.” Try working these two simple thought models into situations where you seem stumped. You may be closer to an answer than you think!

Sonam, I hope this helps in your situation.

"Slam" Tim G Carter - Inspirational Communicator - 336-688-7538

“Slam” Tim G Carter – Inspirational Communicator – 336-688-7538

 



Inside Out Living

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One of the learning experiences that has caused me to readopt my college nickname of “Slam” is realizing the crucial importance of realness, to life happiness and fulfillment. I was called that nickname in college, because I was an enthusiastic Southern fireball, in a college on the west coast. Slam image!When something was really incredible to me “it flipped me ‘Slam’ Out!”

 

These memories are funny but the nickname stuck, as being very fitting. I remember liking the feeling of being known as someone, who was passionately expressive and energetically explosive. So the old nickname seems to fit a lifestyle statement, I have learned to live. Life is meant to be lived from the inside out.

Enthusiasm

Circumstances, trials, and needs of provision & daily obligations can so overwhelm our thinking that they actually control us. This unfortunate malady is outside in – living. We all have to face it and are influenced by it.

Early in life, I read the words of Dr Nido Qubein that life should be approached like a river and not a swamp. that one should purpose and focus his direction singularly, instead of spreading out in many undefined directions. I understood his words and got the concept, Or so I thought.

river of life
But honestly, I only really applied the gist of what he was saying four and a half years ago. Because of what Stephen Covey would have called a paradigm shift, I learned to focus my life and thoughts in a stream, towards what I really believe. I became convinced that I had to live my values, even if I had to take my primary focus off of external conditions. This has been the most radical change of my entire life.

Tim is available to speak to your group or organization. Contact him at:  336-688-7538 .

Tim is available to speak to your group or organization. Contact him at: 336-688-7538 . Tim’s book is available on Amazon.com.

This inside out living, as I like to call it helps me to take what I really believe on the inside and live it, on the outside. For the last 5 years, this kind of thinking has transformed how I perform and act. The previous years in my life were filled with an uncertain outlook, (though sometimes masked by a puffed up ego). Now however, I am really deeply & peacefully confident in my direction. I have the peace of knowing, that the rest of my life will be very personally fulfilling and full of things really important to me.

Passion pursue your heart
I am in no way proposing that you be out of touch with reality, unaware of your current living situations and not responsible for your duties. What I am proposing is that the primary thrust of your life should not be what is forced on you from the outside. But the deep passionate wholehearted, vigorous energy of your life should be invested in matters of the heart that will make you feel like you have really lived, at the end of your days.

If we learn to live this way, then our bucket list will be very small, because we will invest each day in what we truly believe is the greatest substance of our life, inside out.

Have you considered using "Slam" as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538

Have you considered using “Slam” as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538


G.U.T.S. #40 – Get Used To Stages

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Dear Guts Is The Key Reader, It has been several months since I have published a Guts Is The Key Acrostic Installment. But fear not, I have not forgotten. G.U.T.S. #40 is Get Used To Stages –

Get Used To Stages – Rome really wasn’t built in a day. Great triumphs take great sacrifices. There is only one thing you can be sure of & that’s change. It does not matter if you like it or not. Accepting that the situations around us will be continually different is a healthy part of maturity.

Acceptance all is well in spite of circumstances

Don’t get stuck in complacency; change is coming. Remember, How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Change can be overwhelming, especially if we try to face more than the one at hand. We need to have vision that there will be perpetual change. But we only need to deal with these changes, one at a time. Deal with the one facing you and have an eye open for what’s next. Still, do not fall into the trap of becoming ineffective, because you can not deal with the present due to the weakness of worrying about the future.

Today live in the moment be free

Additionally, not only do our external circumstances change but our personal approach to life must change. We want to get to our goal but first we must pay the price. If you don’t want to grow; remember the other option is to rot.

A baby gets up on his knees & it is growth. A toddler takes uncertain steps and it is growth. A child learns to ride his bike and it is growth. A teen learns to drive a car and it is growth. An adult learns to pay for all this and it is growth. But a baby can not step, ride, drive or pay. A toddler needs to get past his knees and onto his feet but can not ride, drive or pay. A teen better learn to stay on his feet, take certain steps and learn to drive but realize, he still can not pay. An adult better stay on his knees, so he can make his steps certain, teach his children to ride and survive his teenager driving the car, so he can pay for it all………. But fortunately, each progressive step in this cycle is built on the strength of learning from the previous.

Maturity Understanding

I have a personal saying that I try to live in, each day. “Face everything with rigid flexibility.” It sounds like a contradiction but its not. We must be strong but we must also be loose. Do not belabor lost causes. Let them go. Learn to move on, when life’s circumstances change. This is part of our Creator’s plan for us, that we learn to have a living, developing, healthy spirit; even when life throws us curve balls and plans must be altered or abandoned. This is the strength that God wants to build in us, in this life.

Because of the influence of my departed sister Detra, I think a lot about life as a patchwork quilt. There is always another stitch to be sewn while we are still alive. And if you look only at the underside, there are a lot of tatters and loose threads. But if you look at the upside, there are patterns, colors and a design of beauty. Look at the upside. Change is normal. The unexpected will happen. But it is all a beautiful part of God’s plan, if you are looking at the right side of things.

patchwork quilt

Be rigidly flexible as life washes you with its ever altering, moving waves. Change is coming. Change with it, until you experience all the currents and sways that will make your wonderful life.

“To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose, under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1…….. Get Used To Stages. G.U.T.S. #40 .

Have you considered using "Slam" as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538

Have you considered using “Slam” as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538


To improve your perspective.

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To improve our perspective, we must start with a fresh approach each day.

Clear your mind and heart, open yourself to new vistas of learning, outlook, and attitude. Start with the internal value that you believe you can make a difference, and follow through until you do.

We can greatly enhance our lives by a great sense of value. And here is how we can do it;

* Start with a good, open – minded approach.

* Believe in improvement from the beginning.

* Know your own values and let them guide you.

* Sew good stitches.

  — quoted from page 86, of Positive x Positive Equals Unlimited. By: Timothy Grant Carter.

Have you considered using "Slam" as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538

Have you considered using “Slam” as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538

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You can’t unscramble an egg.

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You can’t unscramble an egg. Many of the situations that have already happened can not be undone. That is why a great dose of acceptance must be learned and adopted to find peace in your life.

scrambled eggs

If you have a few years on you, the question is not just where do we go but where can we go, from here? An honest assessment of your current condition and situation is a part of the success proposal. No business thrives without an appraisal of its inventory. Even so, as we climb faith’s mountain; an honest evaluation of our current situation must be included in the plans. To wish things are not as they are is unproductive and leads to frustration. No, the truth is that the egg can not be unscrambled. We must accept our circumstances as they are to make very much genuine progress, towards our goals.

inventory
Acceptance is a key to achievement! …… What, You say?! That sounds backwards! But it is not, I assure you. Let me explain.
Often when we strive for idealistic goals, the inevitable happens, life changes, conditions alter and challenges jump on the scene.

Sometimes, these are avoidable by an overcoming attitude and we are able to sail right past them; but oftentimes they are real obstacles to our goals and hick-ups or barriers to our plans. But this is where the achievement power of acceptance comes in!

Acceptance all is well in spite of circumstances
When we have deeply and internally accepted that problems are normal and that challenges are not equivalent to failure. We are on even keel with life. We are able to much more quickly assess things for what they are, be honest about them and adjust our approach, or if necessary adopt a new one. When we are able to accept reality and not always look at it as some type of life derailment; then we take problems in stride and even when our circumstances are altered, our winning attitude is not.

It happens Forest Gump
Forrest Gump was right. “It” happens. Wipe your foot off and go on! You can not be defeated, when your outstanding attitude is true internal optimism that is not dissuaded when you have normal obstacles or difficulties. Rigid Flexibility is in order. Acceptance is a key to achievement!

Come to terms with the reality of where you are at. Do not deny what is honestly the circumstance of your life. It is only when you follow the advice of Polonius in Shakespeare’s play; and to your own self be true: that you can see clearly to plot a course to your higher destiny.

Remember, You can’t unscramble an egg. Many of the situations that have already happened can not be undone. That is why a great dose of acceptance must be learned and adopted to find peace and victory in your life.

With God’s help, I hope that is exactly what you do!

Slam image!

 

 


Conscience and the chain of healthy, reinforcing behaviors

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Some words have very little meaning, and yet they are used way too much. Other words have giant importance and yet they are seldom used. Conscience is one such word that is used infrequently, and yet its power and dynamic relevance is always significant.

A deep, trustworthy internal guidance system is an important gift, we all possess and need to train and develop. A healthy Conscience matters and deserves ongoing and consistent attention. It is like a completely reliable inner compass.

inner compassLearning to do the right thing all the time can produce in us the highest degree possible, of contentment and satisfaction. This kind of happy wholeness only happens when the conscience is strong and personal behavior lines up and is consistent with it.

Good conduct and healthy behavior forms A chain of performance that strengthens itself and the conscience, with each good action. Doing the right thing will strengthen us, to do the right thing even more.

good thoughts pic

A habit of telling the truth can set up a majestic cacophony of the inner sound of peace and serenity in our life. We have been sick long enough. Our bad habits and problems have led us to our bottoms & have been painfully enough, to cause us to feel powerless. We are ready for a change; for the good of a healthy conscience with the help of God.

Serenity Prayer Pic

So I ask you; Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you ready to do the right thing? Then become aware of this wonderful gift that you possess.

God has instilled in each of us this remarkable inner mechanism, we call conscience. It really is true that if followed it results in our betterment & higher good.

Hedonistic thinking is backwards.  Doing only what pleases us, leading lives of selfishness, leads  to encumbered and fettered lives. On the other hand, when the conscience is followed, it does not restrict us. Rather it enables us, to see & experience a life free of destructive vices.

feeling good

 

So I encourage you to rediscover this awesome internal power, of your conscience. Ask God to help you to recover from a weakened conscience, seared by bad habits and character defects. Your Higher Power can help you to come alive again and be rejuvenated and cleansed by right thinking and living.

You will discover that when you do right , it increases your capacity to do right. . When you do this, A habit of character & good conduct will then result, and so will a stronger conscience.

You will then discover your conscience to be a good friend indeed; A powerful, reliable, trustworthy inner guidance mechanism.

sunny outlook & disposition positive attitudeHave you considered using "Slam" as a Power-House speaker at your next event? 336-688-7538

 


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