Victory Starts Here!

During my travels to Fort Jackson, South Carolina I am always met with a sign that boldly declares “Victory Starts Here.”  In fact, this slogan appears many times on Fort Jackson, the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army (www.jackson.army.mil).  Thousands of men and women have begun their military careers through basic training and moved on to other assignments.  Fort Jackson is the training ground that provides the skills, knowledge, and know-how to be victorious to serve in peacetime operations and times of conflict. 

That’s when I had the Aha! moment that victory and success are like twins.  When you become victorious you become successful.  You become victorious over the challenges that could have held you back.  And where there is success, victory follows.  The enemy was faced and defeated.  You cannot have one (victory) without the other (success).  So it is with you being successful.  There is no success without u (you).

The enemy for many individuals includes self-doubt, poor self-image and esteem, and a lack of motivation.  Add to this mix, no clearly defined realistic goals, ineffective problem-solving and decision-making skills, and not managing stress; you have a recipe for living a chaotic, unfulfilled, miserable life.  Now is the time to take your life back!

Despite the obstacles that will occur in life, understand that victory starts here with you.  You have the power to be victorious with a mindset that you will face the enemy (those booby traps in life that might throw you for a loop) and you will overcome.  Understand that you have the power based on your thought patterns and behaviors to build a defense so that during the peace times of your life and times of conflict you come out victorious.

Learn to release yourself from guilt of past perceived indiscretions.  Let go of the shame you have on yourself.  Stop the blaming of others for where you are in your life when you can now take charge and move forward.  It always sounds “easier said than done” yet change can begin the moment you take action.  When you look in the mirror tell yourself “Victory Starts Here!"

Out of the Closet and Into the Light

As a little girl I use to watch scary movies every now and then.  I remember two things would happen; (1) someone peeped into the closet (or basement) to discover a monster hiding there or (2) someone got in the closet to hide from the monster.  Either way closets have gotten their fair share of bad raps! 

Deep dark secrets become the closet where you go to and hide.  If anyone knew would they like me?  Am I the only one in the world with this issue, you might ask.  More often than not, despite our unique differences, there are bound to be others who have had similar experiences that you have had or are experiencing.

Getting out of the closet and up from the basement of your life may have repercussions.  It is important therefore, to seek professional help, whether it is medical, mental health, legal issues, etc.  These resources can guide you to a better understanding of your life circumstances and may be the help that you need.

Too often however we allow the monster in our life to grow big because we have not learned to face the monster and then let it go from our lives.  When you expose the monster you might see a new lease on life.  Charles A. Beard said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars” while Robert Alden declared, “there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle” (Cook, 1993, p. 424).

Below are ways that you might conquer the monster and come into the light:

(1)   Know that everyone (including you) cannot escape being in the valley, better known as down in the dumps, at some time in life.  It is called living.

(2)   Expose what’s ailing you.  Talk to appropriate people who can support your well-being by providing information that will be helpful to you and not a hindrance.

(3)   You are not alone in this world so be careful not to isolate yourself.

(4)   Utilize the darkness for rest and rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit.

(5)   Use negative emotions (fear, anger, frustration, boredom, etc.) as a barometer of what is going on in your life that needs to change!

(6)   Critical self-reflection can help you change.  You must however take off your mask of deception, remove the rose-colored glasses that tells you everything is going well when it is not, and open your eyes, hears, and heart to the truth.

Once you come out of the darkness and into the light be authentic (the real you).  Promote peace and contentment in your life and surround yourself as much as possible with the energy of goodness that comes from people, places, and things that bring well-being to you.  Conquer that monster and bring it to light!     

Reference:

Cook, J. (1993).  The rubicon dictionary of positive, motivational, life-affirming & inspirational quotations.  Newington, CT:  Rubicon Press, Inc.

Recession-Proof Your Life

When you think of a recession you might automatically think of bad economic times.  A recession indeed can be related to a reduction in economic activity.  There are many people whose lives have been negatively impacted by lengthy periods of unemployment, loss of a house, disharmony within the family, and much more.  It certainly can be a turning point in one’s life, but it does not have to be terminal.

In today’s shaky market, stocks and bonds are not the keys to your well-being.  Yes, money is good to have and allows you the opportunity to do many things and buy many things, but finance is only one aspect of your life.  Your well-being is dependent upon a foundation whose strength is built on your self-esteem (how you value yourself; self-worth) and your self-image (how you see yourself).  Like the financial market, your self-esteem may wane here and there based upon incidents throughout your life.  However, unlike the market, you do not have to hit rock bottom nor take years to recover.

Recession can be a time of recess!  Remember recess time as a child!  Take a break from what you have gotten in the habit of doing.  Reflect on whether your habits are doing you more good or more harm?  A recession can also be a time to relax.  It is easy to become uptight and hurried from living a busy, full-scheduled life.  It’s even easier to lose sight of goals you had for your life.  Couples forget the joy they once had in each other’s company, a job becomes a chore, and bills replace your purpose in life. 

Recession-proof your life so that you are living with purpose and contentment:

1.      Decide what you really want in your life and make it a priority to strive for those goals.  You will not get what you want unless you go for it. 

2.      Maintain good family relationships and friendships.  They are a buffer to some of the harsh realities of life.

3.      Ask for help.  Ask for what you want.  You may very well get it.

4.      Don’t sell yourself short.  Stop comparing yourself to others.  Role models and mentors are effective for self-improvement; however be you at your best.

5.      Stay on course regardless.  Survival takes front row, center stage, however many of us are not in this category although it may feel like it at times.  Consider the homeless and hungry and you get a better perspective of your own life.  During tough times you may need to cut back drastically but always keep your compass set to where you need to be headed.

6.      Stay balanced.  Set goals for different aspects of your life (family, career, education, finances, social, recreation, spiritual, physical health) for overall well-being.

Today is the day you can have a new lease on life.  No longer bound by negative self-talk and woe-is-me thinking; recession-proof your life.  Get Ready!  Get Set!!  Get Going!!!

The Gift!

The recent death of Amy Winehouse is tragic.  Fan or not, we all have something in common with the talented, award winning singer; being human.  Being human means we will have our hills and valleys in life to face.  All of us have a talent or a gift to give.  The gift is you!  Being your best (not perfect) means accepting what you are good at and not so good at, what you like and don't like, and presenting to the world your authentic self.  Particularly during difficult times it is important to remember you are not just your career.  Your value is not based on your bank account.  There is more you can offer to those you encounter who are on loan to you for a long time or brief moment.  Regardless of how long the journey in life will be, share the greatest gift you have while you can; you!