£55 Million will be spent in the UK this Christmas. Without advance planning, most people pay for Christmas out of their December salary so go over budget and rely on credit. They are sucked in to the retailers’ enticing messages which are deliberately timed to make you spend more and more, even if you think you have bought all your shopping and are well organized. It really is a mass hypnosis to make us keep spending right up to the last moment when the shops shut.
Here are some hypnotic messages they spin:
Hypnotic principle #1- Scarcity- there is a limited supply and you will miss out if you are not fast enough in buying. Why do you think there is always a shortage of the most popular video games or toys? Do you really think they could not make an ample supply of Nintendo Wiis or the Dragon Fly or whatever the must-have item is?
Hypnotic principle #2- Social Proof- Long lines, stores opening at 4 a.m., everyone else will be there, will you be left behind? Early discounts are hot, you might just be a winner if you are fast enough, early enough or strong enough. (3 hour queues in some stores require mental and emotional strength).
Hypnotic principle #3- Reciprocity- If stores give you things for free or almost free, you feel obliged to do something in return. Like buy stuff.
Shopping has reached new levels of competition with stores putting you in a position of need. It is time to wise up! What looks like a bargain price is probably just a previously inflated price reduced to a normal price. They are not giving you anything - they are selling things at inflated prices that appear to be a great deal. These days, an item offered for 50% off makes you feel like the store is giving it away. But in reality, the sofa throw that is priced at £120 and marked down to £39, is not a deal! The stores buy these things in China, pay unbelievably low prices, then mark them up maybe 300-500%. That throw may have cost under £10 and that means on sale it is still at 400% markup.
Here is some sound advice to avoid a miserable January when the credit card bills arrive: FIGHT IMPULSE and here are the questions to ask yourself:
- Do I need it?
- Can I afford it?
- Can I buy it cheaper?
- Will I use it?
- Is it worth the price?
- Can I do without it?
When you shop, it is not what you need, it is what you do not need that is the problem.
If you are a compulsive shopper and need help to fight your addiction, I recommend this hypnosis Mp3 to relieve your need for compulsive shopping.
Just Say No! End Compulsive shopping. Order it now. Immediate download.
Relieve your need for compulsive shopping quickly and easily!
At only $12.95, this really is a bargain as think how much you will save when your compulsive shopping habit is under control! You can still enjoy Christmas but buy only what you need, truly enjoy giving, knowing that your spending is under control. This hypnosis Mp3 will end your compulsive shopping. Give yourself the gift of Immunity from Mass Marketing Hypnosis.
Antonia Stuart-James is an English Hypnotherapist in Belgium helping people to make positive change.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Unbearable Boredom
Unbearable Boredom: A Call to a Magnificent Life - By Annette Colby ***
"Life is okay, but I'm bored with it all. I get up, go through my morning habits, and generally keep going. During the day I smile, engage in friendly conversations, attend to the requirements of my work. After work, it's home to watch television, eat, and sleep. In between, there's the movies, gym, music, and shopping. My days are predictable and routine. What is joy? What is excitement? I think I'm missing the meaning of my life."
If you ever find yourself dealing with unbearable boredom, treat it not as an undesirable invader, but celebrate the arrival of an important messenger. Without boredom we'd comfortably vegetate in neutral, passing time by doing the same things in the same ways over and over again. Boredom's appearance is a glorious sign of impending growth. New interests, passions, talents, or strengths seek expression. It's a wake-up call indicating a readiness for more: more self-love, self-leadership, self-expression, pleasure, passion, and spontaneity.
Boredom is an invitation to allow an old self to fade away and a new potential self to emerge. Certain facets of self-control and repetitive behaviors are ready to be released in favor of expanded imagination, creativity, inspiration, and spontaneity. What was once an effective, useful routine has now become stagnant, stale, and passive. Boredom is the interim period; a place neither here nor there. On one side lies the safe, comfortable, and dependable, yet outgrown past. On the other side lies an intriguing, daring, more passionate future. Boredom identifies the natural resistance we all have toward letting go of the known and entering the unknown.
Once boredom reveals its presence, several options are available: we can sink deeper into passivity and dullness; the physical edginess can be temporarily concealed with greater levels of entertainment, distractions, and diversions; or the boredom can be sedated with food, drink or choice addictions.
Another alternative exists: embrace the message of boredom. Beneath the uncomfortable discontentment lies a natural, inherent call to the lifelong process of individuation. It is time to broaden personal horizons beyond past former levels of conformity and social adaptation. Greater individuality, power, love, and creation beckon from within. A readiness is brewing to connect more deeply with the heart of our existence.
The chains of boredom are more easily shed by allowing time to welcome ideas that spark the imagination and expand the heart. What is truly important; what fascinates and engages our spirit? We have the ability to go inside, sort through some ideas, and decide what an exciting life would look like. We feel good, and our bodies feel good, when we assume responsibility for choosing to focus on stimulating desires, personal interests, and inner passions. Only we know what feels good within, what excites, ignites, and enlivens. We gently allow for the emergence of new potentials and new possibilities--and decide to feel good in the process.
Instead of letting life just happen, we can go inside and ask, "What do I want?" Typically, the first answers are filled with details about what is not wanted. Accept this as an excellent starting point. But our responsibility is to make sure we take the extra step and actually find an exciting vision to focus on. We become what we think about, and it is up to us to determine what thoughts and visions dominate our mind. We take control of our lives as we spend more time with thoughts that increase excitement and less with those that decrease excitement.
Will an exciting life happen instantaneously just because we shift thoughts from boredom to more passionate visions? Obviously, the answer is no. Some individuals will wonder how in the world they can possibly imagine exciting outcomes when they are currently just barely getting through the day. They don't have a clue what to imagine; they are frustrated and mad at themselves for being in this position. For anyone, creating a larger life requires effort, patience, and time. Yet not much changes without first engaging imagination and intention. Excitement is the element that moves us toward unfinished business and unfolding potential. It is what we want to be doing right now, while providing the energy necessary to do it.
Who we are and what excites us matters. The irritation of boredom simply reminds us, in a very noticeable way, that energy is swirling about without passionate direction or purpose. Rather than permitting our lives to be blown about like leaves on the dirt, victims of circumstance, we allow imagination to set the foundation for direction and purpose in life. Boredom is an indication of a certain readiness to become increasingly loyal to internal passions, desires, and values. We can decide we are worthy of forming enthusiastic relationships with what we care about.
Feeling good, feeling alive, and being a radiant human is important for us and for the world. We consciously develop our divine natures through the joyful manifestation of dreams and desires. A loving community begins first with a party of one. It begins by forming excited relationships with our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Our inner dreams are the joy of life, the salvation of earth, and the future of the people of this planet. Bringing paradise to earth is more than just a lofty concept; it is an individual endeavor, a personal responsibility. As human beings, we suffer when this physical connection between spirit and earth is no longer expanding and evolving as it is meant to. Our most important task is to first give permission to love, excite, and empower ourselves. We take the time to ensure we are the ones balanced, enlightened, and joyful.
To share and expand love with all life on this incredible earth, we begin with ourselves. We serve others when we become living, breathing, walking examples of inspired, excited lives. We inspire others to greatness when we ourselves have come to realize that happiness, success, abundance, empowerment, and joy are possible. The magic spreads as we become the magic. Personal success is allowed, so our beautiful concepts are no longer lofty spiritual abstractions, but tangible, physical manifestations.
The next time you are perpetually bored, realize the beautiful magic wishing to unfold. An invitation has been issued to venture beneath the surface and investigate new and exciting potentials and possibilities. Inspiration spreads as the success of one individual ignites the desires and dreams of another. It makes a difference that we, you and I, carry excitement once more. Boredom asks us to become the living, breathing embodiment of joy. Our joy brings light into the world.
About the Author:
This article was written by Dr. Annette Colby, RD., contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Dr. Colby is a leader in the field of personal growth and consciousness. As a nationally known consultant, educator, and author, she inspires people to believe in themselves and find themselves worthy of receiving their dreams. Visit http://www.LovingMiracles.com for a free, weekly, life-changing newsletter.
Her article above is one of 101 great chapters that can be found in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." This powerful compilation book - with John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, and countless other experts - contains 101 chapters of proven advice on how to improve your life.
*** If you purchase just one copy of their new book today, you will also receïve $1,500 worth of valuable bonus gifts. To see this special book package, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/greatwaysbook2.html Alternatively, you can find 101 Great Ways on Amazon.co.uk
"Life is okay, but I'm bored with it all. I get up, go through my morning habits, and generally keep going. During the day I smile, engage in friendly conversations, attend to the requirements of my work. After work, it's home to watch television, eat, and sleep. In between, there's the movies, gym, music, and shopping. My days are predictable and routine. What is joy? What is excitement? I think I'm missing the meaning of my life."
If you ever find yourself dealing with unbearable boredom, treat it not as an undesirable invader, but celebrate the arrival of an important messenger. Without boredom we'd comfortably vegetate in neutral, passing time by doing the same things in the same ways over and over again. Boredom's appearance is a glorious sign of impending growth. New interests, passions, talents, or strengths seek expression. It's a wake-up call indicating a readiness for more: more self-love, self-leadership, self-expression, pleasure, passion, and spontaneity.
Boredom is an invitation to allow an old self to fade away and a new potential self to emerge. Certain facets of self-control and repetitive behaviors are ready to be released in favor of expanded imagination, creativity, inspiration, and spontaneity. What was once an effective, useful routine has now become stagnant, stale, and passive. Boredom is the interim period; a place neither here nor there. On one side lies the safe, comfortable, and dependable, yet outgrown past. On the other side lies an intriguing, daring, more passionate future. Boredom identifies the natural resistance we all have toward letting go of the known and entering the unknown.
Once boredom reveals its presence, several options are available: we can sink deeper into passivity and dullness; the physical edginess can be temporarily concealed with greater levels of entertainment, distractions, and diversions; or the boredom can be sedated with food, drink or choice addictions.
Another alternative exists: embrace the message of boredom. Beneath the uncomfortable discontentment lies a natural, inherent call to the lifelong process of individuation. It is time to broaden personal horizons beyond past former levels of conformity and social adaptation. Greater individuality, power, love, and creation beckon from within. A readiness is brewing to connect more deeply with the heart of our existence.
The chains of boredom are more easily shed by allowing time to welcome ideas that spark the imagination and expand the heart. What is truly important; what fascinates and engages our spirit? We have the ability to go inside, sort through some ideas, and decide what an exciting life would look like. We feel good, and our bodies feel good, when we assume responsibility for choosing to focus on stimulating desires, personal interests, and inner passions. Only we know what feels good within, what excites, ignites, and enlivens. We gently allow for the emergence of new potentials and new possibilities--and decide to feel good in the process.
Instead of letting life just happen, we can go inside and ask, "What do I want?" Typically, the first answers are filled with details about what is not wanted. Accept this as an excellent starting point. But our responsibility is to make sure we take the extra step and actually find an exciting vision to focus on. We become what we think about, and it is up to us to determine what thoughts and visions dominate our mind. We take control of our lives as we spend more time with thoughts that increase excitement and less with those that decrease excitement.
Will an exciting life happen instantaneously just because we shift thoughts from boredom to more passionate visions? Obviously, the answer is no. Some individuals will wonder how in the world they can possibly imagine exciting outcomes when they are currently just barely getting through the day. They don't have a clue what to imagine; they are frustrated and mad at themselves for being in this position. For anyone, creating a larger life requires effort, patience, and time. Yet not much changes without first engaging imagination and intention. Excitement is the element that moves us toward unfinished business and unfolding potential. It is what we want to be doing right now, while providing the energy necessary to do it.
Who we are and what excites us matters. The irritation of boredom simply reminds us, in a very noticeable way, that energy is swirling about without passionate direction or purpose. Rather than permitting our lives to be blown about like leaves on the dirt, victims of circumstance, we allow imagination to set the foundation for direction and purpose in life. Boredom is an indication of a certain readiness to become increasingly loyal to internal passions, desires, and values. We can decide we are worthy of forming enthusiastic relationships with what we care about.
Feeling good, feeling alive, and being a radiant human is important for us and for the world. We consciously develop our divine natures through the joyful manifestation of dreams and desires. A loving community begins first with a party of one. It begins by forming excited relationships with our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Our inner dreams are the joy of life, the salvation of earth, and the future of the people of this planet. Bringing paradise to earth is more than just a lofty concept; it is an individual endeavor, a personal responsibility. As human beings, we suffer when this physical connection between spirit and earth is no longer expanding and evolving as it is meant to. Our most important task is to first give permission to love, excite, and empower ourselves. We take the time to ensure we are the ones balanced, enlightened, and joyful.
To share and expand love with all life on this incredible earth, we begin with ourselves. We serve others when we become living, breathing, walking examples of inspired, excited lives. We inspire others to greatness when we ourselves have come to realize that happiness, success, abundance, empowerment, and joy are possible. The magic spreads as we become the magic. Personal success is allowed, so our beautiful concepts are no longer lofty spiritual abstractions, but tangible, physical manifestations.
The next time you are perpetually bored, realize the beautiful magic wishing to unfold. An invitation has been issued to venture beneath the surface and investigate new and exciting potentials and possibilities. Inspiration spreads as the success of one individual ignites the desires and dreams of another. It makes a difference that we, you and I, carry excitement once more. Boredom asks us to become the living, breathing embodiment of joy. Our joy brings light into the world.
About the Author:
This article was written by Dr. Annette Colby, RD., contributing author to "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." Dr. Colby is a leader in the field of personal growth and consciousness. As a nationally known consultant, educator, and author, she inspires people to believe in themselves and find themselves worthy of receiving their dreams. Visit http://www.LovingMiracles.com for a free, weekly, life-changing newsletter.
Her article above is one of 101 great chapters that can be found in "101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life: Volume 2." This powerful compilation book - with John Gray, Jack Canfield, Richard Carlson, Bob Proctor, Alan Cohen, and countless other experts - contains 101 chapters of proven advice on how to improve your life.
*** If you purchase just one copy of their new book today, you will also receïve $1,500 worth of valuable bonus gifts. To see this special book package, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/greatwaysbook2.html Alternatively, you can find 101 Great Ways on Amazon.co.uk
Monday, 3 December 2007
The Race
Here is a poem to warm your heart, renew your determination and inspire you to press on toward the accomplishment of your goal.
The Race by D.H. Groberg
"QUIT! GIVE UP! YOU'RE BEATEN!" They shout out and plead,
There's just too much against you now, this time you can't succeed.
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure's face,
My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.
And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene.
For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.
A children's race, young boys, young men; now I remember well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear; it wasn't hard to tell.
They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win that race
Or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.
The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes of fire.
To win, to be the hero there, was each young boy's desire.
And one boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought, "My Dad will be so proud."
But as he speeded down the field across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.
So down he fell and with him hope. He couldn't win it now.
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell, his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said, "Get up and win that race!"
He quickly rose, no damage done - behind a bit, that's all,
And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself to catch up and to win,
His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.
He wished that he had quit before with only one disgrace.
I'm hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn't try to race.
But, in a laughing crowd he searched and found his father's face
That steady look that said again, "Get up and win the race."
So, he jumped up to try again. Ten yards behind the last.
If I'm to gain those yards, he thought, I've got to run real fast.
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.
Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.
There's no sense running anymore - three strikes I'm out - why try?
The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away.
So far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.
I've lost, so what's the use, he thought, I'll live with my disgrace.
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he'd have to face.
"Get up," and echo sounded low, "Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race."
With borrowed will, "Get up," it said, "You haven't lost at all.
For winning is not more than this: to rise each time you fall."
So up he rose to win once more, and with a new commit,
He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn't quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he'd ever been.
Still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he'd fallen stumbling, three times he'd rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.
They cheered the winning runner as he crossed first place.
Head high and proud and happy; no falling, no disgrace.
But when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place.
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud;
You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his Dad he sadly said, "I didn't do so well."
"To me you won," his father said, "You rose each time you fell."
And when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all,
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
"QUIT! GIVE UP! YOU'RE BEATEN!" they still shout in my face,
But another voice within me says, "GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"
The Race by D.H. Groberg
"QUIT! GIVE UP! YOU'RE BEATEN!" They shout out and plead,
There's just too much against you now, this time you can't succeed.
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure's face,
My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.
And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene.
For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.
A children's race, young boys, young men; now I remember well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear; it wasn't hard to tell.
They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win that race
Or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one.
The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes of fire.
To win, to be the hero there, was each young boy's desire.
And one boy in particular, his dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought, "My Dad will be so proud."
But as he speeded down the field across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his hands flew out to brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.
So down he fell and with him hope. He couldn't win it now.
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell, his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said, "Get up and win that race!"
He quickly rose, no damage done - behind a bit, that's all,
And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself to catch up and to win,
His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.
He wished that he had quit before with only one disgrace.
I'm hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn't try to race.
But, in a laughing crowd he searched and found his father's face
That steady look that said again, "Get up and win the race."
So, he jumped up to try again. Ten yards behind the last.
If I'm to gain those yards, he thought, I've got to run real fast.
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten,
But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.
Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.
There's no sense running anymore - three strikes I'm out - why try?
The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away.
So far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.
I've lost, so what's the use, he thought, I'll live with my disgrace.
But then he thought about his dad, who soon he'd have to face.
"Get up," and echo sounded low, "Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race."
With borrowed will, "Get up," it said, "You haven't lost at all.
For winning is not more than this: to rise each time you fall."
So up he rose to win once more, and with a new commit,
He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn't quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he'd ever been.
Still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he'd fallen stumbling, three times he'd rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.
They cheered the winning runner as he crossed first place.
Head high and proud and happy; no falling, no disgrace.
But when the fallen youngster crossed the line, last place.
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud;
You would have thought he won the race, to listen to the crowd.
And to his Dad he sadly said, "I didn't do so well."
"To me you won," his father said, "You rose each time you fell."
And when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all,
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
"QUIT! GIVE UP! YOU'RE BEATEN!" they still shout in my face,
But another voice within me says, "GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"
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