Saturday, August 9, 2008

Invest in Yourself

When the prosperity arrows glow red and point down where do you invest your resources?

In your self! There is only one dear, precious you.

Here are my tips for investments in “down times” on any budget.

Recommended...

Time: Every moment spent in happiness is well spent. Happiness is free. It’s the ultimate reward and end goal of fulfilled desires anyway.

Effort: Use it on worthy goals. Worthy to you that is. It could be a clean closet or a cure for cancer. What is worth some elbow grease, some brain-challenge for you to be able to say “I did it!”

Pleasure: Highly underrated, often judged. When I came out of a theater the other night, the sky blazed as the sun sank behind Mount San Jacinto. People stood in the parking lot gazing at the soul-stirring beauty. Ahhh. We felt a sweet connection that is so often missing in the illusion that we are separate and alone here on planet earth.

So often we put pleasure at the end of a never-ending to do list. Reverse the order! It’s like having a no-calorie dessert first.

Relationships: Take some time to nurture those relationships that sustain you and enhance your life.

Is there a thank-you note you might write to someone who contributes to your well-being? An over-due love letter to a parent, child, spouse or friend? A call to encourage a loved one who is struggling?

Education and Enlightenment: Learn! Read. Take seminars like the BREAKOUT Weekend in Palm Springs (info at http://www.mandyevans.com/.) Master a new skill. Put yourself in a new environment; it may be just around the corner or across town. Give yourself a brand-new experience.

Eyes on the Prize: If you know what you want move toward it. You may have to go over, around or find a new way but keep your eyes on the prize until you get what you want or think of something just as wonderful or even better.

Investments to Avoid...

Time and energy spent in fear, guilt, anger, resentment, blame or regret.
Commiserating with friends, co-workers and family about how awful it all is.
Following a path that leads away from what you want.

Wishing you happy returns on all of your investments.

It's always great to see your thoughts and comments. Click the "comments" link below to post them.

Love,
Mandy