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April 2012
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Contents
14 Business & Finance How to Brand Your Business and Position it for Success Why Tax Time is the Perfect Time to Plan for Retirement
18 Mind & Body What Is Meditation And How Can It Help You? Manny Nowak Bid Adieu to Achoo: Finding Relief from Spring Allergies
8 Home & Family Spring celebrations: Host a Bite-sized Brunch Easy Spring Cleaning for the Entire Family
10 Education & Career Improve Your Career Prospects in a Shrinking Job Market Is This the Year You Change Your Career?
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Start the process today. Go back and look at the things you are trying to achieve with a new set of glasses on. Go back and remove those limits that you have put on them. Now, think big and see what you come up with. Think big and write down what comes to your mind. Think big and let yourself go. Then capture that and start going for it. Your success will be there, so, so, so much bigger than you ever believed. But today - before we go on in the weeks to come - today you have to start by thinking BIG. Failure creates success - if you never think big, you never fail. But the question is, do you ever really succeed? About the Author Manny Nowak has spent over 25 years helping people create success in their lives. An ex-marine and former top-notch computer programmer, Manny has an extensive background helping other achieve extreme levels of success. Manny is the author of over a dozen books; CDs and tools that focus on your ability to achieve greater success in all areas of your life (personal and professional). So stop hesitating - YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN! http://www.MannyNowak.com
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PUBLISHER &
EDITOR
Katrena Patterson
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
Juavenita Alphonsus Bilal Aslam Annika Banfield Val Lawless
FEATURED WRITERS
Laura Butler Nathalie Himmelrich Manny Nowak Alan A Rowbotham Special Thanks to ARA Content
EXCEED MAGAZINE
is published monthly and distributed online, and in print throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area. Contents 2012 All rights reserved. No part of the magazine may reprinted in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.
Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher.
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(ARA) - Sweep away the gray days of winter and invite sunshine and friends inside. This year, open the door to spring with a bite-sized brunch. Whether entertaining a house full of guests or enjoying a casual meal with friends, put a fun, fresh twist on any celebration with a collection of easy, yet scrumptious, recipes. These recipes feature fresh eggs - a breakfast staple and a sure sign of spring.
Bite-sized foods are on-trend for entertaining menus because they add visual appeal and allow guests to customize their portion sizes. Instead of serving a full meal, feature a more casual buffet table with five or six different dishes. Hosting a bite-sized brunch is as easy as 1-2-3: Choose fresh ingredients, decorate simply and add finishing touches.
and onions. This fun twist on a classic dish is a surefire way to please any breakfast crowd. Finally, Bacon-Topped Deviled Eggs are a tasty version of a traditional favorite. The gentle smokiness of the bacon blends with the classic flavor of an all-natural egg.
Decorate simply. Choose fresh ingredients. Eggs are a symbol of spring and a fresh, wholesome way to start the day. Before firing up the skillet, be sure to choose high-quality LAND O LAKES(R) All-Natural Eggs. Not all eggs are created equal. The best choice for flavor and quality, LAND O LAKES(R) AllNatural Eggs ensure superior consistency and taste in a variety of recipes. Create a fresh spring theme that's fitting for a festive brunch. Keep it simple with crisp, white table linens, colorful flowers arranged in a white pitcher and bright accessories. Combine a variety of colored plates and bowls to create an eclectic, yet casual, look. These small details are all that are needed for the table to declare, "Spring is here!" After all, tiny details equal big results.
The experts at the Land O'Lakes Test Kitchens have developed three recipes for a bite-sized brunch. These flavorful treats will delight guests as the centerpiece for a delicious meal. Mini Mexi Bites get their spicy flavor from hot and creamy pepper jack cheese. Fresh red and green veggies add bright color to each bite. Breakfast Biscuit Bakes are a winning combination of scrambled eggs, cheese, ham
April 2012
Add finishing touches. Fresh fruit salad or colorful cupcakes served in little cups provide the perfect finishing touch. Prepare a chilled beverage the night before, such as iced tea served with frozen mintinfused ice cubes or a large pitcher of lemonade, to serve as an alternative to coffee or tea.
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So when it comes to spring cleaning, it's understandable you and your family want to clear all of the past year's clutter and mess, without taking too much time away from enjoying fun springtime activities. And thankfully it's possible to maintain a deep spring cleaning without spending more than a day's time, as long as you stay organized.
"Cleaning smart is the key to making your spring cleanup quick and efficient, not long and painstaking," says Jelmar President Alison Gutterman. "Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors this time of year, so getting the whole family involved, making a plan and using the right tools will help your cleanup get done fast and your home will look great."
When your clan is able to carve out one day to hold your spring cleaning initiative be sure to go in prepared to ensure total participation and maximize success.
Delegate: The entire family contributes to the mess over the year, which means the entire family should also help clean it up. Don't try to take on a deep spring cleaning alone, enlist the troops and assign age-appropriate chores to everyone.
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(ARA) - When you evaluate your current situation and set goals for the future, do career goals top the list? If so it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Why not make 2012 the year you get your new career underway? If you were planning on scouring the want ads, you may have to adjust your thinking. "If you see an ad for a position posted, it's almost too late," says Becky Bates, director of career services at The Art Institutes International Minnesota. Bates suggests you tap into the "hidden job market" and get to that position before it's posted. That means networking. "Let anyone and everyone know you're looking for a position," advises Heidi Nolta, assistant director of career services at The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg. "Even if it's your Aunt Sally, you have no idea who knows whom, so don't be afraid to ask your friends and family." "Go to networking functions that cater to your field and go alone, because you won't be able to hide behind your friends," adds Grace Shurley, career services advisor at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. Shurley suggests you stand or sit in the middle of the room and get out of your comfort zone, because you're not likely to make new contacts within it. Nolta advises you to volunteer at those events, checking people in; it guarantees you'll meet almost everyone who walks through the door. "Your goal should be to get a twoinch stack of business cards," says Shurley. Make sure to have business cards wherever you go. If you don't currently have a job, have a simple business card made with your name, profession and contact information, says Shurley. And while you're at it, make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and start Tweeting, suggests Nolta. "Follow the companies and industries you are interested in so you can get the latest information about them." If you're not employed, be willing to take something that may not be an ideal fit but gets you out there, advises Shurley. "And don't be afraid to start at the bottom if you're launching a new career; that entrylevel job can open up a lot of opportunities," she adds.
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Whether you're employed or not, make sure you're updating your skills, says Bates. If new
And the market for certification is larger than ever, with employers placing continued emphasis on advanced skills in global business management, project management, information technology, skilled trades and other traditional fields to more modern credentials in sustainable and green energy or next generation design.
National and local professional organizations are a valuable resource for learning more about certification. Many provide training courses, workshops or prep materials for those contemplating pursuing a credential. You'll also be able to learn from peers who have already gone through the process. In addition to professional organizations, many colleges and universities offer professional development and continuing education programs. The Center for Professional Development at Excelsior College offers more than 100 online, noncredit courses and career training programs, from business marketing and entrepreneurship to project management, human resources and even investigative science.
software is introduced in your industry, learn that software. Find workshops and tutorials that can help. Nolta cautions that potential employers could test you on new software to make sure that you're up to speed. "A job seeker is self-employed and the biggest mistake you can make is not holding yourself accountable," says Bates. She suggests you make a strategic plan and map out activities for every day of the week, whether it's a job fair, sending out resumes, researching a company or calling potential employers. "Job seekers should consider getting that job, a job in itself."
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The important point to remember is that you are your greatest asset. By continually investing in your skills and capabilities, you open doors of opportunity and further your potential. You signal to your colleagues, employer and future employers that you have the motivation and drive to remain on the forefront of advancements in business practice, technology and industry standards. The challenges employers face and the dynamic, constantly evolving marketplace in which they operate require a highly skilled and flexible workforce. Certification programs can be an effective means to ensure your knowledge base is well aligned with valued and sought after competencies and capabilities.
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(ARA) - For small businesses, having a well-established brand with a loyal customer base is critical to both immediate and long-term success. While investing money in brand developing tools may be costly, building a suite of business cards, postcards, signs, banners, brochures and other products that give your business a professional look can be easily and inexpensively accomplished. When your brand acts as your identity, anything you can do to increase public awareness will only help your company.
Here are some tips on what to consider as you're developing your business suite from Staples, which offers a broad assortment of customizable Copy & Print marketing collateral.
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First and foremost, it is important that your company map out exactly what it stands for, who your target customer is, how you would like to be represented, and how you want your message to be delivered. Once that has been decided, define your brand - how you are going to help a customer identify your business with a given product, promotion or piece of advertising. Will it be with a logo, color scheme or a slogan? To make this as effective as possible work with focus groups made up of current and potential clients, as well as peers within your industry so you can come to an educated decision on which vehicles will work best to accomplish your goals and objectives. Also, remember to always keep your marketing tools up to date.
Next, focus on which marketing tools your company is going to use to deliver your message. If you're not in a position to develop a complete set of marketing materials, then focus your efforts on one piece at a time. For instance, one of the most valuable tools in today's market is a simple business card. With a business card in hand, an ambassador of your brand is effectively able to provide your contact info and exposure to the corporate brand.
Business cards are most impactful when the logo is prominently featured and includes your associate's contact information, title, website URL and Twitter handle, among other things, and the font is easily readable. It's also important to develop a consistent message to deliver across all channels at all times. This assists in building a recognizable brand that consumers will automatically associate with your company.
It's also important that you consider your geographic location. If your company is located in a bustling community with a large amount of foot traffic, it may be a good idea to create a large banner to place on your store front which features a special offer or promotion. Using this type of tool assists in generating awareness and
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not only helps to attract new customers but retains existing ones by providing additional incentives to keep them coming back for more. Alternatively, if you have a business specializing in lawn care or real estate, then perhaps creating a lawn sign to place on your client's property may be beneficial as the property serves as a testament to your services.
Another low-cost promotional tactic is a well-crafted brochure to feature within the office or give to potential customers/clients. A high-quality brochure enables your company to relay in-depth information, such as the company's mission statement, pricing, services, accreditations, certifications and more. Additionally, they give your organization an extra level of credibility since consumers have come to expect printed material from companies with whom they are doing business. Also if you truly want to make your brochure buzz-worthy, try to integrate an offer or coupon into the copy of the brochure itself.
Lastly, it's important to remember that creating an effective marketing strategy will take a considerable level of effort to organize and execute. However, having an assortment of customized marketing materials will attract your desired target customer and leave them with the information and incentive they need to revisit your company in the future.
"If youre not unique, youre invisible! -David Solomon Business Performance Strategist
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Conducting an annual checkup for retirement is not only smart financially; it can also give you added peace of mind, which is something investors need now more than ever. In fact, a recent survey released by TD Ameritrade found that while the majority (85 percent) of working Americans have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and/or a 401 (k)/403(b) plan in place, many are not confident they'll have enough saved when they're ready to retire. Just 23 percent of working Americans surveyed said they are completely confident they will reach their savings goals by the time they retire. "People want the comfort of knowing that when they retire, their money will last. However, in order to achieve this, planning is required," says Lule Demmissie, managing director, investment products and retirement, TD Ameritrade, Inc., a brokerage subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. "It's important for investors to remember that there
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Once you've assessed your situation and devised ways to strengthen your retirement plan, put your strategy in motion.
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By Laura Butler There are many kinds of meditation practices, which are collectively referred to as the family of meditation practices. People who meditate are trained to guide their minds into focusing until they reach a state of consciousness that have a variety of benefits. It is generally a personal practice, one that you do by yourself and without any form of external involvement. The family of meditative practices is of many varieties. There is not one common form of meditation since different practices can have different effects and benefits for a certain group of people. There may be different
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What is meditation? Meditation is becoming more and more popular all over the world, and a lot of the people who have not yet tried meditation, are afraid or are reluctant to do so mainly because they don't exactly know what meditation really is? How do you define this word? What is expected for those who do it? And how can meditation help improve your lives?
Meditation has a very interesting history. It was first used by people in Asia, mainly those who practice Hinduism and Buddhism. It was very popular then and can even be traced back to as far as the 12th century with one of the first formal processes made by Guigo II, a monk that lived during that century.
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Allergies, which affect an estimated 60 million people in the United States both young and old, can really take a toll on your daily routine, and they are a nuisance both in the daily life and professionally. Whether you're affected year-round or during a specific season, learning how to manage allergy symptoms can be vital to restoring your comfort and quality of life. This condition can also be expensive to manage. From 2000 to 2005, the cost of treating allergic rhinitis nearly doubled from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. More than half of that was spent on prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some experts recommend patients purchase storebrand, over-the-counter medicines as an effective means of managing both the condition and its associated costs.
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CREATING CONFIDENCE
By Alan A Rowbotham If you are continually being hard on yourself, procrastinating, and not being able to achieve what you truly desire, it can often be due to a lack of self-confidence. Here, then, are some insights toward creating and building greater confidence. When you increase your awareness you increase your confidence. Underlying true selfconfidence is an awareness of your connectedness to life. Many years ago, a speaker encouraged his audience to begin to "look with the eyes of love." The next day, walking home after work, I began to look around with new eyes and I became aware of things I hadn't noticed before: a rabbit running across a lawn, squirrels chasing each other up a tree, flowers in bloom, people waving and smiling at me. That may not seem like much, but it was the start of a new growing awareness and a new self-confidence. Accept yourself as a unique being, an original. When I finally became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1985 after coming to this country from England in 1967, I had a sudden insight that had a profound effect upon me. There at the top of my naturalization certificate in bold letters was the word "Original." I realized there was no one else exactly like me, no one with the same talents and abilities, interests or strengths. So, I encourage you to take stock of your own strengths and positive qualities, for you too are an original. Become aware of the presence of God within you. This is the source of all your good and the
foundation for your self-confidence. For you are a spiritual being, going through a human experience. You have God-given gifts to help you fulfill your purpose on earth which only you can fulfill. As you become more aware of the presence and power of God within you and flowing through you, your confidence grows exponentially and your positive influence is felt and appreciated. The following are some simple positive steps you can take on a daily basis to enhance your self-confidence. You don't have to feel selfconfident to take these actions, but by taking them you will find your confidence increases.
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1. Posture. Become more conscious of your posture. Sit and stand with your body more upright. Imagine a string at the top of your head, gently pulling you upright, and feel a little more space between your vertebrae. 2. Notice your breathing. Let it bring you fully into the present moment, and move into an easy rhythm of deep conscious breathing as you relax and let go. 3. Smile. Right now, let the corners of your mouth turn upward in a smile. Feel that smile spread to your eyes and your forehead, then throughout your body. Practice an inner smile during your day and feel that subtle inner glow. 4. Smile at others. Smiles convey loving attention, encouragement, and friendliness. When you smile, you lighten stressful situations, ease burdens, and express God's love from within. Your smiles are gifts of love that return blessings to you in untold ways. 5. Initiate conversation. Take the initiative, introduce yourself, ask a question, and/or respond in a positive way to something that is said or is happening in the moment. 6. Be a good listener. If you were to ask a question that you genuinely wanted to know the answer to, you would naturally listen and give your full attention to that answer. And if you really give your full attention to what someone else is saying, your response will arise naturally without you being concerned about what to say next. 7. Learn people's names and use them in conversation. Everyone likes to be acknowledged by name, whether it is someone you know well or in casual conversation or the server in a restaurant. Whoever it is, it will make them feel good to be called by name. And it will make you feel good in return.
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The arrival of spring is a joyous occasion to celebrate with family and friends. With warmer weather and a change of season, guests look forward to socializing again. Take advantage of fresh ingredients and serve small bites of your favorite dishes. For more great brunch ideas and the recipes for Mini Mexi Bites and Bacon-Topped Deviled Eggs, go to www.landolakes.com or "like" Land O'Lakes on Facebook.
Make a list: Before everyone commits to several hours of spring cleaning, do a quick walk-through of the house and take notes on exactly what needs cleaning up or needs to be tossed out. This makes prioritizing work a bit easier, and you're sure to get everything that needs to be cleaned done.
Ingredients: 4 (3/4 ounce) slices American cheese 1 (10.2 ounces) can (5) refrigerated big flaky biscuits 1 tablespoon butter 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped cooked ham 5 LAND O LAKES(R) All-Natural Eggs, well beaten Supply suitably: Everyone has their ever-growing stash of cleaners in a closet or under the sink, but having a multitude of products just drags out your projects, not to mention creates more clutter. Try some effective multi-purpose cleaners that can take care of a few different rooms and several tasks for easy and quick cleanup. Use CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner to tackle caked-on grime from ceramic tile, shower doors, toilet bowls, kitchen counter tops and more without any of the elbow grease.
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Stack cheese slices. Cut into thin strips; coarsely chop. Set aside. Separate biscuits; cut each in half. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes to soften. Press each piece into bottom and up sides of 10 lightly greased muffin pan cups. Set aside. Melt butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened (1 to 2 minutes). Add ham; continue cooking 1 minute. Add eggs; cook, lifting gently and stirring slightly to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath, until set (1 to 2 minutes). Immediately remove from heat; cool slightly. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon chopped cheese into each biscuit cup. Divide egg mixture among muffin cups. Press down egg mixture slightly; sprinkle each muffin cup equally with remaining cheese. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes or until puffed and biscuits are lightly golden brown on edges. Serve warm.
Keep your perspective: There's nothing better than a freshly cleaned home but life is messy. Things are going to get dirty along the way, so while a good spring cleaning is definitely necessary each year, there are always going to be things to tidy up. Taking the steps to making your spring cleaning efforts as efficient and effective as possible is the best way to get your home looking its best, and your family back to enjoying their post-winter fun.
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Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it. ~ Lou Holtz
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"There are a number of very effective over-the-counter treatments to address the symptoms of seasonal allergies," says Dr. William Berger, professor of allergy and immunology at the University of California, Irvine. "In fact, to help patients save money, I would recommend many of the store-brand, nonsedating antihistamines sold at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Cetirizine or Loratadine. These products are approved by the FDA, but cost significantly less than the brand names." According to Berger, many allergy sufferers may find better relief of their symptoms by trying one of these newer, more effective treatments now available in the aisle, like Fexofenadine, which just switched from prescription to over-the-counter in 2011. "Effective management with medicines, ideally before the allergy symptoms start, is key," he says.
You can find more information about the symptoms and treatments for allergic rhinitis at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.aaaai.org), or the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.acaai.org).
meanings of meditation which can mean differently for people, so there really isn't a single best definition for it except for self-regulation activities that train your mind to focus in order to bring out mental processes under voluntary control. There are many benefits of meditation; among which are attaining a more compassionate and more positive attitude towards life in general. The awareness and attention to life that you achieve during meditation helps you see life as if you're looking at it through rose-colored glasses, thereby exuding a positive attitude towards it.
stantly requires a steady flow of inspiration to get their minds working. If you meditate regularly, you also make it easier for yourself to manage daily challenges easily. Other benefits of meditation include increase in self acceptance and forgiveness in one's faults and past. This may also lead to greater social acceptance since your positive outlook in life would not be hard to rub on people that you constantly work with. If you are interested in more great information on [http://www.meditationforhealing.org/tipsand-techniques-on-how-to-meditate/]meditation or healing, kindly check out our site for further info.
Meditation can also help you make more informed and significantly better decisions. It can increase your creativity which is greatly helpful for people who are in the creative field and con-
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are more educational tools and resources available today than ever before to help them develop a sound retirement plan. Breaking up the planning process into phases can make the task seem less daunting, and tax time is a great time to get the process started."
Whether you're going it alone or working with a professional, keep these tips in mind to maximize your time this tax season: * Conduct a retirement assessment. Tax documents and end-of-year statements will often give you the clearest, most up-to-date snapshot of your finances. Use that information to assess your retirement progress and analyze these documents to determine if you should consider updating or altering your strategy.
* Formulate or refine your plan. There are a wide range of financial considerations concerning your income and expenditures that need to be taken into account as you save, all of which should factor into your overall plan. Make use of online resources such as TD Ameritrade's WealthRuler(TM) retirement calculator, which can help you refine your approach to retirement investing. Investors can also speak to a retirement specialist or do a quick Retirement Checkup at one of TD Ameritrade's branches. * Take action! Once you've assessed your situation and devised ways to strengthen your retirement plan, put your strategy in motion. The sooner you can get started, the sooner you can make progress toward achieving your goals so you can be more secure about the future. TD Ameritrade does not provide tax advice. Keep in mind every individual's tax situation is different, and it is important to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your own individual situation. For more information about how to get your retirement plans on track in the new year, visit TD Ameritrade's online Retirement Center.
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8. Show up on time. If you are meeting someone for dinner, going to work, or whatever the occasion, be on time. It shows respect and consideration of others, and helps you be relaxed and ready to be your best self. 9. Dress appropriately. It takes just a little more care to be well-groomed and dressed appropriately for whatever the occasion may be, but it makes a big difference in the way you feel and helps the ones you are with to feel comfortable too. 10. Follow up. Earlier this week, I received a card from a friend saying how happy she had been to see me again. It meant a great deal to me to receive the note and made me feel good. Then I had a call from someone I hadn't seen for a while suggesting we meet for a cup of coffee; I was really glad to hear from him. In other words, little things mean a lot. So be sure to respond and follow up with people; they will welcome your caring action, and it will give your own confidence a boost as well. These are just a few simple suggestions which, if you will follow them, will boost your self-confidence. For more information on building confidence, visit www.buildconfidencespiritually.com
Now is the time to be bolder, to dare to achieve, to begin something worth doing. Byron Pulsifier, "Dream Big, and Live Life Well
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The Spectrum of Self-Love Loving one's self can range from being totally narcissistic to having no confidence and selflove. Many of us will have heard messages of parents and/or other influential people trying to steer us away from becoming too self obsessed or narcissistic. But how about adequate, meaningful messages that would build up a healthy self-image where self-love could reside?
The answer to these questions will give you a picture of your level of self-love. Now think about how much you love your pet, your child, and your partner? Do you love and accept them more than you love yourself? I bet they are not absolutely perfect either. So why are you so much harsher with yourself?
The Journey of Learning to Love Yourself In the end it's our own journey to re-install the self-love that we have lost along the way. Maybe it is part of our purpose in life to reignite the love and go through whatever is part of this quest. Many physical illnesses have on a metaphysical level something to do with 'lack of selflove'. Popular self-help books teach you to stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself: 'I love myself' or 'I am beautiful.' For someone not used to think favorably about one's self this probably sounds very strange or even ridiculous. Ask yourself: How much do I really love myself the way I am? In what ways would I like to be different? When do I ever smile at myself and my 'being' (rather than my achievements)? How accepting am I of my flaws? How often do I speak unfavorably of myself?
Maybe now it's time to start loving yourself whatever way you choose to do this.
About the Author Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of 'Reach for the Sky Therapy' on Sydney's Northern Beaches and specialises in 'relationship related issues'. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.
Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.
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"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Author Unknown
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