Life moves on – Reflections upon lessons learned from a Valuable Friend

Last year I wrote two posts inspired by my dog and awesome friend Sam. I believe that there are lessons for us all from these posts and that was my intent for writing them.

This week, my friend lost his battle with his health and is now in ‘doggy heaven’ with his great friend Maddie, our staffy who passed on nearly three years ago.

Sam was a tough bugger,  recovering from a big operation caused by a ruptured ACL last November, smaller op this year for a haematoma and cartlidge damage to his leg, two months ago. He had also developed a heart murmur which was discovered when ‘prepping’ him for his operation on the ruptured ACL.

Unfortunately on Tuesday, the Vet specialist found an aggressive tumour on his spine…..we knew from an earlier appointment that day that there was some form of spinal interference and were hoping for a disc to be the issue…..he had lost the use of his hind legs the previous day.

Yet in spite of all the dramas, Sam retained a cheerful face and love in his heart for his family, right to the end.

• In spite of all the odds that may be stacked against us, find the “will” to keep going and live another day to the full extent of your capabilities

With your indulgence, I have reposted some of the two prior posts relating to Sam…….

Post 1.

“These are all characteristics that I associate with Sam. These are also characteristics that I have learned are useful in pursuing the things that I enjoy. Sam has helped me reinforce these into my psyche”.

Persistence …You have to have it. If you feel that you are on a winner, keep going, don’t stop and never, ever , ever give in. Does your dog “shadow” you like mine until he gets what he wants?

Appreciation… when someone says something, does something that you really like…tell them or show them how much you appreciate it. It will come back to you ten fold. Sam lies at my feet, nuzzles up next to me when I have “done him good”. You might not want to try that specifically however hopefully you get my point.
Enthusiasm…Boy is it contagious or what! If you’ve been around “enthusiastic” people you know that it rubs off onto you. Show enthusiasm & people will gravitate toward you. Ever seen a dog wag his tail? then I need say no more.

Follow through(thru)…when you start something or say that you will do something, then keep the action going. Follow through with your sales leads, personal contacts, Business contacts. Don’t leave anybody or any thing “hanging”. I have never seen Sam leave a bone or any food for that matter, unfinished…..he follows through on what he started.

Determination… similar to ‘Follow thru’ & ‘Persistence’ however with a “dogged” touch to it. Determination is what I call a start up trait. One needs to bedetermined to initiate the actions that will bring one success, joy, happiness. When determination is present, Follow thru & Persistence are flow ons…… (like a dog with a bone, he wants one & is determined to get it, then finishes the job)

Chill… If you’ve read some of my recent posts including Just Chilling then you know that I am a fan. Sam is one of the best “chillers” that I have come across…..check the photo for proof. Make time to “Chill” & reflect on your gratitudes.

Love… One of the best feelings. One that I have felt before & on numerous occasions however my faithful dog is always loving regardless. Something that I have learned is extremely valuable. The love of my faithful friend is all consuming.

Post 2.

“Well I have learned One more valuable lesson. Sam had a recent injury & is now recovering at home from surgery. He had an operation this week to repair a snapped Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).Did he complain? No, he just got on with it. There he was limping around, after diagnosis by Vet last weekend, business as usual. No complaints.Sure he must have been in pain though I think he is now in more after surgery, at least in the short term.Nevertheless, he soldiered on as I said, business as usual…..except for his daily walk with me that is.

“Resilience under pressure”…..doing what you have to do regardless of the obstacles.

This is another lesson well learned. Doing what has to be done regardless of how you feel either personally or how you feel about the job at hand.

“Resilience” is something that we all need to draw on when things get ‘tough’. Inspiration gets you into a state of “I’ve just got to do it”…..Motivation pushes you “to do it”…..Resilience helps you “keep doing it” when obstacles appear.

When have you needed “resilience” in your Life or are there times when you wished you had used some? Share your thoughts in the comments below, you know I like to read & reply.

By the way, the love of my faithful friend is being returned 100 fold from all our family during his recovery”.

Thankyou for your indulgence. Sam is resting now and I will always remember the lessons that I have learned from my true Friend.

be good to yourselves

David

# Bonus Read…..“You only live once, so make it Meaningful” Joe Wilner Shake Off the Grind

# I would truly appreciate you visiting my :

• Facebook page over there. I’d love you to “like” & follow. This will allow for some valuable interaction & for you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away…..Only $25 per month, one month or as many as you like… Why not sign up while you are there?

• website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter

 

You can Design your very own Mid Life years…You have the Power

If you are aged 40 & over, please read on (others do so at their own risk, but you are welcome anyway).

Life is a Journey.

Mid Life is an Adventure.

I’ve said that before and I am proud to say it again.

Join me now for an intimate Mid Life Love fest, just you & me. The adventure is about to begin. I want you to design the best Mid Life that you can imagine.

You deserve it. This is a golden time. Make it count.

Make it last (there’s no end date if you’re having Fun).

I have spoken before about mid-life adventure and also asked questions about mid-life journeys. At the end of the day, I believe it’s all about learning & discovery, having huge amounts of Fun while you are at it And…adding a healthy dose of Purpose.

Here are  a few ‘design ideas’ that you may wish to experiment with to make your Mid Life years stand out.

• “I have worldly experience to use & to share & to contribute”…..well, what can I design from this? What are my experiences, how can I best use them? I really do have something to offer…my best years are ahead

• “The questions that have bothered me before are now bringing answers, magically it seems”…..how much more can I learn from further questioning? I can shape my experiences…..and therefore, my Life.

• “I am developing Greater self awareness…….I have become more aware of who I really am”…..Imagine the potential that I can now release and make use of. I am Me & proud of it. This is My Life to live.

• “My passion for Life has become more “real”…….I can now taste it, embrace it & touch it”…..the boundaries are being pushed out further & further, my scope is endless. Let me loose, the power is in my hands.

• “I fit in to my own view of the world”…..the world is my oyster, let’s go harvest a Fun time

• “Fitness & good health are now top priorities & I can see, feel & enjoy the benefits”…..the Life that I will now be living won’t be interrupted by poor health, the possibilities are endless. I can design anything that I want.

• “I answer to no one other than myself”…..I make my own ‘design’ rules. I am going to design myself something incredible.

• “I enjoy my mistakes. Previously I just saw them as ‘mistakes’…….now I know better”…..OK, sometimes I stuff up, maybe a ‘design fault’ here & there. But that’s allright, I’m still learning & that’s part of my journey.

• “My Imagination has no limits, it often runs wild…….I love it”…..my designs are endless, I can do what I want.

* Admittedly,I am biased.I know that Mid Life is golden.

I also know that it can get away, fast.

* Grab it, hold it, embrace it, feel it, touch it, love it, learn from it…….enjoy it!

What sort of mid life do you wish to design? Don’t be afraid to share.

be good to yourselves

David

# Bonus Read…..from Andrea DeBell “ How to use your imagination to create happiness“

# I would truly appreciate you visiting my :

• Facebook page over there. I’d love you to “like” & follow. This will allow for some valuable interaction & for you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away…..Only $25 per month, one month or as many as you like… Why not sign up while you are there?

• website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter

Living Life Today – Kick some Butt when your Energy is High

“The Living Life Today series provides a platform to think about your Life as it is Now, enjoy what you have, review and create an even better future for tomorrow”….. Short, sharp & easily digestible.

To fully live each day, our energy levels need to be at maximum. On a physiological level, that is extremely difficult to maintain throughout an entire day.

And on a mental level, equally so.

However, fuelling our energy levels with exercise and proper diet helps give us ” the best chance possible” to be at an effective energy output…..physically.

On a mental level, frequently fuelling ourselves with positive thoughts, avoiding draining situations and people, maintains high mental energy reserves.

The more positive the re-inforcement and the more regular, the better our energy reserves.

Sure we will have ‘down times’…..times when we are necessarily affected by external circumstances and times when we simply have to take a break…..and that’s fair enough.

Again, I am talking about giving ourselves “the best chance possible here”.

Having an Attitude that will pick you up at the right times is what I call, a terrific “energy aide” & provides a timely Boost.

Here’s 3 more kick butt energy aides that may help you get things done more effectively…..and more often:

• Tune into your energy frequency, know & select the times of each day when you feel at peak energy… and make them your ‘kick butt’ sessions
• ”Fuel up” on positive thoughts & positive readings when you are feeling a little flat. Absorb what nature has for you, be aware of your surrounds…be thankful…drink it in
• Exercise your body daily as well as your mind. Keep physically fit and eat nutritious food regularly…consult a health practitioner if necessary.

What suggestions do you have that can be used as “Energy boosting Aides”?

Be good to yourselves

David

# I would truly appreciate you visiting my :

• Facebook page over there. I’d love you to “like” & follow. This will allow for some valuable interaction & for you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away…..Only $25 per month, one month or as many as you like… Why not sign up while you are there?

• website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter

Related articles

• Living Life Today – be Excited about your Life (personalpower4me.wordpress.com)
• Living Life Today – Are You Moving or Standing Still? (personalpower4me.wordpress.com)

Humanity, the Beach & a million Thoughts…

Changed spaces this morning and spent 2 hours walking the beachfront esplanade a few minutes drive from my home.

And what a cracker of a morning it was! Delightfully clear skies, no breeze & pleasantly mild for this time of year (early winter). The weather has calmed from the past few days when an east coast “low” had created some (previously) nasty weather…but not today.

Today the surf was boiling and many boardriders were taking advantage of the swell. World famous Snapper Rocks(home to The Billabong Pro each Feb/March) was a little too dangerous this morn though & consequently “action” there was quiet.

There was much more action on the boardwalk.

Here were people of different nationalities (holiday makers mostly), different shapes and sizes, some smiling, some frowning (what on earth for?), some expressionless, some animated, some talking, some just lost in thought….. all mixing in a patchwork quilt of Humanity and with seeming Harmony.

I love to observe people, read their faces, peer into their thoughts or at least what I imagine that they are thinking. You can tell so much from people’s facial expression, at least I feel that I can…..and that’s really helpful as a Life Coach.

And mostly I have been correct.

Tuning in on another’s ‘wavelength’ when communicating with them makes for generous and valuable conversation…nothing wasted.

Getting into fresh space is great for my soul. Thoughts flow freely and often (need to have a notebook handy)…..it’s like a complete renewal of my system. Co incidentally my “computer guy” was giving my computer a ‘renewal’ at home at the same time as I was at the beachfront. It now has more space….. of the hardrive kind.

Needless to say, I had more thoughts than I could handle this morning however made a ‘mental note’ of the ones that most caught my attention. These will come in very handy for a new “Coaching philosophy” that I am working on currently.

My best thoughts come to me when they are allowed to.

Being in a fresh space, uninhibited by deadlines, phone calls, email alerts allowed better communication with my higher self (woops, a little woo woo there)…..must be the Sun & fresh salt air getting to me.

I am extremely grateful to have the power of Choice…..to choose my space and change when necessary, to be able to choose the thoughts that give me the most value…..and to be part of this patchwork quilt of Humanity.

* Bonus Reads: When Gratitude Bites…..The Bridgemaker

The Present that becomes the Gift…..Victor Schueller

Be good to yourselves

David

# I would truly appreciate you visiting my :

• Facebook page over there. I’d love you to “like” & follow. This will allow for some valuable interaction & for you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away…..Only $25 per month, one month or as many as you like… Why not sign up while you are there?

• website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter

6 key questions you can use to open the door to your Self Discovery

We are amazing ‘creatures of The Universe’ with huge potential & extraordinary personal power. For many however, ‘potential’ remains just that and is often not fully discovered & consequently our personal power becomes diminished.

Abstract Colorful Universe Wallpaper – TTdesign (Photo credit: tomt6788)

To start opening the door to our self discovery involves the asking of questions. This is the best way to learn & discover things in Life. The better the question…the better the chances of greater discovery.

Can you remember when you were early school age?… question upon question, endless discovery thru books, pictures, stories and the like…..and the excitement of it all!

So here’s where You & I
can revisit that.

Not to go back to “school” but to use schooling technique to open fresh doors to our Life.

We need to continue to ask questions of others and ourselves in order to grow and develop our excitement of new (self) discovery and to tap into our huge wealth of potential…..so, is there something stopping us from doing this?

I am still asking myself questions, new questions, better questions for I have potential that I know is still there to be realised…..and ‘potential’ can be a heavy load to carry, so maybe it’s time to unburden oneself.

Now I’m not a “woo woo” type of guy so some of my questions may appear boring however I believe they will allow you to get to the heart of the matter…..that being You…..and that’s pretty important, don’t you think?

Here’s six questions that I have selected(there are more of course)to get you thinking and hopefully build the excitement of exploration & discovery.

• Will my current ‘choices’ get me to where I want to be… for example…am I doing the things that I should be doing? Am I saying the things that I should be saying? Do I cut corners when I should be doing that little bit extra? Are the people who I spend time with adding value to me? Am I adding to my happiness or subtracting from it?
• Do I settle for less than I deserve…for example… Is compromise my first action? Can I try a bit harder? I know that I can do better then why aren’t I?

• Do I consider myself a Victim of circumstance or do I take personal responsibility for my Life…for example…is Life just happening to me or am I contributing to my Life? Do I let others make choices for me? Do I stand up for what I believe in? Is it someone else’s fault (again)?

• What are my top 3 personal Values that I want to live my Life by…do you know your Values? * It is worthwhile completing a “Values Checklist” or similar to determine what values drive you…and then live by them otherwise you will likely be in “conflict”. When you are living in harmony with your values you begin to flow rather than trickle thru Life. * Tim Brownson @ A Daring Adventure is among many things an expert on Core Values. You might want to check out some of his posts or even subscribe to his blog.

• What’s vitally important to me Now… sounds simple however how many times do we pause & determine this? We may be spending time doing ‘stuff’ that bears no resemblance to what is more like our bigger picture. Spending time on the important things rather than just the urgent ones, will pay off big time.

• How do I really want to live the rest of my Life…are you accepting of your current circumstances? or do you want to consider a different set of circumstances for your Life? Time is not our friend…Now may be the time to sort this out

Do you see some value here? What questions would you like to use to open the door to your own Self Discovery? I’d love to hear your comments.

Be good to yourselves

David

#  I’d love you to Visit and “like” my Facebook page

• You can then take advantage of a Free Coaching session or high value, low cost Virtual Coaching package…just click on the appropriate apps on the page

Please visit me also at:

•   www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au    AND

• Follow me on Twitter

 

3 Simple Do-able actions that will make all the difference in your Life

Life T-Shirt (Photo credit: Bob.Fornal)

“Life is tough, Life is hard”…..heard that a lot.

In part, there is truth here. However when this message repeats and repeats, it can become fact for many (who don’t know better) who will then believe that everything in Life must be tough and hard.

There are tough and hard parts to our Lives, no mistake.

However in the overall scheme of things, the amount of ‘tough times’ that you experience will mostly come down to your view of your Life and the choices that you make. In other words, Life can be a lot easier, a lot more enjoyable, if you choose a more positive outlook.

I’ve found that focussing on just 3 things helps me maintain my positive outlook.

Life shouldn’t need a ‘rocket science‘ degree to live it. These 3 things may help you as well.

• Don’t listen to people who constantly tell you negative stuff…..they anchor you down & kill your dreams

• Say ‘thankyou’ often…..it brings more to you

• Have a definite idea of where you are going and what you want…..this helps avoid ‘distractions’

Seem too simple? Maybe, however I find that it works & Life can be complicated, so ‘simple’ is good. You may notice some changes for the positive if you try this yourself.

* Bonus posts for your reading pleasure

Fran Sorin from Awake Create…..45 Inspirational Quotes That Will Re-Ignite Your Imagination

Arvind Devalia from Make it Happen…..Top 10 Reasons Why Losers Give Up: And How Not To Be a Loser Too!

Be good to yourselves

David

#  I’d love you to Visit and “like” my Facebook page

• You can then take advantage of a Free Coaching session or high value, low cost Virtual Coaching package…just click on the appropriate apps on the page

Please visit me also at:

•   www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au    AND

• Follow me on Twitter

Related articles

• Living Life Today – 4 Simple ways to best use your Power…in Everyday Life (personalpower4me.wordpress.com)
• Living Life Today – The Magic of a daily dose of Sunshine (personalpower4me.wordpress.com)

Living Life Today – Are You Moving or Standing Still?

“Just the thought of being with you tomorrow is enough to get me through today.” (Photo credit: deeplifequotes)

“The Living Life Today series provides a platform to think about your Life as it is Now, enjoy what you have, review and create an even better future for tomorrow”….. Short, sharp & easily digestible.

Feeling a bit sluggish, a bit flat? Thoughts in dissaray?

This happens to all of us at various times.

However care is to be had here as this temporary phase can become a permanent lockdown.

How do we do avoid this happening to you on a regular basis?

With a clear view of where you are going/what you want to do…this will make all the difference.

Clarity is the key here. Yes for sure the waters get muddied from time to time. However being able to draw upon your ‘own clear message’ will get you back on track…and moving.

Having a sense of direction and an end goal is ‘message’ enough to keep you moving.

When you are not clear then you will come to a standstill.

The longer you remain unclear, the longer you stand still.

With each clear thought a step in the right direction follows and tomorrow will welcome you with open arms…..keep stepping.

If you are unsure of your current thoughts and direction, contact me via email or the social media avenues below and I’ll help you get moving.

Be good to yourselves

David

# I would love you to visit my :

• Facebook page over there. Please “like” & follow. This will allow you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away. Why not sign up while you are there?

•  website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter

# Bonus posts for your reading pleasure from a selection of fabulous bloggers

Betsy Henry @ Zen Mama…..Become a Possibilitarian

Jodi Chapman @ Soul Speak…..Shared Wisdom- Creating Time

 

 

Your Intuition … The Inside Story

Until recently, I had not paid too much attention to my Intuition. I knew that it “was there” however had not delved any deeper.

By chance (intuitively maybe) I came across Angela Artemis and her blog writings. I became more engaged with my Intuition and was keen to learn more.

Now Angela is spilling more beans with her latest book offering “The Intuition Principle: How to Attract the Life You Dream Of “

Reading thru this book has given me greater insight into the power of my own Intuition and how to use it effectively…..and it will for you as well.

“Intuition unlocks your destiny & is your Guide” is a particular quote that I enjoyed…we start with a blank map in life & need to fill in the blanks/steps as we go along. Using our ‘guidance’ via intuitive feel helps us with the steps that we need to take.

Angela takes you thru a number of stages of Intuition. Including “meeting & greeting” your intuition and how to use it wisely by developing your intuition and overcoming any obstacles along the way.

Each stage is set out in easy to read, easy to follow steps that ‘open up’ your insight into this intriguing area of your “Intuition”.

Trusting your Intuition, your gut feel will get you from where you are now to places that you may not have previously thought possible.

It can be a breakthrough, it can be exhilarating & if you are looking for answers that don’t seem to be there, listen to your Intuition, allow it to ‘speak up’….. don’t drown the voice that can help you, with other “noise” that may only distract you.

In short, get a hold of this book. Read it, enjoy it & profit from it thru the applications contained therein.

# Angela Artemis is an Intuition Coach, an Amazon best selling Author and proudly blogs at www.PoweredbyIntuition.com…..please go visit.

Be good to yourselves

David

# I would love you to visit my :

• Facebook page over there. Please “like” & follow. This will allow you to message me anytime, with any “Life issues” that you would like some help with

• Fabulous “Virtual Coach” page here where ongoing support and life changing assistance is just a keystroke or two away. Why not sign up while you are there?

•  website @ www.davidstevenslifecoach.com.au

• Linkedin profile

• follow me on Twitter