Backward A-B-C's are the answer ...

What the mind of man can conceive and believe,

the mind of man can achieve. ~ Napoleon Hill

This backward ABC – conceive, believe, achieve – has been running through my mind a lot lately. It's the conception that always starts a thing … whether it's the worlds greatest invention, a new project or your next vacation.

First, we have to think a thing. Then we meditate on it until it becomes believable. Finally, we act on what we now believe … and whatever it is you thought of becomes physical reality. How awesome!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? What would you like to accomplish? In life, for your family, on your next trip?

Dream it.

Think it until it becomes real … until you can 'see' it in your mind.

Then go do it. The world is waiting for you …

Share your dreams with a comment below.

And remember: Life is a journey, travel first class!

Mini-Vacations not "Nay-cations"

Just read an article telling the reader that 2009 will be the year of "nay-cations". He listed nine reasons why Americans will say NO to travel, among them: the economy, the hassle, and the added costs/fees/surcharges.

I'd like to disagree. Giving up vacations is like giving up chocolate! No matter how tough life gets, we still need to reward ourselves with things to look forward to ... things to enjoy. Travel is important to personal well-being.

Here are some tips to make your vacation planning more cost-effective.

Mini-Vacations Not "Nay-cations" - Seven Money-saving Travel Tips

Don't give up the things that keep us sane. Knowing there's a trip in your future gives you something to look forward to. Happy Traveling!

Mini-vacations don't have to be travel …

That sounds kinda weird, but let me explain.

Mini simply means 'small'.
And Webster defines 'vacation' as a respite,
a time away from something …
an intermission.
The concept of travel –
of being away from home and work –
is the third meaning … not the first.

So … anytime you take a break from something,
you're creating a mini vacation
for your mind and body.

Of course, vacations away from home
are wonderful!
If I could, I'd be gone every weekend.
But in the meantime,
I've decided to add more 'mini vacations' to each day.

A cup of tea out on the deck before work …
A ten-minute walk at lunch …
A quick game of 'Spider'
before I start the next project.
A Saturday afternoon hike.

The older I get,
the more I realize that life is short.
And it's meant to be enjoyed.
So, I'm headed outside with that cup of tea.
Why not join me?

Don't forget our book give-away.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret To True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and she tells us
how to create more joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've found more joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you

Mini-vacations – Rethink your life

Most folks are about as happy
As they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln

I've got a suggestion for you:
re-think how you plan your life.

Stop making BIG plans that don't work out
the way you want them to.
Stop thinking in terms of days,
and weeks and months;
As in "next month, I'm going to …"
or "Today, I need to …"
Stop putting pressure on yourself
all the time to do more, to be more.

I read recently that we work best
in short, focused spurts.
So instead of saying to yourself,
"I need to do ___ today",
tell yourself
"I need to do ___ in the next 30 minutes".

Make smaller plans in shorter increments.
Then congratulate yourself when it's done!
Enjoy the feeling of contentment.

Break big projects down into smaller pieces.
Work for an hour, then do something else.
Go back to it after you've given your mind
a 'mini-vacation'.
You'll be fresher, more productive.

How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time!

No matter what's going on in your life,
think smaller.
You can handle ANYTHING …
an hour or 20 minutes
or even a minute at a time.

Now, I've got a surprise for you.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret to True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and
she tells us how to create more
joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've made more time for joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you
and award a winner on a future blog.