Wonderful News - The Top 6 Tips For Creating Your Own!

Where are all the wonderful news stories? We are well aware that good news helps us feel better, sleep better and generally cope better with life. In some cases, people have cured themselves of diseases by surrounding themselves with laughter!

Here are the top six areas of life that we experience every day, how we can become aware of them, and make each and every day our own wonderful news day.

Inspiration

How great is it when someone tells you that you're an inspiration? You may have simply been doing what you do without even thinking about it and as a result, someone has been moved to better themselves. What a feeling to know you have made a positive impact on someone. This could be anything from volunteering as a big brother/sister, offering gentle guidance, helping someone overcome a challenge, or simple encouragement. When was the last time you had that warm feeling of being inspired or inspiring?

Achievement

Have you ever set yourself a challenge that, at the time, you thought was impossible? Maybe it was to climb Everest, run a mile, sail the world, lose 20 pounds, plant a garden or learn a new skill. Did you achieve it? How did it make you feel and how do you feel now thinking back on it? Fantastic I bet.

It's wonderful to know you set your sights, focused on the objective and achieved your goal. Sharing the challenge with others boosts encouragement from them too. Just look at the people who line the streets for a marathon! One achievement leads to another which leads to another, building your confidence from within and from others.

Gratitude

What are you grateful for today? Maybe it's your health, your job, your family, your home, your friends, your achievements. Maybe you've overcome an addiction or had a narrow escape from disaster.

If we look, we can always find others who are less fortunate in some way, than us. Being grateful for what we have means that we never take life for granted. A great way to realise just how lucky we are is to write a gratitude list every morning. Number one on the list might be 'waking up". Try it. We all have so much to be grateful for.

Relationships

Have you ever had or have you ever been a friend, a shoulder to lean on, a lover, a guardian, a teacher, a parent, or a grandparent? Ever had a pet? These are just a few of the different relationships we experience in life. They all provide a multitude of memories. They all shape us. They are a necessity of life. They are to be treasured, remembered, learned from and shared.

Health

What does this mean to you? How do you celebrate your health? There are many who have what would be considered hardly any health at all who achieve remarkable things and inspire others, all the while struggling from day--to--day. Health is personal and we know how great it is when we feel good. We also feel good sharing the joy of success in those less fortunate in health than us.

Fun and Happiness

What are you going to do today to have fun? What did you do yesterday? What makes you happy? The answers to these simple questions are sometimes very difficult. Life can take over and supersede our desires for these two areas.

However, when we are happy and having fun, our whole physiology changes positively. In fact, those around us get caught up in the good vibrations that we send out. In turn, these good vibrations continue to stretch to others.

So, how do we spread and share all the wonderful news in the world when we are surrounded with news that creates negative emotion?

There is an answer. It's called Wonderful News Network and it's dedicated to sharing the wonderful news in the world. Here's the link: http://www.wonderfulnewsnetwork.com It costs nothing.

Share your inspiration, achievements and gratitude. Make relationships, create a healthy environment and most of all, have fun and be happy!

Your Reticular Activation System - The Secret Behind Your Brain and Your Business

Your Reticular Activating System or RAS, is the part of your brain that helps you set and achieve what you want in life. It works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sorting through all the information your brain receives.
It's sole purpose is to find what you want. So, you better KNOW what you want.

You see, your brain has gotten to know you pretty well over the years and if certain information is important to you, your RAS will make you aware of it. If you're a positive person, always on the lookout for new opportunities, your RAS will help you find positive opportunities. Conversely, have you noticed how negative people always find the negative side of everything?

If you're excited about doing something great, your RAS will prepare you in the best way it knows how -- and help you SUCCEED.
Similarly, if you're worried about something going wrong, your RAS will find ways to increase that worry and guide you to making it go wrong.

Your RAS is a "genie in a bottle". Your every wish (conscious or sub-conscious) is its command.
It doesn't know the difference between right and wrong. It only knows how to find more of what you focus on.
This is the principle behind the powerful "Law of Attraction".

Here's how it works:
If you're worried about not having enough money, being overweight, always being in the wrong relationship, or not bringing in enough business, then your FOCUS is on those things. Your RAS will find a way to deliver more of them.
Let's say you just bought a new car thinking it's the only one in town. Once you drive it off the lot you suddenly start seeing the same make and model everywhere you look.

RAS and Your Business
RAS works the same way in business. That's why setting the RIGHT Business Goals is so important. Set the right goals and your RAS starts finding ways to help you achieve them.

Cybernetics
The key here is to make sure you focus on what is important to you. Always think about what you DO want. Your brain has a control and response system called Cybernetics which means "how a system works", found in some machines and animals.

Here's an example of how it works: Did you know that as a general rule, an airplane is off course 99% of the time? Every time it deviates from its course, its cybernetic mechanism sends a signal to the automatic response mechanism to get it back onto it's programmed course.

Your brain has the same mechanism. Because of this mechanism, those who aren't programmed for success do the strangest things. They win lotteries then waste all the money. They lose weight and gain it all back.
In business, that's why people work ridiculously long hours, or accept second best, even though they KNOW they can do much better! You're already programmed, based on all of your past conditioning and old paradigms.

What You Can Do
Take a look at your current business situation. Does it need to change? It can, however, unless you rewire your business programming, you'll revert right back. So, start right now by taking the next 5 minutes to examine your RAS and your own cybernetic mechanism -- and re-set it for what you want! Then work at it by keeping your focus on what you want more of. Your RAS will do the rest.

The Best Things About Working From Your Own Garden Office

How many times have you been commuting to work and thought how nice it would be to work from your own garden office? If you do it regularly, if your job would be conducive to working from home, and if you have a little space to have a building big enough for you to work from, read on. This article just might be what you need to take the plunge to working from your own garden.

Working from home has never been easier. With the internet and various web communication devices, a business owner might just encourage people to work from home to avoid paying higher rent, sick leave and having to deal with general office politics. For you, there are many benefits. The three top benefits outlined here are, the ease of getting the space created, how great it will feel to be in a more natural environment and the lack of stress normally associated with having to go to the office. Let's address them one by one.

First of all, you'll need to decide what type of building is suitable. Garden offices can be made from different methods. a garage or a shed can be converted or a new building can be constructed. There are plenty of companies out there who specialise in garden offices / studios. There are also building companies who can convert an existing building for you. You can feed electricity and phone lines from your main house easily enough for lighting, heating, electrical points and internet connections, etc. Costs will vary so do your research for the best option.

Once you've decided to create your own office outside, you'll find it much healthier. Natural light and fresh air are the first two benefits you notice. You'll also find it much quieter so your concentration and creativity can flourish. Another key benefit is that you will be free from all of those office germs that have people coughing, sneezing, and generally feeling unwell. You'll have a much better state of mind.

If being in a much healthier environment isn't enough, you'll also be free from the general office stress. You'll have your own space, be able to work at your own pace, walk an easy 30 seconds to an office that you've designed to your taste, and when you want or need social activity, you can schedule it when it suits you. Having a garden office also allows you to shut the door and separate your home environment from the work environment.

Outlining the above benefits, it's not surprising that garden offices are growing in popularity. They're easy to construct, provide a healthy and happy environment and take the daily stress out of commuting, sharing space and subjecting yourself to unnatural and unhealthy lighting and air.

Next time you're commuting on crowded, delayed public transportation or stuck in traffic, or just fed up with the habits of someone you sit near, consider a garden office. It could just change your life!

Living in England - The 10 Best Things

Seventeen years ago I relocated to England from the USA to marry my English soulmate. It was quite a culture shock moving in March from a nice, sunny Phoenix to a cold, rainy England. What was I thinking? I'd have to learn to drive again, they speak differently, I was leaving my social network, and on and on.
However, love prevailed and here I am 17 years later, enjoying the English countryside and way of life. It hasn't always been an easy road, but changing your life never is. Life is what we make of it and I can tell you from experience that if you are considering a move to a different country to start a new life adventure, go for it!
It took me three years to stop fighting the English way of life. During that time, I questioned everything that was done. Then the penny dropped. I did learn to drive again, I've attended pantomimes, enjoy wandering around carboot sales and have a good understanding of the language, although Cockney Rhyming Slang still throws me.
We're now considering a move back to the US to start a new adventure together. But, before we do, I think it's important from an American viewpoint to list the top 10 things I really like about England and what I'll miss about this great country.

1. National Health Service -- I don't pay to go see my doctor and I can't remember the last time I made an actual appointment. With open surgery hours, I've gone and waited a maximum of a half hour. the only person I do make an appointment with is the nurse if I need something minor done, like my ears cleaned. All prescriptions are currently £7.20 no matter what it is.

2. Tax included in the advertised price -- You pay what the pricetag says. No tax added at the till.

3. Pubs -- Living in the country has many rewards, but being able to bring our dogs to have a meal in the pub is a plus. There are so many great pubs in remote, unusual places. They have great stories and history attached to them and are a joy to explore.

4. Tipping Policy -- In pubs, one orders at the bar and pays at the same time. Your food is brought to your table. It's completely up to you if you want to tip but it's not expected. And if you do, it's about 10%. In restaurants, many times a service charge is already added to the bill and if you want to add more, again it's up to you. The waiter/waitress never hovers or has an expectant look. However, they are very appreciative if you do tip more.

5. Portions Served in Restaurants -- Meal prices are reasonable and the portions are sensible. Doggie bags or take home containers are not the norm.

6. Local Eggs / Vegetables / Fruit -- I buy my eggs from a farm down the road. Depending on what time of year it is, I also buy various fruit and vegetables. I pay on the honour system. There's generally a little container of some sort and prices are written on a piece of paper. I pay less than the grocery store, know where the food comes from and it's tastier!

7. Sunday Trading Hours -- Large stores close at 4 or 4:30 on Sundays. This allows for family time, Sunday lunches, recreational pursuits, etc. Sundays are usually busy days on bike paths, beaches, woods walks, etc. It's a chance for people to turn off and enjoy.

8. Holiday Time -- Typically when someone starts working for a company, they get 25 days off a year, plus bank holidays. Coming from America I find that fantastic!

9. Open Countryside -- There are so many places to ramble, bike, picnic, hike, etc. Thanks in good part to the National and Wildlife Trusts, we can enjoy coastal paths, woods walks, beaches, and wide open spaces. They're protected from buildings and open for all to enjoy.

10. Local Services -- Our household rubbish and recycling are picked up on alternating weeks courtesy of the local council. The "tips" are where we can go to discard garden waste, old appliances, and anything that doesn't fit into the wheely bins. This is free and encouraged for recycling benefits.

There may be other things I'm forgetting. However, these points are sure to be missed once I'm away from them.
England has a great deal to offer and I hope this list will either be a reminder of what is here or an encouragement for people to come and experience it.

Key Steps to Starting a Business With a Loved One

If you're thinking of starting a business with a loved one, there are some simple key steps you should consider before taking the plunge. Living with someone is different to working with them. To keep your relationship strong both professionally and personally, you might want to consider taking the following steps so you start out on a positive foot.

1. Create a Vision -- Agree on your destination.
Do you want to retire in 5 years and move to a desert island?
Perhaps you want to buy a yacht and cruise around the world.
Are you creating a legacy for your children?

Whatever it is, make sure it's compelling and bigger than any challenges you may face.Without a vision, you won't have anything to strive for. Your business will just go day to day.

2. Set Achievable Goals
Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic Timeframed).
Write your goals down.
Share your goals with others.
Celebrate when you complete each goal.

3. Create a good Working Environment
Create a space for each of you that will allow for optimum productivity.
This space should be a place you like to be. You'll be spending lots of time here.
Respect each other's privacy.

4. Create a Timetable for each of you
Just like in school, structure your week and break it down by day. Fill it in with all your routine tasks and of course, your goals. Doing this will help keep your days productive and also keep you on track with your goals.

Don't forget to add in personal time for each other as well as individually such as dinner dates, walks, reading time, etc. This will help to make sure you don't spend ALL your waking time working.

It's very exciting to work together. It can also be challenging. By following these steps, you will keep disagreements to a minimum and enjoy the experience.

A compelling vision, solid goals, a great work environment, and a structured week will all help in creating your successful business.

Starting A Business With a Loved One - The 4 Most Asked Questions

Thinking about starting a business with a loved one? Make sure it's a success both professionally and personally right from the start. How do you do that? Here are answers to the 4 most frequently asked questions about entering into a business relationship with the one you love.

1. How do keep focused on the long term?
Have a clear Vision. Know where you're going and have a solid plan to get there. Take the time to come up with your Vision. It's all important. Without a clear destination, how will you get there? It's like going to the airport to buy a ticket without knowing where you're flying to. When you know where you're headed, the journey will be focused and great fun.

Once you have come up with your vision, share it with others and put it on the wall where you can see it every day.

2. How do we split the different jobs?
Do a personality profile. You might know the other person very well on one level, however when it comes to the work place, personalities do change. A personality profile will help you understand the way the other works and how to work with them. Sure, certain jobs will be obvious, but others may not be. If you are hiring a team, whether it be one or 100 people), have them do a personality profile during the interview process so you can be sure they're the right personality for the job.

3. Should we work in the same office?
Your work space should always provide a comfortable and productive atmosphere for each of you. If for example, one of you prefers a quiet office to concentrate and the other is on the phone most of the time, or likes to listen to music, sharing an office might not be the best option. The same goes if one is neat and the other isn't. Make sure you have some personal space. This will keep you positive as you enter each new workday.

4. How do we separate work from pleasure?
This is the area that really requires discipline. Create a timetable and schedule time for your normal tasks. This will make your days more productive than just starting each day wondering what to do first, second or third. Once your routine tasks are scheduled, add in dinner out, theatre, walks, and time to just shut off. And DO shut off. Working together is challenging when it comes to work/life balance. It's necessary to set aside the time for yourselves.

When you start out, it's easy to think that everything will just fall into place and that it will just happen. There is a danger that it won't. Take the time to plan, learn about each other's work habits, create a positive work environment and most of all, enjoy the experience! Your success will follow.

Choosing a Boxer - Be Prepared!

Several years ago, at the tender age of 35, I became a dog owner for the first time. She came in the form of a bouncy Boxer, and we named her Shona. At 12 weeks old, she was a bouncy little thing and full of cuteness. I was sceptical, never having had a dog before. As she got a bit older, she started to flex her muscles and prove just how mighty she was. I hated her. I just wanted to send her back to where she came from.

She was into everything, ran off and didn't come back when called, ate things that no being should eat and was generally a pain in the neck. My patience was more than tried. My husband, having grown up with Alsatians and Rottweilers was more understanding of dog nature, although his patience was pushed to the limits at times too.

After a tormenting 12 months, she changed, almost overnight. She was still headstrong, but was loyal, lovable, playful and a true protector. She became my best friend. Over the next 11 years, we went everywhere together and rambled about 10,000 miles during that time. It's hard to believe, but Boxers do require a good bit of exercise and the miles can add up over 12 years.

Sadly we said goodbye to her recently, but her memory remains strong, just like her character.

If you're thinking of sharing your life with a Boxer, be prepared. They're unique and they'll keep you on your toes. Here are the top 11 things I learned from my own Boxer, Shona. Maybe they'll help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Independent:
Shona was happy in her own space. She was happy walking and hiking on her own with me somewhere close by. She was her own dog.

Friendly:
Shona had lots of friends to walk and chase with. Her favorites were an Italian Spinone named Dudley; Jerry, a Spaniel; Loxley, a Yellow Lab; Tannet, a Tibetan Terrier and others. She was always excited to see them and very loyal to them if there was ever an intrusion in the pack.

Strong Willed:
Shona always rode in the front seat like a person. Even putting her in the back seat didn't last for long. She'd just jump over and take her rightful place. I've noticed other Boxers in the front seats of cars too.

If she really didn't want to do something, it was a real job to get her to. She knew her mind.

Inquisitive:
She got her nose into everything. She burned her nose in a hot cup of coffee, got some cactus thorns in her nose, got into paint, mud, and other unmentionable things. These are some of the more memorable moments and the ones that made us laugh the most.

Intuitive:
This was the most amazing thing about Shona. She adapted to our moods very quickly. If we were sad or upset, she would sit quietly by us. If we were happy and enjoying ourselves, she'd join right in. If she felt concern over anyone while we were out with her, she would position herself so no harm could come unless she was dealt with first. She was almost human in this respect.

Loyal:
It didn't matter where we went, Shona would always be by my side. She'd wait patiently outside the grocery store, information centres, or wherever I wasn't able to bring her in with me. She sat in the driveway for hours once when we drove off, not realising that she'd followed us out of the gate. She just sat there, waiting.

Adventurous:
I think all Boxers share this trait. They're up for anything and because they have such strong personalities, they explore with gusto!

Alert:
Nothing escaped Shona. All of her senses were switched on all the time.

Mischievous:
There were times when we could see a little twinkle in Shona's eye before she did something like grab a gardening glove and charge around the garden with it, or spin around and run at us, diverting at the last moment.

Fun:
Always.

Individual:
Now that we've had a Boxer in our lives, no other dog will ever come close to being the personality Shona was. I suppose one could say that about any pet. She was certainly individual. She's well-remembered by those who knew her.

Writing this has brought back loads of fond memories of our life and times with Shona. If a dog with lots of personality, energy and character is what you're after, you'll get it all with a Boxer.