Half Empty or Full - You Choose

Happy Holidays to All 2013

      Please take a moment to reflect on What Is Most Important In Your Life as we move into a new year. Tony, Lisa, Michael, Noelle, Amanda and Curt.

      Most of our friends know that my parents are both gone, and Lisa's Dad passed almost 4 years ago. We were left with incredible holes in our Heart’s, but, because we put our Golf Balls into our jar first the best parts of Barry, Tony Sr. and Ann Marie live on in our lives forever.

      I'd like to relate a little story for all of you.

      A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him.

      When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

      The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.

      He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

      The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.

      The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

      'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -god, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

      The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

      The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

      So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.

      There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities.

      The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked.

      It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

      Our family and team Believes in You and Your Dreams, we hope You will take the time to reflect and relive the most important part of this amazing life.

We Believe In You
Tony & Lisa Koker
1-781-864-2624 anytime.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Decision and Action

Decision and Action

      I decide all the time. Whenever I add a task to one of my lists, I've already decided it needed to be done. I've developed quite a talent for putting things down and keeping track of them.
      One of the mistakes I have made often involves my mental excitement and pleasure I get from mentally visualizing these tasks as complete. Don't get me wrong, on the way to getting these things done, this is an important step. The more realistic I can visualize the task as complete, the easier it is for me to do it. My mistake has often been the elation I feel having identified the task and writing it down, ends up being gratification enough, right now, to make me feel I've got things all planned and ready. At least for right now. The mistake I often make, after a little time has elapsed, is to revisit the list(s) and discover ways to make them even better. I find holes that need new solutions. Real or imagined, I second-guess myself until I plan myself to another point of elation, or not. Revisiting these decisions and plans is where I go astray. I have had to work on the habit of deciding now. Closing the plan, having decided the steps, and begin the doing. If there are minor corrections that need to be made, I just need to let go and adjust along the way.
      Through the reading of this book (Think and Grow Rich), and with the help of my mentors, I've found that I need to let go of this decision process of mine. I need to focus on just one more list - my to do list. I've actually renamed this to my ACTION list. My self-talk keeps me focused and motivated, and my ACTION list tells me exactly what I need to be doing, and deciding to change the list, is NOT on the list.
      I am continually grateful for the participation and support of this system (here and here) - the people who mastermind and fellowship each other in peace today and towards greater joy tomorrow.
with gratitude and in service,
Tony Koker
Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Ain't Nothing Like a Hound Dog!

Ain't Nothing Like a Hound Dog!

     
"Ain't nothing like a hound dog, crying all the time." Famous lyrics, but they remind me of a story I've heard told.
     
Picture, if you will, a raw wood house, grayed by the weather. A larger farmer's porch in front, with steps up, small columns, a railing and a roof overhead for rain cover.
     
Found on the porch, away from the stairs in the front and doorway to the house is found a wooden rocking chair. Next to the chair is found a beat up old metal container of some sort. The top is hinged and can be opened when needed. Inside this box can be found all manner of material for idle time busy work. Perhaps a chunk of wood being carved into various shapes will be found.
     
To the side of the chair on the porch, when the owner is in the chair, can be found his faithful companion, his basset hound, or hound dog, for short.
     
While sitting in the chair, rocking slowly forward and back, whittling away on this new sculpture, the occupant of the chair is engaged with a passerby. On the way to or from, they engage in banter about people, events, things and ideas. Whatever seems to be the most pressing topic for discussion of the moment.
     
Invariably the discussion leads to complaints of frustration encountered by either or both of them. Likely the issues are out of the control of either of them. But as misery often enjoys the company of its kin, they both can be found to echo the unpleasantness with eager enthusiasm. An observation might include that one actually seems to try to outdo the misery of the other.
     
It too almost seems as though they moan in sympathy of each other.
     
Each time they relate such a condition, the dog, too, can be heard to howl almost right on queue. First one, then the other, and finally the third, like a symphony of low tone instruments, cascading a symphony of emotional expression.
     
Not as familiar with the animal as the owner, the passerby asks about what the dog has to complain about.
     
Not skipping a beat in his rocking or handiwork the owner presents an explanation thusly. The dog had come to rest upon a nail that is sticking up from the floor of the porch. It is pressing sufficiently against his hyde that discomfort or even pain is being felt. But, it is not significant enough that the animal will gather together the energy necessary to get up and move to another spot. It just chooses to complain to the universe, another note in the chorus of three.
     
Are you stuck in the chorus, too? Have you examined why you remain, yet are not happy nor fulfilled? Discover how to break free together, with us here.
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How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear

HOW TO OUTWIT THE SIX GHOSTS OF FEAR

      Indecision, doubt and fear are the three enemies Napoleon Hill uses to describe the primary obstacles to our achieving what we desire.
      These are powerful adversaries. In the competitive world of commerce we find an acronym, FUD, or, Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. Major technological companies have even embraced these to wield, like swords against their competition. If enough FUD is put out there, it makes it all the more difficult to chop through the weeds and find the real, substantiated facts. The less black and white the information, the more FUD there is.
      For me, my biggest challenges, have not been the jump from the airplane, my survival is at risk kind of fears. But, the insidious uncertainty that mentally seems to be around the next corner that causes me to not make a decision, and fail to act.
      Instead of boldly moving forward, I find I succumb to the temptation of choosing to just do something else. Often this is something well traveled, in the past, and is well known and understood. I rationalize that these other things, although not really important right now, still need to get done. And, I will feel some sense of accomplishment, having marked these off my list.
      I return, however, to the important task at hand, and again feel the impact of these enemies as they chip away at my self-esteem. I find myself asking how did this not get done, again? I begin to question my motivation. If this was so important to me, why didn't it get done?
      ... to read the rest of this post, please visit our public forum, where you will also find our mastermind lessons on this subject.
with gratitude and in service,
Tony Koker
Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Outstanding Commentary on Money ... and Real Estate

A great perspective on money by Seth Godin.

Other useful perspectives on Real Estate and investing here.

with gratitude and in service,
Tony Koker

MLM Rescue for Part Time Employees!

      I get updates from the MLM Watchdog. I have found that this is a great one of a few ways to stay up with news and information in this and related industries. I can learn about ponzi schemes, who's still getting away with it, and who isn't. What constitutes successful compensation plans, policies and ownership mindset. And, consider many other aspects of the pro's. and con's. of what can be a very emotional experience. It is refreshing that when the opportunities are presented for a focus on the positive aspects, over the negative, that I really like this source of information. The editor really likes the industry, is a champion for it, and, is an advocate for the model when it is done right.

      Here's a excerpt from a recent article that is a great call to arms for us:

"One of the MLM Watchdog’s loves of the MLM-NETWORK MARKETING INDUSTRY Is helping people and after the recession workers have taken a beating in, more bad news for hard working Americans. The Affordable Health Care Act demands starting in 2014 that anyone working over 30 hours a week be provided a qualified health plan or pay a 2000 fine. In testimony before Congress. The National Federation of Independent Business testified that this is a new low.

Every employer will be forced to define part-time employment under 30 hours a week, and most will use between 20-27.5 hours. This cut part timers income and leave a hole in employment. The University of Berkely Center for Labor research has estimated that 2.3 million workers or nearly 2% are at great risk of having hours cut below 30 hours a week. ...

What can you and your company do to help these people! ... "

Here is a link to the site and the entire article

      Long term, successful MLM companies usually conform to all of the Five Pillars, but some don't:

• Pillar 1 — Company Management Experience with Integrity?
• Pillar 2 — Timing in the Company and Timing in the Industry.
• Pillar 3 — Remarkable Product.
• Pillar 4 — Compensation Plans.
• Pillar 5 — Proven duplicatable system.

Here's a link to some audios and PDF transcripts: Audios and PDFs. How does your company stack up? Be vocal with your upline and company management to make it so.

      While not mentioned here in the bullets, it is discussed in Pillar 4 - Compensation Plans. One of the key elements has to be the ability of a part-time partner to be able to work the business and get a return on their "time" investment. $1,000 or even $100 a month can really take the edge off initially, and, over time, this will only grow with care and nurturing, even if only part time. That is the promise and goal of network marketing for all of us, is it not?

     

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

Image Credit: CanStockPhoto.com

How Do YOU Define Success?

How Do YOU Define Success?

      Do you find it noisy? Life seems to be an endless challenge by nature, the elements, our senses and our ability or lack thereof to keep going. I find I've developed a blinders-on mindset, when things get too noisy. Keeping focused on the most important one or two things, and letting everything else take care of itself. We are bombarded, but our ability to cope has to do with many different cycles. Did we get proper nutrition, yesterday? Did we have a good night's sleep? If not, do I need to make some changes today to fix that? We certainly have to deal with survival issues, first, right? Or, can we skimp here and borrow from another reserve? Maybe I can keep this streak going, just one more day, even though it is not optimum?

      I don't think that we can operate in any other way, than a blinders-on, heads-down way. Although our powerful brain is always processing hundreds, if not thousands or millions of stimuli and commanding responses, consciously we only get a glimpse of all of that. Bits and pieces we perceive as ideas or emotions - a combination of various senses constantly flow within our minds. However, the more focused, or single-minded we choose to become, all of that quiets down. It never goes silent. It just becomes the white-noise background.

      What do we choose to focus on? To be successful, I think we have to focus on those things that move us towards success. But do we recognize this, and, have we taken this control by developing the habit of commanding our mind to serve us? It all starts with what we desire to achieve out of life, I believe. Success has to be defined by us, individually. Too many of us identify with what we do for a living. Our job is our fixed routine where we focus all of our efforts. Everything else is done with what is left over. Were we born with the skills we use for this job? No way. We may have some talent, but in order to use that, we had to develop and hone our talents. We had to add skills, some which have nothing to do with the talents we have. To be successful, to me, means leaving a legacy which I've worked to establish by developing my talents and learning skills to accomplish the goals of my heart-felt desires. Once we ask ourselves to reflect and identify these desires, the rest is a one-day-at-a-time journey, where a slight edge is used to break free and own our life and legacy.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

P.S. If you are like me, and want to join with our group, where we work on our skills together, every week, then reach out to me and I'll plug you in.

Image Credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Teamwork and Mastermind Sessions

Teamwork and Mastermind Sessions

      What if you started building an M-L-M business, and then your company went belly-up? Don't laugh - it has happened to many, many people in this business. What would you do? Would you have to start over from scratch?

      Well - NOT if you have strong trusting relationships with your people! If you have taken the time and made the effort to build that steel-ribbed "know, like, & trust," then your people will stick with you. They will follow you to your next company. They will trust in your judgment.

      If you haven't built those relationships, your future is very much in doubt. Why take that chance? As you build your team, work hard at getting close to every person in your group. That strategy will pay off for you big-time, whether your current company is around forever or not.

      We can help you learn and apply this principle. If you would like to plug into our ongoing, live training sessions, let us know and we will hook you up.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

Image Credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Can't We All Just Help Each Other?

Can't We All Just Help Each Other?

      So many people are out there with agenda's. Under the guise of providing some level of product or service, they quickly turn and pounce with the usual head-on sales push.

      Instead, I keep separate my efforts, my income strategies, from my sharing of skill training and other resources.

      Maybe, when others are turning and attacking, they are doing it out of fear? Maybe they're afraid that their now captive audience will turn and run, before they get a chance to give their pitch? I think this was me, not too long ago. I think this fear was a fear of lack. A lack in some measure of self-confidence and assuredness is likely.

      Today I execute habits that keep my mind and actions focused on maintaining a state of abundance. When my cup is overflowing, there is no effort in the sharing with others, without an agenda, aside from simply helping them out. In fact, it is very pleasurable and fun!

      One of the groups I belong to is a mastermind group, where we share this mutual mindset. I sincerely cherish my relationships formed in this group.

      Today, I am in need of some help, myself. I am having a hard time finding a name for a web site. One that invokes curiosity, and, one that would be easy to remember. I've put together a quick 5 minute survey, and would be grateful if you would take it. It is entirely anonymous. Here is the link.

Thank you.

 

with gratitude and in service,

 

Tony Koker

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Multiple Gmail Accounts - Why? Too Much Trouble! Easier way.

Multiple Gmail accounts - Why? Too much trouble! There's an easier way.

      I've heard it mentioned by several people, just this past week, that they have and maintain several gmail accounts. This practice can get complicated and time consuming in a hurry. They don't exactly make it easy or straightforward, either; there are some people that are actually offering, as a service, to setup multiple accounts for you, for a small price.

      Rather than creating another gmail account: Gmail doesn't offer traditional aliases, but you can receive messages sent to your.username+any.alias@gmail.com. For example, messages sent to jane.doe+notes@gmail.com are delivered to jane.doe@gmail.com.

      You can set up filters to automatically direct these messages to Trash, apply a label or star, skip the inbox, or forward to another email account.

      This certainly seems like a much better alternative, and keeps things simple, and in one place, saving time as well.

with gratitude and in service,
Tony Koker
A Mentor with a Servant's Heart

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

What are your goals for next month?

Next Month's Goals?

      Someone recently asked me this question, and this is the response I gave. Hopefully it will give you an insight that works for you.

      I stay focused on my 2 or 3 heart-felt desires and manage daily decisions, rather than focus on specific goals in the future, or challenges of the past. I have goals for every day, every week and every month, as well as long term, as measures to throttle my intensity. But my passion is the fuel. Staying focused as much as possible, and taking action is the practice that either takes me beyond my goals, or, life happens, and this also keeps me running and stepping on the gas again. Ultimately my goal is to have a fulfilling life, enriching all and everything within my reach as much and for as long as possible. The result always seems to exceed any goal I've set, and I've come to take that for granted, a little, I think. I'm having fun attracting and sponsoring Black Diamonds into my business, easily and consistently, through education and teamwork. It's always about how you make other people feel.

with gratitute and in service,
Tony Koker
A Mentor with a Servant's Heart

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Self Talk - Awesome Guest Author

So, what comes first - FAITH or BELIEF?

A BELIEF is a physical thing - a string of neurons or cells in Your Brain which was built when You ACCEPTED repeated SUGGESTION.

FAITH is how You FEEL about the Belief. It is an ATTITUDE, a State of Mind.

So, which came first - the Belief or the Faith?

Like the chicken and the egg, it’s the wrong question...

Because what comes first is...

DESIRE.

Desire is an intense FEELING that generates Faith and Belief.

So, Desire comes first?

No! In Chapter 1 Hill talks about a Chief Aim, a Definite Purpose, a Dominant THOUGHT.

The first 3 chapters of TGR reveal the 3 Elements necessary to make the LAW OF ATTRACTION work for You.

A DOMINANT THOUGHT, BURNING DESIRE, and FAITH (unshakable Belief beyond all Doubt).

A Dominant Thought is something You think about MOST OF THE TIME. But THOUGHT, by itself is just a trickle of ENERGY.

White Hot BURNING DESIRE is the wave of ENERGY which carries Your Thoughts to and from the ETHER (that medium beyond the limits of space and time).

FAITH is the FORCE which destroys the barrier of DOUBT that blocks the flow of this Energy.

In Chapter 4 Hill shows us how Auto-Suggestion INDUCES all 3 Elements.

SELF-TALK is a statement of Your Dominant Thought, object of Your Desire, spoken in the present tense, and colored with POWERFUL TRIGGER words. The statement also includes, IN GENERAL, the method by which You are achieving it.

Repeating it over and over again all day long, and late at night, makes the Thought DOMINANT, and builds up the FEELINGS, or ATTITUDE, of Desire and Faith!

I AM Whole, Perfect, Strong, Powerful, Loving, Harmonious and Happy Attracting and Sponsoring Black Diamonds on My Team, Easily and Consistently through Education and Teamwork.

Your Friend and Servant,

Ken Klemm - Florida, USA

P.S. Keep Your method very GENERAL, because the Universe is smarter than You!

Image Credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Faith - Belief in the Result without Evidence?

Faith - Belief in the Result without Evidence?

      I don't think our belief has to be completely without any evidence. We can see some of the stairs on the staircase, we just cannot see the whole flight.

      I've had so many examples of this in my life lately, that I couldn't get focused on one upon which to write. So please forgive me if I bounce around a little. Hopefully, the common theme will still find it's way out.

      My wife has a desire to acquire 10 rental properties to ease our retirement. We have already completed our purchase and full rental of 1, and are close to completing another. We already know that this will happen, that we're already looking for number 3.

      I am forging the keys to release me from my employment confinement and servitude. I am having fun attracting and sponsoring Black Diamonds into my business, easily and consistently, through education and teamwork. The evidence is building, one customer, one representative at a time. But the goal is real to me. The Black Diamonds are already in my business, if only in my belief right now. I know I am not only speaking this into existence, but demanding it through continuous slight edges every minute of every day.

      We desire to achieve these things in voluntary service. Our rental properties provide others with great places to live. The products of my business. both the actual materials for customers, as well as the hand up for representatives are the focus and provide value. Our desire is to serve. The big difference, especially for me, is that this is MY choice. I own the result. We have no long-lasting doubt because we know the universe will accommodate a path. Our desires have manifest goals which are concrete destinations. Having accomplished this before, we even know that the hills we march over today pale in comparison to the mountain we are actually ascending. The total will always be greater than the simple sum of the parts.

      There is plenty of evidence that we are making progress, little by slow, day by day. But this evidence is insufficient. There are challenges to our belief many times, every day. We both took the day off from everything, yesterday. Turned off our phones and unplugged. We took time to refocus and re-embrace our faith that the fruit from the trees we're tending will be prosperous. By repeating our self-talk every day we perform the same focus - harmonically vibrating the existence of our goals into reality with the universe.

      I don't think our belief has to be completely without any evidence. We can see some of the stairs on the staircase, we just cannot see the whole flight, yet, but we know it's there.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

The Foundation

Desire - The foundation of your "WHY"

      If you were like me, and completely focused on the short-term non-pleasure (discomfort, high-stress or pain) avoidance technique of looking short-term, past the current obstacle, like 8 hours of work, for your employer. And then had planned things that certainly wouldn't have enough time to be completed or fully enjoyed, after subtracting commuting, eating, attending to personal hygiene and of course sleeping. That wasn't living in the "now". But, was living in "a little later", or "next time". And, never feeling fullfilled or satisfied. Always running hard, to get through the current event, trying to grab onto that ever elusive carrot, just out of reach ahead.

      I was lost. I was on a perpetual gerbil treadmill, going fast, but going nowhere. I could see the blur of the spokes in front of me, but failed to notice, that off to either side, nothing moved or changed. Almost like having blinders on, I was always focused on the short-term easing of non-pleasure.

      I still find myself, from time to time, caught in this mental rut. The grooves from the past run very deep, and take time to be filled back in or maneuvered around.

      The difference today, is my desire. I also have to say that I rely heavily on my belief, or faith, in being able to fully achieve, if not completely exceed my expectations. But, that is a discussion for a subsequent week. My desire is my measuring post. I am still not able to devote my full time to working towards achieving the goals of my desires. Who really is able to do this? We all need rest, refreshment, and other necessities of living. Certainly, we CAN combine efforts, so some can be achieved simultaneously. So, my progress has to be measured during those times I am actively working to achieve those goals. It CAN be THOUGHT OF all of the time, even when we are sleeping. I've established this pattern through my self talk, or autosuggestion, which is another subject for another day.

      My desire is motivating. It oozes from my pores. I'm broadcasting it to those around me into all of their senses. The universe receives and responds to my influence like a big splash into a body of water, sending waves out in every direction and back and out again. This is all symbolic, however. I still don't want to be disruptive, but want to be subtle. The created waves can lift others along side me like a gentle embrace, without the brutality or shock of a tidal wave. I still make the big splash, I just make sure not to land on someone.

      As I progress forward, even failing forward, I tally the slight edge achieved with every advance. This tally reinforces by belief. The heat from the fire of my desire burns hotter. Each and every time I progress forward, I accelerate.

      My desire is what I want to experience in life. It focuses on the people and everything I value. It is MY values, but I've also learned that working in a mastermind group helps me to use the strength and focus found in increased numbers. Together we work on our common desires.

      There is not one single principle that is the secret, but the combination of knowing them and doing them all. Desire is the fire in the belly that fuels the getting up from the mat, when we're down. It fuels us to continue onward when we feel fatigue. It drives us through monotony and even heart-pounding fear. The ripples created by the action, belief in the goals of desire, cannot be stopped, and echo long after the action.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

P.S. Check out this and other insights at our public forum.

P.P.S. Also see my other Foundation page here.

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

I'm Not Afraid - I'm Fearless

I'm Not Afraid - I'm Fearless

      Yeah, I'm fearless, all right. Is that someone staring into a window at night as I pass by it? My heart begins to really race. I pause for a second to gather the courage to take a step back and look again. But, no. It's just my reflection in the glass. Heart pounding fear. Okay. No. I'm not experiencing that all the time. But why haven't I decided and taken action yet?
      Sometimes life seems like we're either on the platform, observing, or in the fast moving train blurring by. Are you driving, or being driven by fear, anxiety or even a sense of warning or other cause for delay. Those butterflies in my stomach always seem to go away when I just simply change my thoughts to something else. Hey, there's a shiny object over there!
      Having dreams and goals is the first step. These are what I need to repeatedly remind myself for continual focus through self-talk.
      Taking action is step two. The decision has already been made. Take a quick look both ways, and just cross the street already.
      Dreams and goals, without action, are only wishes.
with gratitude and in service,
Tony Koker
Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Decision

      Whenever I read one of these chapters, I take notes of ideas and concepts I takeaway as pertinent of the ideas presented. The following is my list from this chapter:

• Lack of decision causes failure.
• Procrastination is the opposite of decision.
• Reach decisions promptly and change them slowly.
• Harmony with your desires (which are derived from your values - I added this last part, myself).
• Listen rather than talk.
• Show the world, don't tell it. Act.
• Being all in. "Freedom or death on a decision".
• Mastermind. "I tell you further, that if two of you agree upon the earth concerning anything for which you ask, it will come to you from My Father, who is in Heaven.”
• Courage.

      That last one always reminds me of the Serenity Prayer:

      Lord, Grant me the Serenity to Accept the Things I Cannot Change,
      Grant me the Courage to Change the Things I Can, and
      Grant me the Wisdom to Know the Difference.

      One of the things us greens (self-contained, indirect, primary personality) are good at, is learning ideas and concepts and embracing them from the perspective presented. I can read every word, collect and organize, then summarize and deduce. But, at least for me, I fail to then take the ideas and concepts from my mind and get it into my heart. When I do this, I don't need my outline or list, anymore. My heart is where my desires reside. It has the faith that the steps I take today are part of the staircase up, even if I cannot see the whole staircase. My heart has the belief that sees past temporary obstacles.

      I decide to win. I decide that the best way for me to obtain my desire of helping other people, of being of service to my fellow humans, of breathing when the pressure and oxygen is lost, is to put my mask on first.

      I decide to take back ownership of my life. Slowly, over time, pieces have been given away. They weren't forcibly taken. They were subtly, and perhaps deceptively coerced away, and I let it happen. It didn't seem threatening at the time. It was only a small chip from the large block. But many, many of these have occurred. I cannot simply stand up and declare that they are again mine. I have to bargain and work to maneuver to take them back, one piece at a time. They weren't given away all at once, but over time, and I know they will have to be won back the same way.

      I decide that the past is history. Aside from lessons learned, it does not restrain me. The future starts now. I decide to be fully engaged in the experience of today, right now.

      I decide that the future is molded by me. Only my hand is on the rudder of my boat. I decide to face the waves and the wind, to find the path forward.

      I decide to periodically review my values. My values build my desires. My desires provide harmony for my decisions. Today, I decide to continue to ACT upon these desire-based decisions. I have embraced today - listened with my ears and other senses and capabilities of mind - and now demonstrate this by taking focused actions, avoiding distraction along the way.

      I decide to listen to my heart. My heart provides the drive to silence the fears. My heart provides the energy and enthusiasm to continue on, even in the presence of un-silenced fear, discomfort, or even pain. My heart has the faith that knows the reward is worth it.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

Image credit: CanStockPhoto.com

Knowledge, Music and Action

Specialized Knowledge

      I think this is sometimes called inside information. The tips, tricks, short cuts, details and secrets that people know, but may not share because of the power of the knowledge. The not sharing part is part of human nature, but is based in fear. You may have to tag or label your fear to embrace what it is for you, if this is still a big challenge for you, but for me it was fear of lack. I was afraid that if I shared the knowledge, I was somehow giving away something. That somehow my power or control was being lost. But I've come to understand that sharing information doesn't make us weaker, it helps us build strong trusting teams, who work together to raise the tide. When the tide rises, all ships rise together.

      I am confident in the knowledge that my knowledge is abundant. I have more than I need. The store house is bursting at the seams, and the doors need to remain swung fully wide open.

      I am also still needy. I am hungry and thirsty for more. I certainly don't know everything, and, even those things I think I get, often I find other perspectives or more clarity only over time and interaction.

      Reading books like The Slight Edge, Think and Grow Rich, and How to Win Friends and Influence People are certainly paths, when studied, that lead to deeper understanding and needed specialized knowledge. But, nothing compares to collaboration and mastermind. And, even with all of these resources at our disposal, none of it will matter without a crucial final ingredient.

      Action. At some point, based upon our desires, we have to set goals and start moving. We have to have the faith to proceed even when we do not have all of the evidence. Knowing what the music is, what it sounds like, how it is composed, and even how it is performed is all useless, unless it is actually performed. Do not let the show conclude and find you didn't play your masterpiece.

with gratitude and in service,

Tony Koker

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