What Difference Does It Make?

Did you take the test? What did you think? What were your TRUE COLORS?

What I've found the more I've explored my personality and what makes me tick is that the better I know myself, generally the more happy, content and productive I am. It may sound strange, but it can have more of an impact than you think.

Now, if you don't like the test, no sweat, there are many more out there, many of which can be found on the internet or in the "Cool Books" listed on the left hand column of the page.

Here's how understanding your personality make-up may help you:

• with accepting yourself as the unique individual that you are
• in finding a career that matches your personality and brings you joy, energy and purpose
• communicate with others in a way that is meaningful and productive, both socially and at work
• find your "ideal mate," someone who respects you for who you are and enjoys your company

If you want to find out more about your colors, go here:
http://www.truecolors.org/color_meanings.html

So, if you haven't already, here's where you can take the test:

http://www.truecolorstest.com/True-Colors-Personality-Test.html

Let me know what you find out and how it works for you.

I'm Better Than You (according to who?)

Ok, I only sorta believe that. Before you shut me down, let me explain.

• Should we take our cues about who we are from other people or their opinions?
• If someone makes more money or is more gifted in an area, is that person really "better than us"?
• What indicates that we are a successful?

I know this is deep, but hang with me.

I would hope that my friend is better than me in certain areas, like his job. If he wasn't, then either I or someone else would have it, right? The same is true of me with what I do. In essence, we have all been given certain gifts, skills and abilities. Things we do naturally, with little effort, that we could almost do in our sleep.

I would offer, then, that we are all "better" or uniquely gifted (whatever) than others in this respect.

Many people receive acclaim or monetary rewards for effectively utilizing their gifts and doing what they do naturally. This is the fruit of their efforts and indicates how well they have used what they have.

I would say that we are successful when we are doing what we love to do while being who we are created to be. What do you think?

Case in point: Mother Theresa. She lived in abject poverty serving others. She adhered to the religious belief that "putting others before yourself" (or being last--allowing others to be 'better' than you) was a good thing.

Was she successful? Are others better than her? Are you? What say you, BetterMeister?

Dreams on Tap?

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that things changed drastically post op.

It was a drag attempting to recover. Finding myself out of breath just going out to the car. Or what about not feeling physically or mentally at the top of my game any longer? Talk about struggling. Yeah, it shook me up. That's the understatement of the year.

But, I had plenty of time to think about life and what I REALLY WANTED TO DO and why I hadn't actually just done it. Then I could start moving in that direction.

Anybody else out there relate? Had a similar experience? Let me know--post it here. And perhaps we can encourage each other...

Or tell us about your dreams and what you've always wanted to do but for whatever reason just haven't started down that road yet--maybe we could help each other. Who knows?

Either way, as 2006 slips into the past and another year takes it's place, may you find the time to consider if you're "doing what you love while being who you are" as you look forward to 2007. (More on that later)

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

Fear Failing Forward

FEARS can immobilize, paralyze and keep you stuck. Forget about how unrealistic they are or that they may not make any sense at all--to anyone but you. Fear can keep you from achieving your potential and stretching outside your comfort zone into someone you desire to become or doing something you've wanted to do for a long time.

Fear can be gut-wrenching, sickening and depressing. It is also one of the most LIMITING BELIEFS someone can have.

But don't give in to the pressure or the LIE that is holding you back, whatever that may be. Be courageous and stand up to it--believe me, in time you'll be glad you did. And, I realize it won't be easy. Doing great things usually isn't.

Someone once said that F.E.A.R. stands for: False Evidence Appearing Real. Nothing could be more true. When you internalize this and walk in it, you will find freedom to become who you desire to be and do things you never thought you could do.

Here's an encouraging snippet from Nelson Mandela's 1994 Inaugural Speech. I hope you find it uplifting and that it helps to move you forward. (Let me know what you think or if you have anything to share regarding this post.)

Our Greatest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest far is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

You were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within you. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.