Ken Blanchard an icon on leadership and personal development said,  “I believe no matter how successful we are, we all need a coach to encourage us, to challenge us, to remind us to live up to our potential.”   

Our lives are busy and we try to extract value from every moment or at least that is what we are thinking.   We plow through the day, sometimes thoroughly exhausted, to face yet another day filled with things to do.   You might in a moment of reflection realize that all this busyness isn’t providing you with anything meaningful.   Life has just become a habit, a routine and endless sea of the same thing and at some point there is the realization that there should be something better.   What is that better thing?

Here’s some statistics about what coaching can do.

From lifecoaching statistics.

• A higher level of self-awareness: 67.6%
• Smarter goal-setting: 62.4%
• A more balanced life: 60.5%
• Lower stress levels: 57.1%
• Self-discovery: 52.9%
• More self-confidence: 52.4%
• Improvement in quality of life: 43.3%
• Enhanced communication skills: 39.5%
• Project completion: 35.7%
• Health or fitness improvement: 33.8%
• Better relationships with boss or co-workers: 33.3%
• Better family relationships: 33.3%
• Increased energy: 31.9%
• More fun: 31.9%
• More income: 25.7%
• Stopped a bad habit: 25.7%
• Change in career: 24.3%
• More free time: 22.9%
• Increased profitability of business: 17.1%
• Started new business: 12.9%
• Empowered employees: 11.0%

There seems to be a body of growing evidence that coaching is helping people discover themselves, their purpose, mission and value in life.  

Coaching provides great benefits for a low investment in time and money.  

Jim Rohn one of the great business thinkers and philosophers said of coaching, ” The few who DO are the envy of the many who only watch.”  

So why coaching?   Because it works, because it can powerfully transform ordinary living into meaningful living, purposeful living, and intentional living.

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”  Galatians 4:4-7

 Thanksgiving is the time of the year when we thank God for external blessings. The problem with that focus is that it is constantly changing, giving us an excuse for comparing our situation to others and as often as not feeling justified in our ingratitude. Thankfulness should not be based on an inventory list.

True thanksgiving is opening our eyes to the internal blessings that God gives us. Thankfulness then becomes a window through which God’s love shines through.  By contrast to exterior blessing, internal blessings are constant, unchanging. Of course the obvious internal blessing Jesus followers have received is eternal life. But that great blessing has several by-products of which we need to be aware and for which we need to be thankful: Jesus followers have received a most precious internal blessing that is often taken for granted: a meaningful life!

I saw a bumper sticker that said “THE ONE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS.”  Even though glib it is a goal for many in our comsumerist society.  But is acquiring more ultimately meaningful?

A Gallop Poll survey was distributed to people of various ages and occupations. The key question was this: What are you looking for most in life? When the results were compiled, the analysts were surprised.  Most of them had expected answers that would suggest materialistic goals, but the top three things that people wanted in life were love, joy, and peace–the first three fruit of the Spirit!

Purpose or meaning is important to human beings because we are created in the image of God  Though fallen we still retain the intuiton that we are created for something.  We can fill that  something’ with many things but all except the truth will ultimately fail us.

Peter Sellers, the noted British actor who died in 1980, was troubled throughout much of his adult life. Although he had gained wealth and fame, he was restless and dissatisfied. In his later years he revealed a loss of personal identity by resorting to using the voice and accent of Inspector Clouseau, a fictitious character he had played. Then too, his multiple marriages were symptomatic of the fact that his mind was, as one of his wives put it, “in a constant state of turmoil about his purpose on this planet.”

Stories like this make me sad because the something we are created for is to be found by turning our lives over to Jesus!  The problem is that the struggle of life often obscures the truth about life. Why can’t people see the obvious? Because it is obvious only to those who have a proper perspective: life is Jesus!  “I am the way, the truth, and the Life”

I once saw a reproduction of the Constitution of the United States which had been skillfully engraved on a copper plate. At first glance it seemed to be nothing more than a piece of noble writing. When I looked at it from the proper perspective, however, I could discern the portrait of America’s first President George Washington artistically etched in minute detail. His face was revealed in the shading of the letters and I saw his person, not just a flow of words or lofty principles.

To understand the deeper meaning to life we must look at it from the right perspective.  We must see in it not merely activities, goals, ideas, family, friends or even Biblical doctrines, but Jesus Himself – sufficient for all our needs.

Even Jesus followers are often guilty of not seeing life as Jesus. Instead we often see Jesus as one of the many compartments of our lives.  When we fall into this error we diminish the meaning and purpose of life and boredom or anxiety sets in.  When Jesus becomes our life only then do we begin to live an exciting, adventurous life.  To live life on the edge start living out the paradoxes of our faith!

A paradox is an apparent contradiction which in reality may conceal a profound truth. The paradoxes of our Faith are a great proof that Christianity was not devised by men.  Our Faith contains many unpopular doctrines and mind-baffling concepts which would not exist if it had been composed by men and had not been uniquely inspired by God.  The fact that these do appear shows me that “God’s ways are not our ways.”

Just look at these paradoxes:

• Faith is seeing unseen things;
• We conquer by yielding;
• We find rest under a yoke;
• We reign by serving;
• We are made great by becoming little;
• We are exalted by being humble;
• We become wise by being fools for Christ’s sake;
• We are made free by becoming His bond servants;
• We possess all things by having nothing;
• We become strong by being weak;
• We find victory by glorying in our infirmities; and
• We live by dying.

To  live a rich full purposeful life don’t be afraid to do many things that the world will consider really strange, even weird!  Living out our paradoxical faith is exciting because it never allows us to just drift with the tide.  So, get used to swimming upstream … but remember that the one swimming by you is the giver of of a meaningful life.  Jesus gives life purpose.

Journalist Dan Buettner has been researched communities of healthy centenarians around the world for ground breaking studies he did for National Geographic. In his book The Blue Zone, Lessons for living longer from the people who’ve live the longest (National Geographic) he translated the lifestyles of the vigorous elderly into the ‘Power Nine” principles of living well longer.

Lessons 1 – 4 of the Power Nine dealt with exercise and diet.

Lesson 5 Life Purpose

Have a reason to get up in the morning

Take time to see the big picture. Taking stock and having a purpose acts as a buffer against stress and reduces the chances of Alzheimers, arthritis and strokes.

Dr Robert Butler’s* 11 year National Institute of Health-funded study followed highly functioning people aged 65 – 92 and found individuals who expressed a clear goal in life lived longer and were mentally sharper.

Learning a new activity – a musical instrument or language – can do it for you.

Says Dr Thomas Perls*: “Do things that are novel and complex. Once you get good at them, and they are no longer novel, then move on to something else.”

Learning new things is like strength training for the brain, and has been shown to decrease memory loss.

Lesson 6 Foster Serenity

Take time to relieve stress

Many of Dan Buettner’s health elderly had a sense of sublime serenity. Doctors now are discovering slowing down may help the body cope with chronic inflammation.

• Reduce the noise – minimise time spent with TV, radio and the Internet.
• Be early. Arrive 15 minutes early to every appointment.
• Meditate or pray.

Lesson 7 Belong

Participate in a spiritual community

Studies show attending religious services, even as infrequently as once a month, may make a difference to how long a person lives. Put generally, the faithful are healthier and happier. They are less likely to engage in harmful behaviours, and may have higher self esteem and self worth.

Lesson 8 Loved Ones first

Make family a priority

Invest time and energy in your children, your spouse and your parents. Play with your children, nurture your marriage, and honour your parents. Families represent the highest degree of social network.

Lesson 9 Join the Right Tribe

Be surrounded by those who share “Blue Zone” values. “This may be the most powerful thing you can do to change your lifestyle for the better,” suggest Dan Buettner.

Spend time with people who reinforce right habits. Spend at least 30 minutes a day with members of your inner circle. Establish a regular time to meet and share a meal together. Building strong friendships is an investment that will pay back handsomely in added years.

Dr Robert Butler is president and CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA and professor og geriatrics at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr Thomas Perls is director of the New England Centenarian Study and association professor of medicine and geriatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine.

I found this fascinating quote today:

Everything that happens to us happens on purpose to develop our purpose! Do you believe that? If you focus on your purpose in life you will be able to live a more abundant life because you are doing who and what you were made to do. How could you live more satisfied than that?parentingtoolbox.wordpress.com, Jan 2009

You should read the whole article.

As we continue our existence on earth there is a need for motion, movement is part of our everyday itinerary, and there is always a need for us to move from one location to another.
A Chinese proverb says the journey of a million miles starts with a step. So it is a well established fact that as humans we need to move as we go about our daily activities, we need to change location, as we pursue our goals and objective there is a need to move and associate with others. But movement can be categorised into different classes, to move just for the sake of movement will tantamount to you deceiving yourself, self delusion is like a man looking in the mirror and denying the plane fact starring back at him, no matter how hard you deny, you can’t change the basic concept of the way you are.
For this article we will only focus on purposeful movement, co-ordinated to achieve a desired result, for you to attain any meaningful goal in life you need to plan your movements properly and stick to those items on your daily schedules, when you are able to handle and get hold on those little seconds that seems not to matter, then my friend you will be able to handle the minutes and be able to invest wisely all the hours of your day.
For you to live your life devoid of a plan and a purpose is to live a life am aimless life, without direction and accomplishments a life based on fantasies and illusions.
The Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. dictionary explains illusion as being derived from 14th century. Via French < Latin illusion- < illus-, past participle of illudere “play at” < ludus “play, sport”
It defines illusion as

1. Something with deceptive appearance: something that deceives the senses or mind, e.g. by appearing to exist when it does not or appearing to be one thing when it is in fact another
2. False idea: a false idea, conception, or belief about somebody or something
3. Deceptive power of appearances: the ability of appearances to deceive the mind and senses, or the capacity of the mind and senses to be deceived by appearances
4. Psychology mistaken sensory perception: a misinterpretation of an experience of sensory perception, especially a visual one, where the stimuli are objectively present and the mistaken perception is due to physical rather than psychological causes.

From the above definitions there really is nothing to gain from living a life based solely on daydreaming, a life devoid of concrete plans and actions of everyday accomplishments and goals of what we need to accomplish, we need to set targets on daily bases and at the end of each day hold ourselves accountable for what we had accomplish or failed to accomplish, if need be give our selves rewards to stimulate and motivate us to strive to reach our set goals and objectives.
At the start of each new day we need to create a “to do list” or probably before you go to bed create a list of things you need to accomplish for the next day in order of preference or magnitude of importance to you, put a time frame on each item, while doing this be realistic with yourself, give yourself a chance to be able to accomplish the goals, what I mean is that do not just cram everything into one day, remember the journey of a thousand miles begins with just a step, there is always a tomorrow and please don’t get me wrong am not giving you permission to procrastinate, what am simply saying is first discover yourself, know your ability and what you are capable of then set a slightly higher mark to ensure that you improve on your ability, even if you fall short and peradventure you did not finish all the items on your list, don’t despair or get disappointed, rather just view the other goals attained as your accomplishments, your badges of honour and wear them proudly because you truly deserve them, but wait a minute what about the jobs left undone, you are tempted to ask, what about the goals we ought to have accomplished today, well they are just temporary set backs that we will fix tomorrow, remember tomorrow “there is always a tomorrow” simply put the little set back on top of tomorrows list of things to do and get them out of the way so you can face squarely the new task for today.
When you put things in the right perspective positive movement is not an illusive dream but a reality you can accomplish and once you get into the rhythm of doing things in this positive and set manner you will find out that it’s even a delight for you to accomplish that big goal that has looked so frightening and unattainable, when you break it down to smaller goals and little daily accomplishment, you will find out that you have surpassed your expectations and the goal has being accomplished.
Composed, written, edited and reviewed by
John A.F. Akinbo

http://changesandlife.blogspot.com/

“Being” is a collection of thoughts provoking awakening within the soul. The words are the vehicle of the journey you embark on with the author into the deeper layers of your personal being – human being.  You can read as deeply as you like and you can revisit the process over and over again.

This is a great book to read in the morning to meet the day and to reread in the evening to close the day. Doing so will take you on a journey of expanding purposeful living. “Being” is an ideal accompaniment to scripture bringing an awareness of dimensions to the truth experienced in our lives.

Early this morning I was taking a walk with a dear friend who is going through yet another relationship break-up. This is her third relationship in a span of 30 years and she remarked that as she was laying in bed early this morning alone crying her eyes out,she had a realization that she is single again.  In fact she said ” heck, I’m back on the meat market again!”

We have all been there – well most of us anyway - when it all comes to an end and we wake up to find that we are alone and have that void without a man feeling.  It is as if without a man we are incomplete, have no direction, no focus, no life.  I do not imply that dependance on a man, being in a relationship is negative in any way. 

In fact John Donne wrote ” No man is an island, entire of itself”.  And likewise for a woman.  Much joy and bliss comes from a man and a woman sharing their lives together- this is beautiful indeed.

However, since childhood there has been a conditioning that  says ” I am not complete until I have a man in my life”.  When I experienced marital separation and divorce after an 18 year marriage, I stumbled upon a compelling and practical book about why women feel incomplete without a man by Penelope Russianoff Ph.D titled “ Why Do I Think I Am Nothing Without A Man?”

We have come from a conditioning that Dr Russianoff describes as ‘desperately dependant’.  She writes:  “ this is where a woman for whom the major focus in her life is a man, or the lack of one, a woman who feels adrift or on the prowl, or one who feels that the world views her as abnormal without a male consort, one who feels listless and purposelesss when “her” man is out of town, at work or anyway, not right there with here. There are degress of desperate dependence, but the consequences are always the same.”

And so the desperately dependant woman revolves her life around a person outside of herself, a man- someone who is “hers”.  And when this ends it is as if her  own life has ended. 

Empowerment for women is about liberating herself from “desperately needing a man” to feel complete.

Empowerment for women is learning to love and accept yourself and finding worthiness  and purpose in your own life – whether or not you have some one in it.

Empowerment for women is realizing that you can create and draw into your life all the joy, love, fulfilment, purpose, happiness, health and direction you want – whether or not you have some one in it.

Empowerment for women is seeing your own inner beauty, the inner strength that lies deep within you that will propel you forward beyond any disappointment, any sorrow or loss.

The other day another member of our group and I had a meeting at his office. The purpose of the meeting was for me to get some background information to use for a paper I’m writing for one of this term’s classes, Advertising & Marketing Promotions.

You may be familiar with this member, his name is Sean Carter. He occasionally shows up to our meetings. But you know, I wouldn’t actually be able to verify how often he attends, because I haven’t, ahem, been to group myself in over a year, since I started Ottawa in January, 2008. Well, actually, it hasn’t been that long between visits, maybe only six months or so. But you get the idea.

Now, in all fairness to Sean, it isn’t really possible for him to be at the meetings when he isn’t physically in the state, so don’t think I’m singling him out alone for rebuke.

The interesting thing to come from that meeting was from a comment he made to me after we’d finished discussing my project.

We started talking about our small group, and he was mentioning how important each of us has been and is to the group, and how he feels that God has brought each one of us together for a specific purpose. We may not know exactly what the purpose is for now, but God’s placed us together for a reason (Deon has mentioned this too). Then, he mentioned that he (and he has told me this before) doesn’t know how some people don’t make the time to come to our meetings every week. Somehow, the topic of my attendance came up, and I said something to the effect of “Well, you know, I’m in school, and that comes first”.

In all fairness to me (since I was fair to Sean, I think it’s only fair that I am fair to myself), the term before my current one, I had to physically meet at the Chandler campus Wednesday nights, so there was no way I could attend our meetings.

But all the other times I’ve been away because I didn’t plan to make the meetings.

I get a break between terms, and sometimes my schedule otherwise happens to (at least in my mind) work out so I can make the meetings.

But what I’m finding, and this may not be as much of a revelation to some of you as it was to me, that if I actually decide to plan and prioritize my week so I have the time to make it to group, that I actually make it to group. What a concept.

But Sean’s keen insight was the following: we all have 168 hours in a week, and these meetings and what each of us gets from them is so important for building us up and keeping us on track, that he couldn’t really understand how someone wouldn’t want to make the time to be at our meetings each week.

Then he added something else. Some people might consider it a taunt.

In response to my (I think) somewhat justified response of “I have school”, he said,“Oh, so you’re just being a slacker.” To which I didn’t really have a response other than to agree. “Yeah, I guess sometimes I am.”

Slacker???

Hmmmm….slacker

Yes, he called me a slacker.

This really stuck with me. I know sometimes people will sometimes say things kiddingly, and not really mean it, but words mean things, and this statement made an impact.

And, I didn’t like being called a slacker.

Probably because he was right.

Now, I don’t know if his intension was to spur me into making major lifestyle changes and actually creating an Entourage scheduled appointment for my homework and everything else so that I could purposefully attend our meetings (then again, maybe he did. I never did ask him), but that was the net effect.

See how much impact we can have on each other’s lives? And in this respect, I think Sean as well as the rest of you are positive and Godly influences on my life.

Now, in fairness to everyone else, who may not be able to make group every week, I realize each of us has their own things going on as we live our lives, and sometimes we just can’t be at group. Prior commitments, family, school, not physically in the state, sick, or any number of other really good reasons.

But as for me, Sean got me thinking, and I am going to try and purposefully make our meetings if at all possible. God willing, unless I’m in school (physically), or have another really good reason, I’ll be at the meetings. And if I don’t, please show me mercy.

Posted by Site Administrator in Self-Improvement, Wellness on 11 4th, 2008
By Christina Laun

Everyone needs a little help sometimes in getting motivated, feeling happy or just getting those creative juices flowing. Luckily, the Internet is full of places to find inspiration. These blogs can help you get moving towards your goals, whether you want to give back more to the community, feel better about yourself, or just get in shape.

Must Reads
These blogs are must-reads for anyone looking to get inspired. You’ll find everything from personal development tips to ways to be happier.

1. Zen Habits: This blog is one of the best out there for those looking for some inspiration. It provides articles on topics like productivity, saving money, getting in shape, simplifying your life and so much more.
2. Steve Pavlina: Think you’ve messed up your life too bad to come back? Steve Pavlina went from sitting in jail for felony theft to graduating from school with a double major in computer science and mathematics. He’s now a successful blogger and speaker and you can find hundreds of wonderful and inspirational tips on his blog.
3. Brian Kim: This blog helps you to find ways to invest in yourself, through getting in shape, improving your mental health, boosting your finances and more.
4. Change Your Thoughts: If you’re looking to make a positive change in your life this blog has plenty to offer to you. Blogger Steven Aitchison gives some great tips on everything from finances to spiritual well-being.
5. LifeHacks: What could be better than making your life more efficient by getting organizing and streamlining? This blog is full of tips to help you make the most of everything you do.
6. Dumb Little Man: Don’t let the title of this blog fool you; the content is anything but dumb. With posts on everything from improving your communication skills to reducing your stress, this blog can be a great source of inspiration and information.
7. Success Begins Today: Don’t wait until tomorrow to start working towards your goals– start today. This blog focuses on tips to boost your personal productivity and get you on the path to success in your career and beyond.
8. 43 Folders: Check out this blog by Merlin Mann to learn some simple ways you can start making your life better.
9. Life Optimizer: Everyone faces setbacks on the road to success, and this blog helps you learn how to turn those roadblocks into success with posts on productivity, optimism and personal growth.
10. LifeHacker: One of the most popular personal development and productivity blogs out there, LifeHacker contains tons of tips to help you make the most of the technology at hand to help you work faster and keep important and useful information at your fingertips.

Goals and Dreams
Do you have a personal goal that you haven’t found a way to achieve yet? These blogs can help get you started on working towards that goal with some inspirational tips and suggestions.

11. Inspire Possibility: This blogger was formerly a trial lawyer but is now a life coach and helps clients to develop their leadership potential. Check out his blog for tips on getting where you want to be in life.
12. Sean Rassmussen: Sean Rassmussen’s blog is all about the law of attraction and helping success to come your way. His blog is full of ideas and suggestions to help you build your financial wealth and build better communication skills.
13. Shar’s Empowerment Blog: Sharmen Lane wasn’t always a successful author, life coach and radio coach. In fact, she started off as a manicurist and her blog is full of articles that can help you turn your dreams of success into realities just like she did.
14. Cultivate Greatness: Do you see yourself as a leader? This blog will help you build your skills and become the respected and satisfied individual you’ve always wanted to be.
15. Illuminated Mind: This blog is all about personal development and contains some great articles like “How to Make Your Dreams a Reality” and “33 of Life’s Most Powerful Lessons” to help you get inspired to follow your dreams.
16. Today is That Day: Whether you believe in the law of attraction or not, this blog is a great place to find inspirational advice on finding happiness and fulfillment.
17. Dream Manifesto: Check out this site to find a great collection of articles that can help you come up with creative ways to achieve your dreams in your career or your personal life.
18. Success Soul: Blogger Shilpan Patel shares personal experiences of hard work and success in this blog, which provides great, simple ways to work towards being getting over your fear of failure and finding real success and fulfillment in life.

Work
Most of us spend a good portion of our waking hours as work, so it’s important that those hours are spent doing something that makes us happy, not miserable. These blogs can provide some advice on turning your job into something more rewarding.

19. The Lean Blog: This blog explains just what the “lean” is and how it can make a difference specifically in hospitals and factories but more generally in any kind of work.
20. Sales Motivation: If you work in any kind of sales field, you know that there are times when it’s hard to close the deal. This blog can serve as a source of motivation on those days when you just can’t seem to make it all come together.
21. The Lazy Way to Success: While it may sound crazy, this blogger explains how you can do less and accomplish more by making the most of the time you’re working.
22. Entrepreneur’s Journey: Taking to the net for work opportunities? This blog is a great place to find advice on working on the Internet, marketing a business and running a blog.
23. Web Worker Daily: Chances are pretty good that even if you don’t work directly on the Web that you use it for work during at least some part of your day. This blog can help you find ways to make working on the internet, and on computers in general, more productive.
24. LifeDev: Creative people will love this blog, with tips, tools and resources that can give you insights into ways you can improve your work and your life.
25. Simple Productivity: This blog is full of easy-to-follow tips on time management and productivity that can help you make the most of the time you spend at work so you have more time to spend with the people you care about.
26. Ian’s Messy Desk: Check out this site for tips on getting the most out of every hour of the day. You’ll find helpful advice that can boost your productivity and help you communicate better with others.
27. Make Use Of: Why waste time on tasks that are repetitive or that can be done much easier with a simple computer program? This site is full of links to websites and programs that can help you shave valuable minutes off the time you spend working each day.
28. All Things Workplace: Get some tips on standing out in your office, making things run more smoothly and much more in this blog totally dedicated to work issues.

Personal Development
If you’re looking for a little extra motivation or guidance, check out these blogs designed to help you be better at being you.

29. Pick the Brain: This blog is all about self-improvement and you’ll find articles on improving everything in your life from finances to your stress level.
30. LiteMind: Blogger Luciano Passuello believes that our minds are the greatest tools we have to accomplishing anything and his blog is full of tips to help you make the most of your brain power to get the things you want out of life.
31. Genius Types: Check out this blog to get some ideas on how to improve your creativity, make more money, work in a team and more.
32. Ririan Project: Here you’ll find a little bit of everything from tips and guides on eating right to information on how to build your self-esteem.
33. JustinDriscoll: This blogger and minister is all about giving you tips on how to be incredible, love your job and embrace your spiritual side.
34. How to Succeed Socially: If you’ve always been a bit socially awkward or tend to be the wallflower at parties, give this blog a read. You’ll find tips and advice on coming out of your shell and letting the world know the real you.
35. You Already Know This Stuff: This blog isn’t about teaching you new things, it’s about helping you use the things you already know to make your life the best it can be.
36. Universe of Success: Get a little push in the right direction from this blog, full of useful tips and information to help you make big and little changes in your life for the better.
37. The Power of Choice: While you may not always like the choices you’re offered, or find them easy to make, this blog explains how to go about choosing the path that’s best for you and how powerful your choices truly are.
38. steve-olson.com: Are you in search of personal freedom? This blogger is, and he share his experiences in his blog as he works towards the goals he holds to be important.

Being Happy
At the end of the day, all that really matters is your happiness. These blogs can give you some guidance on finding that happiness and keeping it even when things are tough.

39. Abbey of the Arts: This blogger holds a PhD in Christian Spirituality, but he blog focuses not only on the spiritual but in finding beauty in the simple and everyday and creating art that feeds the soul.
40. The Positivity Blog: Keep a healthy attitude about work and life in general through posts on this blog that help you to deal with everything from dealing with procrastination to working on your social skills.
41. Chief Happiness Officer: Don’t think there’s any way your workplace can be a happy one? Read this blog for inspirational ideas on making your workday something you don’t dread getting through every day.
42. Balanced Life Center: If you’re looking for ways to live a more inspired life, this blog contains a variety of tips, tools and techniques to get you started.
43. Self-Help Happiness Blog: Want to be happy? This blog provides the means for you to do it yourself, with quotes, tips and inspirational stories to get you started.
44. Happiness Club Blog: This blog contains wonderful inspirational stories, reviews of books, and news that can be a great way to learn all about what it takes to be happy.
45. Happiness Blog: Blogger Michele Moore talks about the nature of happiness in this blog and provides some tips and important things to think about when it comes to being happy and finding happiness in your life.
46. Mark and Angel Hack Life: With tips on everything from living well before you die to ways to boost your productivity, this blog can be a great place to find inspiration to be happier in your personal and professional lives.
47. Money and Happiness: Money is often a source of stress, especially if you don’t have nearly enough of it to go around. This blog can help you learn to work towards financial happiness and let your finances stop ruling your life.
48. The Happiness Project: Ever wanted to know if those self-improvement tips actually make a difference? This blogger has taken them to heart and spent a year trying out every guru out there. Check out her blog for reports on what really works to make you happier.

Giving Back
One way to feel good and to help others to feel good as well is by giving back to your community. These blogs provide inspirational stories and information that can help you find new and inspiring ways to live with purpose.

49. Blogger Stories: Think bloggers can’t make a difference? This blog is all about just that, with bloggers who have made a big impact in their communities telling their stories.
50. Let’s Do Something Good: Help counteract all the negative things in the world by putting a little good out there. This blogger explains small things you can do to make the world a little better each day.
51. World Volunteer Web: Want to learn about volunteering operations around the world? You can do just that on this site and read dozens of inspirational stories about people who have made a big difference in the lives of others.
52. HoundsGood: In this digital age you may not even need to show up in person to volunteer. This blog is full of ways that you can join the ranks of virtual volunteers and make a difference right from your own home.
53. The Fundraising Coach: Nearly all charitable organizations can use a little extra funding and this blog provides helpful advice on making the most out of fundraising campaigns.
54. Everyday Giving: Get all warm and fuzzy reading this blog, which is full of inspirational stories of ways big and small people have given back to help others around them.
55. BlackGivesBack: While geared towards the African-American community, this blog can be an inspiration for anyone who wants to find new ways to donate and get involved in the community.
56. The (Late) Breakfast Society: Learn about this organization which supports the development of youth through community activities. You may even come up with some ways to help young people in your own community.
57. BetterPlace.org: Want to make the world a better place? This blog can help you start, by providing news and views on the latest developments in volunteering and charitable work.
58. Charities Blog: This blog provides links to charities and also some thoughtful commentary on those who are working within charities or donating to them to ensure others who are disadvantaged get the help that they need.

Embracing the Spiritual
Whether you want to get in touch with God or just want to find some inner peace, these blogs are geared towards helping you get in touch with your spiritual side.

58. Meditation and Inspiration: If you’re in search of a little guidance for your mediations this blog can be a big help. Check out the daily inspirational offerings to help you get in touch with your inner self.
59. The Sacred Path: Those with an interest in shamanism may find this blog particularly inspirational. Blogger Richard shares his spiritual journey on the site and provides numerous other helpful resources for those still in search of spiritual inspiration.
60. The Level 8 Buddhist: If Buddhism is a philosophy you’re interested in, give this blog a chance. You’ll find posts about the tenets of Buddhism as well as ways you can apply it to your everyday life.
61. Goodness Graciousness: This blog is dedicated to celebrating the good in the world and can help you embrace the happiness the universe has to offer you.
62. All Considering: Check out this site for some interesting posts on spiritual growth and changing your life.
63. Daily Spiritual Quotes: Looking for a little inspiration? Check out these daily quotes to find some sage advice and wisdom on your spiritual quest.
64. Awakening Sense: If you want to awaken that inner you, take a look at this blog. The blogger isn’t a spiritual expert, but someone who just wants to share personal experiences and feelings with others.
65. Life 2.0: Help accelerate your path to self-realization by giving this blog a look-see. You’ll find posts on everything from inspirational stories and quotes to links to interesting websites.
66. Surfing the Tao: Check out this blog to increase your spiritual awareness while also getting posts on the latest news, technologies and politics.
67. A Grateful Heart: Appreciate all your daily blessings though this blog. On it, you’ll ge access to photos, inspirational quotes and much more.

Simplifying Life
Free your mind, and your space, of all that clutter. These blogs can help show you the way to a happier, simpler and even greener life.

68. I’m an Organizing Junkie: Take some advice from this blogger on how to get rid of your clutter and make your home a more organized, peaceful place.
69. Think Simple Now: This blog is dedicated to helping you find “creativity, clarity and happiness”. You’ll find articles that touch upon topics that will help you grow personally and spiritually.
70. My Simpler Life: Beth Dargis, professional life coach, gives her advice on reducing the things in your life to those that you really care about in this blog.
71. Everyday Simplicity: Whether you are just starting out with simplicity or have been on the bandwagon for awhile, this blog offers numerous tips on getting organized and embracing simple things every day.
72. Psychology of Clutter: Just can’t seem to get rid of that stuff overflowing from every storage space in your home? there may be a psychological reason behind it and this blog can help you to understand what that may be.
73. Finding Simplicity: If you feel overwhelmed by finances, clutter or just the junk in your life, take a look at this blog.
74. Down to Earth: Find out loads of information of gardening, green living, and living frugally from simply life blogger Rhonda.
75. Green and Simple Living: Learn how to conserve resources, reduce waste and live a simpler and more earth-friendly life from this blog.
76. Plastic Drifter: These days, it seems everything is made of plastic or comes in a plastic container. This blog is all about minimizing the junk that clutters the modern home.
77. Unclutterer: Check out these daily tips to help you get your desk, closet or anywhere organized and keep it that way.

Control Your Money
Money can be a big source of unhappiness both for you as the individual and in your relationships. These blogs can help give you advice on bringing your finances under control to make you happier and healthier.

78. DoshDosh: If you don’t have the time to get a second job but want to make some money on the side you can get some help from this blog. You’ll find loads of tips to help you make money on the net through blogging and other online ventures.
79. It’s Just Money: Want to learn some healthy financial tips from someone who’s been in the same boat as you at one time or another? This blog is a great place to start. You’ll find loads of tips informed by personal experience that can help you manage your money and plan for the future.
80. I Will Teach You to be Rich: Ramit Sethi provides advice on topics like saving, productivity, personal finance and more on this popular and well-written blog.
81. WiseBread: Who says you can’t live like a king on a shoestring budget? This blog provides tips on managing a budget, saving for the future and being frugal where it counts.
82. Get Rich Slowly: This blog won’t help you to get rich overnight but it can teach you a few things that will assist you in getting your finances under control for the long haul.

Healthy Mind
Whether you need to work on your mental health or just want to be better at remembering important dates, these blogs have something inspirational to offer.

83. Everyone Needs Therapy: While it might be hard to admit to yourself, everyone needs a little help dealing with emotional baggage now and then. This blog explains how some of those emotional issues might be affecting your life and offers a different take on mental issues.
84. Selfvolution: You can get tips on self-improvement on this blog with posts that focus on everything from brain exercises to working out your financial kinks.
85. The Pursuit of Happiness: Those battling with depression certainly aren’t alone as this blog proves. The blogger chronicles his experience, both the ups and downs, as he seeks treatment for depression.
86. Addiction and Recovery: If you’re struggling with addition to drugs or alcohol check out this blog. You’ll find a range of information on the latest trends and research on addiction.
87. Mind Hacks: Based on a book of the same name, this blog is full of neuroscience and psychology tricks to find out what’s going on inside your brain.
88. Luminosity: Find some ways to improve the health of your brain on this blog. It’s run by neuroscience expert Michael Scanion, and you’ll find some engaging and fun games to play to keep your mind active.
89. Mind Tweaks: Think your brain needs a little fine-tuning? Check out this blog for tips and tricks to strengthening your brain and keeping you mentally in shape.

Healthy Body
If you want to squeeze into those skinny jeans or just feel better about your health but haven’t found the motivation to get you started, check out these blogs. You’ll find all kinds of inspirational stories and advice that will give you a jump start on getting fit and feeling good.

91. Inspired: Dr. Hannah Albert is a doctor that specializes in homeopathic care. Her blog is full of tips on how to use natural methods to improve your overall health and well being.
92. Run to Win: Runners out there will appreciate this motivational blog. You’ll get tips and news about all kinds of topics that can help make you a better and more successful marathon runner.
93. Ultimate Health and Conditioning: Ready for a challenge? This blog can provide you with the information you need to start a fulfilling fitness program and get your squishier parts in shape.
94. Lose the Buddha: Check out this blog for the story of a woman who has struggled with weight loss and finally managed to lose that last 40 pounds.
95. That Skinny Bitch: This blogger, like many out there, lost weight only to regain it. This blog is about her journey to lose the weight and keep it off for good this time.
96. John is Fit: There’s nothing like opening yourself up to public scrutiny to help you stick to a weight loss and diet plan. This blogger hopes to shed some weight and keeps an inspirational diary of how he’s doing day-by-day in this blog.
97. Fat Man Walking: Steve Vaught felt out of control of his life and wanted to take things back into his own hands and lose weight. He decided that to do that, he was going to walk all over the United States. This blog chronicles his epic journey in good times and in bad.
98. Fat to 5K: Blogger Emil shares his story of weight loss, with a goal to go from his initial weight of 367 pounds to a much slimmer, trimmer runner’s body. Follow along as he monitors his diet and exercise and runs his first mile on his way to fitness.
99. Yoga Blog: Learn how to make yoga part of your fitness routine with this instructional blog.
100. Old Man Running: Think you’re too old to be out there working out? This 71-year-old blogger and runner proves that fitness is possible at any age.

I saw a post today that mentioned the concept of “give well.”  It mentioned Kolette Hall, scrapbook instructor and artist, talking about the importance of wrapping gifts.  Sounds like someone I should read more about.  Especially if she could help me accomplish this, as she promised, in two hours or less!

It reminds me of a book I once read about French women sitting down to eat meals (meals consisting of food that they bought or grew and cooked themselves) as the key to staying slim.  Now, Kolette is teaching us that the key to gift giving is to prepare an actual, bonafide gift.  Eat food.  Give gifts.  Tell jokes.  Write letters.  All these are shocking in their simplicity! 

Being purposeful doesn’t have to take a lot of time, and has wonderful side benefits.  I encourage you to find ways to give well!

YES! I hope you enjoy them, too.

Net Cotton Content…  Artie Isaac’s blog.  Even though Artie is the fountain of thought behind Young Isaac Advertising in   Columbus, OH, his blog is usually not directly business-oriented.  Rather, it’s a provocative nudge in the direction of living with purpose.

Seth Godin’s Blog… ya, this is mostly a marketing theme, but it’s as entertaining to read as a consumer, also.

 Never Eat Alone…Keith Ferrazi’s weekly blog that dived off the springboard of his delightful book.  Not just for marketing geeks, but to remind you of our perpetual need to get connected and be engaged.

 Now it’s your turn…inform us of the blogs you value.  Thanks!