Incredible things happen when we're open to possibilities because the world is an extraordinary place.
Dewitt Jones
From time to time, you may be aware that you do not appreciate the best in yourself. Perhaps you tend to be harsh and self-critical. You may have grown up with the kind of motivation that went: if you knew you were bad, you would want to do better. It makes for a doubtful frame of mind because the truth is that none of us is bad, or intrinsically wrong.
Would you like more self-confidence? Do you ever focus on the things you do not like about yourself - such as your body shape, colouring, bad habits, failures or mistakes from the past?
Do you ever doubt yourself? Insidious thing doubt. Doubt has its value. I have two sayings around doubt that I find useful. If in doubt, don't do. Hold, don't act. When in doubt, check it out. Get more information.
Similarly, when we make a point of seeing all that is wrong with the world, it breeds a kind of hopelessness and despairing. On the other hand, when you start looking for all that is good, you may feel much more inspired and creative. When you hear the news, you might doubt that we shall ever recover from the economic downturn. If you look around more closely, you will find new seeds of economic growth already germinating.
What if you could transform your feelings of doubt into solid knowing about what is true for you, and the wealth of assets with which you were born? Imagine what it would be like if you were open to possibility. The energy of possibility can awaken you to a new sense of capability, courage and enthusiasm.
In my work with people, individually or in groups, I focus on the strengths, qualities, subtle nuances in their personalities and character that they may not yet see for themselves. I find that people are literally "awe-some", and yet their best may be hidden by a negative self-perception. The Pygmalion Effect tells us that the images we hold of ourselves, and for others, have a way of becoming real. In the workplace or at home, individuals can lend tremendous strength by holding a positive vision for each other, seeing them successfully achieving what they really want.
I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.
Michelangelo
Realizing intentions, fulfilling dreams, achieving goals all take energy. Dwelling in a negative frame of mind about yourself, or the world in which we live, is energy draining and stressful. Maybe the greatest part of accomplishment is overcoming the challenges along the way. The moment of celebration is as much for the strengths, self-mastery, understanding you gain, as for the end result in visible terms.
It seems to me that the darknesses of difficulty, disillusionment, disappointment or discouragement are there so that we can better exercise our light, our presence for love, compassion, empathy and sheer human creativity and wisdom. The light in you, the presence of your human spirit is much greater than any shadows of doubt or limitation. We are each blessed with the opportunity to become masters of our lives, to be more fully in joy and celebration, to be energized and fulfilled.
I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest.
I do not judge the universe.
HH the Dalai Lama
In this video, Dewitt Jones invites us to celebrate what is right with our world.
Celebrate What's Right With The World - Dewitt Jones
What can you celebrate about yourself - right now? Did you get up this morning, perhaps with a thought of love for someone you care for? Could you have a moment when you consider how precious you are, just the way you are? Give yourself a kind word of encouragement for the day ahead. Consider the opportunities, the beauty, your day may hold in store for you. Because what you look for, you will tend to find.
Vision controls our perception; perception becomes our reality.
Dewitt Jones
Do you allow yourself to reflect, to take pleasure and joy from simple things? Take a few minutes every so often to do nothing but watch your breath. Play with how deeply you can breathe, how relaxed you can possibly become, how fully you can tune into and feel the loving that you are. Take a moment to appreciate what is right with you, and with those around you.
Your family mealtimes might become occasions of joy and celebration together, away from screens and touch pads and things plugged in your ears. Imagine what would it be like to be celebrating what is right with each other, sharing laughter, funny stories from the day, enlivening ideas and insights.
When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure
that you are always blessed in abundance.
Joel Osteen
The world may be an extraordinary place, but how about each one of us? We are living miracles, hugely underestimated. The rapidly changing world and its demands on us might be just what we need to "get it"; that you and I and each one of us are remarkable and to be treasured as the gems that we are. Perhaps these days are inviting us to upgrade our game so that we can appreciate and truly celebrate the gift of this life.
What is the beauty you notice and appreciate in daily life? What do you see that is "right" with our world? What would you like to be celebrating more fully during 2010?
Please feel free to leave a comment below, or contact me at anne@annenaylor.com

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Doubt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
You are so right. Doubt is quite Insidious. I'm in the middle of a big change in my life and I've come to realize that I valued a part of my self-image far more than I'd realized. I try to meditate or focus on the core feelings but can't focus or let go well enough to help allay the doubt. Thanks for your wonderful advice.
Much love
little brother
Thank you for this thought provoking post. We should see change as the opportunity created by circumstances to help reveal and discover a new your to your own self. See challenges as creative spiritual openings that can help you move into the new phase of growth, renewal and realization in your life. Also always remember that the outside world only knocks but with the doors we choose to open, we give permission to the potential of our destinies. So before you open these doors, your internal spiritual attitudes such as gratitude, love, creativity and peace should be your internal constants with which you embrace external change and there will be a harmony which will allow you to glide through situations with peace.
This article was just what I was looking for, doubt can be so troubling. I mean you are brought up to think one way but when your life changes from what use to be the normal do you really have to go back to the way it was. I lost my job and I have been thinking if I still want to be in the same line of work. I have decided to make some changes and do some of the things you always put off until another day. Instead of doubting myself or questioning it I am making plans to do it. You have to enjoy what life gives you and some things happen because it is time to make a change.
Thanks for the post
April
Thank you for your comment. I think you have really touched on a key issue here. The world is changing rapidly, and I think we have to learn how best to move with the changes and adapt so that our own lives can be enriched and made more valuable in the process.
I so agree when you write: "You have to enjoy what life gives you and some things happen because it is time to make a change." That makes sense to me.
I appreciate very much your contribution here.
With warmest good wishes,
Anne
http://www.bernadettenoll.blogspot.com
http://www.slowfamilyliving.com
What a brilliant resource you have created in your family. Your appreciation banner is very inspiring. I feel Appreciation Banners should be marketed! Imagine one in the workplace. That could be very transformational.
Thank you very much for your contribution here.
With love and blessings,
Anne
You and your rich contribution are the precise beauty I am noticing this moment. The U-tube piece is so worthwhile, especially since I am woefully behind with them. This one, like you, a gem.
Re your comment: I am absolutely certain that the wealth you are bringing will be returned to you in endless forms. Here's my question, Anne: are you receptive to it in the material realm, too? Just wondering. My experience is that those on such a clear 'spiritual path,' so often forget it is more than O.K. to accept the gold, too, in the cash-ola department. It is such a reoccuring theme that we confuse the spiritual as 'separate' from monetary wealth. Just a little item to consider.
I want you to know how much I appreciate the hard work that goes into your writing.
May this New Year bless you in all ways important to your Spirit,
Cara
Your comment and caring is very touching to me - thank you!
I appreciate very much your item to consider - this is part of my learning curve presently. Somehow, I shall be opening this neural pathway on my way to being more expansive in my life and with what I have to offer.
Actually, I have been reading my original The Wealth Book manuscipt that I put aside a couple of years ago and I am finding a certain magic happens when I read it. Curious!
May your New Year be richly blessed in many ways, including the unexpected!
With love,
Anne
You ask:
What is the beauty you notice and appreciate in daily life?
Everything as each moment and in it is a miracle. Night and day, each breath, and each smile. And most of all my lovely Deb.
What do you see that is "right" with our world?
It is important that we accept things as they are ..the good the bad and the ugly ...meaning this is it - this is our world the wonder and the horror. Only then can we truly understand what are place in it is and how we can BE THE CHANGE
What would you like to be celebrating more fully during 2010?
DOING GOOD AND BEING GOOD... see a more compassionate world, our book reaching many people and most important all people knowing it's all about LOVE
May all people be happy,
Ed
A fabulous vision you hold: may all people by happy.
If you have not seen it, you might enjoy this YouTube - Be The Change: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv3hteHglI&feature=player_embedded
Huge love and blessings to you as ever,
Anne
YouTube
Be The Change: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv3hteHglI&feature=player_embedded
may more an more people see how they can join in
Enjoy the journey,
Ed
With joy and love to you,
Anne
Many thanks for stopping by.
With love,
Anne
You make so many good points here, it's really a treasure trove of ideas.
I especially like the idea of making little rituals, like breathing, eating, etc., where we can reflect on our own positive traits and attitudes and actions.....
Simple as such ideas may seem on the surface, it's frustratingly difficult to break the negative self-talk and make new habits that are wholly constructive and beneficial. I'm convinced that putting your ideas into practice makes us happier, healthier, and more successful.
Thanks Again,
William
It seemed like my reply may have been swallowed up in cyberspace... or frozen somewhere on this level since there are a lot of icy conditions around.
So once again - thank you very much for stopping by. It is a joy for me to read your comment.
I don't think it is rocket science to make simple adjustments that will make a big difference to our quality of life. Making new habits seem to me to be what it is about.
I wish you lots of happiness, excellent health and great success!
With love and blessings,
Anne
Today there is so much to celebrate.
Usedtobequiet
Thank you very much for stopping by here. I am delighted that you are giving yourself a gentler year so far. You deserve it!
Celebrate your wonderful self.
With love and blessings,
Anne
Amen, to what you share here. We all need to celebrate what's good and right about ourselves. In fact, isn't it all good and right, seen in context and with some perspective? Just as you suggest, even the darkest times ultimately reveal their gifts, so it seems that all is always well and good.
I read your personal blog with interest and am fascinated at your process with the writing. I, too, have found myself turning down a different road than the one I thought I was traveling, especially since my DCIS diagnosis last year. It is baffling at times, and always challenging to surrender to life's unexpected twists and turns. Time will reveal the truth about the why's and where for's, so our only job is to trust the process and stay present.
You share in your wealth blog that the financial abundance part has eluded you and that you're more comfortable writing about the well-being aspect of wealth. Maybe you're being funneled down this path so that you, personally, can get it about manifesting wealth in all it's aspects, including the money part. Just a thought to consider......
Meanwhile, many blessings on your path, wherever it leads.
Judith
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Yes, I think ultimately all is well and good. And I know what I think you mean about trusting the process, staying present and allowing time to reveal the truth. It makes for a much more peaceful way of going about things.
Being able to be relaxed and open and available to whatever best can come about is a wonderful frame of mind to nurture. I know this is possible because I have seen it happen.
You bet - I am sure I am being funnelled down this particular path to get it about manifesting wealth in all its aspects. It is a marvellous learning curve for me for which I feel very grateful.
With much love to you, and happy Sunday!
Anne
Really appreciate all the work that goes into providing these informative articles.
Love and blessings to you,
Anne
Thank you so much for this truly insightful, inspiring, compassionate, wonderful post that was EXACTLY what I needed to read today! Blessings to you! So many gems of wisdom here - I will be saving this for many future reads. The energy of possibility, knowing what is true for you, celebrating what is right, appreciating ourselves and all things beautiful, perception is reality.... Brilliant.
Thanks again -
Sending love your way...
I am very happy the post arrived at the right moment for you. Wonderful when things like that happen, when what we need has a way of showing up. May your life be rich with many happy coincident moments!
Your love is appreciated.
Many blessings to you,
Anne