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Creative Visualization: How to Supercharge Your Goal Setting By M. Anthony

Do you know the single best way to “supercharge” any goal setting program you use is through visualization?

What is visualization? And how do you do it for maximum goal achievement?

Actually, it’s quite simple and something you do all the time.

Simply create a mental picture of the end result of your goal. Completely visualizing your desired goal is also an extremely powerful way to change one’s subconscous programming for the better.

For example, if your affirmation is “I easily make $1,000 or more each week” then you simply create a mental picture of: depositing $1,000 into your bank account;

holding 10 $100 bills in your hand;

seeing a check of $1,000 made out to you.

The list is endless and only limited by your imagination. So let your imagination go wild…

Here’s a chance to daydream like you did as a kid.

Let’s assume your affirmation is “I weigh 110 lbs” (or whatever weight you wish to weigh)

Simply create a mental picture of you: stepping on a scale and seeing the numbers go to your desired weight; looking in the mirror and seeing yourself as you wish to look; having friends and family members tell you how great you look, etc.

Again, allow your imagination to take over and have fun with your visualization.

Each time you visualize your desired goal, feel free to change the mental picture or use the same one repeatedly. If you like, make your visualization into a mini “mental movie.” Add as many senses as possible to the movie.

Start off with the visual aspect of the picture.

Then add the sounds you hear in your movie. Then add the scents you smell in the movie.

Then add the textures of the things you touch into the movie.

Finally, add the emotions you feel into the movie. Feel the excitement, satisfaction, and sense of well-being you are experiencing as you have reached your goal.

This is often called “complete visualization” and gives your subconscious mind a very clear picture of what you want to accomplish.

Here’s how a complete visualization, using the above example, would go:

You hold in your hands 10 fresh $100 dollar bills. You can feel their crispness and notice their fresh ‘money’ smell. You look around you and see your local bank. As you wait in line to deposit your money, you begin to feel the excitement of knowing you now have $1,000 or more to deposit every week. As you approach your favorite bank teller, you hear them say “Welcome to ABC National Bank. What can I help you with today?”..

Did you notice how you combined all 5 senses and the crucial element of positive emotions into your dream scenario?

You probably even felt a little excitement reading the above visualization.

That’s the power of visualizations!

Again, let your imagination have fun and form your own unique “mental movies”

Did you know that if you spent 5-10 minutes every day doing this simple “daydreaming” you’d be on the effortless road to accomplishing any goal you wanted?

Many people never start anything because they think the bus has left them standing at the station.

They think it’s too late for them to jump in the game… any game… and all the good opportunities have already been snatched up by somebody else.

All the good domain names are gone… (wrong!)

All the best businesses have already been started… (nope!)

Traffic is too expensive… (uh-uh!)

It’s too complicated… (negative!)

I don’t have the right skills… (hire someone cheap!)

If only I knew how to do this or that… (so learn!)

If only I knew so-and-so… (introduce yourself!)

I don’t have a list of subscribers… (build one!)

All of these are lame excuses that actually have no basis in reality.

If you want to get in the game online… just do it!

If you want to start an online business… just do it!

If you want to start a newsletter… just do it!

*** Here’s a real “secret,” something I learned about 14 years ago when I was a “green” loan officer at my first mortgage bank:

“The more things change and the faster they change, the easier it is to get into the game even if thousands have gotten in before you.”

Why?

Because when something changes, EVERYONE goes back to square one and has to learn how to deal with the new information that impacts the marketplace.

All you have to do is get in the game, things will change, and you’ll be right up there even with everyone else.

Since things change so fast, the Internet actually makes it easier to start late, catch up fast, and even PASS the “old hands” and established players by adapting to change faster than they do.

The biggest mistake most people make is simply not believing in themselves enough to start… and if you never start, you can never cross the finish line.

But, just by starting…. you are on your way to winning!

Nigel Owen is a 36 yr old Englishman living in North Wales! Married with three children and a highly motivated individual who decided 3 years ago that he should retire at the age of 40. Through Network marketing and the internet he is working towards his goal.

His websites include:
http://makingmoney.isour.biz
http://www.forextrading.isour.biz

“I have heard it said that the first ingredient of success is to dream a great dream.”
John A. Appleman

How often do you dream or aspire? What do you dream of? Why do people struggle to act upon their dreams? Is it fear of failure, insecurity in their abilities or chalk it up to wishful thinking that holds them back? These are questions that my clients ask me all the time. In return I offer, “Isn’t it amazing how people only dream of greatness?”

I have never heard of anyone dreaming of failure or aspiring to be unsuccessful. Failure does not play any part in dreaming. It is the dreamer that instills failure, not the dream. I have read of many very successful dreamers that failed numerous times before they experienced success. The difference is that failure was not going to end their dreams only motivate them to dream bigger.

Many of you fail to seek your purpose in life and you should. You dream and then follow it up with a list of all the reasons why the dream is unachievable. You fill your life with excuses and “I can’t.” Many great companies were conceived from a dream, nurtured in a garage or basement and grew to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Why not you? Why not your dream? The only true limits you experience in life are those you create or those you allow others to impose upon you. If you can dream it, you can do it!

“Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step by little bits of wills, little denials of self, little inward victories by faithfulness, and in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment.”
Amy Carmichael quoted in: Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat, 1987,
Word Books Publisher, p. 130.

Dreaming is the easy part. Acting on the dream is harder. Recognize that a dream is a journey. On the simplest level, it takes commitment, time, desire, and courage. But rarely is something great easily realized.

In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, “The DreamGiver,” he tells the story of a man named Anybody. Anybody has a great dream, but struggles to break free of his comfort zone and push toward his dream. One afternoon he draws the courage and begins to tell others of his dream. They laugh at him, tell him to stop being foolish and forget about his dreams. “Stop kidding yourself, you can’t do it,” they would remind him. These “dream bullies” make every effort to push him back to mediocrity. Do not get caught in this trap. I am here today to tell you that you CAN do it.

How do I know that this is possible? I have done it. A few years ago, I decided that I was going to step out in faith, believe in myself and God’s purpose for my life. I was going to follow my dream. I was in a similar place as “Anybody.” I was comfortable but unhappy. I, too, dreamed a greater dream.

When I came to the realization that I wanted more out of life, I created a motivational phrase to keep me going when I felt challenged. “If you can dream it, you can do it!” I made it my life’s mission statement. No longer was I going to stand in the way of my dreams or was I going to let anyone else either.

Many people questioned my decisions and looking back now I recognize why; my dreams impacted them. I challenged their comfort zones. They feared my success because of the implications that it had on their lives. They worried that they would lose their partner in pity or were so locked into mediocrity and their comfort zones that it was impossible for them to imagine my success. They viewed the process or decision with great skepticism. Today, my dream is evolving, but the dream is still very much alive. Has it been easy? No. Has it been rewarding? Yes. Will someday I realize my dream? Definitely.

I am here today to challenge you to reach for your dream. Do not be afraid to dream. If you can dream it, you can do it! Many of the people that impacted history came from humble beginnings. We can easily look to the Bible to discover humble greatness. Moses immediately comes to mind. He stuttered and God chose him to speak to Pharaoh. He felt inadequate and unable to achieve the greatness God had laid before him. God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

He said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel?” Exodus 3:11. Later in Exodus 4:10, he said, “I am not eloquent, neither before or since you have spoken to me, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Simply, please do not take me out of my comfort zone. I appreciate you thinking of me, but this might be a little bigger than I can handle. He failed to see the dream because he was focused on the obstacles.

What about David. When his great army cowered before the giant Goliath, he stood up, grabbed his dream of freedom and through a stone in the direction of greatness. He later became a great King. What if that monumental day, he chose not to pick up the stone?

Where would the world be if they had chosen to turn away from a dream? What would have become of them if they chose to listen to all of the reasons “why not,” instead of “why not me?” Where will you be when you realize what might have been?

What stone might you throw that could change your life? Get focused and make a commitment. Integrate your dreams into your daily life. Many coaches promote goal setting, as do I. I encourage my clients to list their goals and strategically place them in areas where they can be frequently reminded of the goals. I created a wristband with the embossed phrase; Dream It – Do It. I look at it all the time. It reminds me of the mission and helps keep things in perspective. If you would like to learn more about the “Dream It – Do It” wristband, visit my website.

“Those who lose dreaming are lost.”
Unknown

Dreaming is recognizing and embracing the potential for greatness and seeking it in all areas of your life. Believe in your dreams and your ability to accomplish them. Keep your dreams in front of you. Never forget, if you can dream it, you can do it!

Copyright Anthony Mullins
Elite Coaching Alliance 2005

Anthony Mullins is the President and Coach for The Elite Coaching Alliance. He specializes in personal, and leadership, christian based coaching. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is a highly sought after speaker and facilitator. He is also the author of an upcoming e-book “Finding Fulfillment in an Unfulfilling World”. He can be contacted by phone at 770.587.3545 or by visiting his website http://www.elitecoachingalliance.com

Albeit the Property Index service may be considered a recent company, having been set up in March 2007, they were very fast to achieve expert status. As a matter of fact, they are a fairly down-to-earth company focusing on offering informed instructions to anyone aiming to rent estate in most popular areas of the world. What they avow to do is be of help to you to discover exactly what’s required very swiftly and, likewise, in a trouble-free manner.

Real estate is in most popular areas of the world at present, unquestionably the most called for area being property you can purchase in Spain. It’s quite easy to chart the fantastic real property you can purchase in Spain, the argument for looking for properties here is property for sale and the chance of spending your life between such a spirited and lively people. It’s one of the truly favored property markets at present, and considering the lovely landscape and great weather surrounding you night and day, how could you go wrong! Real estate in Spain is immersed in culture, art and history, this area of the world has long been home to more than a few cultures.

Overseas property specialists Property Index sell a range of properties such as apartments and villas.

Around thirty years back there was only very few of Englishmen in search of real property in Spain. Ask any one person who has emigrated to Spain and they will tell you the same thing. Lots of people would are viewing it as a brief fashion and others are viewing it as a that’s nearly an addiction… Clients that are keen on moving to this region may extend from young well to do couples looking for some new challenge to older people who intend to settle down and enjoy themselves. Do bear in mind, though, that there might well be problems when acquiring real property in a foreign market — there will be hundreds of procedures to come to terms with be it when planning, surveying or finalizing the deal. Even if a single action is missed that is certain to engender huge problems as well as, more important, a financial trouncing.

As you may have anticipated with this popular region, real property could well be fairly expensive in this destination and that’s solely due to the expanding market demand. In spite of this the customer really is quite spoiled in such an area so wonderful in terms of wonderful landscape and sun soaked scenery. Doubtlessly it offers the whole thing anyone may hanker for and more.

We are not the largest physical living organisms in this world, yet we have power over the earth, and all things in it. The Universe has given us this control through our minds and our conscious ability to formulate ideas. Our capacity to form ideas gives us the ability to reason and think logically.

We have discovered and explored all the physical law’s, we have put these laws into action to benefit our comfort and convenience. And yet with our vast capacity to know and to understand, we still fail to turn our attention on ourselves. We are familiar with everything but ourselves. We allow ignorance or lack of knowledge, fear and superstition to control our thinking.

But if we can apply the same knowledge and science to ourselves that we have applied to the world of physical things, our unhappiness and want for things will be a thing of the past.

With the speed of our imaginations, we can fly around our minds and investigate all things material and immaterial. We can fly around among the planets in the solar system, the stars in the distant stellar systems, and even make a fairly accurate study of the universe and our relationship to it.

You are so amazing that you are able to comprehend invisible ideas behind visible things. You can visualise the artist in a picture, and the thought behind a product. You have acquired the ability to form ideas, to establish the relationship between cause and effect, and to have the conception of your own ability. You understand and are conscious of your power to think.

If you use your power to think in a logical way, you can direct your power to control yourself. It is through the use of this control that you can become a master of yourself. Since we can be masters and have this control, we could and should exercise our intelligence to establish control over ourselves, and not act as some kind of an accident in the world.

However, most of us are thing-minded and in our busy lives this causes us to lose sight of ourselves. We need to remind ourselves that everything that we have created has its starting point inside our own minds.

What is in your mind you will see in your experience. You created it. This is your creation. Do you see what you want in your life? It is an invisible idea before it is a physical thing in front of you. It is a thought, then a product. Your ability to create, invent and build all the things you want is your mind in action.

With your mental power, you are capable of reviewing yourself and your own achievements in your life. You are also capable of contemplating the cause and source of where you came from. Again, look around you, what is in your world, this is what you have created with all the collective thoughts in your mind. This is how you can use your mind to grow rich.

Click Here To Discover How To Use Your Mind And Grow Rich

Deadlines are something all of us face from time to time.
We face deadlines whenever we set even a small goal and
commit to accomplish it… that’s when deadlines becomes
important and valuable to us.

Why is a deadline so important?… Without one… many of
our projects would, be put off, or eliminated completely.
The closer we get to a deadline the more our thoughts,
ideas, imagination and creativity go to work to help us meet
the deadline.

Daily… many of us set goals to start projects, complete
and send out ezines, finish articles, or finish writing a
sales page for our websites. How many times do we put it
off till the last minute?

Then we remember, were committed… and have a deadline
to meet on the project. That’s when deadlines show their
value and importance. Because, a deadline gets our juices
flowing with new thoughts and ideas so we can get into
action and complete the job… sometimes at the last minute.

Even small goals take commitment and deadlines to
accomplish. Either they’re important enough, to make a
commitment to doing at a certain time, or we eliminate the
goal completly.

My ezine goes out on the 4th and 18th of every month. Some
times a day or two before it goes out… the deadline gets
me into action. Thoughts, commitment and imagination go
to work to motivate me to complete it on time … and my
ezine goes out at the specified date.

The importance of a deadline is easy to overlook . I hadn’t
realized their value, or hadn’t thought much about it until
writing these comments. Without any kind of a deadline on
projects … I wonder how many would get completed?

Have you noticed as you get closer to a deadline, you
become more creative? Deadlines cause our thoughts and
imagination to become active giving us ideas to get the job
done before the deadline.

Deadlines are what causes us to get into action…
sometimes at the last minute, to complete a project or goal
we set with commitment days before.

Bill Parks… Computer Consultant, specializing in Filemaker
Pro database design. Publisher of “Information Age
Products Ezine” and “Bill’s Business Boosters Ezine.”
http://www.Build-UR-Business.com And…
http://www.InfoAgePro.com

Analyze to see if the bank who is tending to give you a bank loan is solid. This is why now you need to check into and reckon if you can have a money loan at a beneficial percent loan rate. Lots of of the moneylenders wil show you a interest rate that is looking sightly but doesn’t feel considerably or so after a while. Now you can look into rates of interest quickly at websites and image if there are other sneaky conditions you should know about. Be saucy today to check out if you have a nice special offer or if you don’t with the merchant bank that offers you a loan. It makes no difference if you live in Dothan Alabama or in Daly City California a estimable online check up will palliate you often lots of pain. 13.3 percent rate of interest may appear so just but will that be unvaried after you’re going to give back your bank loan. A moneylender in East Orange New Jersey or so can have a total different actual rate for a 5000 dollar loan then a moneylender in Hemet California and that makes a huge clear gap in your yearly costs.

Translated in Dutch it means: Woon je in Nijefurd of Moerdijk en hebt u BKR registratie. Lenen met BKR is nergens zo eenvoudig. Koop een andere caravan met negatieve bkr met lenen, 267581 euro is geen obstakel om te financieren. Van Meppel tot Woerden, geld lenen met een BKR registratie gaat hier altijd.

King Solomon said “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he as he continues to think so he remains. Aristotle said “What we expect that we find. Demosthenes said “What we wish that we believe. The modern theory ” He can who thinks he can. You have the power to control your destiny. Every thing that is happening to you emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually is what is happening in your mind. You can choose any thought you like. Every moment, every second there is a choice. You cannot live a choiceless life. You can choose the kind of life you want to lead, the kind of companion with whom you want to associate.

What you shall attract will depend upon that on which your thoughts dwell. You are surrounded by a thought atmosphere. Ernest Holmes in his Book “The Science of the Mind” said certain thoughts depress while other exalt. So you have to choose the right thoughts. And you have the power to deny negative thoughts. Many believe thought can be kept secret, but it cannot, it rapidly crystallizes into habits and habits solidifies into circumstances. Beautiful thoughts crystallize into habits of grace and kindness.

You are literally what you think you character being the complete sum of all your thoughts. James Allen in his book, “As a man thinketh” said that man is the master of thought, the moulder of character and the maker and shaper of condition, environment and destiny. A man’s mind can be likened to a garden which can be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild but whether it is cultivated or not it must and it will bring forth. If it is not properly cultivated them you can see an abundance of useless weeds and will continue to produce their kind. But if it is properly cultivated it will produce fruits and flowers of its kind. The same way if you tend the garden of your mind weeding out all the negative thoughts, anger, jealously, hatred and cultivating towards perfection, sooner you will see that life is nothing but a bundle of joy, peace, happiness, health, prosperity and tranquility.

Good thoughts always produce good results and bad thoughts produce bad results. So by changing your thoughts you can change your life.

And finally William James the American Psychologist said “The greatest discovery of our age is that man by changing the inner aspect of his thinking, can change the outer aspect of his life.

Winston Saga is one of the world’s leading sales legends. He is also the CEO of Sales and Motivation International. Winston has been acknowledged as a unique and distinctive authority in the field of sales and personal development. Last year International Biography Centre selected him ”International Man of the Year” for his outstanding contribution to sales and Service. He has written 100’s of articles to magazine, journals and websites.

Visit http://www.telesalestips.com to know more about the Author

I will never forget the dedication in the book of one of the most reputable experts on the subject of motivation, the American Dr. David J. Schwartz, The Magic of Thinking Big. When his six-year old son completed kindergarten, Dr. Schwartz asked him what he would like to be when he grew up. Without hesitation, the child replied, “Dad, I want to be a professor.” “A professor? A professor of what?”, Dr. Schwartz asked. “Well, Dad,” his son replied, “I think I want to be a professor of happiness.” “A professor of happiness! That’s a pretty wonderful ambition, don’t you think? To them – David, a fine boy with a grand goal, and to his mother, this book is dedicated.”

If we were to ask what light is, we would get the most accurate description from a person who had lost the ability to see, and if we were to ask what freedom is, we would certainly get the best explanation from a person who had lost it. However, I do not believe it necessary to ask anyone what happiness is.

Most people think that happiness is a result of personal qualities and circumstances which cannot be measured. For others, the goal of happiness is “all or nothing.” One of the best tennis players in the world, Arancha Sanchez-Vicario, gave the following answer to the question “What is a nice day for you?”
“A day that I feel happy.”

There is no direct road to happiness, except through our own adaptation and adjustment. But what does that mean? It means that we should not live our lives waiting to become happy, but rather continuously and persistently dedicating ourselves to learning to experience personal happiness. Sometimes people are blind to the happiness around them, and the more opportunities for happiness they get, the unhappier they feel. For truly happy people, time ceases to exist; they seldom peek at their wristwatches. There are no unsolvable problems for the truly happy. They constantly smile and simply live their lives.

So what can we do to adapt to this new way of living?
We shouldn’t always wonder and ask what we need to do in order to achieve absolute happiness. Sometimes, quite often in fact, we must know what not to do – what we must avoid and distance ourselves from – so that we can become happier. An obstacle for our happiness could be fear of acting wrongly or incorrectly. This is a problem we experience from very early childhood to our golden years. The problem exists because we are used to other people telling us what is proper and improper – what is right and wrong. If we decide to form and develop our happiness ourselves, it is up to us to balance the guiding influence of moral and social conventions with the fundamental freedom of moral self-determination.

Regardless of how they connect with our careers, our education, business, family, health, wealth, perfection, glory and power our dreams and desires have their own paths. Once we are able to truly believe that we will find and follow this path, we will certainly become happier. Such faith gives us enormous power, divine guidance and inner strength to walk our path with confidence and accept our challenges with grace. Therefore, we have to learn to strive toward giving our best effort every day, to carefully measure all our thoughts, words or deeds, and to try to realize whether they make us happy or unhappy.

The ultimate goal is achieving absolute happiness. Millions of people look for it, but only handfuls create it themselves.

World Renown author, Dick Derrick, has 20 years practical
experiance combining centuries-old Eastern philosophy and
healing with modern scientific findings to inspire and
encourage you to achieve happiness and harmony in your life.
www.FeelingOfHappiness.com/

From what you see around you in your daily lives, happiness may appear an illusory state of existence. Do you see true happiness in the lives of those who pass through your world each day? Do you see, and feel, true happiness in your own life, and the lives of your immediate family? Or in your work colleagues, or fellow commuters?

The answer, in many cases, will be “no, I don’t”. Why is that? Is it because so many people have so many reasons to be unhappy? Or is it, maybe, because they fail to see what in their lives should be a reason for happiness?

Being short sighted, as I am, can have a drastic affect on the way you see the world around you. I usually only wear glasses to watch tv, or dark glasses outside in the sun. Without them, the world can be severely distorted. Somebody I know well could pass me by, and if I’m not close enough, I will not recognize them. Worse still, I may think I recognize someone only to find to my embarrassment that is not them at all; in fact, the person may not even remotely look like the friend I had thought it was. More often than not, that would be because of expectation; I would expect to see a certain person in a certain place, and someone would appear, maybe with similar clothes on, and I would think “It’s…….”

Not long ago that happened with my own wife. I wanted to talk to her, and knew she was out the back of our apartment chatting. Before I even went out on the balcony to call her, I was expecting her to be in the garden below. I went out, and there was indeed a group of women and children sitting around a table chatting below. My eyes immediately went to the lady who was dressed with clothes similar to some my wife owned, but she was a little too far away, and my eyes could not focus properly. She was looking at me but not quite in the right way, but because I was expecting my wife, that’s who I momentarily saw. I just realized in time to stop asking her to come back up to the apartment for a while, which would have caused quite a stir among the assembled group. My wife was actually in a house 50 metres away across the garden.

Is Happiness The Victim Of Short Sightedness?

I believe that when it comes to happiness, many people have lost the ability to focus their eyes on what is their surrounding reality. Society has almost become conditioned to discontentedness and unhappiness. Being unhappy and dissatisfied has become an expectation for so many people, so when someone looks around at their lives on a day to day basis, there is a distinct absence of happiness in what they see. Even if happiness had a nucleus before their eyes, it would not be within their field of vision, because it would not be what they were expecting.

Happiness is a state of mind that is within reach of everybody. If two people could have identical lives, one could be happy and the other miserable, just because of the different ways they can view that same life. Like cooking, it is what you do with the ingredients. You could give a set of bland ingredients to two cooks; one who is Cordon Bleu trained could create a delightful meal, presented beautifully; the other, not trained and not interested, would create a bland mess and dump it on the plate like dog food. It is the same with the ingredients of happiness. You, the chef, have to decide what to do with them. Not anybody else; you!

Seeing, Recognizing and Focusing on the Nuclei of Happiness

It is so easy to neglect the things that, even within your own life already, are the nuclei of happiness. What those nuclei are will depend on you, but you have enough knowledge of yourself to recognize what they are. Think about them, and ask yourself if you have been neglecting them. In many cases, the answer will be yes. Instead, you may have been concentrating your thoughts on the things that make you unhappy. In effect, if you are unhappy, much of the cause can be because you have decided to be unhappy rather than happy. All the time you are making decisions that bring unhappiness to the fore, and pushes happiness into a distant background.

That does not apply, of course, to those who have recently suffered a tragedy of some sort in their lives. That surge of unhappiness is natural, necessary and part of the process of healing. But what you decide from now on will dictate whether that feeling of unhappiness will become permanent or not.

You make decisions every day that dictate whether you will feel happy or unhappy. By focusing on the nuclei of happiness, it is the unhappy state which will be shunted to the background, neglected and forgotten. That’s how it should be.

I will give only one illustration, a personal one. There are several happiness nuclei in my life, but there is one that, or rather who, gives me opportunity every day to decide: do I want to be happy or unhappy?

Once I divorced about 7 years ago, I decided I would only remarry if there was a chance of having children. 18 months ago, my wife and I were blessed with a delightful daughter. It was a joyous time, one that all our friends here indulged in and were excited by. I was excited and happy from the moment the pregnancy was confirmed.

I am very busy at home much of the day in my little office room. Much of what I do requires a lot of concentration, and silence is preferred as the best background to work. Saffron is now walking around freely. She has grown up used to me sharing her bedroom for the computer, but now we have moved and I have a separate room, she still wants to share sometimes. At various times during the day she will toddle in, with a wide beautiful smile, carrying a cuddly, or some other, toy for me to share. She will put it down by my chair, then get another, until she is sitting there next to me, on the floor, with a pile of toys.

Each time she comes in, I have a decision to make. Do I get cross because she is disturbing me? Or do I relish the fact that I have this beautiful little girl as an integral part of my life?

Saffron is happiness personified much of the time, and always when she walks into my room, in anticipation of a big welcome from Dad. Children often know much more about happiness than adults do, and if you allow them to, they can feed you with that happiness.

At every opportunity, I look into Saffron’s young eyes and see unpolluted happiness. My decision is easy. I allow her to make me happy too, and focus clearly on it.

Roy Thomsitt is owner and part author of http://www.routes-to-self-improvement.com