"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." ~ Maya Angelou

Recently, I've been exposed to a couple of books that were anti-whining and anti-complaining. And, especially in tough times it is easy to be prone to complaining. But, did you know (with all due respect to Maya Angelou who I adore) complaining can be very useful? I call it "conscious complaining," which from a law of attraction perspective is an excellent tool that helps you clarify and discern what you "don't want" in your life, as a prelude for switching over to knowing what you "do want" from this point forward. For example, you don't want to be in debt. You don't want to have high interest credit cards. You don't want to lose your job or your home. You don't want to mess up a really great relationship. Good! You are complaining. And, by complaining in this way you are discovering what you don't want and will no longer tolerate. Now that you are clear about what you don't want, let's switch gears and get insight into what you can do about your problems. Regarding your debt, can you whittle it down? Can you talk to a Consumer Credit Counselor to help you? Can you get financial advise regarding how to save your home? Can you live more simply and get rid of the attitude that dictates a lifestyle of consumption? Can you learn to be a more loving person and partner? What else can you do to change your life and attitude for the better? Remember, used in the right way complaining helps you get clarity. And, once you are clear you can turn your anxiety into action and make a change in either behavior, attitude, or both. So go ahead. Complain, get clear, get motivated, get changing, and complain no more!

To your success!
Dr. Lisa Love

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. ~ Colin Powell

I've been an admirer of Richard Carlson's "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" books for a long time. But, there is a difference between "sweating the small stuff" and paying attention to the small stuff so it doesn't become big stuff later on. Sure, "don't sweat the small stuff" if it helps you stay focused on the big picture in life and what really matters to you. But, do "sweat the small stuff" in life by attending to it soon enough and in an efficient and effective manner. That way you will build something of real excellence and value and prevent something major later on. (God bless him, but I recently found out Richard Carlson died at only age 45 of a sudden heart attack on a plane a few years ago!)

So take some time this week and consider the little things you might not be paying enough attention to. Here's one I recently discovered -- eliminating Internet and other automatic subscription charges from my bank account. Many of these services I had enrolled in months ago and some I had forgotten about. They were costing me anywhere from $2 to $15 a month. By finally paying attention to and eliminating these small charges, I removed over $45 of monthly expenses. And, by "sweating" these small charges I was building greater habits of excellence in managing my bank account. So go ahead and at least one day this week "sweat your small stuff." Take some time to clean up, refine, or improve some small area of your life. The long term results will be worth it.

To your success!

Tis the season to be grateful and to understand how the practice of daily gratitudes is one of the most powerful exercises you can do in your life. I know, I have practiced being grateful for years. In fact, I have used gratitudes to heal numerous issues in my life and teach my clients to use them often.

Early in my life I practiced at times being thankful, but it was only when I suffered a long term debilitating arm injury that limited the use of my right arm for nearly a year that I truly got how being grateful could help us heal. In physical pain most nights I shifted my attention off of what hurt and put it on what was good about my life. True at times all I could think of was, "I am grateful for this bed," "I am grateful for the covers on this bed," "I am grateful I have an arm," "I am grateful I had food today" and so forth.

Yes, these phrases were often desperate attempts to think of something to say. But, as I practiced gratitudes a funny thing happened, I moved beyond just "counting my blessings." I gave myself an ego adjustment. After all how many people would give anything in the world to have an arm that still functioned, even if the other one didn't? How many people on this planet are literally dying because they don't have food and shelter? No, this is not going to become a feed and shelter the homeless pitch! And yes, I am going to remind you that too many of us are blessed with a number of wonderful gifts (food, shelter, health, family, loved ones, work) and still go through life as if we are missing something. It's ironic that as children we were taught to say "thank you" whenever a gift was given to us.

Whether you recognize it or not life is giving you a gift today! By learning to say "thank you" to even the smallest gift life brings, you fill your heart with joy and a sense of wonder. You relish life and approach it with a deep appreciation. You also help your body heal because your immune system functions better when you are grateful. Not to mention the good it does to your soul when you maintain that child like appreciation that is engaged in total gratitude and wonder over a pebble on a beach or twinkling star above. My arm is now fully recovered, but more important the practice of being grateful is a vital part of my everyday life. Make it a part of your life too. Not only during the Thanksgiving season, but always. Be grateful and heal!

To your success!
Dr. Lisa Love