Category Archives: Self Help

A New Chapter

Leave a comment

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.”  ~ Buddha 

A New Year, a fresh start! Puts me in mind of a story I recently heard about truck driver, turned bounty hunter, turned Metropolitan Opera star. Do you know about the transformative life that Carl Tanner has created for himself by finally fulfilling his dream of becoming an opera singer? There are elements to this tale that movies are made of. It is a chronicle of coming out of the darkness and into the light. To read more about this inspiring story of fulfilling one’s aspirations in life, please visit http://nyti.ms/hc4hgc. 

Each and every one of us has a story of longings. The barriers we place upon our selves are the closed doors in our minds. In this New Year, I will be speaking with all sorts of folks who have dreams of propelling their businesses and their careers to new heights through the power of independent publishing and also through new, creative approaches to marketing themselves and their businesses through the internet. We can steer them in fulfilling  those dreams. 

A New Year is a time for new beginnings.  We can begin to fulfill our dreams as soon as we decide it is time to make the star, in us, more visible to others. What have you resolved to do this year to quench your yearnings and begin a new chapter in your life?

 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Books Inspiring Transformation

Leave a comment

 “The greatest thing you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to them their own.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

In this economy, many people are searching for meaning and answers.  As suggested in the book “Spend Shift: How the Post-Crisis Values Revolution is Changing the Way we Buy, Sell and Live,” personal transformations have begun from a materialistic to a more fulfilling, values-based way of living. Focus has changed from wants vs. needs, from debt and high overhead to living within means, from excessive use of energy to thinking and living in a more sustainable way. Many are searching for answers through inspirational books, so it is a perfect time to give the gift of a book that will inspire creative, problem-solving thinking. 

The following list of books, Evvy Award winners almost all, provide valuable reading for those on your list who want to see change in themselves, their families and their world, beginning now! Consider these when putting together your holiday buying list. 

For the Children:

  • Ophelia’s Oracle
  • Sarah O’Hara: The Gift of Fairy Wings
  • Heart Light Girls: Beauty’s Secret 

For the Dog-Lover:

  • The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer 

For the Parent:

For the Career Minded:

  • Harvest the Bounty of your Career 

For the Historical Fiction Fan:

  • The Macsen Treasure Series 

For the Environmentalist:

  • Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet 

For the Poetry Lover:

  • Have you Ever Held a Mountain 

For  More Inspiration:

  • Waiting for Jack
  • The Messy Buddha
  • Shiny Shoes on Dusty Paths  www.joannemahar.com
  • Let Your Innate Sing 

The economy has inspired the way we publish, buy and sell books too! For more information on these books, the independent presses that published them, and how to order, please visit http://bit.ly/foZ5nE. These books can also be found on the world wide web using your favorite search engine.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Fits, Starts and Floods

Leave a comment

“Thinking is the enemy of creativity…you can’t try to do things, you simply must do things.” ~ Ray Bradbury 

Ever since I entered into the blogosphere, I have become very cognizant of writing patterns and creativity – my own, that is. What has become apparent is the fact that my ideas for writing comes in fits, starts and floods. The search for fulfilling blogging subjects is perpetual and my creativity, unpredictable! 

The fits start as this:

  • Words and phrases come quickly out of nowhere and then evade me. Just like that. As if someone snaps their fingers and says “be gone with you!” Poof – what was just the right notion flees faster than a flea can jump.

                                 OR

  • An elaborate schematic pops up in my head – clear and concise. Putting pen to paper, suddenly it vanishes into thin air – gone. Never able to be recovered in the exact same state again. 

The starts begin like this:

  • All begins well – words flow, creativity is rolling then suddenly my mind takes a detour and detaches. A real and senseless casualty.

                               OR

  • The ideas arrive like a farm delivering fresh eggs to a bakery – by dozens at a time. Each idea with a rich, central point –  the binding ingredient for many a sweet creation. The ideas overwhelm to the point that is difficult to know which concoction to make first. 

The floods begin when:

  •  An idea starts and runs rampant. The idea unfolds and flows, unfolds and flows, and flows, and flows and flows some more and on and on it goes. With no stopping point in site. Hardly suitable writing for the blogosphere. The result -having to rein my blog writing in. 

What have I learned about my writing from this?

  • To be patient and wait, if the ideas or creativity does not flow.
  •  If I can’t create it today, try tomorrow.
  • Clarity eventually returns and often resumes better than ever.
  • Do not trash anything! Rework!  The result can be unexpected and different.
  • Maintain tough minded optimism that eventually a fulfilling story will come around. 

Let’s see what tomorrow’s writing brings. Will it begin with a fit, a start or a flood? As overwhelming as it may seem, I like when the ideas arrive by the dozen. Through creation, the central point of an idea eventually becomes all things fulfilling!

 This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Taking Inventory

Leave a comment

“The best thing you’ve got going for you is individuality.” ~ Richard Thompson 

I decided to do something different today – take inventory – my own! After working with artists for many years, the words “right and left brain” have been flung around in my presence quite a bit. I have always assumed that I am what artists are NOT. Fulfilling the duties of what artists find to be tedious, difficult, frustrating and overwhelming has earned me kudos time and time again, so naturally I assumed my brain inventory included the things that theirs lacked. 

After taking inventory of how my brain processes information, my intuition has served me well. Intuition is one of the few right brain traits that I can claim as being what I am all about. Although, when my intuition does not lead me, I do tend to fall into my left brained way of thinking – logically and sequentially.

 My left brain inventory also includes being able to focus on details and being organized. I like making lists and am good at keeping track of time (until all mediums of e-marketing entered into my life!) Lately, I can feel an unfamiliar heaviness on the right side of the skull due to this new occurrence of letting time get away from me, as I utilize my e-marketing skills to assist others become visible in communities. 

My saving grace? In order to use e-marketing effectively, good writing skills and logical thinking are heavily called upon, which utilizes once again the strong, left side of my brain. Result – balance! 

Curious? Do you know how your brain processes information? Take the right brain /left brain quiz and find out! It can help you determine whether a career path will fit into your way of thinking too! http://bit.ly/cyztTe.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Press On

Leave a comment

“Action is the key to all foundational success”~ Pablo Picasso 

Just learned of two artists whose books are in the coffers of the printing press, right now. Without hang-ups or glitches in the process, the books will be ready for holiday selling.  Hopefully, advance promotion of the book has been done, so that potential buyers know the book is on it’s way to the marketplace, and it is soon to be available. I’ll bet the beautiful publications will fulfill some holiday dreams of artists all around the world. 

How about your independent publishing project? How is it coming? Hitch up your britches and get to work in finishing up those final details, so that you can have it ready in time for Christmas selling or by the start of the New Year. Success means starting off the New Year right!  

Are you facing challenges in the process?  If so, here are a few tips: –

  • Focus on what is easy first, get it done so you can concentrate on problem solving.
  • Reorganize for better work flow
  • Don’t avoid challenges – step into them and view them as part of the process rather than as “hang-ups”
  • If the problematic can be quickly and easily solved by someone else, hand over the task. It will free you to focus on the work you can handle and the parts you do best.
  • Seek the advice and counsel of professionals, for the steps of the publishing process that you are unsure of. 

Good luck, hang in there and focus – visualize your finished book. It will energize you along the way.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Power of Push

2 Comments

“Determine the thing that can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.” ~Abraham Lincoln 

Early last summer, our son came for an extended visit, after college graduation, and before he began his new life in New Mexico. We decided one day to take a hike up Emerald Mountain, which is in our town of Steamboat Springs, CO. As we set out, I knew that our pace up the mountain would be brisk. I was in the company of  my husband and my son, two people who have been fulfilling their life-long passion for physical endurance, strength and adventure through sport. I am a regular walker, but that is all. 

Our goal was to reach the top of the mountain to an outcropping of rocks where we could take in the majestic view. Up and up we climbed. The pace was indeed brisk, and in fact, a lot faster than what I had bargained for. Several times, I wanted to turn back. My son remarked “Push yourself, Mom! You can do it!” So push myself, I did – all the way to the top. The view was more than worth the effort in end. 

As we descended from the top, I began to think what I would have missed had I not hung in there and made it to the top. My son remarked on the way down the mountain that I had proven myself “to be much stronger than he thought I was.” I had earned points in his assessment of my physical and endurance abilities!  

The moral of the story is that it feels good to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of. It makes us emotionally fit. We feel a sense of accomplishment, confidence and it gives us a can do attitude for the next challenge in our lives. We often miss the best opportunities, if we don’t take the risk. 

To find out more simple steps towards finding happiness in life, visit http://bit.ly/a6TnD6.

 

Which will it be?

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Russian Roulette

Leave a comment

“…the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause”                             ~ Vince Lombardi 

On Saturday, at the Colorado Independent Publishing Association event, www.cipabooks.com,  Eric Boss of the traditional publishing house, Penguin Group, revealed his viewpoint on what books sell. From what I heard, it’s anyone’s guess! There seems to be no proven, tried and true formula to writing a top selling book. What a bookseller feels will be a sure thing can sometimes disappoint. A book that seems to have a lesser chance for outstanding sales can produce surprising and fulfilling results! 

There are some things, however, that can increase the selling potential of a publication. The cover design and even the spine design needs to make the book pop and stand out from all the rest. Also of great importance, is the choice of title and tagline. The potential buyer to has to be compelled to pick up the book, and curious enough to want to know what  is in it for them. If those elements are there – the odds are much better that the book will be sold. Ka-ching! Ka-ching! 

According to Boss, right now, there are two kinds of books that are not selling well – computer books and self-help books. Computers have become so much more user friendly, people are not seeking direction from computer manuals like they used to. I was surprised at the downturn in selling in self-help books, but perhaps during this time, people are deferring to the advice of professionals to better ensure success. 

Although the chances of writing a top earning book can be a bit of a gamble, does that mean a writer should abstain from jumping into the publishing industry? Absolutely not! People by the millions enter into book publishing each and every year. Why? Because they believe in the end, they will have a story to tell with a fulfilling outcome. And you can’t win if you don’t play.

 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Fabulous Forces

Leave a comment

“One of our greatest gifts is our intuition. It is a sixth sense we all have – we just need to learn to tap into and trust it.”                             ~ Donna Karan 

On this blogsite, we often mention using and sharing all our God-given gifts and talents. Yesterday morning, Reverend Tim, of the Steamboat United Methodist Church http://bit.ly/c0d5H1   shared once again with those in the congregation, his deep understanding of the world around him. His ability to communicate directly, succinctly and briefly from the pulpit, is unlike any church leader I have ever been witness to before. Refreshing, bright and inspiring!

 We watched and listened as a very short segment of the  1970’s blockbuster film “Star Wars” was played. Reverend Tim related how the theme of the movie, applies to our lives, in his sermon “May the Force be With You.” 

Preceding the Doxology, was a beautiful composition that the choir sang called “I Can Do All Things.” In the bulletin, the only name given for the composer for the arrangement was Courtney. Later, I need to use the world wide web to find out the last name of the song writer.  

There is a lot more that could be said about Reverend Tim’s creative messages. Every Sunday morning, I regret not having pencil and paper in hand to record the most vital points of his sermons.  It would help me to accurately remember, and later ponder some of the things that interest me the most.

I have just broken a promise that I made on Saturday! I forgot to share the details of the  Colorado Independent Publishers Association www.cipabooks.com gathering I attended on Saturday. Tomorrow and possibly the next day too, I will do as I vowed. 

Would you agree that  sometimes it is hard to decide what comes first in our lives?

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Is it a Phrase of your Life?

Leave a comment

“Three things tell a man: his eyes, his friends and his favorite quotes.” ~ Unknown

One of my good-natured friends sent me an e-mail the other day that made me laugh. It also gave me reason to stop and ponder. The e-mail consisted of all kinds of paraprosdokian sentences. I had no clue what that meant but as I read the list of phrases, I think I quickly got the idea.

Although the dictionary may have a definition of paraprosdokian phrases far different than mine, I have determined that these sentences are about authenticity, or rather, lack thereof. After reading line after line of these phrases, I believe many of  these quotations reflect how some people live their lives.

Here are a few examples of paraprosdokian sentences:

  • “Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.”
  • “Evening news is where they begin with “Good Evening” and then proceed to tell you  why it isn’t.”
  • “The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas.”

The list of quotes my friend sent me forced me to ask myself some questions. “Is the way I go about life in accordance with what is true?” “Do I live a life fulfilled with being honest and straight forward with myself and others?” “Do I say one thing and do another?”

Believe me, I am not perfect in any respect! But, I do everything I can to be aware of my actions and to live my life staying true to my principles, values and core beliefs.

When I am no longer on this earth, I don’t want anyone to say – “She was a good person, as long as she stayed out of the picture.”  Or when I arrive at heaven’s gates, I don’t want the judge to say – “She can come in, as long as she doesn’t open her mouth.”

Since this blog is only my interpretation of the term “paraprosdokian,” please let me know if I am way off base and have misunderstood these quirky, funny figures of speech are all about. I don’t want to be giving out any misinformation.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Creative Connectivity

Leave a comment

“Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.”   ~Bertold Brecht  

As I was raising a teenager, I heard parents commiserating that even after they had given their child curfews, “grounded them” and made requests to no longer have relationships with certain others, their child still found creative ways of  fulfilling  their need to connect with others. So it comes as no surprise that a trio of students – Zuckerberg, Hughes and Moskovitz created Facebook. Other young entrepreneurs are responsible for various other social media marketing channels, too.  Young folk think differently then those who came before them – all thirteen year olds will tell you that! 

What opportunity social media marketing has brought to our world! It has given us the ability to connect with communities of people that otherwise the odds of connecting to them, would have been slim to none! No matter how much money and effort is put into print advertising and direct mailing(even with the help of targeted lists) you can not beat the scope of  internet marketing.The  chances of reaching people that have similar interests is multiplied many times over through e-marketing. It is the best way of reaching large numbers of people for the lowest cost! 

Simply having a website is just not enough these days. If you do not have an e-marketing component to go with it, you are not maximizing your internet visibility. Now, there are many more ways, than one, to become visible over the internet. Need help with expanding your web presence? Use the worldwide web to find a company that specializes in both e-commerce and e-marketing. With the New Year approaching, rethink your business’s website presence – are you maximizing on your visibility? 

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.