How to use affirmations to make yourself feel happier, lighter and more fulfilled with life

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Kim

Affirmations are an interesting topic in the world of self-help. It seems that authors/speakers either love them or hate them.

This is my take on them – if they work for you, use them. If they don’t work for you, don’t use them.

That being said, whenever I say an affirmation that rings true to me, I find myself either smiling or feeling lighter. If you’re a fan of Louise Hay (self-help guru) you’ll know more than enough about affirmations – if you’ve never come across her before and think that affirmations might work for you, check out her book, “You can heal your life” as it offers many affirmations for a wide variety of issues.

Previous to these past couple weeks I use affirmations flippantly. When I felt the need to cheer myself up, I might say, ‘Life loves me,’ or ‘Life flows easily for me’ or ‘Kim – you’re awesome!’

However my belief in affirmations has changed drastically. Right before Christmas I woke up with a bladder infection. My back felt like it was being twisted and pulled to pieces and my plumbing process was quite painful.

Having these infections in the past I knew that I probably needed yet another dose of antibiotics – something I desperately try to avoid now days. Knowing that my doctor’s office would be closed over the holidays I decided to look up my issue in Louise’s bestselling book. This is what the book said:

PROBLEM: Bladder Problems

PROBABLE CAUSE: Anxiety. Holding on to old ideas. Fear of letting go. Being pissed off.

NEW THOUGHT PATTERN: I comfortably and easily release the old and welcome the new in my life. I am safe.

So…The probable cause freaked me out as it’s totally true. I immediately started reciting the ‘new thought pattern’ or affirmation every time I reflected on my painful situation. Within a day I felt relief but thought I was nuts. I’ve never had an infection leave that quickly nor have I had one leave without antibiotics. I kept saying the affirmation every time I felt yucky. Before I knew it, the infection was gone. Even now I’m still saying it as it’s become a habit and I feel good once I recite the sentence!

I never really believed that affirmations could heal me – I always thought of them as ways to make yourself feel better. Well, now I’m convinced. Needless to say, I’ve typed out several affirmations and have put them around the house.

Yes – my friends and family will think I’m nuts when they go to the bathroom and see a piece of paper that says, “I easily release all that my body no longer needs” and “Intake, assimilations and elimination are all in the right order.”

Or by my closet, “I love my closet,” or “I trust my inner wisdom to pick the perfect out for me.” (I have serious issues when getting dressed – I look at all my clothes and think – ahhhhhh, what should I wear?!?!?)

So yes…friends will think I’m nuts when they see my little affirmations around the house, but so what! I’m now convinced that if I let my mind just do what it wants to do I’ll be thinking crap thoughts, such as ‘Oh Kim, you’re out of your depth.’ With these little reminders I can at least input some good stuff. And like my article the other day, it’s important to know if you’re putting ‘in’ what you want to get ‘out’ of your life?

Anyway, if you want to find Louise’s book, ‘You can heal your life’ here’s a write up from the Hay House site below and a link to Amazon.

“This New York Times Bestseller has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Louise’s key message in this powerful work is: “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.” Louise explains how limiting beliefs and ideas are often the cause of illness, and how you can change your thinking…and improve the quality of your life!”

Also – I just finished her new book, ‘You can have an exceptional life’ that was written in conjunction with Cheryl Richardson. It’s a light read and made me smile throughout. It gives you and really good idea on how Louise Hay manages to be as happy and as healthy as she is at the amazing age of 83. She’s definitely someone I wouldn’t mind emulating!

Please remember to sign up to my email list if you would like to receive my articles straight to your inbox. The form is on the right-hand side of my website on every page. Big love. x

I found the best book about how to do what you love and get paid for it!

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Kim

A book review on ‘Screw Work Let’s Play,’ by John Williams

Being a bookaholic it takes quite a bit for me to really rave about a book. Not only do I think this book is amazing, I’ve already purchased a copy for a few friends and had it sent to them by Amazon.

If you are in a job you don’t really like OR run/manage a business where you’ve lost your passion, this really is a must read.

I don’t think that I can describe what makes it so fantastic – and I don’t want to come across as a cheese ball, but the author must have written this book from his heart. Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter seems to fit perfectly.

The great thing is that it’s written with a unique perspective – there’s loads of references to other people following their heart but the content, for once, doesn’t seem like a regurgitation of something else.

An issue I’ve had for years is that I know that I can do anything I want…but what the heck do I want? John starts the reader off with an outline on how to work out what you really really want. Most authors seem to assume that the reader knows that they are passionate about… that the reader has a clue about what they’re really good at and would enjoy doing.

The generations before me (and mine) were told that work is hard…and if you’re not miserable doing what you’re doing, you’re not really working. And if you’re not really working you don’t deserve to get paid. I don’t know where it came from or why it exists but things that come natural to us are pushed down and we’re told to ‘live in the real world’. It’s nuts.

Anyway – if you can’t remember what you’re passionate about or what your next step in life should be, I totally urge you to get this book. It will help you to realise what direction you might want to head in.

And if you do have the luxury of knowing where you’re your talents and passion lay, this book is still worth reading as it tells you how to take that passion and make money from it!

The author also discusses what to do next, how to get stared, how to guarantee success and then he brings together what you’re passionate about and how you can get paid to be passionate! Woooo woo! The book also includes practical information on getting your passion out there – sales and marketing. It’s all good.

Seriously…if you need a kick in the butt to get you to enjoy your journey, get this book. I promise you’ll get a return on your money (and time) invested.

Get out while you can – escape the rat race in 2011 (book review)

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Kim

Before I start on my review of the book…Over 8 years ago I set up two companies with the intention of leaving the rat race. My goals were as follows:

To build up an asset that would eventually provide a passive income
To have a 6 figure income
To enjoy the work that I did and express my creativity
To work from any location in the world (If I needed too)
To meet awesome like-minded people
To learn, grow and experience life as a company owner
To express my core belief that business is about serving people (find out what people want and then helping them to get it)!

For the most part, I’ve achieved most of those things, but they came at a steep price. I worked 100 hours a week, had a bad eat-on-the-go diet, separated from my husband (we’re back together now), and had many mini nervous break-downs. In the end I realised that I went wrong somewhere along the line. I was missing one massive goal. Knowing what I now know, I should have also included the following:

To build my business around things that interest me most – things I’m passionate about and would love to do for the rest of my life.

Heck, I’m learning. So – here goes round two.

I picked up the book, ‘Get Out While You Can,’ by George Marshall because I felt as if I was still living in the rat race – even though I had my own companies. The first section of the book provides a tonne of reasons to leave the traditional employment world. If you’re currently employed now and need a bit of motivation on why you should leave this is your book! In fact, if you have just a small niggle about wanting to be your own boss, I predict that reading this book will turn that niggle into a massive ‘must-do’!

After the author provides countless reasons as to why employment sucks, he then explains the ways that he creates a nice income for himself. And the great thing is that Mr Marshall only focuses on doing things that he likes or is interested in. This concept caused me to buy the book.

Further, the author makes his living from home simply using his computer. That means that there are no overheads, no employees, no HR issues, no commute, no legal battles, no politics, no 100 hour work weeks, no…

Within the book Mr Marshall offers information on setting up websites, selling other people’s products (affiliate marketing), buying and selling web addresses, getting paid from your website viewers clicking on links within your website, selling on eBay and a variety of other things.

What I love about the book is that Mr Marshall is a real person that has demonstrated a real success. There are so many people out there that love to teach you how to do things, but they themselves haven’t done what they’re actually teaching. It’s kind of like getting a salary paid IFA/Stockbroker to make you money on the stock market! If they haven’t made themselves money how do you expect them to make you money?

Anyway, I was also spurred on when I looked at the websites that the author created – they’re nothing special! When I read his advice and looked at how he was making money I felt that if he could do it, so could I.

And based on the information provided I learned how to create WordPress websites (the site you’re on now is WordPress) and install Google Adsense (the little adverts you see on the site – if someone clicks on them, I get paid) and find products to recommend (like the amazon books I recommend – I make money if you click on the book and buy it).

I set up another website (for fun and experimentation) at http://www.SpaTreatmentsReviewed.co.uk also. I have several others lined up and I’m learning as I go, but wow –I’m having fun learning/creating.

The cool thing is that I’m now thinking about what I like…what I’m passionate about…and from there I’m going to create an income from it.

Yeah – I’m sure in a year or so I’ll set up another £500 million turnover business but for now, I’m really enjoying the concept of getting to grips with doing what I enjoy – with following my heart. And I’m very excited about the idea of doing everything on my own terms, in my own home (wherever in the world that is) and on my own time.

Designing your life on your own terms can be possible – I’m going to prove it to myself. Now…I need to figure out how I’m going to also fit in golfing, sailing, travelling and spending as much time with my family as possible.

Before I sign off for today, if you want me to email you my updates/articles please enter your name and email address in the box up at the top right-hand side (below the menu). I usually write about 5 articles a week…

The Secret of Quantum Living by Frank Kinslow (Book Review)

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Kim

If you enjoyed ‘The Power of Now,’ by Eckhart Tolle then this is another book to add to your reading list.

And don’t let the title scare you – it’s not one of those books that spends a few chapters diving into quantum mechanics leaving you bewildered!

Within The Secret of Quantum Living, Mr Kinslow explains how to practice Quantum Entrainment (QE). The author states that by doing QE you will be able to:

heal negative emotions
find more creativity
heal physical pain
improve atheletic performance
have better relationships
sleep better
avoid financial woes
and more!

Additionally, Mr Kinslow highlights the advantages of teaching your children on how to practice QE. (As you may know, I have a 16 month old so I’m very interested in teaching her to stay connected with her true self – whatever that means).

Anyway – I read a lot of books and to me, the true test is whether or not I can relate the information to my life and ultimately improve how I think, feel and live. Hands down I can say that The Secret of Quantum Living has positively impacted my life.

I’ve always had issues with meditation. I’m fine with guided mediations where I listen to a CD or MP3 but when it comes to sitting still and trying not to think I lose the plot. Within a few minutes I’m thinking of something or other and forget that I’m supposed to be meditating! In the end all I do is spend 15 – 20 minutes thinking about things in the same way I normally do with no positive results. Drives me nuts.

Well…after reading the very easy instructions on how to practice Quantum Entrainment I finally understood what mediation was all about. The best way for me to explain QE is that it’s a method that teaches you how to stop your thoughts and allow the feeling of bliss to arise in your body.

It doesn’t make any sense, but when you stop your thoughts and experience nothing there is a really awesome feeling that comes from it. The author calls these feelings ‘Eufeelings’ and thanks to him for giving it a name! By naming the feeling I was able to notice it and bring it into my reality. Before I may have noticed that I felt good but the shear act of naming the feeling has made it so much easier to stop my thoughts and feel the bliss.

Right – this is one of those things where I can write all sorts of things but you have to try it for yourself to experience it.

If you want more peace in your life or are looking to heal physical mental wounds, I would definitely read this book.

In addition to the book, you can also find a large and growing community that discuss their QE experiences, questions and feedback. Check out the forum at: http://www.qediscussions.com/qesimplemachinesforum/index.php

Why you should read ‘7 Strategies for wealth & happiness’ by Jim Rohn

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Kim

Power ideas from America’s foremost business philosopher is what the cover of the book announces and I’d have to agree!

I’ve never read a Jim Rohn book but after finishing the 7 Strategies I think I’ll load a few more up on my Kindle.

Nothing in the book was rocket science and most of what I read I’ve heard before…however the way that Mr Rohn conveys the concepts seemed to have seeped into my brain quite easily. As I read the book I could hear an older gentleman’s voice that genuinely wanted me to gain from its contents.

Jim Rohn’s definition of happiness is fantastic. You could take each sentence and use it as a stand-alone quote. As I’m often trying to define what ‘enjoying the journey’ really means, these two passages stood out for me:

“But happiness is more than a general feeling. It is also a method of thinking that organises feelings, activities, and lifestyle. In other words, it’s a way of interpreting the world and its events.”

And

“Happiness is activity with purpose.”

The author also has some great things to say about success: “Success is an elusive notion, a paradox. After all, it is both a journey and a destination, isn’t it?”

And

“Success is an awareness of value and the cultivation of worthwhile values through discipline.”

Just one more…

“Success is making your life what you want it to be”

As you can imagine, I could go on and on with Jim Rohn quotes. The book offers strategies such as how to set goals, seek knowledge, learn how to change, control your finances, master time, surround yourself with winners and learning the art of living well.

The book is very well-rounded. It’s not just about getting rich – it’s about getting rich in a way that empowers you to live the best life you can live. I highly recommend it.

Do self-help books help people to enjoy the journey more?

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Kim

I’ve recently read, “Blissology – the art & science of happiness,” by Andy Baggott. The back cover explains that the book will help you to ‘create the life of your dreams’ with ‘four simple steps to true happiness’. The steps include: understanding happiness, practicing happiness, living happiness and sharing happiness.

I think the book is good – I smiled and felt happier as I read it, but I can’t say that my happiness level has increased overall. Yes, the steps are simple to grasp but not simple to do day in and day out. There’s thousands of great books out there all saying similar things: live in the now, show gratitude, meditate, try yoga, breathe deeply, know you have a choice on how you react, visualise a better life, you attract what you focus on, be authentic, be kind and give…

I don’t know if I’m the only person like this but when I read a self-help or spiritual type book, I tend to feel good, put to practice the suggestions, and feel more fulfilled. Then the book ends and my feelings return to where they were before the book began. To get back on the path towards enlightenment I have to find and read yet another book.

Am I just a self-help book junkie?

I think the answer is yes and no. I’m definitely happier now than I ever have been. If you compared me now against me when I was 18 I’d say I’m at least 25% happier now. I was one messed up kid!

I wonder though if I’m happier now because I’ve read so many books and they’ve sunken in? I think so. I definitely have a much happier outlook on life and I truly believe that I’m responsible for enjoying my journey. I wouldn’t have those beliefs if it wasn’t for all the books I’ve consumed.

But, part of me reads these books and thinks that the authors must be perfect. After all…how can you write about creating the life of your dreams if you haven’t actually created the life of your dreams?

Wouldn’t it be nice to read a self-help book where the author says, ‘I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers. I have good days and bad days. But…I’ve found that if I do XYZ it helps me to enjoy life more.’

At least I wouldn’t feel so bad between my self-help book fixes…

Like I’ve said in previous posts, enjoying the journey isn’t just about being happy. I just wish that I could capture how I feel when I read a good self-help book and keep that feeling with me. I seem to function on a higher level and it feels great. Or am I asking for too much?

The Business You Were Born To Create

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Kim

Needing a massive dose of inspiration I decided to read Nick Williams’s book, ‘The business you were born to create.’

The book would best suit people that have never owned or run a business before although seasoned entrepreneurs could definitely learn a thing or two about running an inspiring (rather than uninspiring) organisation.

Right – many people start a company because they:

can do better than the stupid boss that runs their current place of employment
get irritated as a customer and want to prove that better service levels are possible
want to earn money and think their idea will generate a great income
can’t get a job and need to feed themselves

How often do your hear people say that they started a company because they really love to do XYA? I’ve met very few. Most people think that the things they love are hobbies and that they shouldn’t be paid for them. And sadly, we have this concept in our minds that we need to work hard, suffer and do something unfulfilling to justify getting paid.

Seven years ago I started my first company and I have to admit I started it because I could do it better than someone else. I also knew that I could make a huge heap of money if I did it well. Never did I consider whether I enjoyed the industry or not. It’s crazy now that I look back on things…No wonder I didn’t enjoy my journey – I was in an industry that bore the pants off of me!

Anyway, Nicks whole book is about instilling the mind-set of getting paid to do what you enjoy. What a great concept. Enjoy the industry and the journey – why didn’t I think of that? I suppose that in the past people had to do whatever it took to make money, but that’s all changing now.

With social media, online communities, project work (elance), blogging, internet marketing, and so forth you can take any interest that you have and earn an income from it. All you need is a voice, the ability to show up (common theme in Nicks book) and the wherewithal to learn, experiment, connect and grow.

If you’re thinking of starting your own business I seriously recommend that you read, “The Business You Were Born To Create.” It will help you to figure out what you should focus on and what you need to do to make it happen. The old rules of having to have money, a plan and connections are gone. All you need is a new mind-set, a big set of balls, and an understanding on what you love and how you can share/spread the love.

If you’re already a ‘successful’ entrepreneur but don’t feel inspired by your work I’d ask you to question what success really means to you? People tell me I’m successful all the time and it drives me nuts. Success is not having loads of money (and the car, boat, holidays, etc) at the expense of doing a job you don’t want to do.

If you’re not enjoying the journey the destination won’t be worth your travels. Enough said.

Get the book.

Enjoying The Journey

To demonstrate that it’s possible to make your journey through life more enjoyable

Category Archives: Reviews