8 Ways To Live A Powerful And Joyous Life

When I don't take 100% responsibility for my life I block my own progress and happiness.

Sometimes it's easier to play in someone else's business or back yard instead of changing what needs to be changed in my own.

Using my creative power to be a proactive participant in my life allows me to transcend my limitations and live in joy.

The following tips will allow you to shatter both internal and external barriers as well.

Here are 8 Ways to Live a Powerful and Joyous Life:

1. Honor And Love Yourself.

It's impossible to love anyone more than you love yourself. It's easy to love yourself when you feel good, look great and everyone cooperates.

The real test comes with accepting your flaws, working with your shadow side and loving your humanness. I've learned to have compassion for the part of me that is greedy, inconsiderate and judgmental. Self-love allows me to heal these parts and move forward into a brighter light and deeper love for myself and others.

2. Become Your Own Priority.

Pamper your body, mind and spirit. Take baby steps and begin to eat right and be impeccably groomed. Take scheduled breaks through out your day.

Feed your mind with spiritual and inspirational information. You add beautiful, loving energy to our world as you learn to respect yourself.

3. Stop Comparing, Competing, And Criticizing

As you eliminate draining little habits from your daily life your energy can flow freely into your dreams and happiness. Your role in life is like a puzzle piece that fits into the jigsaw puzzle of the universe, the world is incomplete without your unique self.

When I find myself stuck in the three "C's" I know I'm off track. It only takes minutes to own my projections and move forward. I choose to live in the flow of life trusting myself with an open mind and heart.

4. Anchor Your Being In Appreciation

It's a privilege to be alive at this time. I am grateful for the difficult lessons I'm learning from our economy, the oil spill, and the war.

As I make inner changes, I see my exterior world change . In stead of focusing on the media and negativity I focus on the difference I can make.

Answers to our problems lie in each of us . Each morning I decide to "wake up and smell the day."

Life is precious, I won't waste it wishing things were different. I choose to live more consciously.

The individual changes we make will change the world.

5. Activate Forgiveness

Perfection in life is not required.

We all do and say things we regret. I choose to learn from my mistakes.

I encourage you to be gentle with yourself and others. Resentment and bitterness poison our mind, body and spirit.

Forgiving others will take you out of the dark and into the light, that's available always.

6. Record Loving Moments

Keep a journal of the happiness, love and goodness you experience everyday. Focusing on love and good times increases love and good times.

A journal of "good stuff" can be used as a great pick-me-up in difficult times. You'll find there are infinite experiences to record.

Be a part of seeing the best in every thing and every one.

I've kept gratitude journals for eight years. I'm flooded with appreciation for my ordinary existence each time I reread one.

7. Set Your Intention

Each morning set your intention for your day. "I intend to be patient today. I intend to be kind. I intend to live in the moment." You choose your attitude, energy and direction. Consciously create the incredible and amazing life you desperately want. Resolve to choose the best for yourself. You'll learn to brighten your own day!

8. Serve Others

There is a story about heaven and hell…In one room a pot of delicious stew sits in the middle of a big round table. The people at the table are holding unusually long handled spoons which made reaching their mouths impossible. They are thin, sick and weak. This room represents hell.

The next room also has a large table and a delicious pot of stew as well… The people around this table also hold long-handled spoons. However these people are plump, healthy and happy because they've learned to feed each other. This room represents heaven.

Find someone to serve everyday. Expect nothing in return.

It's easy to lose hope, blame others and feel victimized in our world.

Yet, our power lies in establishing thoughts and habits of goodness and love.

Imagine throwing your pebble of good thoughts and habits in the water. Yours connect to other like-minded good thoughts and habits. Soon you begin to notice and take part in a whole new world.

And everyone will ask you, "How did you get so lucky?"

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(Written by: Tess Marshall)