J-Rock Motivates TV

Victory In Life Is Available But Not Automatic

We’ve all heard the old adage, “the best things in life are free”. There is some truth to that statement. However, many of the things that are worth having in life require good old fashioned hard work. The Webster’s dictionary defines Victory as “achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties”.

Victory in our lives is available but not necessarily automatic. Obtaining a good marriage, a successful family or career all takes work. All of these things are available but will take implementing systems, tools and hard work. Let’s explore the journey of two American’s that rose out of poverty and despair through faith and hard work.

George Washington Carver – Scientist & Inventor

George Washington Carver was born with incredible odds stacked against him. His father died in an accident just before his birth. After being born into slavery, he and his mother were kidnapped. He was returned, but his mother was never found. Through persistence, faith and determination he became a world renowned scientist and inventor.

Carver found over 300 uses for the peanut. He also invented other things that we wouldn’t imagine living without. Some of them include shoe polish, bleach, instant coffee and shaving cream.

Andrew Carnegie – Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

Andrew Carnegie was born in the mid 1800’s to a very poor family and got his first job at 13, working in a textile mill, for only $1.25 a week. Slowly he worked his way up to $35 per week at Railroad Company where he learned about the steel industry and stock market. He took what he learned there and became a successful investor.

After his father died when Carnegie was only 20, he became the sole provider for his mother and siblings. It was at that time that his mother taught him how to fend for himself and work hard through life’s toughest challenges.

When he retired, he was the richest man in the world and gave away over $350 which would be equivalent to $3 billion. Overtime, keeping himself encouraged and surrounded by people that he could learn from, Carnegie applied what he learned. He achieved victory in his life from poverty to financial prosperity.

Born into life with great challenges, both Carver & Carnegie persevered to become people that helped reshape our world for the better. What can you do today to make an impact and have victory in your life?

One day at a time, one success at a time, no matter where you start, you can have a victorious life! It isn’t automatic, but victory is available to you at any moment. You can begin creating the life you dream of and obtain it!

Make today the best day of your life!

Tips To Keep Your Joy - Conclusion

In our conclusion to this series on keeping your joy we're discussing tip #6 & #7, the importance of forgiveness and maintaining a positive self image. Both are closely tied to the amount of joy and fulfillment that you have in your life.

#6 Don't Hold Grudges

Be willing to let go of old hurts, bitterness or unforgiveness toward anyone in your life. Holding on to negative emotions becomes emotionally and physically toxic overtime. Sometimes we feel that holding on to bitterness gives proof that what was said or done to us was wrong. Or many people felt that they were punishing the person that hurt them by remaining bitter toward them. However, the person that ends up hurting the most is the one that refuses to forgive and move on. Don't allow yourself to be held "hostage" in your past. Learn to let go, to trust again, to love again and to live again. Be sure that you focus on changing yourself instead of waiting for the other person to change. And don't set unrealistic expectations for others so you don't continue to set yourself up for disappointment. Always expect the best and believe the best about others, but be willing to be flexible and forgiving if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Practice forgiveness on a daily basis. You will find that you enjoy your life and maintain your joy as never before.

#7 Pay Attention To Your Self Talk

Pay attention to the kinds of thoughts and feelings that you have about yourself during the day. Are you thinking positive, self affirming thoughts? Examples of self defeating thoughts are statements like, "I may never make it in life", "I should give up", "I'm not all that smart or talented", "nothing good ever happens for me". Really take time to examine what you are saying about yourself in your quiet time. You may be surprised that there are adjustments that need to be made. If you are going to gain and keep joy in your life. You will have to have a good self image. If your self image needs improving there are many ways you can accomplish this. Spend time in prayer and finding out what the Bible has to say about who you are and what you can achieve. Also take some time at the beginning of each day to make statements of faith about your life and what you are believing for. Everyday you should get up and declare that "this will be the best day of my life and that something good is going to happen today." As you do this you will begin reprogramming your "self talk" and creating new positive thought patterns.

Make today the best day of your life!

Junice LaGreen-Rockman of Murfreesboro, TN writes about spiritual and
motivational issues. Follow her column every Friday in the DNJ and
check out her blog at http://jrockmotivates.blogspot.com/ Email:jrockmotivates@gmail.com

Tips To Keep Joy In Your Life – Pt II

In last weeks column we discussed tips #1 – 3 on maintaining joy in your life. Let’s take a look the impact investing in your friendships and yourself will have on increasing the joy in your life:

#4 Maintain Your Friendships

Actively work to maintain your friendships and realize that it will take effort on your part. I once heard someone say, “People should develop their friendships in life now, because on your 60th Birthday, you don’t want to realize that you have no one to invite to your celebration”. This statement may sound somewhat sarcastic but it is so true. If you don’t make cultivating friendships in your life a priority and don’t actively work at maintaining them, they will fade over time. It is equally important to develop new friendships as well as cherishing the old. Having friends in your life can help provide a balanced life that isn’t all work and “no play”. Good friends will help you see your strengths, cheer you on as you pursue your dreams and also challenge you in areas that you need to change. One man shouldn’t be an island to himself. Don’t wait until the holiday season or for major life events to occur to stay in touch. Get out today, reconnect with friends and let them know how much you care! Your joy will be rejuvenated by taking a little time to share a quick conversation, dinner or a cup of coffee with a cherished friend.

#5 Exercise & Eat Healthy

You must invest in yourself! It’s sad to say but many of us are more concerned about what we put in or on our cars than we are for our very own bodies! Take some time to get outdoors, get some fresh air and exercise. Enjoy the sunshine even in the colder months - get out and get active. Regular exercise will increase your circulation, strengthen your immune system and add longevity to your life. But it will also improve your mental and emotional state. If you aren’t already regularly exercising, don’t put pressure on yourself to work out everyday. Gradually build a routine maybe just starting with 15 – 20 minuets a couple of times per week. Also consider increasing your daily water intake to 8 – 10 glasses per day to flush out your system. Avoid fast foods and take a little bit of preparation time to pack healthy snacks or lunches to take with you to work. Some suggestions of great energy foods to pack are – fresh fruits, vegetables, granola, peanuts, almonds, soups or salads. Try to refrain from having dessert with every meal and maybe limit it to the weekends. You’ll feel so much better from the inside out. When you invest time in yourself, your outer and inner image will improve. Improving the way you look and feel will undoubtedly increase your personal joy!

Next week we will conclude our discussion on maintaining your joy with tip #6 – Don’t Hold Grudges & #7 – Pay Close Attention to Your “Self Talk”!

As always, make today the best day of your life!