Albuquerque, NM

Photos by Mary MacIntyre

This blog usually focuses on New Mexico, the land I love. However as I was reviewing my emails I noticed how many focused on the NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS which is not only a big keyword this time of year, it’s a terrific way to make money. Yes think of all the reslolutions that you set, that the media portrays, that all make people think that they are in sufficient and must change. Check your list twice and do these resolutions have you going out and spending more bucks? Read below for a wonderful commentary.

The greatest promise you’ll ever keep is a promise to yourself…
…Because it’s your own personal test of integrity (similar to integrated). When we’re out of integrity, we’re fragmented and lack harmony in our life physically, mentally and physically. We’re not whole.

The answer resides in the problem itself. We have a tendency to overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in a decade. Therefore, I encourage all to set what I call “teetering edge” goals and intentions.

“Push the edge,” but don’t “go over the edge.”
In other words, intentions on the teetering edge stretch you but aren’t so ridiculous that you know you won’t do them. An intentions that says, “I’ll workout every day,” is over the edge for someone who hasn’t worked out a day all year.

One that says, “I’ll workout three days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 PM,” is teetering, specific, measurable and therefore achievable.

“I’ll make $100K from $40K…” Over the edge. “I’ll make $50K…” Teetering.

“I’ll lose 50 pounds in 3 months…” Timber! “I’ll lose 50 pounds in 17 weeks (3 pounds per week)…” Teetering.

When we create intentions that are achievable (albeit not mediocre for the human spirit will not invest itself in mediocrity), then we set ourselves up to feel in integrity with our own hearts and minds. We feel accomplished and successful. Success perpetuates success.

To your continued wealth and happiness,

James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International

P.S. If you have any questions about achieving your intentions in the New Year, then ask me live on tomorrow’s Ask James Anything teleseminar… Sign up free at http://ask.jamesray.com. Spots are limited, so be sure to hop on early!

I even went a big step further when I was contacted by a good friend whom I met some 35 years ago. I instantly did a quick review of 35 years and compared myself to my dreams and goals, and to her success. I was feeling pretty good until I looked in the rear view mirror. My accomplishments have down spiraled in the last 14 years. However my quality of life and enrichment has escalated. I know there is an on-going comparative dialoge regarding my overall dream forfillment/productivity and my simple joy at being here on this planet. I live with it some days. So my review was like a big microscope examining my minuatiae.

Then she called me and I was doing OK with myself as is. I was celebrating her success when I began hearing her unease. Time flies quickly. We grow older. Her life too had some worn torn holes like old jeans: beloved but holes in the knees. I said, “But you love your job don’t you?” Moral:is like many Americans, SUCCESS doesn’t necessarily fill satisfaction forfillment gaps.” I didn’t adequately respond to her feelings. There’s a lot we neglect.

So life isn’t perfect. I am enjoying my journey. I hope you are enjoying yours. Our universe is bountiful and wonderful. Once I went for a walk on the mountain after a rain and discovered the most magnificant mushroom collection I ever saw in NM. I was so filled with estacy (not the drug) that I returned 3 times to do photography. I did not plan the hike or expect such wonder. Yet my heart was gifted with expansion, gratefullness and spiritual wonder. (God can do great things through nature)

Thus, our lifes are full even without the inner thigh beauty slimmers, teeth whiteners, the lastest… May our resolutions bring connection, health, and apppreciation for ourselves and those around us.

Confession: I am still working on losing some weight and experiencing greater well being. Now however I am walking with food seeking nourishment, satisfaction, and enjoyment first.

There’ll be another curious blog soon.

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