Hello all. My name is Jim and I live up in the Boston MA area. I have read the book cover to cover one time and I have the CD's which I listen to daily on my commute back and forth into the city. Everything makes such great sense to me when I read and I listen but the "real world" creeps in during the day and I drift away from my focus. I have what most would consider to be a good job. I am at the executive level, I have an office and a support staff and I make a 6 figure income. My children are grown and are making their way in the world (I'm very proud) I am married to a terrific lady who I love, our house is close to being paid off, and we own a gorgeous sailboat. Pretty good huh? Actually, no. Don't get me wrong I am proud of what I've accomplished but truth be known I am not happy. As a matter of fact I am miserable. I earned all of my material possesions by being on the competitive plane. I have scraped and clawed my way up the ladder and in some instances even lived a bit of a lie. I want it to stop. I want to live a life of peace. I seem to always have a knot in my stomach. I want to stop swapping my life for a paycheck. I am a good man, a loving Dad and I do my best to be an awesome husband for my wife, and I know that I can create a life of total peace and abundance. However having said that, I am faced with two issues. The first being that I don't know what I want to create. Well I think I do, but I"m not sure. I am learning how to trade in the foreign exchange market and I really enjoy it and believe it or not I'm about ready to open an Ebay Store! Crazy huh? I listen to Dr. Wayne Dyer quite a bit and he suggests "thinking from the end". In other words imagine things as you want them to be and constantly hold that vision. I constantly envision myself working from my home office, trading the forex and keeping my store thriving. I picture myself finding great things that I can sell and I can see my customers thanking me in their emails for my service. What an awesome way to go through life. Right now I am working 6 days a week for about 60 hours / week. That brings me to my 2nd challenge. You see it's Saturday night as I type this and my head is clear. My stomach has butterflys in it just from the vision of success I just described but once Monday morning gets here and I don't get home until 8 and it continues day in and day out I don't get to focus on my vision and it fades away. Do you know what I mean? Can any of you suggest something I can do to help me to stay focused. To be honest I got home from work at 2 this afternoon and it took until about 6 tonight to finally get all the work junk out of my head. I need to replace the knot of pain I have with butterflys! I know in my heart of hearts that God wants to give ma everything I desire. As a matter of fact I know that it's already here I just have to reach out for it, I have to just act in a certain way and it's mine. I just have to somehow find the strength to do it.
Well thanks for asking. You are all wonderful.

God bless you all
Jim

Hi Jim-

Welcome to SOGR. I am new to SOGR myself, but the one thing I always find helpful is to be greatful. Even for the things that don't neccessarily make us happy. The reason being, is because it's those things got us to where we are.

You have a clear image of what you want and you are taking steps to do it. Have faith in that. Before you know it you'll be right where you want to be.

Jenn

PS - On a side note...
I love eBay. If you ever want to
chat it up about eBay, I'm you're gal, just
pm me. I could talk about it all day.

Jim, let me first just ask you one question: If you don't like what you do (and it's clear it's a much stronger aversion than just "don't like"), then why do you keep doing it?

I'm asking seriously.

Hi Jim and welcome to the forum.

It's the weekend, can you spare a few minutes to relax and contemplate your heart desires? You deserve it.
Have you heard about the Practical Geniuses courses? Here's the link. just in case you've missed it.

Best wishes on your journey to self-discovery!

Good morning. To Rebecca:. I woke up at 6:00 am this morning in a very worried state. I guess my faith isn't as strong as I pretend it is. After all if it was then I would not be worried. I would have faith. Don't get me wrong, I want to have faith. I hate the way things are and I know deep inside that by following the principles I can create my perfect life, but for some reason I don't seem capable of making the leap. If I leave my current job I will have no income. I can't do that. I sat here for an hour just now looking at the Monster Board for a solution and there is nothing there. I don't mean to sound like a whiner I am just going crazy. I believe that what I focus on expands. If I focus on a positive outcome then my positive outcome will expand. If I focus on all of the negativity in my life then that too will expand. I know this in my heart of hearts is true. You'd think a bright guy like me would be able to just switch thoughts. For some reason I just don't seem to be able to do it. As a result of some people going on vacation this week things at work for me are going to be almost impossible to get done and yet they must be done. (I know, I see what I am focused on) How can I not focus on that? I am walking into a mess in the morning.

Wow, I just reread this and debated on deleting the whole thing. But I need your help with this.

Jenn: You told me to be grateful last night and I stopped and closed my eyes and was grateful. Very grateful, and a momentary wave of peace came over me.

Goldstream: Thanks for the boot in the pants! Yeah! It's Sunday! I waited for this day all week! I will try. Thank you.

You people are my new friends and I thank you for being there for me. I will keep trying.

Jim

Hello Jim. Welcome to the forums and SOGR. You have come to the right place!

Similar to Jenn, I believe that gratitude is a big key. In addition to contemplating it, have you started a gratitude journal? Try taking a steno pad and writing in it each morning. You might want to try getting up 10 minutes early each morning or taking 10 minutes before you go to bed.

Personally I like writing in the morning because I have no work thoughts lingering from the day before. I am also able to express gratitude for things that will be going on during the day (such as appointments I have or calls I know I will be making). I believe the practice of writing in a gratitude journal has been one of the turning points in my leading a richer and more fulfilling life.

My other suggestions are to research past forum posts for questions you might have and to be a regular contributor to the forums when you are able. There is a wealth of knowledge here. Not only will you benefit by reading, we will benefit by your contributions and insight.

quote:

If I leave my current job I will have no income. I can't do that.

Sometimes people who don't really understand what's being taught in SOGR and similar books will say, oh, you people are all about money. You're making money your god.

And one of my teachers responded to that brilliantly. She said, "Going to a job you despise every day, day after day, just for the money -- THAT is making money your god."

So I'll ask you another question. You're afraid of stopping what you don't like and what is, it seems, killing you slowly and painfully. Why? Because of money?

You say if you quit you won't have any income. How do you know that? Do you think your JOB is your SOURCE?

It's just one channel for money to come to you, but as long as you are so firmly attached to it as your source, then you are effectively closing off all the other possible channels whereby good of EVERY kind (not just money but peace of mind, health, wellbeing, joy, etc.) can come to you.

What are you so afraid of, Jim? What's the worst that could happen if you just decided to let go of trying to control everything that happens in your world (and obviously not enjoying the results of that trying) and just LET GO and let the Universe take care of you instead?

Yes, to do that you will need to change your focus which right now looks to be entirely on what's wrong, what you're afraid of, etc.

Most people can't do that all in one giant step. So what would happen if you just shifted a little and stopped taking all this massive fear-based action. What if you, say, decided to work just ONE hour less per week or, better yet, per DAY and devote that hour to relaxing, doing something that brings you joy? Thinking about the life you REALLY want to be living instead of the trap you have built for yourself?

quote:

I am walking into a mess in the morning.

Here's where I'd start if it were me. I'd spend TODAY imagining everything going wonderfully well tomorrow -- a total state of flow, with everything I need to accomplish getting done with joy and ease.

I'd spend a big chunk of today SEEING that, feeling how relaxing and joyful it is. I'd bless everyone involved in ANY way with the work at hand. I'd affirm that only the best parts of everyone I deal with tomorrow will be shown to me -- their most efficient, effective, cheerful, helpful, delightful aspects.

I'd affirm that tomorrow I'm going to turn the corner and begin ENJOYING my day and enjoying the process and enjoying the other people involved and enjoying the results of every moment.

I'd just go THERE in my mind as much as possible. And then I'd go to sleep tonight thinking of how exciting it's going to be and how grateful I am for the knowledge that I create my own experience and that I am choosing to create ease and flow and effectiveness now in place of the old way of doing things.

And then in the morning I'd get up and start right in on that same imagining. I'd let myself get all excited about this new day and this new way of being. Then I'd go to work with my NEW EYES wide open, consciously, actively LOOKING for the good, for the wonderfulness, for the delight in everything and everyone.

I'd just keep blessing the whole day, everyone in it, everyone I see or talk to, everyone and everything in my life.

And doing all that, I would enjoy the day and end it with satisfaction, feeling wonderful and powerful and RELAXED.

I'd forget all the past. "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind ..." There is never any time but NOW, so I'd start enjoying right NOW and just let that flood over into every moment.

quote:

Originally posted by Rebecca:
Here's where I'd start if it were me. I'd spend TODAY imagining everything going wonderfully well tomorrow -- a total state of flow, with everything I need to accomplish getting done with joy and ease.

You're right. Funny, when I read the book and I read the messages here on the forum it makes perfect sense.....that is it makes sense for everyone else but me! I didn't realize that before I started this conversation but I sure do now! I just read my post from last night and my post from this morning and I'm shocked! All I have been focusing on is what my fears are and what is wrong with my life. Obviously formless stuff is responding beautifully and delivering exactly what I am focused on. It is as clear as a bell. Starting this moment I am visualizing exactly how tomorrow will go and I'm excited. I welcome and am thankful for challenges that come my way because I learn and grow stronger from them. Starting tomorrow I will be leaving work earlier each day. When I get into my car to head home I will mentally leave the work thoughts at work and I'll hit the highway. (I could actually use some help on that. Work thoughts tend to try to work their way back into my thinking and I could use a tip on how to push them aside)

I am sitting here smiling and I am more peaceful. You are all wonderful people and if you can put up with me I want to share how my progress is coming along each day.

Rebecca thank you.

God bless you all
Jim

Well done Jim!

When you are smiling, the whole world smiles with you!

Welcome Jim,
Of course I can't say it any better than Rebecca but I can say that it does get easier each day, if you give yourself the chance and by gosh, you deserve it! Everyone deserves to be happy in each possible way they desire to be. If those work thoughts creep into your head, just notice them, mentally "see" a big red STOP sign in your mind and then turn your thoughts to something you do desire and are grateful for. If your faith and determination is as solid to change your thoughts and life and to be happy as it was to get where you are now, you are definitely on the right track!

I have read and re-read everyones posts. Rebecca I printed out your suggestions and I have them on the first page of my notebook that I carry for work. They will be next to my bed tonight, and when I awaken in the morning I will reread them. I am going into work tomorrow with my "NEW EYES WIDE OPEN"! I will share my wonderful day's results with you all tomorrow when I get home.

I am so excited, I know it sounds crazy but I have tears in my eyes. I am praying for strength.
Thank you all
God Bless you
Jim

quote:

I am praying for strength.

I don't give "religious" advice, but I will suggest this: Don't pray for strength as if it is something you don't already have, that is lacking. Just say thank you for the amazing power that is already within you!

Youre right Dave, the forum is excellent for clarifying things/queries and really sharpens up our learning techniques. I certainly have learned a lot and feel really excited about this little gold mine of ours.

Peace and love to all.
Norms

quote:

Originally posted by Dave M:
Hello Jim. Welcome to the forums and SOGR. You have come to the right place!

Similar to Jenn, I believe that gratitude is a big key. In addition to contemplating it, have you started a gratitude journal? Try taking a steno pad and writing in it each morning. You might want to try getting up 10 minutes early each morning or taking 10 minutes before you go to bed.

Personally I like writing in the morning because I have no work thoughts lingering from the day before. I am also able to express gratitude for things that will be going on during the day (such as appointments I have or calls I know I will be making). I believe the practice of writing in a gratitude journal has been one of the turning points in my leading a richer and more fulfilling life.

My other suggestions are to research past forum posts for questions you might have and to be a regular contributor to the forums when you are able. There is a wealth of knowledge here. Not only will you benefit by reading, we will benefit by your contributions and insight.

I'm back! It's 8:16 PM, and I'm home from work. I have been dying to write to you all. I want to bring you up to date and I'll try not to ramble too much. Yesterday afternoon (Sunday) I spent a lot of time relaxing and visualising what a wonderful day I would be having today. I kept reminding myself that I create my own experiences. I woke up at 5:00am and spent the first 10 minutes thinking about all of the things in my life that I am so grateful for. I headed into work. Was I totally relaxed and secure in my thoughts? I'd be less then truthful if I said I was, however what I can say is I had a feeling of peace that felt STRONG. It's hard to describe. Mondays are busy in my office and there are intense meetings and yes I felt pressure in some of those meetings, but through it all I felt a very strong feeling of peace. I sat back and looked at my co-workers and the stress on their faces and realized that I was looking at "their world". I came home from work tonight with more energy then I've had in a long time. My wife commented on it. Now something else. This may sound like it's happening too fast but during the day today, in the middle of one of those meetings it "dawned on me". I want a different job. I am leaving my company. I asked formless substance for the following:
a new job with a base pay of $100,000.00
The opportunity for bonus's or commissions.
A five day / week work week.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
A commute that keeps me on the South Shore. (That last line makes sense where I live)
As you can see I am quite specific of exactly what I want. Not only do I want it, but frankly I already have it and I have been sending "thank you's" all day! I am so grateful for my new position. When I came home my wife was in the kitchen and I told her I have a new job! I outlined exactly the job as I have above and I told her that I will have this job. She saw my smile and my excitement and gave me a hug. She told me that she knows me so well, and if my mind is set on something then it will happen. I told her it already has. I believe that you guys. I can't 100% explain why but it's more then a belief. Deep down inside I KNOW that I have a new employer, and I'm so anxious to meet them!
On another note, I have a pretty large lawn at my house and I mow it with a regular lawn mower, and as I get older the yard is getting bigger! I've been threatening to get a sit down mower but I keep putting it off because of the expense. Last weekend I didn't mow the lawn as it rained, and frankly I was glad as it's so tiring. I am dreading mowing it this weekend and the mower is on it's last legs. I"ve been afraid that it will die on my in the middle of the job. Well, my wife called me and said that she had good news. She then proceeded to tell me that her Dad got a new sit down mower from a friend and now he had two. His old one is only a couple of years old. He asked my wife if we'd like to have it and he's bringing it over on Saturday! Man am I grateful!
Thanks for putting up with this post you guys, I consider you all to be my friends and I've been so excited to tell you about all that's going on. In the last 24 hours!
Tonight I will give thanks and visualize tomorrow, I will wake refreshed and ready to create an exciting busy day. I will live in a certain way which will bring my new career to my door.
Thank you all and God Bless you all
Jim

Fantastic Jim!!!

I am so glad to hear that you had a great day. Just the first of many it sounds like.

I have to tell you, your enthusiasm is infectious. I am really glad that you are on the forums. You inspire me to keep at it(SOGR) and push forward. I am very appreciative. Thank you.

Jenn

Wonderful, Jim -- and congratulations! This is really FUN to play with, isn't it?

quote:

I sat back and looked at my co-workers and the stress on their faces and realized that I was looking at "their world".

Here's something else to add to your repertoire of "tricks." When you look at them and see that stress, try just silently blessing them. That's an interesting word, blessing, and an interesting thing to do. If it feels odd to you, think of it as just wishing them well, seeing them as they TRULY are -- behind all that stress, without the masks we all so carefully construct for ourselves (until we know better, to hide the faces of the scared little kids).

The next step might be to appreciate them, something about them.

Really, just play with it some more and see how much better it makes YOU feel to look for the good in everything. When you do that, as Wally says, "the good in everything will come to you."

quote:

as long as you are so firmly attached to it as your source, then you are effectively closing off all the other possible channels whereby good of EVERY kind (not just money but peace of mind, health, well-being, joy, etc.) can come to you.

What are you so afraid of? What's the worst that could happen if you just decided to let go of trying to control everything that happens in your world (and obviously not enjoying the results of that trying) and just LET GO and let the Universe take care of you instead?

Yes, to do that you will need to change your focus which right now looks to be entirely on what's wrong, what you're afraid of, etc.

Most people can't do that all in one giant step. So what would happen if you just shifted a little and stopped taking all this massive fear-based action.

Thank you very much Rebecca.
I was often getting disconnected from my CMI. I might understand my heart's desire but my existing state and surrounding is so different that I am often feel lost. I will try for small step now.

Another thing - I could not make the whole thing a fun. Gradually I become serious. No, I do not try to control but I become serious. Any Suggestion.

Thank you Jim for starting the topic.

I am grateful to all members - thank you all.

quote:

Originally posted by Desiree:
I can say that it does get easier each day, if you give yourself the chance and by gosh, you deserve it! Everyone deserves to be happy in each possible way they desire to be. If those work thoughts creep into your head, just notice them, mentally "see" a big red STOP sign in your mind and then turn your thoughts to something you do desire and are grateful for. If your faith and determination is as solid to change your thoughts and life and to be happy as it was to get where you are now, you are definitely on the right track!

Thanks Desiree.
Please tell more about Red Stop.

Hi all. I know that I attact what I focus on. So here we go. The pressure here at work is ridiculous. As I type this I'm telling myself to STOP as formless substance will provide more ridiculous to me. I'm trying. The red stop sign in in my head more then anything else, but I'm struggling. Now I've reaffirmed to formless substance that I"m struggling. I can't even take a moment to walk out to my car for a breath of air. It's 2:40 and I just threw in 1/2 sandwich, and was interrupted 3 times. I threw the other half away. I"m not complaining, I need advice from my new friends.
thanks
JIm