Gratitude is the attitude to develop

Hi everybody, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2009

Let's get started with the principle of gratitude, there was a time in my life when I didn't think I would make it past 50, due to the circumstances and events happening at that time in my life, anyway to make the story short, I've been clean and sober for the last 18 1/2 years.

Now I'm not proud to write about my personal life, but then again who Am I going to share about? Get my drift, as they say, it is about my experience, strength and hope that I'd like to blog, and hope that someone gets something out of this.

We're going to embark in this wonderful trip where self-help, believe in one-self, and a change of attitude will be necessary, in any changes are to be obtained, I am not saying that it is easy but I never said it's impossible, "WHATEVER THE MIND OF MAN CAN CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE,

IT CAN ACHIEVE", it is not just another cliche, but once I made the decision to make the necessary changes in my life, guess what, my personal, family and spiritual life has changed for the better.

Yes it takes work, personal work, I had to really look inside of me and realize that maybe, just maybe it's possible to fulfill my own dreams and aspirations, take responsibility for my actions, otherwise I will always be the victim, and yes develop a sense of gratitude that I am alive, breathing and standing on my own today, if only for today, for today is all I have.

to be continued..........

Self Help from SelfGrowth.com- -SelfGrowth.com is the most complete guide to information about Self Help on the Internet.

About Me

Hi...My name is Gerson "Freedom" Martinez and this ABOUT ME page is under construction so...stay tuned.

There was a time in my life when I didn't think I would make it past 50...to be continued!

Overcoming Obstacles: Four Reasons We Fail

1. Fear of failure:  "Know that you can afford to fail...and failure will happen. Count on it. But failures bring about successes. Risk is all about trying, getting in the game. You can't succeed if you are not in the game."
   
2. Lack of confidence:  "Decide that you are confident, and have a more playful, less serious attitude about life. Most successful people have this attitude."
3. Lack of passion:  "Without passion and the excitement, energy and motivation it creates, it's hard to be successful. Then it's just work. And that's not fun. There are hundreds of people who have turned their great ideas into millions. They all share one common theme. They have passion about what they are doing. In that sense they are doing what they love."
4. Naive sense of entitlement:  "This attitude is one of the biggest obstacles to success, thinking you are deserving of something. Most successful people have humility and a genuine sense of appreciation for the opportunities they are given.

Other Helpful Articles

• Yo-Yo Ma's Tips For Success
  
• The Need By the Numbers
  
• Do You Have Fear of Success or Fear of Failure?
  

Happy holiday season to you all.

As we approach the holiday season, I've taken a moment to reflect about it, and I can only think how greatful I am to live in this great country of ours, despite everything we hear, see, and experience in our daily life affairs, we still have it good.

By that I mean, there's abundance of just about everything, but I have to take the time to observe, think, share what I have with others, and it does not have to be material things, sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement, a nice smile, a good morning, or something along those lines.

We all need to be respected, but more important I need to respect you, regardless of who you are, and that, I've learned is the greatest gift I can give anyone, wheather it is Christmas, or the 4th of July.

What I've learned from the application of this principle, is that first, I cannot transmit something I haven't got, that a blind cannot lead another blind, that when I give you respect, I expect the same, there couldn't be any other way.

So getting back with the holiday season, I ask The Good Lord for wisdom, so that I may maintain this attitude towards my fellow man. As we approch a New Year, I pray for peace, love, and happiness, I wish for you all the best.

Happy Holidays.

• What is life all about?

Are you ready for your Holiday Season?

As we approach the holiday season, I believe most everyone must be wondering, what gifts, if any can I afford this season, some might have made the decision not to give any, others might be looking for ideas as to how to get extra money, i.e. credit cards, personal loans, etc.

The point being, is a season of giving, but according to some( media) we're going through hard times, people are losing their jobs, recession, the economy, the stock market is down, interest rates are high, if available, and if you qualify, at his point it is anything and everything happening. Now why do I ask this question about being ready for your holidays?

Emerson suggested that if we look at wealth as an infinity supply, we would always enjoy an abundance of it.

Realize that wealth is like a tide forever flowing out and forever flowing back. Wealth is an idea in our mind, and a mental attitude.

I had the same problem before, not realizing that I am the only thinker in my universe, and that therefore it is up to me to make the necessary changes in my personal life, mind you this is not only about the holidays, but in our every day affairs, and so the question now is,

What I am doing to change my life? Am I willing to take the necessary steps to make those changes?

There's a saying that goes like this,

WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEARS!

Are you ready?

Do You Have A Question?

Yo-Yo Ma's Tips For Success

Yo-Yo Ma is a 53 year old cellist who is arguably the best-known face in classical music. Here are Yo-Yo Ma's Tips for Success.

• Take the high road. "If you're given the choice between two paths - one the easy route and one the harder, but more rewarding path - take the latter. The path it'll take you later will be worth the hardship now."
• Play the guest. "When you're learning something new, find a friend or teacher to guide you and play as if you're a guest in their home. Look at pictures and ask who they are. Inquire about interesting keepsakes on display. Ask questions so they'll open up to you, and you can learn all about their world."
• Qualify your criticism. "No one wants to hear harsh criticism, but it's important to think through the criticism and qualify it. Think about where they're coming from, and why they're saying this. If they're a respected person in your life, listen to it. If they're not a credible figure to you, disregard it as their opinion."

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving

If there's something that I'm thankful for...I'm thankful for you visiting my blog. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving day.

The Need By the Numbers

• More than 40 percent of your people doubt they can achieve their goals.

• 70 percent wish they had more opportunities to help them fulfill their dreams.
• Fewer than 60 percent feel a sense of purpose
• Fewer than 65 percent are motivated to achieve
• Fewer than 30 percent feel they have skills like planning and decision-making.
• 25 percent of all public high school students fail to graduate on time, if at all.
• 50 percent of Afican-Americans and Hispanics fail to gradate on time, if at all.
• 75 percent of those incarcerated did not graduate from high school.
• 85 percent of adolescents who get training in success skills graduate on time, resulting in a 50 percent drop in welfare dependency.
  

Do You Have Fear of Success or Fear of Failure?

No one wants to fail. Fear of failure is common, even immobilizing people, hindering them from pursuing or achieving your goals. But for some, success is an even greater source of fear, also resulting in inaction. "The fear of success is an expression of inadequacy in believing we don't deserve to achieve, combined with emotions of guilt when we do better than expected," says Denis Waitley, speaker, author and productivity coach. When you don't really believe in the validity of your dreams and you aren't prepared for achievements, you will fall short in and again, says Waitley, who has coached astronauts, CEOs and Olympic athletes. "I call this curse of permanent potential." While a fear of failure is more internal, fear of success is external, says performance Coach Joseph McClendon. "What does society say about people who are successful? We have been taught they are selfish, evil, bad or wrong." Gilda Carle, an educational leadership expert and counselor, suggests people become more aware of their "deserve level." "Who you are today and how successful you are is based directly upon what you think you deserve," she says. "What you think you deserve manifests itself." Experts say overcoming fears, either success or failure, involves taking deliberate action. Rather than taking a huge, scary leap toward your goals, Waitley suggests taking small, incremental steps. Each small accomplishment will bolster your confidence, giving you the oomph to tackle the next hurdle.

What does life mean to you and me?

I have been asking myself this great question, and for so long I had no clue, having come from a poverty environment, I got programmed mentally (my deeper mind) to accept these circumstances as a regular part of life, not really knowing I could do something about it, if I so desired, years went by, and over time that way of stinking thinking became an every day affair, a way of life, if you would.

But, and here's the big but, somehow deep in my soul, I knew that something was so terrible wrong, I just didn't know where or how, and by this time I had developed some nasty habits, not even worth talking about, however they were there, and were mine to live with.

It is my findings from some great people in the personal development, and personal growth fields, that about 97% of the population suffer from the disease, I just described above.

By way of asking the question, "What does life mean to you and to me?"

We get different answers, but usually never the truth. Food for thought.

Other Helpful Articles

• What is life all about?


• And life must go on!

And life must go on!

A week after my 1st post something happened in this country of ours, we elected an African American man as president, and as I think about it, I can only realize what a great triumph this is for mankind, only 48 years ago it was something not anyone would mention, and yet here we are, Barack Obama is the next president of the USA.

So what is the point of this comment, Napoleon Hill, said way back in the day,

"WHATEVER THE MIND OF MAN CAN CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE, IT CAN ACHIEVE"

I've come to the conclusion that today more than ever, this is a great example as to how anyone can fulfill their dreams, this is not something to take as just another event, this is BIG.

For anyone who has struggled in life to become a better person, this is more than a reason to fight back against any labels, any disgraces, any shortcomings, he or she might have experienced in life, it is now time to raise up, and go after those big dreams we've forgotten about, it is time to stand up for our beliefs, knowing only that YES WE CAN, SI SE PUEDE!

You and I must come as one, for no man is an island, I need YOU whoever you are, it doesn't matter where we come from, we are one with the Most High, because in the end whatever hurts you, my brother and sister, hurts me as well, and we have yet to experience the riches of the universe, but we have to be willing to come after our glory, we are only one decision away from getting on the path of success, excellent health, and personal wealth.

What is life all about?

Hi everyone and welcome to my first blog.

This is a very important step in my life, and as some people keep saying, "Just take the first step and get the ball rolling."



My name is Gerson Martinez and my life is full of opportunities and grace. I, like millions of people came to this country looking for a better way of life...and I've found it. However there is more to life than just working for someone else. For quite some time, I've been thinking and wondering how do I go about getting things better. I mean, who doesn't want to travel the world, and see exotic places, have the means to be better and help others, be a great example in the lives of their children, and provide for everything and anything that his/her family may want.

Yet, despite the fact we live in the greatest country in the world, about 97% of the population don't realize there's a way out of this mess, a mess of our own creation by the way we think, by the way we go about every day living, running on fear, being
skeptical about the abundance in life, such as, having plenty of water, enough fresh air for everyone to breathe, and light from the sun, the moon , and the stars.

I suppose my goal in life is to be, and become a better person, true to my own self,
by applying the principles of honesty, truth, and a belief that indeed life is really good, and that by changing my perspective to these fundamental principals, I can change my life, and influence others to do the same, as long as they, whoever they are, are looking and willing to change.

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Sydney, Australia

The gateway to Australia, Sydney is renowned as a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, combining excellent business and education facilities with great leisure.

Famous for its World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House, Sydney is one of the world's favourite cities, and has been voted "world's best city" by readers of US travel magazinesTravel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Sydney is also ranked first in the Asia Pacific for quality of life by the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2007.

Australia's oldest and largest city is set on one of the world's most stunning harbours, fringed by easy-to-reach, sandy beaches. Sydney Harbour separates the city into north and south, with harbourside villages, beachside suburbs and inner city areas full of life and their own distinctive character.

The city has a sunny, moderate climate which contributes to Sydneysiders' relaxed lifestyle and love of the great outdoors. There are five major national parks around Sydney with 8,000 square kilometres of open space.

This multicultural city's restaurant and cafe scene is enhanced by outstanding local fresh produce and world-class wines. Sydney has a dynamic arts and cultural scene. It is home to some of Australia's leading arts organisations such as Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony, Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company and has produced many talented writers, film directors and performers.

Employment prospects are plentiful, education is world class and healthcare readily available.

Sydney offers a secure environment for families, with excellent facilities, transport and telecommunications.

Tours of Australia

Tours are a great way to explore Australia. As in the case of any country, tours fit any budget and type of traveler. The Great Barrier Reef tours and the adventure tours are some of the most popular, but there are plenty of city tours as well.

Nature Tours

Nature travel is quite a big part of Australia. That means a lot of rain forest tours, cycling and hiking tours, wildlife tours, diving tours, safaris in desert, climbing tours, 4-wheel-drive tours, skiing tours, in short tours that appeal to both adventure travelers and families.

Each Australian region is famous for its own landmarks. Some of the most sought after tours are the Great Barrier Reef tours, which include diving, snorkeling, cruises, fishing.

The private guide tours are also quite popular. They are aimed at families and small groups (up to 6 people) and are the perfect way to explore Australia. For example the Kangaroo Tour of Australia lasts for 12 days and focuses on East, Central and Northern parts of Australia.

City Tours

When visiting a city, tours can be a great way to visit the most important landmarks without the head-ache of planning your own itinerary. Very popular are the open top double decker buses which allow the travelers to explore the cities at their own pace, hoping on and off the buses as they please. This type of tour costs about AUD 30 for adults and AUD 16 for children.

List of Tours of Australia

Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Home to about 400 types of corals and as many as 1,500 types of fish, Great Barrier Reef generates billion of dollars from the tourist industry. By far the most popular activities are snorkeling and scuba diving, but you can also fish, explore the national parks or take a day trip to one of the islands.

Location and Geography

Great Barrier Reef is located in Coral Sea, off the east coast of Queensland, in NE Australia. It comprises about 3,000 reefs and 900 islands, stretching over an area of 344,400 sq km / 132,974 sq miles. Getting to the Great Barrier Reef usually means flying into Cairns and then going out from there, although there are a few other popular options.

In 1981, Great Barrier Reef has been selected as UNESCO World Heritage Site, while CNN labeled the barrier as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Great Barrier Reef can be seen from the space, being the world’s biggest structure made by living organisms. There are about 400 types of coral, 1,500 types of fish and 4,000 types of mollusk. It’s the habitat of important species on the brink of extinction, such as dugong (“sea cow”) and large green turtle.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

A large part of the site is protected by The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It helps to limit the impact of human use, mainly due to over fishing and tourism.

Activities

Extending from Cape York to Bundaberg, Great Barrier Reef allows the tour operators to offer a lot of destinations for the travelers. The most biologically diverse region of the Marine Park is located from the tip of Cape York to just north of Lizard Island. The Cooktown and Ribbon Reefs Region is renowned for the Ribbon Reefs, while Cairns and Port Douglas area includes Green Island, a very popular destination for day trips.

Fishing is popular mainly in the Hinchinbrook Region and Mackay Region.

Because the water is very clear, the area is especially popular among scuba divers. Among the preferred areas we can list: Townsville Region –home to the Wheeler Reef and for the Yongala shipwreck -, Far North –the most biologically diverse area- and Mackay Region. Snorkeling is also very popular among tourists.

The archeological sites attract a lot of visitors in the Whitsundays. However, the area is also popular for the wide variety of marine life it supports, including dolphins, dugongs and humpback whale.

Capricorn Coast area is home to dugong and five species of marine turtles. Here you can also see some of the most interesting birds that permanently inhabit the area or migrate here regularly due to the diverse and abundant marine life.

Tourists can also enjoy nature in one of the National Parks, such as those on the Brampton Island or South Cumberland Island, located in the Mackay Region.

Boat tours and cruises are also offered. You might want to take a day trip to one of the islands or spend several days exploring the entire area. Helicopter tours or glass bottomed boats tours are also popular among tourists.

Beaches of Australia

For those living in the Northern Hemisphere the iconic Australian image is a surfer having fun and tanning on Christmas Day. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the first thing we want to do when we get to any Australian city is…head to the beach.

It’s not that hard to realize that that there are hundreds of beaches all over Australia. So this page won’t bore you to death by describing each and every one of them. Instead, it’s going to be about some of the secret beaches –well, maybe not so secret anymore – and about the best beaches located near capital cities.

Beaches near the Capital Cities

Although there are a lot of beaches really close to Sydney, you should visit Durras , located at about 3 hours drive south of the city. The lake is protected and is home to beautiful wildlife. The trails take you through lush rainforests. The beaches are popular among surfers as well. You can also go canoeing or fishing.

One of the most popular beaches in Sydney is Bondi Beach. It’s popular both among surfers and sun-bathers. The trendy resort is filled with cafes and restaurants, while the parkland offers the best place to play sports and take relaxing walks.

Batemans Bay is the closest beach to Canberra, at about 2 hours drive. The bay is home to natural parks and lovely beaches. Surfing and deep sea fishing are popular activities here.

Cottesloe Beach is the most popular beach in Perth. Very popular among surfers, it’s also one of the best places to view a beautiful sunset. A reef located at the southern end of the beach offers the perfect location for snorkeling.

Secret Beaches – Not so secret Anymore?

Bournda Beach

The beach is part of the Bournda National Park located at about 440 km / 273.4 miles from Sydney.

Once a very popular surf spot, the beach is surrounded by a lush rainforest and is home to both salt and freshwater lakes. A 6 km / 3.7 km walking trail takes you along the rainforest. By the way, don’t be surprised if you end up face to face with a grey kangaroo. They really like to graze here.

Cape Le Grande National Park

Located in Western Australia, about 30km / 18.6 miles south-east of Esperance, this national park is famous for a lot more than the white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and beautiful landscape. The “furry” residents – kangaroos and possums – seem to be very used to the camera and like to “pose” for the tourists.

When you get bored of tanning or taking photos of the “local residents”, you can take the coastal trail and head to Rossiter Bay. The trail is 15 km / 9.32 miles long and offers some of the best views in the area.

Riedle Beach

On Maria Island in Tasmania you will find Riedle Beach. To get here you should take a ferry from Triabunna. You can also take a bike ride (90 min) or walk ( 4 and ½ hours) from Darlington. It definitely rivals with Wineglass Bay, but it’s not crowded at all.

The island is car-free so you will have to walk or bring a bike with you. The national park is teaming with wildlife while the beach is absolutely gorgeous.

If you want to spend the night here, you can camp for free at Encampment Cove or French’s Farm.

Springs Beach

Located in Queensland, south of Agnes Water, this beach is tucked away behind sand dunes, offering the perfect place to relax and catch some tan. It’s very popular among surfers as well, while the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea are perfect for swimming.

Waterloo Bay

At only 200 km / 124.3 miles east of Melbourne, you will find Waterloo Bay. The white sand and turquoise waters can fool you to believe that you’ve reached the tropics…until you enter the cold waters of the bay.

The beach is hidden and you’ll have to spend some time looking for it. From Tidal Rivers start the 12 km / 7.5 miles trail to the sheltered eastern coast. Once here, head to the camping site at Little Waterloo Bay if you want to stay overnight. The cam permits are very cheap but try to avoid the peak season when it gets very crowded.