The Archived Word

"Services"
May 27, 2002

Today, May 27, 2002, is Memorial Day, a national holiday in the United States. It is the time when we recognize and honor the lives of those who have been of service to the United States of America.

Why is it important to honor Memorial Day?

So are you living a life of service? Who have you served? What have you done lately?

The reason that I ask these questions is because life without service equates to an unfulfilling life with regrets.

Rather, the key to true fulfillment is being of service and making a difference in the lives of others.

Think about how you feel when you do something that makes a positive difference for others. It makes you feel awesome.

Living a life of service is so powerful. In fact, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Anyone can be great because everyone can be of service."

So what are you going to do TODAY to be great? Write it down and make it happen.

After you do your act(s) of service, reflect upon how you feel. Give yourself this gift.

I'm sure you will feel wonderful. And just think, you could experience this feeling everyday of your life. All you have to do is make the commitment to be of service. Do it daily so that it becomes a habit and your life will take on new meaning.

So go ahead and make your mark on the world by living a life of service!

Stay Blessed,

Marlon

Back

Now is the time to live up to your true potential.

No more excuses because "Excuses are the tools of the incompetent. And those that specialize in them, seldom succeed in anything."

That is a very direct and piercing statement. I am sharing it with you because most people never make their dreams and goals a true priority. They just live behind excuses where they say, "Some day I'll do this…" or "Next year is going to be different."

Well, let me wake you up to the truth. Tomorrow is not promised. Do you know where the richest place is in the world? What do you think?

The richest place in the world is the cemetery because so many people have taken their dreams, goals and true potential to the grave with them. It's so sad because so many inventions, paintings and innovative ideas are now in a coffin buried in six feet of dirt.

And why does this tragedy continue to happen everyday where people die without sharing their amazing gifts and talents with the world?

Why do you think this is?

I believe it's because most of these people never step it up and make their hearts' desires a priority. Rather, they just get caught up in doing their daily routine.

Think about it. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you have any regrets? What specific things would you wished you had completed?

How does that feel? I bet it doesn't feel too good. Well, the beautiful thing is that you are not going to die tomorrow. So you now have a wake-up call to take action.

Now is the time.

Will it be easy?

No

Will everyone support your new decision to put first things first?

No

But remember this, "Anything worth having is worth the fight."

And in regards to others' opinions, remember this is your life and yours only. Living your life to only please others will lead to a life of regrets.

Do not take the risk of bringing your unfulfilled dreams to the cemetery.

Live Now!

Marlon

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"Priorities"
May 20, 2002

Have you ever noticed how time seems to fly by? Just think, in less then two weeks, we will be half way through 2002. Can you believe it?

So what makes the difference between why some people achieve great things and others are just barely making it?

Think about it. We each have the same 24 hours in a day and yet, different results are produced.

Why do you think this is? Go ahead and share your thoughts to this question.

Did your answer include, "Priorities"?

I believe the ultimate difference is determined by whether or not you are crystal clear of your priorities and take the appropriate action consistently.

It's unfortunate that some people feel like they are on a continuous treadmill. They are taking action but feel like they are not going anywhere.

So how do you get off the treadmill? That's the $1 million question.

The answer is, "Stay focused and take action on your priorities."

Sounds simple, huh?

Yes, it is simple but for some people it is not easy.

Understand this, I'm talking about living a fulfilling life. I am not talking about just being focused on your priorities for a week or a month or even for the rest of 2002. Rather, I'm talking about putting first things first and taking action on your priorities, each and every day of your life.

You may be thinking, "Sounds Great! But how do I do it?"

To help you be your best and live an awesome life, complete the following three steps.

Step #1

Write a mission statement for your life. Remember, a truly powerful and effective mission statement is one that gets you excited about your life. To help you create a powerful mission statement, answer the following questions:

a. At my funeral, what do I want people to say about me?
b. For me to be my best, what actions do I have to do everyday?
c. What do I value most in my life?
d. What do I have to remember or think about in order to feel great about who I am right now?
e. What do I want to accomplish in my life?

Go ahead and write your thoughts to these five questions.

Any breakthroughs? I am sure you did. This is a powerful first step. Now let's create your mission statement. To help you develop your mission statement, I will share my mission statement as an example.

I, Marlon Christopher Smith, see, hear, feel and know that the purpose of my life is to be a shining, smiling light, enjoying the daily miracles, doing fun and exciting things for myself and with others, growing where I am better then the previous day, co-creating with God to maximize my true potential and making CHOICES! a reality.

Now it's your turn! Go ahead and be creative.

I, _______________________, see, hear, feel and know that the purpose of my life is to be:

Congratulations! You have completed step #1. Feel free to revisit your mission statement and add to it. Just like in life, we continue to change and grow. And so your mission statement will also expand and grow over time.

Now for Step #2

To make your mission statement come alive, get some magic markers and poster boards. Write your mission statement on your poster boards and post them all over your home (i.e. on your bedroom walls, on the refrigerator, in the bathroom). Every time you see your mission statement, read it a loud with energy and excitement. You may even add some pictures and motivational quotes to your boards. This will definitely spice up your mission statement boards.

Step #3

In the morning, before you get out of bed, recite your mission statement and write at least three priorities that need to be completed today to help you achieve your mission. Schedule time to complete these priorities and take action. In the evening, reward yourself for taking action on your priorities. Celebrate your daily successes.

Do this routine from this day forward and your life will transform.

So there you have it, three simple steps. Commit to yourself and make it happen EVERY day because you deserve the best.

Stay Blessed,

Marlon

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"MOM"
May 12, 2002

Dear Mom,

On this special day, Mother's Day, people stop to recognize the value that mothers contribute.

This is your day! And yet, for me, every day is when I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful Mom.

To be honest, I really believe you are the BEST! Your high-energy personality always creates an instant bond with everyone whom you meet. In fact, that is why some of my friends have adopted you as their second Mom. You know whom I'm talking about. (smile)

Mom, I love you. Now that I am older, I can truly appreciate your unwavering commitment to the family. You really are incredible. Even though you had a full-time job, you would wake up very early in the morning to cook a hot breakfast for us. And then after a long day at work, you always made the time to have dinner on the table by 6:00PM. The reason that this touches me is because with my busy schedule, I hardly find the time to cook a meal just for myself. And yet, you did it everyday, not just for me but for your other three knuckle-head sons too.

It was after I went off to college that I really appreciated you even more. When I started washing my own clothes on a regular basis, I realized how much time it takes to separate the clothes, wash them, fold them and put them in their appropriate drawers. And yet, you did this for us with a smile.

Oh Mom, I love you so much. You have made many sacrifices for the family. I really do appreciate all that you have done for us.

Reflecting back, we've had some great memories together. Do you remember how you took care of me as I recovered from my shoulder surgeries? Or what about that time when we did the electric slide at the family reunion? And to be honest, I still can't believe you kept up with me during our marathon, sight-seeing experience through London. And you even amazed me more when you stepped over the ledge at Cape Point in South Africa. Do you remember how we laughed so hard when we saw those baboons in that car?

Mom, you are the GREATEST! I love you so much. Thank you for putting your family first. You have positively impacted each of our lives. It doesn't matter what challenges we are going through. We each know that we can come to you for anything and you will support us. You only want the best for us.

Thank you for your prayers. They continue to guide our lives with a shield of protection.

Enjoy this special day. And most importantly, enjoy EVERY day of your life.

Happy Mother's Day!

Marlon

So you have read my letter to my Mom. I suggest that you acknowledge your mother or another mother that you admire. Give yourself the gift of being a blessing to another human being, especially a mother. Make the time to recognize her. It truly makes a difference.

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"Discipline"
May 6, 2002

What did you do yesterday to move you closer to achieving your goals?

Please answer.

Are you really putting first things first in your life?

Be honest.

Time sure does fly by!

Think back to December 31st. It's New Year's Eve! There you are getting ready to bring in the NEW year. What did you do? Did you go to church or did you party like there was no tomorrow? Or maybe you brought in the NEW year in a festive setting with a small group of friends or at home with loved ones.

How did you feel when you woke up on January 1st? Were you ready to start the NEW year? Were you filled with excitement because you knew in your heart that this year was going to be better then last year? Did you write out any New Year resolutions?

So is this year better then last year?

Have you achieved any of your New Year resolutions?

Well, regardless of your answer, let me share a secret with you that may help.

In order to live your desired lifestyle, you must be disciplined to put first things first on a daily basis.

That's right! Discipline is the key. In fact, without discipline, you will never fulfill your true potential.

Look at it like this:

When a farmer plants a seed in the ground, in order for the seed to reach its true potential, the farmer MUST cultivate the growth of the seed everyday. Otherwise, the seed may not turn into the vegetable, plant or fruit because the farmer missed a day or two of watering the soil or removing the weeds.

Even though the seed has great potential of becoming something great, it all comes down to whether or not the farmer has the discipline to put first things first and do what needs to be done on a consistent basis.

And that's how it is for you and the quality of your life. Daily discipline is the key.

Whatever your goals are, they can become a reality because it's always the small consistent actions that will win in the end.

And when you don't feel like taking the required action necessary to achieve your goals, remember this:

"Yard by yard, it may be hard. But inch by inch, anything is a cinch."

Be disciplined and take daily action moving you closer to achieving your goals because you deserve the best.

Make IT Happen!

Marlon

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"Grateful"
April 29, 2002

Are you truly grateful for the things that you have in your life?

This is a powerful question because it encourages you to think.

Sometimes we can get so busy that we forget to slow down and reflect upon the wonderful things in our life.

So give yourself the gift of answering, "What are ten things that I am grateful to have?"

Now before you answer, realize that I'm not just talking about materialistic things. There's so much more to you then materialistic items. In fact, some of the most important things in life are non-materialistic.

Isn't it interesting as to how we can sometimes take things for granted until they are gone? For instance, when do you truly appreciate your health? It's usually when you are sick.

So go ahead and get excited because you are about to identify things to be grateful for in your life. Let's begin.

I am grateful for :

1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________________
10. ___________________________________________________________________

So how did that feel? You're probably feeling wonderful. Am I correct? What we focus on determines how we feel. So why not give yourself the gift of feeling grateful for the good things in your life.

Every night before you go to bed, I suggest that you write and reflect upon three things that make you feel grateful. Each night, you will reflect upon three different things and before you know it, you will recognize hundreds of things to be grateful for in your life.

Go ahead and write the things that make you feel grateful in your journal. This could be the "Attitude of Gratitude" section in your journal.

This is a tremendous gift to give to your self. Remember, what you focus on determines how you feel. So why not focus on the great things in your life? Be grateful for what you have and you will attract more blessings into your life.

Tonight, before going to bed, write three more things that you are grateful to have.

Have an Attitude of Gratitude!

Marlon

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"Fun"
April 22, 2002

Have you ever watched little kids on a playground?

There they are playing, just creating their own fun. They're laughing, joking and smiling.

Do you remember when you were a little kid and how the little things brought you so much excitement?

Maybe it was after a big rainstorm and you went jumping from one puddle of water to another. Or it could have been how you lost time as your imagination when wild as you played ARMY or HOUSE.

Those were the days, huh? Life was so carefree and fun.

So when was the last time you had a hearty laugh? Or when did you lose time because you were having so much fun?

Regardless of how old you are, it's now time to let your inner child have more fun. That's right!…. You heard me correctly…. It's now time to have MORE fun in your life.

For the next seven days, I am asking that you do at least one thing that brings you absolute pleasure. Whatever is going to make you laugh or give you a HUGE smile is what I'm talking about. The only guidelines are that it must be clean fun and good for you and everyone else.

Now, I may not catch you jumping in some puddles of water because you are such a mature adult. (smile) But, I'm sure there are other things you can do that will bring you incredible joy and excitement.

So go ahead and go for it.

Day One is now!

What is your fun activity? __________________________________________________

Without fun, smiles and happiness, a person's life is missing the true essence of living.

Don't be one of those people who has forgotten how to have fun and just looks at life as a hard struggle.

Go ahead, have fun and enjoy life. You definitely deserve it!

Remember, laughter is good for your heart. Smiling is good for your soul. And above all else, having fun is incredible because it's good for your mind, body and spirit.

Enjoy life because you deserve it!

Have Fun TODAY!

Marlon

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"Abundance"
April 15, 2002

Each year on April 15th, millions of Americans rush to mail their tax returns to the I.R.S. (Internal Revenue Service).

It is quite a sight to see at post offices all throughout the United States. Long lines of customers fill the halls as they wait to finally mail in their tax forms.

When you think of the word: "Abundance", what comes to your mind?

Some people equate abundance with money. Do you think if you have more money, you have more abundance?

Well let's explore this because I believe right now, at this very moment, you are worth more than $1 billion. Yes, you heard me correctly. You are WORTH more than $1 billion. Do you agree or do you disagree?

I believe you represent an ABUNDANCE of wealth.

So why do I say this?

Think about it. Your brain is a magnificent gift. And just think, you were born with it. In terms of intricacy and power, it outperforms even the greatest modern computer technology. Your brain is capable of processing up to 30 billion bits of information per second and boasts the equivalent of 6,000 miles of wiring and cabling.

30 billion bits…… WOW! That's amazing. Can you believe it? In one second, your brain can process 30 billion bits of information. This is incredible.

But hold on, we're not finished yet. There's more to you.

Put your hand over your heart. Do you feel it beating? Just think for a moment. It's operating for you. And you don't even have to consciously monitor or control each beat. Your heart pumps about 63 gallons of blood every hour. Did you know that? You are magnificent! But let's not stop yet.

Take a deep breath. Each day, you breathe approximately 2,500 gallons of air to supply your tissues with oxygen. Without oxygen, cells become weak and die. There are an estimated 50 trillion cells in your body. This is about 10,000 times the Earth's population.

I can go on and on and talk about your eyes, or your nervous system but I'm sure you get the point. You are an incredible human being of abundance.

Never forget this because you are truly worth more than $1 billion.

Smile! That's right, go ahead and smile because you are RICH just the way you are.

Live up to your true potential and make this an outstanding day!

Live Large!

Marlon

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"FEAR"
April 8, 2002

Fear….. What an interesting word. There is tremendous power in this emotion because it holds so many people back from taking action.

Has fear impacted your life?

Be honest.

Right now, at this very moment, look back upon your life. Have there been times when you wanted to do something but you didn't? Why not? Was it because of fear?

Some say the richest place on the planet is the cemetery. Do you know why?

It is because this is the place where so many people have died without living up to their true potential. Think about it. In cemeteries throughout the world, there are new inventions buried in dirt because some inventors did not step up and take action. And along side of those inventors, lie artists who never shared their art with the world because fear held them back. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of thousands of individuals who took their dreams, talents and potential to the grave with them because of fear.

So what are you going to do? Ten years from now, when you reflect upon your life, will you be smiling because you went after your dreams or will you be frowning because you have so many regrets?

The choice is yours!

I believe true greatness is determined in the critical moment when you want to do something and yet, you are scared.

So there you are, standing in front of fear. Do you allow fear to beat you down and not take action? Or do you step up and take action in spite of fear?

It is in this critical moment that your future is shaped.

In order to help you move through fear, here are two questions to ask of yourself.

Question #1 : What is the worst thing that can happen if I take action?

My philosophy is, 'As long as you are not going to die, I say, "GO FOR IT!" ' Think about it, even if things don't go as you desire, at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you gave it your best.

Trust me, high-achieving movers and shakers are no different from you and me. The reason that they produce incredible results is because they do not play it safe. Unlike most people, true movers and shakers step outside their comfort zone and into their fears, taking action.

You've probably heard their motto, "You'll never know unless you try!"

So why don't you use this motto to kick fear in the butt as you take action.

Remember, question #1 is, "What is the worst thing that can happen if I take action?"

Straight up, if you're not going to die, what do you have to lose?

If for some reason you still can not move through fear by answering question #1, then answer question #2: If I don't take action, what will it cost me?

Think deep and hard about this question.

If you do not take action, it will cost you so much. To live a life of regrets is not a happy and fulfilling life. In fact, it will be a depressing life because deep down inside, you will know that there was so much more you could have done if you just took action.

So when you want to do something but you're scared, ask yourself the following two questions:

1. What is the worst thing that can happen if I take action?
2. If I don't take action, what will it cost me?

Make it a habit of asking these two questions when you are facing fear and you will be amazed at how much inner power you truly have as you take action.

Step up and take action.

Live Large!

Marlon

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"Misunderstanding"
April 1, 2002

Life is interesting with its many twists and turns as we all come to learn. To get through the challenging times, it is wonderful to have close friends with whom you can share your feelings. Even your relatives with whom you have developed a tight bond over the years can add so much comfort when needed.

And yet, in spite of this support and love, there still may be times when your relationships go through rocky and unstable periods.

Think about it! Even though you can feel close to a person, misunderstandings may arise. We've all experienced it.

"I can't believe Mike SAID that."
"I would have never expected her to DO this."
"How could THEY do that to me?"

Thoughts continue to race across your mind.

"I thought we were close. I can't believe this!"

So what do you do when you feel that a friend or a loved one has done you wrong?

You definitely have to make a decision.

Do you step up and communicate your true feelings or do you hold back and not say anything?

The choice is yours!

Is not saying anything the right choice? I believe the answer is, "NO!" By not saying anything, the issue (that is the root of the misunderstanding) may fester into a virus and eat away at your relationship.

With this perspective, the best choice is to share your thoughts so that you can resolve the issue.

Now is this easy to do?

No! Believe me, I've been there. It can feel very uncomfortable when discussing HOT issues. However, what I have learned over the years is that clarity comes by speaking the truth.

In the situations when I have not shared what's bothering me to that specific person, the "problem" continues to grow. My mind has a way of blowing things out of proportion by entertaining more negative thoughts.

In fact, it can grow to a breaking point where I actually begin to question the authenticity of the relationship.

"I really do not know this person like I thought. Maybe, we're not so close after all."

Instead of letting these negative thoughts grow, communication is the answer.

You can be very close to a person and still there will be times when you have a difference of opinion. Think about it, no two people are exactly alike. All of us have had our specific life experiences. Our priorities and values are not identical. So therefore, the way we view the world is unique.

Regardless of how close you are to another person, there are still differences that exist between the two of you. And with this being the case, misunderstandings will come up from time to time. That's just part of life.

The key is to not allow for misunderstandings to grow into larger "problems" because you do not address the specific issue upfront.

When a "problem" comes up between you and someone that you truly care about, look at it as an opportunity to learn something as you develop a stronger bond.

Remember, "People are doing the best with what they know how. If people knew better, they would do better."

So have compassion when you share your thoughts concerning the "problem".

By communicating and growing through the misunderstanding, your relationship will only grow stronger.

Enjoy the blessing of strengthening your relationships!

Peace,

Marlon

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"Purpose"
March 25, 2002

Have you ever asked, "What is my life really all about?"

This is a very powerful question because it makes you think.

If a magical genie came to you and said, "I am here to make three of your dreams come true!" what would be your three wishes?

I suggest that you get your success journal and write your three wishes. And you can not say, "One of my wishes is for MORE wishes." (smile)

If you do not have your journal or any paper with you at this moment, complete these three sentences, saying your answers aloud.

1. My first wish is :_____________________ because ___________________.
2. My second wish is : __________________ because ___________________.
3. And finally, my third wish is : __________ because ___________________.

Reflecting upon your three wishes, what action did you take yesterday to move closer to fulfilling these three wishes?

Be honest.

If you can state specific things, I say, "CONGRATULATIONS!" because you are taking charge of your life by being on purpose.

If you say, "Nothing!" then it's time to make your dreams a priority.

Putting first things first is the key to a winning life. Think about it, forty years from now, the year is 2042. In the future, when you reflect upon your life, will you be happy with your many personal accomplishments or will you be sad because you have so many regrets?

Now is the time to take focused action on fulfilling the true desires of your heart.

You are where you are today because of what you did yesterday. And where you will be tomorrow is determined by what you do today. It's that simple.

You have a purpose! You were born with so much potential. Think about it. There is no one on this Earth who is exactly like you. Even if you are an identical twin, you still are unique in certain aspects. That's right, you are one of a kind.

Go look at yourself in the mirror. I'm serious. After you read this paragraph, get up and look at yourself in the mirror. Look at you eyes. You are unique. Look at your mouth. It is one of a kind. And let's not forget your nose. That's right, look at it. Don't try to hide from the truth. It is YOUR nose. (smile)

I could go on and on but you get the point. You are unique.

So why were you born with your unique characteristics? Why were you born into your specific family? Why do you live where you live?

There is a reason for why you are who you are. It is because you were born with a specific purpose to achieve. Things do not happen by luck or chance.

With this in mind, review your responses to the three wishes. Is there any commonality between your three wishes? Does one wish truly resonate with you more then the other two wishes?

Your wishes may give some insights to discovering your true purpose. For the next seven days, in your journal, write your answer to, "If a genie said that I could do anything with my life to make a difference, what would I choose?"

By answering this question for the next seven days, you will get clarity on your purpose.

And the amazing thing is that the genie is real! Yes, you heard me correctly. The genie is real!

Because the genie is YOU! You are in control of your life. You and ONLY you! Remember, C + B = A Conceive plus Believe equals Achieve Anything that your mind can conceive and believes with all of your heart, you will achieve.

Now is the time to step up and take charge of you life by fulfilling your true purpose!

Make IT Happen!

Marlon

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When is the last time you said, "I love you"?

Over the last week, to how many people did you say, "You are a blessing in my life"?

Yesterday, did you have any heart-to-heart conversations?

And today, with whom have you already made a deeper connection?

In the busy-ness of life, where it feels like we are always rushing to that class or to that job or to complete that assignment, we sometimes forget to slow down and really connect with people.

Take a deep breath! That's right, breathe!

Relax and give yourself the gift of acknowledging who the special people are in your life.

Breathe my friend, breathe.

It is now time to realize how important it is to connect with the loved ones in your life.

You see, when you are on your death bed about to make your transition from the physical realm, it will not matter how large your bank account is or what type of car you drove. As you reflect upon your life, what will truly matter are your treasured memories and the loving relationships that you have experienced.

Instead of waiting until a loved one's funeral, it is now time to let your loved ones know how much they really mean to you.

In an effort to help encourage you to put first things first and make a connection with your loved ones, I suggest that you complete the following action items:

1. Write a list of the people who mean the most to you.
2. Write the reasons why each person means so much to you.
3. Write specifically how you will communicate your feelings with each person.
(i.e. write a poem, give a "Just because" gift, go for a walk, cook a surprise dinner)
4. Schedule a specific time when you will share your feelings with each person.
5. Do it and make it happen now.

Trust me, after communicating your feelings, you will feel so much more "connected!" It is an incredible experience to share your appreciation, respect and love with those closest to you.

Now in order to enhance this experience, it is important to understand that you are not sharing your feelings expecting to receive something in return. Do not place expectations as to how each person should respond after you share your thoughts. You are not sharing to get something but rather, you are sharing for you.

And to be honest, your sharing of the heart may be awkward for the person with whom you are communicating. You may catch the person by surprise and he or she may not know how to respond. And that is fine because you are sharing to let this person know how much of a blessing he or she is in your life. You are truly giving a gift.

Make the connection and remember a true gift is when you give something not expecting anything in return.

Enjoy the Experience!

Marlon

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"Choices"
March 11, 2002

"Choices"

Who are you? And where are you heading? Are you excited about your life?

These are some interesting questions because they make you think. In this fast-paced world that we live, there are times when we do not slow down to reflect upon our life.

So let me ask another question, "Who is really in control of your life?"

Yes, it's another interesting question.

Your initial response may be, "Me, of course!"

But is this how you are really living your life?

The reason I ask is because there have been times in my life when I have allowed other people, situations and challenges to determine how I feel. It was like I am just a jute box and someone or something pushes certain buttons and I respond accordingly.

Do you know what I'm talking about?

You probably do because most of us, at certain times, have forgotten who is really in control.

I hear people say, "He made me so mad!" or "I'm hurt because of what happened!"

Whenever I hear people talk like this, I realize that they have forgotten who is really in control. Hear me out. No one can make you mad. Rather, you CHOOSE to be mad as a result of what he did or did not do. And likewise, you are not hurt because of what happened. Rather, you CHOOSE to be hurt because of what happened.

Well, that's it. Today is a new day. No more living like a puppet. You are now in control of your life because you determine YOUR choices. It's so much more freeing when you take responsibility for your feelings, thoughts and responses.

This is your life and your life only. Claim victory because it is yours. You are the CPU in the computer. You are the pilot of the airplane. And you are the ONE who is in control of YOUR life.

So when things do not go the way you desire or people do something to "rock your boat", take a deep breath and say, "I am in control of my CHOICES!"

Just by taking this deep breath and saying, "I am in control of my CHOICES!" you will break your initial response and realize that you are in control of your feelings.

Now sure, there may be times when things really get to you and you may feel that you are not empowered to make a healthy choice. In these situations, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this experience?" By writing your answers to this question in your journal, you will realize that you are in control.

For the next seven days, be conscious of every choice you make. It may even be helpful to keep record of your choices in your journal. This will allow you to recognize the power of your choices and how they impact your life.

So remember, what you do today will dictate where you will be tomorrow.

Claim victory because this is your life. Get excited! Go ahead, stand up and shout aloud, "My success is my CHOICE!"

Feels good huh? Well, it is the truth. Your success is YOUR Choice!

Stay Blessed,

Marlon

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"Present"
March 4, 2002

There is GREATNESS within you.

Whatever has happened yesterday, TODAY is your day.

In order to create your desired life of abundance, you must make the most of today.

Think about it like this:

The past is gone. You can't change it.

To be honest, the past is history.

And the future is always out there (tomorrow, next week, next year).

So therefore, the future is a mystery.

So when it's all said and done, all you really have is the here and now.

And that is why they call it, PRESENT,… because it is a gift.

In order to maximize your gift, answer at least three of these questions everyday for the next seven days. Write your answers and insights in your journal.

Journal Questions:

1. What makes me feel grateful today?
2. What have I learned today?
3. What have I enjoyed doing today?
4. What is something that makes me proud?
5. What have I done today for someone else?
6. What have I done today to really make a difference as a leader?
7. What are the blessings in my life right now?
8. Who have I really connected with today and what did I do to strengthen our relationship?
9. What is special about today?
10. Today, what is my treat for me?

Questions are powerful because they make you think and focus. For the next seven days, enjoy the process of thinking for yourself and recognize how blessed you truly are right now just the way you are.

Today, March 4, 2002, marks the commencement of the Weekly Word. Enjoy today because today can literally be the best day of your life.

March Forth my friend and let your greatness shine!

Stay Blessed!

Marlon

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