Exits have to be clearly marked in public buildings so people know where they can get out quick, in case of an emergency. They're not as clearly marked for social situations, like toxic relationships. This is because any relationship that you're in also includes yourself, and anywhere you go there you are, so leaving is … Continue reading Exits
Author: Fox Michaels
Fox Michaels is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Practitioner from the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology. He is an intuitive leader with more than 15 years experience as a trainer. In his spare time, Fox writes the ongoing blog Like a Fox!, where he shares his fun, joyful approach to life and love, as his own way of contributing to the Human Potential Movement. When not reading from his library full of personal development books, you can find Fox enjoying the cinema perks of being on AMC’s A-List, and also working to make sure that he’s the most stylish man on his own Instagram page. Feel free to check out if he's succeeding with that @foxmichaels.
Devotion
Part of being human is having strong preferences. You're going to be devoted to something. Knowing this, you'd be wise to choose pursuits that are good for your health and safe for the world around you. Choose devotion towards being a wonderful human, and watch your focus create just that.
Choose
Each and every moment of your life, you're presented with a choice on how to act. You may not think you have a choice when you're constantly reacting, but that is still a choice. You get to choose whether to act rude or kind. You get to choose whether to be loving or cold. You … Continue reading Choose
Blocks
The thing that makes our hidden mental blocks so hard to deal with, is they're hidden. The way to realize you have them, is when something seems impossible for you yet it's possible for others. If it's possible, it's possible for anyone. If you can't seem to overcome it you might have mental programs, or … Continue reading Blocks
Allowance
Allow for mistakes and human fallacy. Nobody's perfect. But when the same mistakes are repeatedly made, they're not mistakes, they're thoughtless choices of disrespect. Allowance of that is a mistake in itself. That's why they say, "fool me twice, shame on me." Allowance is nice and all for the first fool, but don't let them … Continue reading Allowance
Year-end
We're approaching the time when businesses start preparing their fiscal year-end. It's a way for them to assess how they did in the previous year, and plan for an even stronger one ahead. This sounds like good advice for your own life. Perhaps you could review how you did over the last year, and then … Continue reading Year-end
Whispers
The loudest voices are often connected to most afraid people. All of that noise is just fear talking. Anger is only an outward expression of fear after all. So, loud shouts may grab your attention, but they don't have a lot of substance. It's the whispers that hold the wisdom. Because whispers require concentration, both … Continue reading Whispers
Visits
Family visits can seem like a hassle. There's the preparation and the consideration for all of the different personalities. It seems like those visits can be such a burden, until you realize how few of them you actually get in a lifetime. If you knew that the next family visit would be the last one … Continue reading Visits
Understanding
We all need understanding from others. The irony is that most of all we need to understand that everyone will have their own perspective in understanding. Understand?
Tension
Stress isn't fun. Stress can be a killer. But, a stress-free existence is pure fantasy. And, it wouldn't be much fun either. A little bit of tension is just enough to help with creativity. Remember, diamonds are created under tension. So, don't stress out, but also don't hide from the pressure of everyday life. Keep … Continue reading Tension
Security
It's an insidious fact that the more measures you take for security, the more you can virtually imprison yourself. Gates work both ways, to keep things out and to trap things inside. It's true that the world has a lot of moving pieces, and with that there's bound to be a hefty percentage of them … Continue reading Security
Reprogram
If things aren't going well in your life, remember that it runs on a program. The program is made up of your beliefs about how the world works and your part in it. So, if that program is making your experience miserable, then you need to reprogram your beliefs. You do that by noticing your … Continue reading Reprogram
Possible
Keep that glimmer of hope alive. Even when it seems the darkest, when it seems like a win is highly improbable, it's important to stay hopeful. Because it might not be probable, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. Anything is possible. And, miracles happen all the time. Your existence is proof of that. Keep … Continue reading Possible
Open Up
They say that a mind is like a parachute, it only works if it's open. This can apply to your heart as well. And, a closed fist can only cause pain, it can't grasp and receive anything good until it opens up. Open up, that's how you let the blessings in.
Noise
Noise can seem like a burden if you were hoping for quiet. But, not everyone is lucky enough to even hear it. There are some people who can only dream about what it's like to be able to hear noise. Anytime we get annoyed with something, rather than let it set us off, we should … Continue reading Noise
Move forward
Life only goes in one direction. You might as well not fight it. Move forward with it, even if you only move in tiny baby steps. The forward momentum is so much better for you than staying frozen in place, or struggling to backtrack. Move forward with life, and let it do its thing, which … Continue reading Move forward
Lessons
When you can look at everything you go through in life as lessons, you have a chance to feel empowered rather than put upon. Your struggles and triumphs are lessons that can help strengthen your resolve and give you greater wisdom. All of this strength and wisdom can only make you better, and more skilled … Continue reading Lessons
Keep Going
How do you know when it's time to quit? When it feels complete to you. Either when you've achieved what you were seeking to achieve, or when you feel resolved in your heart that you are done. But, if you quit because it's hard, and yet there's a nagging sense in your heart that you're … Continue reading Keep Going
Jovial
Jovial is such a fun sounding word, as it is related to the word joy. It means to be cheerful and friendly, and that's why it sounds so attractive. We are craving a more cheerful and friendly world, and yet it's rare to find a legitimately jovial person. What if you chose to be more … Continue reading Jovial
Inside Job
The only way to make any improvement in your life, is to change your beliefs around it. It is always an inside job. Your beliefs determine how life is going to look for you. And, beliefs are just thoughts that you think over and over until they're the predominant thoughts you think. So, to change … Continue reading Inside Job
Happiness
The most exciting revelation of life is also the most rewarding. It has to do with happiness. Happiness can come from simply choosing to be happy. There is no need to wait for any circumstance in order to be happy. In fact, all the good outcomes have an easier path to you after you choose … Continue reading Happiness
Goodness
Goodness is simply being conscious. There is a lot of confusion out there. That's because a lot of people are unconscious. This can be labeled as evil. But, it's really just being confused, careless and unthinking. In other words, unconscious. Wake up, and see the goodness. Wake up, and be the goodness. The sleeping world … Continue reading Goodness
Fair
Everybody is looking to be treated fairly. But, it's important to be aware that everyone has their own idea of what exactly is fair. Never assume that whoever you're dealing with will have the same idea of what's fair as you do.
Ease
A lot of the time, we have to do hard things. Work, family, relationships, they all require attention, energy and effort. The thing is, that none of these will hold our focus for long if they are always difficult. We need to find ease with the things in our lives as much as possible. Actually, … Continue reading Ease
Details
Details matter. The smallest change can create the biggest effect. It's not wise to get caught up in chasing all of the many details, that's simply losing sight of the forest for the trees, so to speak. But, it is wise to remember that the details add up to the whole, the trees add up … Continue reading Details
Choose
Life is a series of choices. If you don't make the choices yourself, they will be chosen for you. There's no getting out of it, that's how life keeps moving forward. So, since a choice needs to be made, your best bet is to take ownership of the situation and choose.
Behave
Do you ever notice how when someone expects you to behave properly, it's only to accommodate their comfort? It seems selfish. Perhaps you should remember that whenever you expect someone else to behave.
Answers
There are as many answers as there are people who ask questions. Because people hear what they expect to hear. People hear what they're ready to hear. The answers match the perspective. If you want a different answer, change your perspective.
Your Time
If you feel like there's never enough time to get it all done, remember the most important part of this equation: you! It is your time. It may not feel like it, because you have obligations, but remember that you chose each and every one of those obligations. You chose to divide your time up … Continue reading Your Time
Wellness
Take care of your health. You can't enjoy anything else without it. Wellness is the biggest treasure you can attain in this life. Treat it as the treasure it is, and it will help you live a treasured life.
Vision
It's one thing to see what's in front of you, it's another thing to have a vision of it. Having vision means you see a story, the potential and the experience that makes something what it is in relation to you. It's a gift to be able to see. And, it's a superpower to have … Continue reading Vision
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are wonderful shields that can protect you from the harsh elements. The thing is, they can also shield you from any good getting through. It's important to investigate your shields and make sure they aren't keeping away what could be best for you. Sometimes it's better to come out from under the umbrella.
Trick or Treat
Life is a lot like the idea of trick or treating on Halloween. This idea of trick or treating, was that supposedly you go around offering a choice to people; either they give you a treat, or you play a trick on them. But, there's no need for the threat. All you have to do … Continue reading Trick or Treat
Spirits
We're all spirits in a sense. Some of us may be more spirited than others at times. Some of us may seem to haunt our own lives. Simply put, we're made of energy. And, it may just be that out-of-body spirits aren't so much as spooky supernatural entities, but rather run of the mill natural … Continue reading Spirits
Review
A tricky thing happens as we try to be enlightened humans by staying present in the now. Our human brains tend to want to be in a perpetual mode of review. It reviews past lessons, and similar circumstances we've either lived through, or learned about, all in an attempt to keep us safe and alive. … Continue reading Review
Pessimism
Pessimism is a particularly sinister addiction. It feels like it's protecting you. It feels like you're being discerning, like you're expressing a valid opinion. But, the more you judge things in a pessimistic light, under the guise of offering an opinion, the more you teach your brain to be pessimistic. It feels good to sit … Continue reading Pessimism
Obituaries
Obituaries sum up a life in highlighting its greatest hits. The more fabulous the life lived, the more stellar the obituary reads. While life is so much more dynamic than some neat summary, it is worth thinking about how you want your obituary to read. Just as the promise of death reminds us to fully … Continue reading Obituaries
Noise
There's so much noise in the world. It makes it a challenge to focus. All of that noise easily seeps in, and fills your head. You do yourself no favors by combating the noise with simply more distracting noise on your phone, in your headphones and on the TV. The answer to all of this … Continue reading Noise
Momentum
The key to getting anything done, is momentum. Sometimes it can take longer to convince yourself to get started than it does to complete the whole task. You just have to get yourself going, and let the momentum take you to the finish line. Start before you feel ready.
Lighten Up
Life trudges on the heavier you let it get. It's up to you to lighten up. It's your life. You are in charge of how it goes. Remember that, especially when things get heavy. Remember that you have the option to make it more pleasant for yourself. And, you can do that when you learn … Continue reading Lighten Up
Know What You Know
You can't know what you don't know, so don't sweat it at all. But, you must be confident in what you do know. Know what you know with such conviction, that your competence will not be questioned. What's more, your confidence will support you through any challenge, as long as you're clear that you know … Continue reading Know What You Know
Just in Case
We do a lot of things to insure ourselves just in case some catastrophe might happen. We pay numerous premiums for health, auto and home insurance, just in case a costly disaster suddenly strikes. We even drive around for years with a spare tire in our trunk, just in case we need it to rescue … Continue reading Just in Case
Investigate
If you aren't having fun, and if you aren't happy on most days, then it's on you to investigate the reason. And, there's an excellent chance that what you'll discover is that the reason you aren't having fun and having happy days, is because of you. You are making the choices that are preventing you … Continue reading Investigate
Happy
It's your responsibility to do what makes you happy. And, you find out exactly what that is by paying attention to what it feels like in your heart. It isn't what you think it is. It's what you feel. You may think a fancy car, or high-powered job, or a bigger salary is what will … Continue reading Happy
Great
This is your shot at life. It isn't a test run. It isn't a rehearsal. This is your real life. There's a lot of noise out there that makes it seem so difficult to navigate, and you've got choices to make. You've got to choose how you want to approach this gift of life that … Continue reading Great
Fun
Life is supposed to be fun. If not, then what's the point? When you bring a sense of fun to your world, it benefits everyone around you. Because, they all need to same reminder. We all need to remember to bring the fun into our lives. The little ones get it. That's why they laugh … Continue reading Fun
Earn it
We all want to be given an easy life. We want someone to lavish us with luxuries and to have an abundance of money and privilege. But, it's nearly impossible to appreciate any of it, unless we put in the work to earn it. If it is just given to us, no amount of it … Continue reading Earn it
Dedicated
In order to get any kind of substantial progress in a venture you need to be dedicated to it. You can't just add it to a list that you think you're multitasking with. Being dedicated means you have a single-minded loyalty or integrity. With that kind of integrity you can succeed far beyond your dreams. … Continue reading Dedicated
Charisma
For the most part, charisma is something developed, not innate. You have to put yourself out there, and work at it, in order to exude effective charisma. And, it can't be created in a vacuum. In order to develop charisma, you need to practice it with other people. Charisma is much more about what you … Continue reading Charisma
Beauty
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What you see is more a matter of how you see it. If you want to see a world full of beauty, choose to see beauty. You hold the key to seeing beauty in your world.
Accentuate
Manifestation is really simple. Whatever you think about most often, is what you'll bring into your life. Because of this, you tend to focus on it more, since it's right there in front of your face. So, the cycle keeps going. Knowing this is helpful. As what you think about most often is what you'll … Continue reading Accentuate
Young
The way to stay young is to be so busy enjoying your present life, that you have no time to think that you got old. Age is all about mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter. Keep young in your heart and soul, and you'll stay young for as long as it's … Continue reading Young
Work
Work becomes so much better when you think of it as something you get to do, rather than something you have to do. Remember that the same work you bemoan, is a treasure to someone who has lost their own.
Vanity
Vanity creeps into delusional territory. It involves being wrapped up in a glorified ideal of what you think you represent. It's wonderful to have good self-esteem, but it's troubling to fall into delusional vanity. Vanity is also a distraction. Get clear. Realize your true divinity. And, don't bother with vanity.
Ugly
Ugly is a thought and nothing else. It isn't a decree that holds any weight, it's just a thought. And, it's an extremely unproductive thought at that. It's best not to worry about it. This is a good practice to undergo for any thought that's less than ideal. Thoughts can be changed, or dropped altogether. … Continue reading Ugly
Teams
In order for a team to work effectively, all members need to acknowledge and realize that they are a part of the team! And, everyone is on a team of one form or another. No one ever really acts alone. Embrace your team.
Safety
Safety is a only a concept, there are no true guarantees in it. Even still, that's what makes it so powerful. You can only get safety from feeling safe. So, you're in control of that feeling. If it gets taken away, remember that you're the one who gave it to yourself in the first place. … Continue reading Safety
Release
Whatever you're clutching, release it right now. It may be an idea, or an object, or a person. If you're clutching it, then you're putting a strain on the thing, as well as on yourself. Nothing can live in peace under those conditions. You may think you're holding tight to it because you love it, … Continue reading Release
Place Your Order
It's been said that all things are possible for those who believe. In other words, when you ask, and believe it, you will receive it. This isn't just some new-age mumbo jumbo. No, this is found in a very old, and very good Book. So, then, what are you waiting for? Start believing in that … Continue reading Place Your Order
Organized
The best way forward is by having your thoughts and intentions organized in a simple and clean fashion. It doesn't have to be this way, but the opposite of organized is chaos. Some people say they thrive in chaos, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're moving forward. Get organized, and progress.
Never
The thing about the idea of "never" is that it can only ever be proven as a threat. Forever is a long time to check to see if something will never be. How could we ever really know if whatever has been threatened truly never comes about? It's hyperbolic at best, but really just plain … Continue reading Never
Move
You may think that being hesitant is playing it safe, but that's the fear talking. Hesitancy is cowardice. Being hesitant is a symptom of your head not being in the present moment. It's thinking too much of horror fantasies set either in the past or the future. If your mind was present, then you would … Continue reading Move
Levity
Life can get serious, if you take it seriously. Take it by the reigns, and bring a little levity to it. Of course, be thoughtful and respectful, but also, lighten up! There's enough seriousness in the world. Bring the levity that benefits everyone.
Keeping Up
It can feel like life is a rat race, and it's all run in the fast lane. It can be so hard to keep up. But, the only thing you actually need to be keeping up with, is with yourself. This is your life. You are in charge of its care. It's no one else's … Continue reading Keeping Up
Justice
Justice is blind, so that it can be fair to anyone. But, justice is also cold, and it can be unkind. The thing about justice, is it's a concept, so it has no soul. People, on the other hand, are all soul. We should weigh our options whenever seeking justice, to make sure we don't … Continue reading Justice
Inspiration
Inspiration can be found anywhere. One man's trash could be another man's million dollar idea. Inspiration is everywhere and nowhere all at once. This is because the inspiration is coming from inside of you. All of that outside stuff is just there to help you remember that the spark comes from you. You are the … Continue reading Inspiration
Help Them
Help when you can, however you can. The time will come when you'll need help from someone else. Why else do you think we're all here, if not to help each other? If we didn't need each other, there would be no reason to exist together. So, do your part, and help when you can.
Give
Whatever you're looking for in life, give it away. If you're looking for peace, give peace. If you're looking for joy, give joy. It's in the giving, that you create it. It's in giving it away that you show how abundant you are with it already.
Feelings
Feelings are signals. They can be caused by different factors, most notably thoughts. And, not all thoughts are true. It's wise not to get swept away by feelings, because their causes aren't always benevolent. So, learn how to let the feelings come, go, and pass through, without taking you along the ride with them. They're … Continue reading Feelings
Ease Up
Ease up on yourself. You don't have to go after life so hard. Ultimately, you want peace and liberty. It's what everyone wants. The only way to get peace in your life is if you start by being peaceful yourself. Ease up. It's your life, and you are responsible for how you're treated... especially by … Continue reading Ease Up
Deserving
The deal with being deserving is that you get exactly what you believe you deserve. If you believe you deserve a blessed life, you'll have a blessed life. If you don't believe you deserve more, you won't get more. Some people bemoan the fact that they think they deserve better circumstances. But, there's a contradiction … Continue reading Deserving
Collaborate
Our modern society works overtime to train us to be independent, solitary, and isolated from each other. Even when we're working right next to each other, the modern instinct is to stay in our silos and focused on our screens. But, our survival depends on our ability to create trusting relationships. We must relearn how … Continue reading Collaborate
Basic
Basic gets a bad rap for being dull. But, without the basics, then the fantastics would have nothing to be compared against. There needs to be the contrast. Besides, basic is such as dependable, solid foundation. Sometimes all you need are the basics.
Allow
If you're miserable because of circumstances, it isn't really the circumstances. Your misery is a result of what you allow to get to you. Horrible things may happen. How much you allow them to drag you is up to you. The one thing you have complete control over is your reaction. That may not seem … Continue reading Allow
Your Pace
For the most part, your life is run according to your own pace. Sure, you have obligations and commitments, but they are from your own choices. Even if they don't feel like it. After all, you are the one who woke up to this day in your life. No one else even has the ability … Continue reading Your Pace
Wishes
Wishes can be fun and exciting. But, they're no benefit to you without action on your part to back them up. The best thing you can do for a wish is to turn it into a goal, and then strategically work to make it come it true.
Views
An interesting thing about differing views, is that we can be so blind to anything that doesn't align with our own. It's best to remember that a view is how you see it, it isn't necessarily how it is. Someone else could see something different altogether. Same topic, different views.
Undo
You can't undo what's done. What's happened has happened, and there's no going back. Time only moves forward. The best thing you can do is learn from the experience, and choose differently going forward. If you could undo the whole thing you wouldn't benefit from the lesson. So, it works out for the best anyway.
Teamwork
Teamwork can be an extremely powerful force. It just depends on the team. A group of people isn't a team until they are fully aligned in their values and their mission. Once that happens, the teamwork from such a unified group can literally move mountains.
Speak It
Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Remember that words have power, so be careful with how you use them. Sure, you can always say you're sorry if you lash out. But, even still, whatever you said before that will not be so easily forgotten. Speak only about what you want. And above … Continue reading Speak It
Reach
You're closer than you realize to having your dreams come true. But, you might not there yet, because you're still waiting for them to land in your lap. Sometimes all you have to do is reach out for them, and they're yours. It's putting in the effort that shows you're ready to receive them. Reach … Continue reading Reach
People
Whether you consider yourself a "people person" or not, the fact is that we need people to accomplish anything in our world. Even with all of the advances in automated technology, it was people who created it, and people who continue to coordinate it. It's because of people that this technology is needed, and it's … Continue reading People
Obligations
Remember a fundamental fact: all of your obligations are from your own choices. Realizing that you are the one who chose to bring them into your life, can turn all of your obligations from something you have to do, into something you get to do. And, that can make all the difference in the world. … Continue reading Obligations
Notifications
Notifications can be a wonderful help, or an annoying nuisance. It's up to you to decide how to perceive them. This is true for just about everything in your life. And, if you're getting too many notifications throughout the day, you can always limit their frequency. It's your life. Schedule it in the most beneficial … Continue reading Notifications
Mistakes
Mistakes are simply lessons. The bigger the mistake, the bigger chance you have to learn. You just need to choose to see it that way, and then learn from your mistakes.
Listen
The most effective strategy for any successful interaction is to simply listen. It's simple, but it doesn't seem to be easy. This is because most of the time we tend to only listen to the constant chatter of our own inner voice. If you learn to take your attention away from that for a bit, … Continue reading Listen
Kind-hearted
With all of the issues plaguing the planet right now, the thing that is needed the most, is for more people to embrace being kind-hearted. We don't need more ruthlessness. We don't need more clever fighters. We need kind-hearted people. All of the wars and famines and crises of the world are because of all … Continue reading Kind-hearted
Joyful Days
Simply put, our lives are made up of a series of days. The key to a good life, is to be aware enough to bring joy to as many of them as possible. The more joyful days you can live, the better your life will be. It's your life, and it really is in your … Continue reading Joyful Days
Ideas
Ideas can be your saving grace. Ideas solve problems. Where do they come from? Ideas help, so who or what is offering that help? Whatever it is, it's certainly another opportunity to be grateful. That gratitude just might inspire even more wonderful ideas that can help.
Health
The deal is that no amount of money, no fancy home or luxury item will help if you have poor health. Ask a wealthy person who is suffering from poor health, and they'll tell you that they would trade any of it to feel better. Your health is your most valuable asset while you are … Continue reading Health
Gravity
Gravity is a phenomenon that causes things to be heavy. It pulls them down and gives them weight. It also protects them from just floating away forever and ever. It's the same circumstance, only looked at in a positive light. This change in perspective can help you out in practically any circumstance. What seems like … Continue reading Gravity
Faith
It's important to have faith. It's important to believe in something good, even before any evidence shows itself. But, just as the famous saying goes, faith without works is dead. In other words, you need to act on your faith. It's not enough to sit still and only say that you have faith. As with … Continue reading Faith
Expectations
Expectations can get you into trouble. They can lead to disappointment if they don't come true. However, expectations can also direct your mind towards optimism. If you're filled with positive expectations, you'll be inspired to make positive changes. Expectations are powerful. Use this power wisely.
Decisions
Decisions can be extremely hard if you put too much pressure on yourself in making them. If you think you'll fail miserably, or something awful will happen if you make the wrong choice, then you've put an unbearable amount of pressure on the decision. But, who said you knew all of the outcomes? Ease up … Continue reading Decisions
Compassion
Compassion is something we all appreciate, and frankly, expect from others when we need it. The thing about that is, we need to give it as often as we expect it. Compassion is the glue that keeps societies together.
Bravery
It takes an act of bravery to get up, face the day, and face it with kindness. So, you are brave to do this each and every day. You may struggle with it, and you may be scared most days, about what might possibly happen. But, the fact that you still go on, despite this … Continue reading Bravery
Abstinence
The thing about practicing abstinence, from any vice, is that it's a whole lot easier if you focus more on what you're gaining rather than on what you're being deprived of. It's likely more effective that way as well. So, rather than harping in on what you are abstaining from, think about what positive thing … Continue reading Abstinence
Youth
They say that youth is wasted on the young. However, those that are saying this are busy wasting their own time looking backwards. Don't be like them. Celebrate your age right now, and at any age you are. Celebrate it for the whole ride. Celebrate it so much, that you don't have time to waste … Continue reading Youth
Wisdom
The thing about wisdom is, you don't get it from always being smart and doing the right thing. You get wisdom by learning from your mistakes. And, those mistakes are really lessons in disguise. Understanding that distinction is what having wisdom is all about. Embrace the lessons.
Visibility
You will always need help from others in any venture you take. We need people. But, they aren't just waiting around for a signal that you need help. You need to put yourself out there. Visibility is vital to getting the attention and assistance you need.
Like a Fox! 