Give the things you want to get. Demonstrate your prosperity by sharing it. Be a part of the solution you seek, by showing them how it's done. Give to get.
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.
Friction
We tend to avoid uncomfortable situations as if our lives depend on it. But, just remember that some of the most wonderful treasures of life are born only because of friction, like diamonds, pearls, revolutionary ideas, and even new life itself. Friction isn't comfortable, but it is essential.
Enjoy
Enjoy your life now, with what you've got, and with whoever you're sharing it with. Your life is happening now, not in the future when you've reached your goals, and not in the past when you thought it was the good ole days. Now. This is all you've got. So, enjoy it. And if you … Continue reading Enjoy
Dance
There's a reason that dance feels so great, even if it's performed awkwardly. Actually there are a few reasons. It's your body's way of expressing itself. There's magic in it. And it's an expression of love. All good reasons to take any chance you can, and dance.
Choose
Life gets very simple once you realize that you get to choose every moment of it. Simple isn't easy, it's just simple because there's only the one rule. And that is, that you get to choose. You get to choose how you react to everything. You get to choose how to perceive everything. You get … Continue reading Choose
Better
There's always a chance to strive to be better. Just don't waste your energy competing with others. Strive to be better than who you were yesterday. Keep moving onward, and you'll keep life exciting for yourself. But don't worry about it. Don't worry about any of it.
Awareness
You don't have to know all of the answers. In fact, that's impossible because you can't know all of the questions. That's why there are so many of us, to provide just as many perspectives along with their endless questions and various answers. You don't have to know it all. Just simply learn to become … Continue reading Awareness
Youth
Youth is inexplicably overvalued as a prized commodity. It's even more foolish to rank than outward beauty is. At least beauty can be artificially sustained for a small bit of time past it's natural expiration date. But, time relentlessly marches on. And youth goes with it in the blink of an eye. Anyone silly enough … Continue reading Youth
Where ya going
Where are you going to end up? No need to worry about where you've been, that's all done. Where you're going is what matters. The key to finding that out, is to look at the choices you're making right now. Any choice you're making that you know isn't healthy or good for you, is shooting … Continue reading Where ya going
Vista
A vista is another word for a distant view, in particular a pleasing view. As with all views, it totally depends on the one doing the seeing. And, it's not so much what is being seen, but how it's chosen to be seen. It's your choice. Choose to see a pleasant vista.
Understand
We all want to be understood. It starts when you decide to understand someone else. Extend to them the same courtesy you would like to receive. Teach them how it's done. Then you're golden.
Trust
Trust is a vital, yet extremely delicate bond we share with other. Guard it as the precious gift that it is. Once its lost, you can never get it back. Not in the original packaging at least.
Subscriptions
We tend to subscribe to a lot more than we need to. Not just for services and mailing lists, but to social patterns as well. And, just like those pesky mailing lists, not all of them align with who we are anymore. So, if you're over going along with "the way things are done around … Continue reading Subscriptions
Remember
You may be going through a tough time right now. You may have gone through a series of tough times. But, you've also had good times. You've had some really good times. Remember them when the tough times pop up. Those good times happen for the purpose of remembering them. When you remember them, you … Continue reading Remember
Patience
Patience is a virtue. But, it's important to not confuse patience for hesitancy. Sometimes you've got to jump in and make a move. Even if it's scary. Especially if it's scary, because that means the stakes are high, and it's important. Patience is a virtue, but sometimes you're not supposed to wait.
Over There
Don't waste your time being concerned with what's going on over there. They're dealing with it. Meanwhile, your life is happening right where you are. But if you keep focusing on what's happening over there instead, you'll completely miss out on your own life.
Navigation
At this point in history, we have amazing feats of technology that can provide seamless navigation assistance to practically anywhere we'd like to go. But, all of the navigation tools in the world can't do anything if you don't know where you want to end up. For sure, life is about the journey. But that … Continue reading Navigation
Motivation
The thing about motivation is that it doesn't happen in ideal circumstances. Motivation doesn't wait until you're ready and feeling wonderful in order to assist you. Motivation comes from a choice to move despite not feeling ready or anywhere near wonderful. You have to start first, and then motivation kicks in to keep you going. … Continue reading Motivation
Love
Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It's understood universally and felt by all. And, it's a lot more simple than everybody makes it out to be. Love is absolutely basic and absolute. But without all of the drama that people put on it, where would the fun be? Because all of that … Continue reading Love
Knowledge
Knowledge is power, as long as you use it. Acquiring knowledge for its own sake could possibly just weigh you down. However, if you use the knowledge that you acquire, especially for good, then it is powerful, indeed.
Justify
It seems that anyone can justify anything if they choose to. But, if it requires that much effort, is it the best choice? Shouldn't the facts speak for themselves? Or can those also be twisted in the quest to justify?
Intuition
Intuition is as valid and as helpful as you want it to be. How do you know it can be? Well, what does your gut say?
God
If you think God is kind of like an old man, who is emotional, jealous, with a vengeful temper... well, that's fine. You're only following protocol. But, do you ever wonder why that idea is so prevalent? Where did that come from? Or, perhaps a better question is: From whom did it come from?
Have Faith
We all long for a better world. We all want to feel safe. We all want to be around good people. Have faith that we can. Have faith that people can be good. Have faith that the world can be good. It starts with that. But, if we lose faith, the darkness in the world, … Continue reading Have Faith
Generous Spirit
To get what you want, give it away. Have a generous spirit, and show yourself how abundant you are, even if you have to start out small. It's that generous spirit that will bring you all the abundance you could want.
Free of Charge
Just because something is free of charge, doesn't mean there isn't a cost. Usually, the cost for it is a lot steeper than if you had just paid money for it. It's wise to question anything that's offered free of charge, as it's probably more trouble than it's worth. Besides, how can you really value … Continue reading Free of Charge
Entertainment
You can learn a lot about someone by noticing what they decide is entertainment. For instance, it may very well be true that watching gore and violence brings catharsis and escapism. But, then the question becomes, "What do they need a release from, and what are they escaping?"
Delays
When your plans run into unforeseen delays, don't curse and pout. Chances are those delays are your saving grace. There's a perfect time for everything. And if you've hit a delay, it only means that you're being geared up for the exact perfect time. Remember that it's not over until it's over. There's still much … Continue reading Delays
Choose
Everything in this life is about a choice. Even if you refuse to make a choice, you've chosen to do so. Even if you fail to make a choice, you've chosen to do so. If your choice is taken away from you, and you allow that, you've made a choice. If you insist that you … Continue reading Choose
Believe
The beginning of anything is the belief that it can happen. Believe in it first, and then action will take you there. It starts with a belief. So, believe.
Another Day
If you don't get to it now, you can always try again another day... There's always another day to try... Until there isn't. We only get a handful of them. They aren't unlimited. At least not in this lifetime. It's a wiser choice to decide you're gonna the make the most of them, and cherish … Continue reading Another Day
Yellow Light
We all love a green light, as it means we get to go. And, it's pretty clear that when a red light shines, it means to stop even when we'd rather not. But, the yellow light seems to confuse most. And, that makes total sense in today's society. The yellow light means you should slow … Continue reading Yellow Light
Who
If you keep finding yourself asking "who" questions, like, "Who is going to fix this social dilemma?" Or even, "Who is going to rescue me?" The answer might just be facing you right in the mirror. The who you're looking for, is you. At least, that's where it starts.
Visit
It's like a real science fiction movie out there. People are glued to tiny little screens. They'd rather live inside those screens than interact with the real-life people in their world. But, those real-life people have an expiration date. Especially the older and more dear ones you know, who have lived a whole full life … Continue reading Visit
Underneath
Everyone wears some kind of mask. Some appear charming or friendly, others angry or aggressive. Some seem like helpless victims, others appear powerful. Ultimately, they're all just masks. Look past the mask, and see who's underneath. That's where the real person lies.
Temporary
Whether it's a dream come true or an absolute nightmare, the deal is that it is all temporary. So, really appreciate everything good in your life right now. And, don't get too twisted up about whatever is going wrong. None of it lasts. It's all temporary. Be sure to pay attention while you can.
Safety
Safety might just be an idea in your mind. But, that's exactly where it needs to be. If you don't feel safe in your own mind, then there aren't enough walls or weapons that can help.
Reading
Reading is an ability that, for those of us fortunate enough to possess, most likely take for granted. But, make no mistake, being able to read is a superpower. Reading can take you anywhere in your imagination and help get you there in real life too. Appreciate this precious gift, and always-always do what you … Continue reading Reading
Possibilities
The possibilities are endless if you choose to really see it that way. So, there's no need to waste time stewing over that one silly little rejection. You've got some dreaming to do, about endless possibilities. It's best you get crackin'
Overwhelm
The last thing you want to do when you feel overwhelmed is to pile on and make yourself feel bad for being overwhelmed. The truth is, you are the number one main person who can overwhelm you. So, try to be easy on yourself. There are plenty of other antagonists lurking around. Be a friend … Continue reading Overwhelm
New Normal
When people say that they are now living their "new normal," it might just mean they are now living in the true present. Normal never really existed. It's just a glorification of an idealized past. The present is happening now, and there's no way to be able to accurately predict it without stepping out of … Continue reading New Normal
Magic
Magic seems to only happen if you believe in it. So, what's stopping you? We can all use a little magic in our lives. Start believing, and watch the magic in your life unfold.
Love
Love isn't some rare, hard to attain commodity. But, it is rare to find someone who gets that. Love is our natural state. Just notice any baby, and you'll see that they naturally want to share their love. It's when they a grow a little, and start learning how to properly act in society, that … Continue reading Love
Kindness
Kindness is the way to save the world. People may not deserve your kindness, but they need it, desperately. That's why one of the greatest teachers in history insisted on spreading kindness, even though they still crucified him. It seems like these days even your neighbors seem unworthy of kindness. But the only way to … Continue reading Kindness
Justify
If you feel the need to justify yourself, you've probably already lost. Just stop digging the hole you're in already. Be honest. Live in the truth. And let that speak for you.
Interviews
A simple yet important piece of advice in preparing for an interview... Always, always remember that it goes both ways. You may be trying hard to present yourself as the ideal candidate for the company or school you're inerviewing for, but make sure that you pay equal attention to what they're offering. You matter. And, … Continue reading Interviews
Help
A funny thing happens in human relations regarding help. In order to get help, you need to ask for it. But, you won't be able to bring yourself to ask for it, unless you trust another to give it. And, usually when you end up in a situation needing help, it's because you've lost trust, … Continue reading Help
Goodwill
If you're like a lot of people, you believe that this world needs humanity to show more acts of goodwill with each other. So, what's stopping you from setting an example? Be the change that you want to see in the world. Consciously extend goodwill to your fellow man. After all, someone has to get … Continue reading Goodwill
Feelings
Feelings can get away from us, and there's no controlling them. But you don't need to. Simply choose your thoughts, and the feelings follow. Choosing your thoughts isn't easy, but it is the simple process of dealing with your feelings.
Enjoy
Enjoy it while it lasts, because that's the whole point of it. Emphasis needs to be on the "while it lasts" part, because everything has an expiration date. And that's not meant to be depressing, it's meant to be inspiring. It's meant to be the ultimate reminder to enjoy it now, in the moment, because … Continue reading Enjoy
Determined
The key to manifestation lies in what you believe will happen. And, what you believe will happen is what you are determined to make happen. Get clear on what you want, and then get determined that you can make it happen. There is no other way. There's no magic fairy floating around, just wanting to … Continue reading Determined
Carefully
You want your personal business handled carefully. You want others to be thoughtful when dealing with things that relate to your life. Well, you're a part of the whole deal in this world. What's good for you is good for others. Treat other people's business as carefully as you want them to treat yours.
Best
Always do your best, even if it ends up being far below what you thought you could do. If you are present while you're doing it, then that is your best. And that's all that you can do.
Actions
You can have all good intentions but they don't mean anything. It's your actions that count. You may have not intended for something to happen, but if it did happen, then it will come with consequences despite your best intentions. Life is not about your intentions. It's about your actions. If you want them to … Continue reading Actions
Your Choice
Your choice should matter. You should be able to have a say, and have that be acknowledged. And if you honor this, then you must also honor the fact that it applies to everyone else as well.
Words
When it's all said and done, you realize that words are so vastly inadequate. But, they're the best that we've got for now. So, be sure and use your words when it's your time. Speak up. Communicate. And say what you need to say.
Vision
The gift of sight is a blessing, indeed. But the gift of vision, well that's miraculous. Vision is a world creating blessing.
Unknown
The unknown can seem like a scary concept, until you realize that it covers everything. There are just too many variables and perspectives on everything to be certain you can really know anything at all. In fact, someone who thinks they know the be all end all of it all, well that person is who's … Continue reading Unknown
Truth
The truth will set you free. The reason the truth will set you free, is that anything that's not the truth will keep you imprisoned in it's web of deceit. And prison sucks. Tell the truth.
Sunshine
If you've ever met someone who felt like sunshine to be around, then you know how they seem to always brighten up the moment, making you feel happy, safe and warm. You know how incredibly special that person is. The truth is they've made a choice to be like that. They've chosen to be like … Continue reading Sunshine
Rewind
We take it for granted that it's a magical feat to be able to rewind missed moments on movies and TV shows. We take it for granted that someone was exceptionally brilliant to dream of inventing such a marvel as being able to rewind what's playing. It's a marvel because we don't get that power … Continue reading Rewind
Patience
Patience is a virtue. It wears thin though, if you have little faith. If you believe in lack more than abundance, your patience all but vanishes. Patience is a virtue. But it's also a symptom of having faith in a benevolent higher power.
Organized
An organized mind is a clear mind, which is a focused mind. So, a focused mind is a more clear mind, which is an organized one. It works equally well both ways. And the way is simple, really. So, get to it. Focus to be organized, and organize to be focused.
New
Every new day is a chance at a fresh start, a new chapter. Begin each new day with a clean slate. Leave yesterday to the past. You can begin anew anytime you want. And the choice is all yours. No one else can live your life for you. So don't let them determine how you … Continue reading New
Monsters
Monsters aren't real. They are only figments of the imagination. That is to say that monsters only live in your head. But what a terrifying place for them to be. And yet, it's important to remember the power of your imagination. If you can create monsters, then you can also vanquish them just as well.
Listen
A huge part of the success in relationships is effective communication. And the most powerful aspect of effective communication is active listening. The best way to listen is to listen with your heart. Listen with your heart, and you're bound to stay on the right track in your relationships.
Keep Looking Forward
Keep looking forward. That's where you're life is moving. That's where you're going. That's the best direction to focus on. What's behind you can't be changed. It's best not to get caught up looking back at it for too long. You've got so much more ahead to look forward to.
Just One Step
Just focus on one step at a time. Don't worry about the whole long and winding road. Just take the one step, and then repeat this as long as you care to. Eventually you'll cover the entire expanse of the road, or any and all detours that your heart may desire. But first, take a … Continue reading Just One Step
Ideal
The ideal circumstances might not ever happen. There's no sense in waiting on them before you can be the person you want to be in those so-called ideal circumstances. Be that person now. Begin thinking and acting like that person, and you'll become it.
Help
Help another whenever you can. It's a lesson that too many of us learn too late. Help when you can, because you will for sure need help yourself one day, and you'll be praying that someone will be there to help you when they can. So, remember that, as you may be someone's only saving … Continue reading Help
Gratitude
No matter what the situation is, gratitude is the solution. Focusing on gratitude lightens the mood, makes you feel better, and makes you see more clearly. Not enough can be said for the immense value that gratitude offers. And yet, all that needs to be said is that gratitude is the solution.
Feelings
Most people let their feelings run the show. Their feelings determine how life unfolds. But, this is backwards. Feelings shouldn't lead, they follow. Make no mistake, there is no way to stifle feelings once they're out. So, that's why you should be aware of how they come about. They're created by your thoughts. More directly, … Continue reading Feelings
Earning
It's funny, but we tend to appreciate what we've earned much more than what we've been given. All of it deserves gratitude. But there's something so special about earning it, that makes it feel that much more valuable.
Deserving
If you're worried about being deserving of your blessings, then you're really worried about judgment. So then, you need to ask yourself if you're worried about someone else's judgment or your own. Usually, the culprit is yourself. You are the one who doesn't think you're deserving enough. That means that you can decide again, and … Continue reading Deserving
Criticism
Criticism is damaging to the recipient and to the giver. Its aim is to deflate the former, but it also corrodes the latter. Spend too much time on either side of it, and criticism will destroy you. It's true that you can tack on the word "constructive" to the front of it, and that's meant … Continue reading Criticism
Bit by Bit
The best way to tackle a huge undertaking, is to break it down into smaller segments. Then bit by bit, work your way through it. This applies to anything in life, including life itself. It may seem overwhelming as a whole, but don't let the magnitude frighten you. Break it down. Take it day by … Continue reading Bit by Bit
Attraction
Attraction is always happening to you. The question is, are you guiding the stuff you want towards you, or are you focused more on what you don't want? Because whatever you're focused on, that is what's coming towards you. It's all about attraction. So, keep in mind that there isn't so much of eliminating unwanted … Continue reading Attraction
You’re Special
You're special. You are talented and have wonderful gifts that only you can share with the world. Never forget that you are unique, just like everyone else. And, you're so very special. So, hold your head up high and act accordingly.
We’re In This Together
We're in this together. This thing called life on earth, we're in it together. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we'll stop tearing each other down. Because there's no getting away from each other. We're only ever one decision away from an entirely different life. Why not decide to stop contributing to a world … Continue reading We’re In This Together
Vibrational
Everything in this universe is vibrational. It is all made out of energy-- and it's moving. A lot of the things we see with our eyes appear to be solid, but when looked at through a microscope it reveals that truly it's all vibrating, pulsing energy. So, if it's all vibrational, then it's all amenable. … Continue reading Vibrational
Universe
Looked at in a different way, the word universe can be broken down into two words, uni + verse, or one song. And that's the mystical truth behind it all. Everything in this universe is all connected. It's all a part of the same one song. As the Scooby-Doo gang would say, That's pretty groovy.
Tools
Tools can help you fix things, and also build new creations. But even the best tools still need your input. Without you, those tools can't fix or build anything.
See It
One of my all time favorite book titles is Wayne Dyer's, You'll See It When You Believe It. I love how he turned a popular saying upside down, and in doing so, expertly explained the truth to creation. Your beliefs create the world you see. It isn't the other way around. And anyway, why would … Continue reading See It
Respect
Respect is just like any other gift. You can't give it to others, if you don't have it yourself. And, you certainly won't be able to receive it from anyone, if you don't already have self-respect. Respect will take you far in this world. But first, start with right where you are.
Personal
In Don Miguel Ruiz' classic, "The Four Agreements," the second agreement is Don't take anything personally. It's a powerful stance to take. And there's truth to it. We all see the world through our own individual perspective, so there's no way to know exactly what others perceive. Just like nobody else will ever know exactly … Continue reading Personal
Only
The only thing you need to focus on, ever, is this very moment. Because you only ever have this moment. And, now it's gone. But that's okay, because now you have this moment. But you only have it for a moment. It's worth investing your energy and awareness in it, rather than wasting them on … Continue reading Only
Nobody
Nobody else will ever know exactly what you're going through. And nobody really cares, because frankly they're going through their own distinctive experience. But that's why it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, even the ones you really love. And especially the ones you're afraid of. They just don't know. Nobody does. So, let them … Continue reading Nobody
Mistakes
Mistakes happen. In fact, they should happen. They're the best teachers. As long as you pay attention. Don't be too proud to allow yourself to make mistakes. Don't wallow in them either. Do the best that you can, and when you make a mistake learn from it. That way, you'll do even better next time.
Lead with Kindness
Life can be tough. There's a lot of ugliness in the world. Don't be swayed by it. Don't be discouraged by it. But most importantly, don't contribute to it. Lead your life in dignity with kindness. Show the world how important that is.
Keep Growing
Keep growing, stay curious, keep learning. You're never done until you're done. And you'll never know it all. That's a good thing, because you should never be fully certain. Being certain means there's no room for growth. Being certain closes the mind. It kills it. The end of growth means the beginning of decay. It … Continue reading Keep Growing
Justify
If you need to resort to tactics, like deflecting and blaming in order to justify your actions, chances are really good that your actions are misguided at best. Tonight I watched a movie star walk up on stage and assault a comedian for making a crass joke about his wife, then proceed to berate him … Continue reading Justify
Inner Work
Isn't is such a relief that all results have to come from the inner work that you do? It has to be done or understood within yourself first, before it can become a reality in the outer world. That's such a relief because the only thing you really have any control over is your inner … Continue reading Inner Work
Happiness
Is there any more worthy goal than happiness? Happiness should be what we all strive for in all of our choices. There's just one important factor to be sure and consider. Your happiness should never be at the expense of someone else's. Choose happiness, but all at once make sure it doesn't infringe on anyone … Continue reading Happiness
Give Thanks
The best way to feel abundant is to generously give to others. It simply teaches you that you are abundant enough to be generous. Gratitude is also a powerful practice to feel abundant. Mash these two concepts together, and you will give thanks. Giving thanks is a wonderful way to feel abundant and lift those … Continue reading Give Thanks
Free Will
It's worth taking a beat to consider the validity of a dogma professing that free will is given, when you must make a certain choice or else you'll suffer dire consequences. How free is a so-called free will, when it seems more like an order?
Easy
A lot of people seem to jump through hoops and sacrifice their stability and health all in the pursuit of getting by on an easy way. But if you're doing all of that, how easy is it really? It may seem easier to eat prepackaged, processed foods, but it's not so easy when it ends … Continue reading Easy
Dreams
They say that a dream is a wish your heart makes. I believe it, because when you dream you are in the domain of your subconscious. And your subconscious is the authority on what your heart truly desires. So, dream away. And then, work to bring that wish to light in your waking hours.
Creativity
We are all creative, because being human is being a creator. We create the lives we lead, and everything that they entail. There's power in remembering this. Because if there is anything in your life that you don't want anymore, than you can create again.
Bravery
I'm sure we would all like to be thought of as heroes, bravely facing monsters and fearlessly protecting our loved ones. But it's important to remember a really important point about bravery. Bravery is facing adversity despite being afraid. It's not about being fearless. It's about not letting the fear stop you. And sometimes the … Continue reading Bravery
All Good
When you can get to a place where you automatically look for the good, you'll find that life is so much better. Because in the end, it can be all good, even the bad. The bad only points you to the opposite, which is the good. That is, if you look for it. Look for … Continue reading All Good
Like a Fox! 