Create Newsletter

1. Announcements/Offers

(From David) Do you struggle with insomnia?
I’m personally taking on five clients who are having trouble sleeping for more than a month. This is so I can pass on to others how I healed myself from this scary and debilitating condition. Price will be no barrier for these five positions – you’ll pay whatever you can afford.

Please email me directly at david (AT) getpaidforwhoyouare.com, telling me your current situation and 3 month goal that would light you up!

I’d also appreciate you forwarding this invitation to any friends with insomnia and/or anxiety.

2. FEATURE: Should there be more to life than this?

I was sitting unhappily with the thoughts:

“My life is not enough”

“This is not enough”

“There should be more to life than this”

More money. More partnership. More energy. More contribution. More success. More sex. More fulfilment.

If I had more of those things, my life would surely be perfect.

And then it started to dawn on me just a glimpse of the experiences that were actually available to me: right here, right now, this second.

I considered all the things I could do in my house in the next 5 minutes that might feel good or be fun. Then I thought of several things I could do within 5 minutes walk of my house that would be interesting. Then I thought of everything I could do within a 30 minutes drive or bus of my house – things that cost no money, or less than $5.

Then I thought of all the people I could invite over, or go and visit within a 30 minute radius, and multiplied this number by the number of activities I could do, I had an extraordinary number of people/activity combinations (e.g. Walk in the park with myself, make pancakes with Brenda). When I included phone calls as an activity, that included pretty much everyone I knew in the world.

I then considered how many movies I could watch – which would transport me into other worlds. Or the number of day dreams I could have to create my own worlds. Or the number of books I could read to learn or feel.

I considered the sunshine, the smoke of a log fire, the feel of rain on hot skin, the thrill of a volleyball game, calling to contribute to someone who’s lonely – even when I am too, and the simple joy of peek-a-boo with a neighbor’s child.

Most of this not even requiring money.

In any second we have an almost infinite number of experiences available to us – most of them not even requiring money.

What’s fascinating is that my mind is still able to hold the thought: “There should be more to life”…

And to actually believe it.

“There should be more to life”. Do you agree? Or disagree?

What, if anything, is shifting for you right now?

***

Action

Post at the comments below if you agree or disagree with the phrase, “There should be more to life” and share any shifts for you.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the comments below.

3. The Personal Touch

Well – it’s been SO long since the last issue.

I put my EVERYTHING into a book launch. What went well: raised $60,000 for Rainforest Foundation and One Laptop Per Child; self published a high quality book; raised profile and platform, including strong media mentions; contributed to thousands of lives; pioneered a new type of viral technique (with the google pin maps); developed loads of new content and product. What didn’t go well: Made a slight financial loss overall due to various reasons including investing $150,000 in the project to start with! And I burned myself out. But I’m glad I did it – I needed to get that out of my system. And it may ultimately make a profit in the looooong run.

Now I’m in a quiet/vacation mode waiting to see what energy arises next. What’s been coming through consistently is to help people cure their insomnia (and anxiety). I just took on one insomnia coaching client who is already having huge breakthroughs, and I’ve created 4 more coaching slots where I’ll take on people with serious insomnia for whatever they can afford. If this is you, just email me directly at david@getpaidforwhoyouare.com. I’d also appreciate you forwarding to any friends with insomnia, and inviting them to contact me.

Love, David

You can get on the Create a Life You Love newsletter list by going to: www.SolutionBox.com/freedownload.htm

Photo by Marc Smith

1. Announcements/Offers

Turn your annual income into monthly income

Get this free tele-training by Alex Mandossian, who has trained me, so you can discover the fastest, easiest and most reliable way to turn your annual income into a monthly income in 3 years or less, no matter what economy we are in.

http://www.TeleseminarSolution.com

2. FEATURE: Skeletons in Your Closet?

Proudly reprinted from issue 24

***

You want real freedom? More than you ever imagined? Then read this article.

(You might want to print this one out as it’s longer than usual)

Do you have skeletons in your closet?

Of course you do; we all do.

I’ll define a ‘skeleton’ as anything you’ve done in the past that you feel was wrong, feel bad about, would like the world not to know, or are still hiding. Let’s start with the easy ones…

What do you regret, but have never apologised for? What are you still carrying guilt about? Who do you never want to bump into, because you feel uncomfortable about something? Is there something you are worried someone might find out some day?

Think about it – absolutely anything about you or what you have done that you are hiding? I invite you to pause now for 5 minutes and make a list. Trust me – it will be worth it.

Now before we jump into how to free yourself once and for all from these ‘skeletons’, let’s go even deeper so we cover everything. Have you ever stolen something that was never publicly known? Have you had an affair that is still secret? Are you terrified people will find out you are gay? Did you ever take advantage of someone? What lie did you tell that has not been found out? Only you can know what you have been carrying around – let’s add it to the list.

And I promise you – no matter how small or how big, you CAN be free of it.

How Can We Be Free of Our Skeletons?

Now how can we be free of these deeds of the past? I’ve heard a lot of rationalization about how we should just ‘let go of it’, or write a letter and burn it, or some other action that bypasses dealing with the person who was involved. Oh – and check out this great line to try and justify doing nothing: ‘It doesn’t really bother me’. If you haven’t thought about it in 3 years, then fine. If you honestly feel good about it, then fine. If not – then consider you’ve just gotten used to this like a heavy weight on your back. You’ve probably forgotten what life was like without it!

In fact – I’ve tried to justify most of these myself at some time in the past! This is because telling the person involved and/or my parents or my partner, was the LAST THING I WANTED TO DO. I was of course hiding my skeletons for a reason:

I was scared of the consequences of people finding out. If I look back at all my skeletons in the past, I was afraid of being made fun of, being yelled at, being bad mouthed in public, being embarrassed in front of a group, being ostracized by society, and even going to prison.

(I’ll share an example in Part II).

I invite you to write down (yes, now) the consequences you could face by getting free of this skeleton or weight. It’s a critical step on the way to moving through it.

The Secret

Come clean and tell the truth to the person you most fear telling. In fact – that’s how you know they are the right person to tell. Because that’s where the fear lies that stops you soaring in life. That’s your demon to confront before you may grow.

Yes – this is a radical approach. Many people die with their skeletons, and with the heavy fear of being found out. However, if you come clean, if you are extraordinarily bold, if you decide that living with your head held high and the peace of true integrity is more important than anything else in life….

If you risk everything you hold dear to tell the truth, then your growth and peace will be unsurpassed.

Take a look inside. Are you stirred right now to clean something up? If so – then the best time to do it is now. If you choose to risk the consequences – if you choose personal freedom over fear of consequences, then pick up the phone and come what may.

WARNING: While the consequences are often pleasant, this can in no way be guaranteed. The whole point of this is you may face some unpleasant consequences – which is exactly WHY you’ve been hiding it. Some of the worst things I can imagine are: you could lose for example your partner, your family, your business, your life, or go to gaol (jail). If cleaning this up could have legal consequences, I recommend consulting a lawyer so that you know what you are dealing with. And then you can make your choice.

If you find it too big to clean up right now – if the fear has too great a hold on you – bear in mind that this can be handled a couple of ways. It can be over in 5 minutes from now – sometimes with shallow breath and sweaty hands. Or – it can be a process.

It took me two years to finally clear my biggest skeleton with my close family, and the person involved. The choice is yours.

Perhaps today I’ve planted a seed in you that will grow with time. Or perhaps I’ll hear from you in the next 24 hours with what’s happened at the blog !

*****************************************

FEATURE PART II: ‘My Skeleton’

To reassure you that you are not alone in this, I’m going to give you an example of a difficult skeleton I cleaned up in my life, how I did it, and the result I got.

Once every six months I would drive past the residential college at which I boarded when I was eighteen. And each time I would feel a tiny twinge of guilt at what I had done.

While a student, I had taken the sign from the front of the college. In fact I did it twice! (Two separate signs). The signs were never returned. At the time, being drunk and with friends, it seemed like a daring adventure. In some circles I was a hero, and the college never found out. More recently, however, it felt like vandalism plain and simple – and I felt ashamed of it.

I must have mentioned it on three separate occasions to my partner at the time, who finally said ‘Why don’t you clean the damn thing up and stop bugging me?’

I think it took another 6 months for me to decide I was willing to risk, and accept the possible consequences of cleaning this up – embarrassment, fines, ostracism from a community, and even a police record. And in return? Integrity, truth, and knowing I was doing the right thing by another human being(s).

With racing heart I dialed the phone number of the college, and asked to speak to the current Principal whom I’d never met. (Heads up: in these calls the person is NEVER available first time. Nature’s way of making you sweat it out. )

After introducing myself I said something like this: ‘Sir, you may find this a very unusual call. I did something a long time ago that I’m not proud of, and I’m calling to clean it up. I stole a sign from the college and never gave it back. And to make matters worse – I did it twice. Can you please tell me what these things cost so I can reimburse the college?’

As you might imagine there was a period of silence. His first question was to ask when this happened. His surprise came clearly through the phone when I answered 1989! He then seemed intensely interested to know what would motivate me to make such a call after fourteen years. I explained that I had found that every time I had cleaned something up in my life, I felt better about myself. And the scarier and more uncomfortable the clean up – the more freedom I gained in my life.

He gave me a figure and we arranged a donation to the college to cover it. (And he said my timing was impeccable, as they had just lost another sign!) To my great relief, that was it.

The Result

I don’t promise that the results will always be what you want. But in this case:

1) I felt absolutely fantastic – an enormous high
2) The college got a new sign
3) Two weeks later I received a personal invitation from the Principal to attend an opening ceremony for a new wing of the college, and to view the new sign! (I hadn’t been welcome in that college for 14 years, so I felt wonderful to be invited to such an event.)
4) Would you believe the Prime Minister of Australia was speaking at the ceremony? And – with perhaps 300 people attending, and I was one of the few people to be personally introduced. The press photographer happened to snap this pic: www.life-coaching-resource.com/pmpic.htm

It’s weird huh? I called to clean something up, and ended up meeting the leader of my country.

Bear this in mind: life is FOR you, not against you. When you clean something up, it always works out in the long run. The more fearful you are, the greater the growth. And if you get consequences you don’t like – there’s your chance for even more growth.

***

Action

1) So go on. Start small if you like. Or start big and work down. Make your lists as described in Part I and pick up the phone!

2) If you’d like, go to the blog and share what you experience was with cleaning up.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

I’m working on my book and will come out of my cave shortly.

Love,

David

Announcements/Offers

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Use coupon code “awedavid” at check out to receive a $50 discount on these valuable CD’s and workbook.

Authentic Woman Experience

The Road

Check out my video poem:

http://life-coaching-resource.com/blog/2009/07/poem-the-road/

What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

I was SO impressed by Greg getting 7 MILLION views on youtube, and by his commitment to saving the planet, that I reached out to him
personally.

Back then he told me he’d write a book, and he has!

It’s available, it’s making waves, and it just might be the tipping point to having us really make changes in caring for the planet.

I encourage you to get his book, and buy ten copies as gifts for your friends.

Visit gregcraven.org to order the book (link on the top of the right
hand column).

2. FEATURE: Word of Truth

This is an excerpt from Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho.

***

A Warrior of the Light is reliable.

He makes a few mistakes, he sometimes thinks he is more important than he really is, but he does not lie.  

When people gather around the fire, he talks to his friends, male and female.  He knows that his words are stored in the memory of the Universe, like a testimony of what he thinks.

The Warrior asks himself: “Why do I talk so much, when often I am incapable of carrying out everything I say?”

His heart replies: “When you defend your ideas in public, you then have to make an effort to live accordingly.”

It is because he believes that he is what he says he is that the Warrior ends up becoming precisely that.

***

Action

1) What can you do to become more true to your word?

2) Who do you want to say you are?

3) Go to the blog and share your ideas.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

I’m excited as I write this. Things are flowing with my publicity campaign (to promote the upcoming book) that sometimes seems ‘pie in the sky’, and sometimes seems inevitable. (see http://tinyurl.com/bestjob2) Had calls today with Microsoft, the American Heart Association, and a division of Web.com. And things are still alive with AARP and the American Cancer Society. I’m a little giddy with the potential players and numbers we’re talking about, and keep being surprised I’m having realistic, adult conversations with some of the biggest, most respected organizations on the planet. What an entirely new world.

The last few days I’ve only set 1 or two small work tasks and let the rest of the day flow with whatever I want to do. I really quite like it. It started with reading and chess and movies, and somehow has ended in high powered phone conversations. I’m loving my home in Mill Valley, my friends, Sweat Your Prayers, bughouse chess (I’m a little addicted….when I study something I really study it), dating….life is good and I feel blessed.

Love,

David

1. Announcements/Offers

5 Free tickets to the LA Conference
I was just told they’ve decided to give the speakers 5 free tickets. I’d love to meet some of you.

Criteria: You must be 100% definite that you can and will go to the whole conference. And post on my wall at facebook how it will help you and your business:
http://tinyurl.com/ozgnrc

(see www.SolutionBox.com/superseminar.htm )

How to Build Profound Connections With Your Client

Have you ever felt an instantaneous connection with a prospect? A connection so powerful that you instantly knew that this person would be your client?

How would you like to learn how to create those moments intentionally? You can, by learning the art of deep and profound connections. Learn more in the free video below:

http://www.OneTasteConnection.com/Build-Your-Practice

2. FEATURE: Money – The Lie Revealed

Note: I thought this was a timely issue, so I have reprinted from Create #7

Summary: It’s probably not what you’re after at all (and you think it is).

When you’re clear on WHY, and HOW MUCH, getting money can be easier, and much more fun. Focus on the REASON for money! What lifestyle do you want? How much is enough?

Suppose you got clear today that your ultimate lifestyle would be to sail around the world visiting exotic ports. Would you work 20-30 years to make that a reality? What about having it right now, and skipping the 20-30 years of work? Would it be smarter to quit your job and get a job on a luxury yacht traveling the world? Is money as necessary as we were told growing up?

Have you fallen for the Trap?

We’re trained and conditioned that making money and accumulating wealth is the game. Many backpackers have learned a different one.

It is possible to live for NOW enjoying everything there is to enjoy now, rather than in the future. But what about the future you ask????!!

Well, tomorrow never comes. You’re always here.

The trap to watch is saving hard; working hard for a lifestyle that you could have RIGHT NOW if you chose! I realised that what I would do if I had a lot of money, is to live in New York for six months of each year, and on Sydney Harbour the rest of the year. Summer all year round! When I realized I don’t have to wait for this, I can have it right now, I stopped thinking someday my life will be complete.

So write down your ideal lifestyle – the one you’re working so hard for.

The one you would have if you won the lottery next week.

Do you already have these things now? If YES then you have NOTHING to do! Your life is perfect, start realising it!

Can you have these right now? If YES then it’s time to have them.

No waiting. Live for now!

If NO, then what’s standing in the way? If you need more money, then follow this process:

a) write down the reason you need more money

b) how much is needed for that and by when (the numbers)?

c) how will I get there (income expenses = savings).

Decrease expenses game? Increase income game?

Conclusion

Get clear on your ultimate lifestyle or goal. See if you can have it without money, and right now! If money really is necessary, get clear on HOW MUCH is needed. Only THEN, once clear on WHY and HOW MUCH, are you in a position to get that money, and to enjoy getting it!

Beware of sacrificing everything now, for a future that is unclear, may not make you happy anyway, and which you may not even live to see!

***

Action

1) Write down your ideal lifestyle or goal.

2) Is there a way to have this right now, without waiting for more money?

3) If you get stuck, share your goal or lifestyle want at the blog. Maybe someone else has an idea that you hadn’t thought of.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

I did www.mypartnershipseminar.com for the second time last weekend and it blew my mind – again. The very next day I had my first conversation with a potential sponsor – Microsoft. I’m now ready to approach 20 sponsors and another 20 non profits – ramp it up baby!

Life continues to be idyllic in my new rooftop office in Mill Valley, and I experienced my first “family constellation” – intense!

Love, David

1. Announcements/Offers

Join me in Los Angeles!

As a speaker at this great event, I’ll share about creating more money by living your passion. I promise you’ll leave with tools to create the job of your dreams – specifically how to put your passion into an information product to generate passive revenue for yourself. Plus it will be a chance for us to connect and talk. Join me and 17 other speakers covering Spirituality & Wisdom, Growing Your Business, Visionary Leadership, Integral Awareness, Empowering Relationships and more.

Click to see your invitation for The Answer Super Seminar II

Discover your Zone of Genius

The Big Leap shows you how to discover your Zone of Genius, which allows you to experience continuous waves of organic good feeling, abundant wealth and genuine love. Buy the book today during the official launch celebration and get your name entered into a drawing for a $10,000 day of consulting with Gay (which includes two one-hour follow-up sessions), receive special rewards for buying multiple copies and lots of exciting gifts from friends who are helping with the launch.

I urge you to get the book today and put its magic to work for you!

Learn more here:  www.hendricks.com/bigleap

O.P.E.N. Our Presence Evolving Now Body, Mind & Spirit Retreat Hawaii – May 14 -18th 2009

Discover simple techniques to transform barriers to freedom in all areas of your life, clear phobias, transform limiting beliefs, open yourself to joy & bliss consistently, daily yoga, massage, vibrational healing and Chi Nei Tsang.

www.TheCandleOpera.com

2. FEATURE: Silence Before Battle

This is an excerpt from Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho:

The Warrior of the Light recognizes the silence that precedes an important battle.

The silence says “Things have stopped.  Why not forget about fighting and enjoy yourself a little.”  At this point, inexperienced combatants lay down their arms and complain that they are bored.

The Warrior listens intently to that silence and understands that somewhere something is happening.  He knows that devastating earthquakes arrive without warning.  He has walked through forests at night and knows that it is precisely when the animals are silent that danger is near. 

While the others talk, the Warrior trains himself in the use of the sword and keeps his eye on the horizon.

***

Action

1) Are you in a period of silence? How are you preparing?

2) What’s your positive interpretation of this passage?

3) Go to the blog and share your ideas.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

The book proposal is with several publishers right now, with a kick-ass marketing plan, and I honestly think NOT getting a great offer could be the best thing, because I’m so tempted to self publish. But fingers crossed for a big offer, and we’ll see which way it goes.

I’m almost full time now creating ‘The Best Job On Earth’ project, and am in discussions with the Sierra Club, Rotary International, Tourism Queensland, and hopefully soon…Microsoft, Google and Apple. Sometimes it feels overwhelming and my gremlin says “How could you ever pull off something so big”, but response has been very positive, and I’m excited. (One non profit has already offered $5000 per month in PPC advertising!). You can get updates at www.davidsfacebook.com and http://twitter.com/solutionbox.

I’ve saved the best ’til last…..after a very bumpy year and significant doubts, I’ve manifested the most amazing partner I can imagine. I’ll write a partial list of qualities here (and you might want to get a cup of tea as it’s not short :-). She’s intelligent (smarter than me), has a huge heart, helps others (works with homeless families), loves to laugh, has a wicked mind (and enjoys messing with people’s heads), sensitive, emotionally aware, super-conscious, high-high-level communicator (tells on herself, reveals the hard stuff), beautiful, sexy, loves nature and dancing, supportive, generous, creative, understanding, and willing to feel uncomfortable feelings. She’s a natural yes to commitment and monogamy – and – she absolutely adores me. Ever get everything you ever wanted, and more? It’s confronting. And I accept! (the love-sick puppy I am, I made a video for her – you can see the public/sanitized version here

Love, David

1. Announcements/Offers

What is Your Purpose?

Join me as I talk to life purpose expert Tim Kelley about how you can find your True Purpose.

In fact, he’s so good at this, I just hired him to help me clarify MY purpose. This stuff can be radical and groundbreaking.

Reserve your free spot:

http://tinyurl.com/b6nks4

Join me on Twitter and Facebook

www.DavidsFaceBook.com and
www.Twitter.com/solutionbox

What People are Saying About ‘First Fifty Clients’?

Simply Brilliant!!!!! I listened to the disc for the first time on Monday and have already booked 45 people for exploratory sessions. I may have to extend my goal to 100 people in 100 days.” – Loretta Digger, UK

“My experience with ‘First Fifty Clients speech’ – I can tell you it works!! Using one of the techniques I’ve found it really impresses people and immediately opens a gap for a conversation. The first 2 people on my list immediately agreed to coaching.” -Herbie Veitch, South Africa Read More

Visit http://www.FirstFiftyClients.com

2. FEATURE: God Dialogue

What if you could talk to God, your higher self, your inner wisdom, or your subconscious?
(Perhaps you already do….)

The word God is used so much, sometimes I like Reality Universe and God, or RUG 🙂 I’m not in the slightest bit religious, but let’s use the word God because it sounds really cool.

How would God respond to you?

Would you get answers to your questions? Would you get the ultimate guidance? Or would there just be ….crickets? (ummm…that’s silence)

This is my God dialogue written during one of the most challenging times in my life….last year. I was trying to decide whether or not to start taking medication, and was beating myself up about it. This dialogue really surprised me.

It’s longer than most of my articles. Just read as much as you need to get the idea. And….if you’re someone who tends to push yourself beyond your limits….if you’re sometimes hard on yourself….then I invite you to read every word.

And then pick an issue you’re wrestling with, and try it yourself!
(You might even be game enough to post it on the blog for us 🙂

D: There’s something wrong with me. I’m broken

GOD: How can something be wrong with you? You simply are. Where do you think those judgments come from? Your ego. Is that really what you want to listen to? It would seem that’s what’s causing the suffering.

D: Other people don’t go through this – shaking and screaming and crying and panicking and not sleeping for weeks on end. I must be different; I must be broken.

GOD: Have you looked around you? A huge percentage of people are on some kind of numbing medication so they don’t fully confront their feelings. Addiction is rampant to medication, drugs, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, nicotine, sex, TV, work – and suppression of feeling leading to disease. Unfortunately my friend, you have removed all of these from your life, leaving you to be with you, and whatever there is that is ready to be felt.

D: But what’s causing all this? Why do I have fear in the middle of the night? I have some ideas, but what if they are not right?

GOD: Who cares? The ego does. Your mind wants to work everything out. How’s that working for you?

D: OK, even if you’re God, there’s no need to be a smart ass. It’s sucking as a method right now.

GOD: Ok then. So notice your mind wanting to work it out, and just let it try. Just keep watching it. You’ll never know for sure. Even if you feel certain, it might not be it. And in the end it doesn’t matter. What matters is what you’re feeling, and what actions you choose. You ready to have some fun with it?

D: Oh yes.

GOD: When people ask you what the reason is, tell them you’re afraid of tigers. That you know it’s not rational, but you’re really worried a tiger might have escaped from the nearest zoo 500 miles away and made it’s way outside your bedroom window.

D: Um…thanks. Now…

I think I should be able to surrender to everything, to open to the fear and panic, and maybe even feel some kind of peace or bliss at the end.

GOD: Firstly, you’ve had enormous success with that, and you have found feelings of peace around it.

Secondly, stop ‘shoulding’ all over yourself. Again – where does that judgment come from? What divinity told you you SHOULD be anything?

D: Maybe I’m so close to some kind of pop into enlightenment – the worse it gets, the more likely the pop. Surely I have to keep going so I have this holy grail.

GOD: Is that your higher self telling you that you HAVE to do this? Or your ego?

D: But doesn’t it make me a failure if I stop now and take medication?

GOD: I think we’ve covered this. Plus…

Who says you are stopping? Do you think your feelings will stop, or life will stop giving you challenges?

Also, it depends how you define the game. If the goal was to never experience anxiety for the rest of your life, killing yourself would be more certain. However if the goal was to go deeper than you have before, and face your deepest fear head on, then it would seem to me that you have won your game. If your goal was to move through the fear until you feel a sense of peace, have you forgotten you have done that several times over? In one case you had several days of peace, and felt good and comfortable and happy – again, a win.

I suggest you seriously take a look at the yard stick you’re using to assess your success.

D: I believe conquering a fear leads to more freedom, and a good way to conquer a fear is to face it, be with it, go into it.

GOD: These are true. And yet, consider how much freedom you’re feeling right now after 5 weeks of this. Does your sense of freedom increase by continuing, or by making a choice to alter the path. Do you really have freedom to choose?

And by your logic, what are you going to do about your fear of medication? Your fear of losing control to the medication. Are you willing to face that fear and go into it?

And more importantly – If you had one minute or one week to live, maybe you would choose to face all your fears instantly for the ultimate freedom. Would you?

D: No way, I’d want to walk in fields full of flowers, and have friends waiting for me at the end of the day.

GOD: Right. You want to enjoy life. Why are you screwing around with all this enlightenment bullshit. Oh sure – take the ride and push the boundaries and see what’s on the other side. That’s largely who you are. But is your ENTIRE life about that?

D: No. . I’m feeling right now that balance is important. I want to play the spiritual-push-back-my-boundaries game, and I want to play the this-is-fun-let’s-play game. And I guess I choose which one I want to play, and when.

GOD: By God (and I’m allowed to say that), I think he’s getting it.

And here’s the other thing for you, and I want you to listen closely. Even if your goal is to face all your fears before you die, don’t you think it’s kind of handy that I’ve given you a life expectancy of 72 years? (And for you I might be a little more lenient). Did I ever say you have to face all your fear in one sitting? At one time? Do you think it might be OK to take on as much as you’re willing to in one go, and then come back to it when you’re ready? If a coaching client of yours was afraid of public speaking, she did all the preparation leading to the speech, even did a couple of speeches while terrified, and then stopped for a while because she felt it was too much to handle, would you condemn her?

D: No, I’d congratulate her on the awesome work to even move in the direction of speaking. And to actually do a couple of speeches and feel all the feelings is a huge win. At some point, if it’s right for her, she’ll come back to it, and it’s likely that in the meantime she’ll be receiving the right information at the right time that will prepare her for that. Wow! That was me! I did national speeches, but stopped because it didn’t feel good and I was too scared. But I always knew I’d come back to it, and when I did it was to 1000 people and I felt 100% present and ‘on’.

GOD: I’m glad you’re getting it.

D: What if this is the wrong decision to take medication?

GOD: How can anything really be wrong? Each decision simply takes you on a different path and gives you different experiences. You have forgotten that the power of choice is one of the greatest gifts you have; you may as well revel in it. You choose, and then take responsibility for the consequences – as a villain, not a victim.

And it’s not like this is a one-shot deal. If you take the medication, at any point you can decide to stop. And if you don’t take the medication, at any point you can decide to start.

You can also consider yourself a researcher – trying different things and experimenting to see what works for you.

I’m also wondering, do you know anyone who you respect who has used medication successfully?

D: Actually yes. I know some people who share my values and are living really wonderful lives. Two are using medication now, and some have used it for a time in the past, successfully. Oh…and I guess I’m one of them. I used it before and it worked really well. The only reason I stopped is because I wanted to learn more, and don’t want to take anything that’s not necessary, but it worked perfectly.

GOD: Hmmm – sounds like you should really be worried.

Look – choose not based on right or wrong, but on the experience you wish to have.

D: Well that’s easy. Right now I wish to have ease in my life. I wish to appreciate me, my family and friends, and to be present to love and joy.

But medication isn’t natural – what if it distorts things in a bad way?

GOD: Maybe it will. But did you hesitate to take novocain at the dentist, or general anesthetic during your appendectomy?

D: Well no, but the doctor prescribed and supervised that, and everybody agrees with that.

Oh….the doctors are also prescribing and supervising this…..thank you, I get it.

Let’s see what else I’ve got here….Oh..

I’m worried that I’ll revert to square one if I take medication now, losing all the gain I’ve made, and will have to go through every single experience all over again just to get to this point and re-choose.

GOD: Are you kidding? Yes, given there’s something here you’re afraid of, it’s quite possible it will resurface at some point. But you’ve made incredible strides. A year ago you thought two nights without sleep would send you into constant anxiety attacks and insanity; now you’ve gone into the depths and learned you’re OK. You’ve increased your range of sensation enormously. You’ve found a new relationship to tiredness and to anxiety. You’ve learned you can go through a whole night feeling intensely uncomfortable sensations, and invite them in to the point they feel pleasurable. You’ve learned that in the midst of sensation that would normally have you miserable, you can actually have a really good time. You’ve learned you have depth of emotion and feeling you may never be able to comprehend. You know there is deep past pain within you, and have learned how to release it. You can now reach out to people for support, and show yourself in a way you never did before. You glimpse that there’s a part of you that is steady, solid and aware in the midst of panic and exhaustion and even depression. You’ve glimpsed your amazing arrogance that has set you above and apart from people, and now suspect that every human being has incredible potential for suffering, and to handle suffering. You’ve glimpsed how much your mind has run the whole show, generating emotions, which generate more thoughts etc. These, and other such glimpses have prepared you for other insights to come….kind of like we’re paving the way. You can feel more in your body now – the lows, and the highs, while before this you didn’t even know where your body was unless you had to masturbate. You have practiced feeling into your inner energy field, and living a little more in your body, instead of 100% in your mind – what a step. You sometimes remember that a feeling of anxiety or depression is just a feeling, something going on right now – it’s not your world, and that it will pass. You’ve gone into areas that you were never willing to look at before, and come through the other side. Your deep compassion for people who are suffering has been re-awakened. This experience has your full attention – you’re now more interested in people, in nature, and in service. Am I boring you yet?

D: Ummm….thanks. I get it. What else…..

I’m worried the medication may not work.

GOD: Newsflash! You’re worried about pretty much everything right now – that’s part of the habit/biochemistry that’s operating. Why should this be any different? Being worried about the medication not working is exactly what the medication is designed to alleviate.“I’m too scared to take my anti-anxiety medication!”. Can you hear the entire universe chuckling?

And if it doesn’t work, you’re no worse off than you are now, so this worry doesn’t need to affect your decision.

D: What if I take the pills for 6 months, they work, but when I go off them I have anxiety and insomnia again? And I hear there’s a withdrawal that can be rough.

GOD: Firstly, you’ll have had 6 wonderful months of living! Secondly, you will have rested your system, perhaps ready and willing to dive into a new challenge afresh. Thirdly, you know on some level that you can handle it, it’s just been occurring as very unpleasant to you. Fourthly, every time you have an episode like this, you learn something; you get stronger.

Regarding the withdrawal, just knowing it is coming, and choosing when, makes a world of difference, don’t you think? You can set up extra support ahead of time.

And if you’re smart, you’ll use the 6 months of feeling good to bring some practices into your life that may shift your energy, and help you in the future. If you like, consider them an experiment. What would be smart practices to cultivate?

D: – 1 hour of exercise every, single, day- more time in nature, including living surrounded by quiet and trees- therapy to bring out the underlying issues troubling my psyche (now would seem a good time since they are so close to the surface)

– Developing practices to manage the anxiety. Examples are Qi Gong or Tai Chi, a relaxation/hypnosis technique, meditation, ‘The Work’ by Byron Katie, and Emotional Freedom Technique. IMPORTANT: Developing the practices while I’m feeling good is much easier than trying to learn them during periods of panic.

– exploring service to others, face to face- devote more energy to interaction in groups, and less to the independent lone-wolf approach

– practice bringing my awareness to my body’s inner energy field, and focus on what’s happening in the moment, as a way of withdrawing energy from the mind (i.e. Power of Now)

I would pick 2 or 3 as my main focus, and dabble in the rest. If they don’t shift the core of what’s troubling me, they will at least strengthen my foundation and give me more skills to draw on when life brings me an intense situation.

GOD: Now that’s really smart.

Of course, if you’re not smart, when you feel good on the medication you may forget all this and simply play, and we’ll have this conversation again the next time these feelings come up. Sound familiar?

D: I got it. Thanks God. I’m on it.

***

Action

1) Write your own God dialogue.

2) Post your dialogue on the blog. You can do it anonymously if you wish.

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

We just had an AMAZING housewarming in Mill Valley with 50 people climbing their way into the Eagle’s Nest, also known as The Harry Potter House and Rivendell. (http://tinyurl.com/eaglesnestvid) And I have a wonderful roommate in the gorgeous, conscious Magalie. San Francisco is awesome, and I’m starting to have some fun dates.

I hung with the TLC (www.tlc8.com) in Hawaii, and met some really cool people including Yakov Smirnoff, a hilarious comedian. I love this guy.

Regarding the book: I’m currently lining up promotional support a year in advance of it coming out (lots of people jumping on the bandwagon!)

Oh – and it’s back to the previous title: “Get Paid For Who You Are”. You guys voted, and that came out way ahead. My agent feels it’s going to reach a much broader audience, and is now ready to shop it around. I’m holding him up because I want to land some concrete deals to prove the promotional support this going to have. (What I’m planning is both fun and mind blowing – more on that later).

This month we launch a powerful DVD of my speech to 1,000 people at Harv Eker’s conference in Orlando. I’m excited to inspire several thousand people with this launch – it will definitely set some of you on fire, so keep your eyes open.

I’m working with Tim Kelly on clarifying my purpose, and am REALLY excited now that I see how I can serve non profits and promote volunteerism. I had the big flash in this amazing seminar (www.MyPartnershipSeminar.com) which was so powerful, I’m practically ready to drop every marketing method I’ve used until now and apply this. Brendon Burchard is a fast rising star, a killer presenter, awesome guy, and I’m now applying his strategies every day.

“Serve the World Mondays” continue to be fun.

Love!

David