5 Books to Read on the Quest For a Better Life

When I was thinking about writing on this subject, I thought about how subjective this actually is. Anyone who is on the quest for a better life most likely has their bookshelves overflowing with "self-help" or "personal growth" books. And if you're just beginning the journey on your quest for a better life, then you may be looking for someone to help you find the best books out of the thousands that shout down at you from the bookshelves in the personal growth section of your local bookstore.

You may also have gotten recommendations from friends and associates claiming, "You've got to read this book. It's changed my life!"So either you said, "I'm so happy for you," and ignored their request, or you ran to the bookstore or Amazon.com, bought the book, only to leave it languishing on your already full bookshelf. Or you read it and said, "What's the big deal? I don't get it."

Therefore, choosing a reading list for you is a difficult task. The books we read are a very personal choice. We listen to recommendations, yet, what affects others may not affect us in the same way. Additionally, your quest might be to improve your physical well-being, your wealth, your relationships, your business, or your mental or emotional health. Whatever your focus is on, will ultimately determine the books that will have the greatest impact on you.

That said, the ones I have chosen are classics, so millions of people have endorsed them. Still that doesn't mean they will change your life, but they may have some impact on you, at least to get you thinking and reading, and maybe lead you to other books that will support your quest for a better life.

So here is my list. With these 5 books, you can't go wrong. They may become some of your top favorites as well.

You Can Heal Your Life, Louise Hay
Written in 1984, this book on using your thoughts and feelings to affect your health not only is a classic in its genre, but launched the powerful Hay House empire that's published millions of life-changing books. Originally printed as a small booklet, Hay created a list of physical maladies, their probable psychological cause, and a new thought pattern to shift it. For example, most pain in the feet has to do with obstacles in mobility and direction. The new thought is "I move forward easily in life." These thoughts also launched the explosion of the use of affirmations to shift thoughts. The expanded version goes deeper into why we think what we do and how we can heal all areas of our life by changing our thoughts.

Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
Few people in the personal growth movement, or even in business for that matter, have not read Hill's 1937 classic on the use of the mind to improve our financial state. Just the term "think and grow rich" has spawned numerous clones like write and grow rich, speak and grow rich, and meet and grow rich. Hill spent a lifetime researching millionaires and distilled his findings into philosophies and formulas that led the great men he studied to success. He encourages readers that they too can reach the same levels of achievement through the power of thought.

The Power of Intention, Dr. Wayne Dyer
This book may not be on everyone's list of classics in the personal growth field, but Dyer is one of the most prolific authors in this field. His PBS appearances have vaulted him into an almost cult status. His authenticity captures his audiences wherever he appears and jumps off the pages of his many books. I like this book because it takes goal setting to another level. Dyer's definition of intention is: "intention is a force in the universe and everything and everyone is connected to this invisible force." From that place he guides people to allow their dreams to come to them rather that go after them with drive and hard work.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey
Another classic, published in 1989, this book put Covey on the map as a powerful leader in personal change and effectiveness. His groundbreaking book launched memorable buzz words and phrases like "begin with the end in mind," "think win/win," and "seek first to understand, then to be understood." You can't be anything but more effective if you follow the sound, practical guidelines Covey presents.

The Aladdin Factor, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Six years before their Chicken Soup fame, Canfield and Hansen collaborated on this brilliant, yet simple book on how to ask for anything. They teach the reader how to ask, who to ask, and what to ask for. They show you how to ask at home, ask at school, ask at work, ask at the world, ask yourself, and ask a higher power. That about covers it. If you know how to ask, who to ask, and what to ask for in your life, there's virtually nothing you can't have or do. It's a very powerful book you must add to your collection.

All of these books are available at your local library or at www.Amazon.com.

Lifestyle Mentor, Personal Coach, Author, Educator, and Entrepreneur, David B. Bohl is the creator of Slow Down FAST. To learn more about this step-by-step strategy for Living YOUR Life YOUR way, and to sign up for his 9 FREE Tips for Finding Happiness in a Fast-Paced World, free teleseminars, free Special Report, free bi-monthly ezine and more, go to: http://www.SlowDownFAST.com

Time Management in the Workplace - Slow Down and Still Get More Done

Do you know what an overworked machine looks like? It functions at its optimum level right before it finally breaks down.

Does this seem like you?

Has your life turned into one big race to beat the clock? Does it feel like no matter what you do, you can never seem to catch up? Has this pressure to catch up caused you to go into overdrive - working faster and harder - fearing that one day you too might just break down?

Being on overdrive leads us to belief that we are being more productive. However, the reality is, it can be the quite opposite. When you are on overdrive, you are in a "do, do, do!" mode, without being able to slow down and step back.

As a Result, Time Management in the Workplace Suffers.

Instead, step back and slow down. Doing this can be very beneficial to your overall productivity in the workplace. Slowing down allows you to plan so you can do more with less effort and time. It also allows you to think more clearly and strategize better as you are less stressed and have more energy.

So, if you seem to be caught running on all cylinders, yet can't seem to get anything accomplished, it's time to step on the brakes and slow down.

Listed below are useful strategies for time management in the workplace, which you can use to ease yourself out of overdrive, yet still be as productive as you want to be.

Time Management Strategy #1 - Learn to delegate tasks. Whenever possible, delegate less important errands, especially repetitive tasks that can be done by a lower level staff member or assistant. Assigning minor tasks to others gives you extra time to take care of the more important projects and assignments, especially those that are critical for decision making and those that impact the bottom line.

Delegation not only saves you time, but money as well. The less time you waste on petty errands, the more time and money you can save by focusing on the bigger goals. Of course, there will always be tasks that require your attention and personal touch, so focus on those tasks yourself.

Time Management Strategy #2 - Brainstorm. Hold meetings with your staff to brainstorm better time management in the workplace techniques. They may have fantastic ideas that they have not voiced because they were never given the opportunity. Their specific skills and experience puts them in a good position to make thoughtful recommendations on use of time, ease of work, and improving job efficiency. This will encourage your staff to work together as a group to become a more effective, time efficient unit.

Remember, heed smart ideas and give credit where it is due. Otherwise employees will be unwilling to share their ideas in the future.

Time Management Strategy #3 - Go for a Walk. Slowing down means clearing your mind from the cluttering effects of your office. The best way to do this is go outside, walk around, and get some fresh air. This may sound like a waste of time, but it is very effective in de-stressing which plays a big part in easing you out of overdrive.

Also, talking a nice relaxing walk helps you remove all the ancillary worries from your mind that can get in the way of important obligations you have to focus on. By eliminating these distractions, your mind can be freed to better focus on these obligations, be more creative, and hence, be more productive.

In the workplace, it is easy to find ourselves falling into a fast track routine. However, the fast track might not be the right track. Meaning, it might not be the best pace for you to do the things you need to get done. Instead of the fast track, focus on the smart track.

The smart track is to slow down, relax, and plan ahead on ways you can save time. Doing so will allow you to do more without burning out like our overworked machine we mentioned in the first paragraph.

To learn more time management in the workplace strategies and how to achieve a work life balance, visit http://www.selfmadeeasy.com, a self help and personal development company.

Essential Tips For Grandparents

It is often said that the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is totally unique to the general parent/child relationship. As a grandparent, you have all of the benefits of life with a child without the constant day-to-day need to be a disciplinarian, making the relationship one of the most treasured there is. If you wish to further this relationship or improve problems, try the following tips.

Do not just talk.

While the saying may claim it is good to talk, with children this is not always the case. If your interaction with your grandchild is based on you asking questions about their life, this may satisfy your need for knowledge but may actually have an adverse effect on the child. They can feel as if they are being interviewed, and shy away. Instead, get essential answers - such as doctors' results and school reports - from the parents, and make your relationship with the child more fun.

Physical stimulus is the key. Even if you can not run around playing with balls, there is still a lot you can do that will engage the child. For example, if they have a skateboard, a simple request to be shown their latest trick will light the child up totally. Just watching and complimenting is the best way to establish a rapport between you and allow for continuation, and perhaps even develop into a hobby.

Make time for just the two of you.

Many grandparents only spend time with their grandchildren with the child's parents present, for example at family meals and functions. To develop a deeper connection, suggest spending time on your own with the child. Choose an activity or outing you know they will enjoy and do it together. Children often act differently when away from their parents and you may get more out of them by spending time with them alone.

Have something / something that is just for you.

Grandparents can often been seen as just as extension of their parents by children, which is an image you do not want to encourage. It is important to establish yourself as a separate entity, without infringing on the parents general rules and regulations. The most effective way to do this is to establish something that only you and your grandchild do together without parental involvement. If there is a particular hobby or activity that your grandchild wants to try but their parents have not the time or inclination to do, make it "your" thing. This guarantees that whenever the child is reminded of the activity, they will think of you and begin to associate you separately from their parents. Popular activity choices include things that working parents often do not have time for, such as making model aircraft, scrap booking or painting. The feeling of involvement and exclusivity strengthens a grandparent / grandchild relationship tremendously.

All of these issues, while different, address a similar kind of theme - spending time with the child doing what they enjoy. If you try, particularly with younger people, to involve them in your hobbies, their interest may be hard to capture and therefore your relationship suffers. Play with them on their own terms and within a few months you could be closer than ever before.

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What Type of Appetizers Are There?

Appetizers are small biting of foods served before or in between a main course.

Usually making of any appetizer varies on the need of the occasion, the time you are wiling to devote. When deciding which appetizers to serve prior or between a meal. You should have your meal menu ready, so as to choose foods which blend well, but differ on flavour and taste.

There are many such different types of appetizers to choose from

Cold appetizers - these are made by combining different spreads onto crackers. Or by adding different vegetable stuffing's in pita's, breads etc. Almost instant to make and with a few hours of refrigeration, they are ready to be served.

Hot Appetizers - these warm tempting morsels are enjoyed by one and all. You can savour a large variety from lightly spiced vegetable kebabs, to cheesy tarts, steamed fritters and fried and creamy bites of potatoes etc.

Dips and Spreads - simple mixtures which can be made ahead of time and served both hot and cold. These can be eaten as a dipping sauce with a variety of raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers or served surrounded with chips, pita, tortillas etc. Some interesting cold dips are salsa, guacamole, chutneys. Some hot ones are fondue, queso.

Serving Appetizers

When serving appetizers in a small informal gathering, one should begin with a mix of nibbles, dips and a few simple appetizers, offered with small plates, forks, and napkins to the guests. As it is easy for each one to help themselves because of the close seating arrangement.

Whereas, if you are organising a large event, than a combination of cold appetizers and some hot ones, preferably finger foods is best suited. Because in a big crowd people cannot always make their way easily to the buffet table. Therefore the food is usually passed around in trays. And secondly placing nibbles in bowls around the drinks corner or other different corners of the room, making it easy for the guests to move around freely and pop in whatever they wish. It is best to count about 5 appetizers per person.

Tempting Appetizer recipes at Simply Vegetarian Recipes.

Chinese Zodiac Signs For Love Compatibility Analysis

You have read about using Indian Numerology and Western Astrology to analyse love compatibility.Today you will learn how to analyse love compatibility using the 12 animals of the chinese zodiac and how accurate this method is.

Before I start on the steps on analysing love compatibility through the chinese zodiac signs,let me tell you the story of how the 12 animals came about...

A long time ago,the Jade Emperor in Heaven wanted to find 12 animals to represent each year.He started a race among all the animals.The first 12 that reached heaven will get to rule each year.When the animals knew about this race,all of them started to make their way to heaven.

The Cat and the Rat used to be good friends.The Cat asked the Rat to wake him up the next day,so that they can set off together.The Rat woke up early,feeling very excited,he forgot to wake up the Cat.

On his way to heaven,the Rat met the Ox.Knowing that he could leverage on the Ox,he asked the Ox for a ride.In exchange,he would help the Ox keep a lookout for any dangers during the long journey.The Ox,being an agreeable and easygoing fellow agreed to the Rat's request.

After reaching heaven,the Rat jumped down from the head of the Ox and became the first animal of the Chinese Zodiac.Although this was very unfair for the Ox,he did not hold it against the Rat.In fact,he was happy for the Rat for being number 1.

The Ox became number 2.(This probably explains why Rat and Ox people get along very well).One by one,the other animals came in one by one.Until the Pig,who is the 12th and the last animal.

At this moment...the Cat woke up.When he found out that the Rat left without him,he was furious.To make matters worse,the Rat was number 1.The Cat swore that he'll skin the Rat alive if he ever saw the Rat.Which explains why Cats catch Rats in this present day.

Now,how does all this relate to the present?

Each of the 12 animals rule a year.For example if you are born in 2007,you are born in the year of Pig.You will have a lot of characteristics of the Pig.Next,I will list out all the 12 animals and their order.
1st is the Rat.

2nd is the Ox.

3rd is the Tiger.

4th is the Rabbit.

5th is the Dragon.

6th is the Snake.

7th is the Horse.

8th is the Goat.

9th is the Monkey.

10th is the Rooster.

11th is the Dog.

12th is the Pig.

Basing on your date of birth,you can determine what is your chinese zodiac sign and which animal are you born under.If you have difficulty finding out which animal sign you are born under,you can check out from the internet.There are some sites which let you key in your birth date and returns with your chinese zodiac sign.

Next,you will learn about the affinities between each zodiac sign...There are 2 types of affinities,the first is the affinity group and the second is the affinity pair.

The affinity group consist of 3 animals.There are 4 groups altogether.Here they are...
1st group:Rat,Dragon and Monkey.

2nd group:Ox,Snake and Rooster.

3rd group:Tiger,Horse and Dog.

4th group:Rabbit,Goat and Pig.

As for the affinity pair,there are 6 pairs.Here they are...
1.Rat and Ox.

2.Tiger and Pig.

3.Rabbit and Dog.

4.Dragon and Rooster.

5.Snake and Monkey.

6.Horse and Goat.

You should always choose a partner from the affinity group.Your second choice is from the affinity pair.For example...

If you are born in the year of Rat,you should look for a partner born either in Dragon year or Monkey year.If not,someone born in Ox year is also good for you.

That is for the compatible signs.Now you will learn about the incompatible signs.Incompatible signs are also called clashing signs.They are opposite each other.Here they are...
1.Rat clashes with Horse.

2.Ox clashes with Goat.

3.Tiger clashes with Monkey.

4.Rabbit clashes with Rooster.

5.Dragon clashes with Dog.

6.Snake clashes with Pig.

Basing on the information above,you should not look for a partner born under a sign that clashes with yours.

This method of analysing love compatibility is quite general.You are probably wondering...how about those signs which neither clash nor in affinity,how to gauge their compatibility?A way to do that is to compare both signs' personality then analyse from there.But it's not accurate.

It is also not true to say that couples with clashing signs will not have a lasting relationship.I have came across a number of them who have clashing signs.But they are still very loving.This method only has a 65% accuracy.

But all is not lost.You can still use this knowledge to entertain new friends you meet at social gatherings.

Marco Chong is a practitioner of Indian Numerology, Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui. He has 15 years of experience behind him. His strong points are analysing compatibility using Indian Numerology and Analysing Birth Charts using Chinese Astrology.

For more information visit http://www.determineyourloverbynumbers.com

Learn How to Create Harmony & Tranquility in Your Home & Office - Feng Shui Can Transform Your Life

3 Steps of Feng Shui:

Feng Shui is the Chinese art of detecting Chi, the energy in and around our physical world that affects our well being, sense of comfort and peace of mind. The spaces you live and work in are powerful forces in your life. Home is where you physically manifest your beliefs about the world, and it affects you just as you affect it. You can shift its energy to restore balance and encourage growth by integrating feng shui into your design choices on many different levels, depending on what resonates with you. Each design choice has a physical aspect, a psychological/emotional aspect, and a cultural aspect.

Step 1: Ready your space by clearing it of negative energy. Most experts agree space clearing will improve the quality of our lives more effectively than any other feng shui technique.

- Thoroughly clean and organize the space as much as possible.
- Focus your mind on your intention to clear and energize your space.
- Light a sage wand or incense and walk through the entire space, saturating the atmosphere with the cleansing smoke.
- Ring bells at a slow steady rhythm while moving around the space.
- Refocus your attention to what your intention is for that space.

Step 2: Consider how Chi flows. Some physical aspects should be considered at the outset.

- Doorways and windows that are directly across from one another allow Chi to flow straight through the space. Redirect the energy back into the room with screens, plants, crystals, etc.
- Long hallways that dead end may block the flow of Chi. Move the energy back out of an enclosed space through mirrors, chimes, and/or crystals.
- Rearrange the placement of furniture that blocks walking through a space.
- Arrange rugs to direct movement through the space.
- Soften sharp corners with plants, crystals, chimes.
- If there are any unused doors, place a folding screen in front of it.

Step 3: Locate the areas in your space that relate to the areas of your life you wish to enhance. Begin with laying out the space in relationship to the Baqua Map.

- Sketch a floor plan of your space
- Sketch the areas of the Bagua Map over the plan
- Place the main entrance to your space in line with the bottom of the map.
- Small sections may extend beyond or intrude into the map
- Determine what specific life aspect(s) you wish to enhance.
- Place objects that have meaning and reflect those aspects so your intention for enhancing that area of your life is personally significant

An important note: Only use those feng shui adjustments that make sense to you and reflect your intentions. Placing something in your home that you don't like just because it is "good feng shui" will not enhance your home or support your personal growth.

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Chinese Astrology

There is a belief amongst the Chinese community that those who are born four years apart are more compatible than those who are born six year apart. And those that are born 6 years apart are likely to be less compatible. Do you know why?

In the 12 Animals Zodiac system of astrology, our character is influenced by our year of birth. For example those born in the year of the rat are intelligent and suspicious while those born in the year of the horse are generous and loves freedom. Based on our year of birth we are imbued with certain characteristics that make us more of less compatible with each other.

According to the ancient Chinese, the Monkey, Rat and Dragon form a compatible set. They have characteristics that make them more compatible with each other. The other compatible sets are the Snake, Rooster and Ox; the Pig, Rabbit and Goat and the Tiger, Horse and Dog. If you check the year of birth you notice that they are four years apart. For example those born in 1964 are Rats, 1968 are Dragons and 1972 are Monkeys!

The Rat on the other hand is supposedly less compatible than the Horse. They form an incompatible set. The other incompatible sets are between Ox and Goat, Tiger and Monkey, Rabbit and Rooster, Dragon and Dog and between the Snake and Pig. If you check the year of birth you will notice that they are six year apart!

The Chinese astrology compatibility tools that you find on the Internet are largely based on the above mentioned principles of combination and clash. Most will also include more combinations and clashes that I have not mentioned above but I hope you get the idea.

What if you and your spouse form an incompatible set? Do not panic. Did you notice that I used the word supposedly many times? In practice our character is also heavily influenced by the month, day and hour of birth which is not taken into consideration in the above examples. Therefore it is entirely possible for a Rat person to display characteristics of other animals (influences from the month, day and hour of birth)!

In my practice, I have seen many supposedly incompatible sets of husbands and wives. They are still together after many years of marriage and some of them quite happily! Perhaps love plays a part too.

Henry Fong
Feng Shui Absolutely