Archive for January, 2008

by Megan Jenifer
What’s the difference between operating from inspiration and operating from motivation? Some would argue that there is no difference and that they pretty much mean the same thing. But in all actuality, there are differences that distinguish the two words no matter what your perception. If anyone knows me, they know that I’m always a respecter of another’s point of view even if I don’t necessarily agree.

This article will be written from my perspective of the words “inspiration” and “motivation.” Within the Abraham-Hicks YouTube post I have on my blog, Esther Hicks, channeling-Abraham, gave their definition of both, and they were simple definitions that I agree with wholeheartedly. In a nutshell, in one instance, you are being called to something. In the other instance, you are making yourself go do something. In both cases, action is required, but one action is a “calling” and the other action is “forcing.”

To me, motivation alone is useful for those who are unaware or unseasoned using the Law of Attraction. It’s not a bad thing at all; however, it is an upstream way to manifest. Motivation by itself helps you pull up your boot straps and get down and dirty, and the common words you may hear in your mind are, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Or, “I don’t care what it feels like. I’m going to do it anyway.” In these statements, there is a lot of resistance toward the task at hand. When an action has to be forced, there is some sort of misalignment with the outcome of that action. It doesn’t mean that you won’t reach the desired outcome; it’s just a “forced” and tiresome way of doing so.

On the other hand, if you are moved by inspiration, it doesn’t require much forcing at all. You are led or gently guided to take certain actions. They may be small actions that cause a huge result. It will feel very natural to do the tasks at hand and you won’t want to do anything else. Your focus will be solely what you are “called” or “led” to do.

Inspiration can happen in the form of “gentle nudging.” What I mean by this is that you can get a slight pull or urge to call someone, research something, open a certain email, and schedule a conference call or anything like that. Sometimes, one may notice this and even mention to themselves, “I wonder where this is going to lead?”

Conversely, operating with just motivation can cause you to dread the very action that you may “have to” take. You may say to yourself, “OK, I gotta make sure that I call all five of these qualified leads tonight before I go to sleep.” How do you feel when you say this? Do you feel happy and excited or do you suck your teeth and have to pull yourself together before you can make the calls? The former may actually be a form of inspiration, but the latter is definitely one where you’re motivating yourself to get the job done.

Motivation and Inspiration can work hand in hand, but I believe that inspiration should come first and be the captain. I have an entire chapter in my book How Ordinary People Attract Extraordinary Wealth that goes into more details about drudgery versus love when it comes to productivity.

The key is to focus on the outcome and to take action that you are led to take, and not so much driven to take. You can be pumped up from excitement and then hit a wall only to reveal that you were operating from motivation. Or, you can be pumped up from excitement, bump into the wall, and discover that there is another way around the way without stressing or trying because you were operating from inspiration.

In a nutshell, using strictly motivation, you can tire easily and may quit. While operating from inspiration, you’re continuously inspired, and keep being led ultimately to blissful manifestation.

Megan Jenifer operates the blog http://www.TheLawofAttractionStation.com, which is all about The Law of Attraction. She loves giving away free stuff and is now giving away a free copy of her special report, “The Top 10 Ways Most People Repel Money.” In addition to this free report, you’ll also have a free membership to her newsletter. You’re not going to believe what you get when you sign-up and it’s all free.

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by Dr. Grace Cornish
There comes a point in every woman’s life where she purposely pauses along her life path to deeply ponder: What do I have to show for all I’ve been through? Am I on the right path? Is this the life I truly want for myself?
Whether she is referring to financial stability, the right husband or man in her life, a certain career position, a child, a successful business, the ideal body weight or simply peace of mind, this soul-searching reflection can be a major turning point. After investing years, tears, hard work and self-sacrifice and not achieving personal contentment, she finds herself at a crossroads in life adamantly declares, “Enough is enough, it’s my time now!”

Recently, three prominent girlfriends asked for advice for their crossroads experiences. I knew how to effectively help them though the process because I had already successfully overcome my own and had also helped hundreds of women at conferences.

First, Margaret called: “On paper it looks good that I am a respected professor at a prominent University. But in reality I am overworked, underpaid and overwhelmed by people constantly using me as a sounding board, yet never once asking how I’m doing. I’m fed up and will set boundaries with my time from now on.” Her crossroads experience: Tired of being taken for granted.

Next, Deborah confessed: “I feel so depressed that I have to talk this out. I have an influential job [as a media executive], good standing in my community and I live in the suburbs, yet I still struggle to make ends meet financially. I have worked so hard all my life, but I don’t have enough money to show for it. Sometimes it gets really rough. It’s time for a change.” Her crossroads experience: Tired of being undervalued and underpaid.

Then, Belinda shared this: “My last relationship took a toll on me emotionally. He cheated on me for a year before I found out. I left three months ago and it still hurts. I invested two solid years of my life with him. I’m tired of always being the second choice. I am not sleeping with another man unless he marries me. At 39, I thought I would be happily married and with two children by now. Her crossroads experience: Tired of being in unhealthy relationships.

Though different, they share a common bond: They are savvy, contemporary women who have come to a point where they no longer will accept inadequate treatment. They will require—even demand—that their self-worth be recognized.

These women are not alone. We all have crossroads experiences. Whether you are an actor, doctor, preacher, or teacher, at some point you will go through a deeply soul-searching period. Those on the outside may see you as the Woman who has it all together while not knowing that on the inside you are silently screaming for a personal breakthrough, deeper understanding and a change for the better.

When you reach your crossroads and are ready to take control and move on to a better life, you will start shedding many old beliefs, habits and acquaintances you once considered friends. Your spirit will declare to God, the Universe, and all Humanity that you want and deserve better. There will be a cleansing as you prepare for the blessings that are about to emerge in your life.

When God closes one door, He always opens another. But sometimes we have to spend a little time in the hallway. When you’re in the Hallway of Life, between exiting one door and on the threshold of a new one, this crossroads experience may seems lonely and discouraging at times because you can’t see the new opening right away. Remember: The darkest hour is just before dawn. After passing through your crossroads hour, your new dawn will surely come. Here’s to celebrating the new you and to receiving every blessing that you desire and deserve!

Dr. Grace Cornish Livingstone, on-air psychologist for the former Queen Latifah TV show, is one of America’s foremost relationship consultants. An award-winning, bestselling author of ten books, she is the popular relationship columnist for the London-based Pride magazine. For Dr. Grace’s relationship books and CDs visit www.myhealthylove.comor www.hopenetinc.org

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