Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.
-Aristotle

Best Life 2010 Day 2037 (part II): Wired

I have been up since 7:15 (as you may know); worked out *twice * today, and I'm sitting here at 1:30 am totally wide awake.
Part of it is that I am watching the show The Wire (see what I did there?)
I'll still get up early tomorrow; not letting my new leaf get turned back over again!

I had a good day with Lexi while here mom went out to get some pampering; and wrote *2 * new articles:
Q&A: How to know if you have a soul mate, a twin flam, or a twin soul and how to know the difference! http://su.pr/9gtYgU
And
My new Q&A article: Who should make the first move, the man or the woman? http://su.pr/2pAEcs

Onwards and upwards!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/W8ilB

What is the difference between twin soul and flame soul ?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/9gtYgU

Ask me anything

Q&A: How to know if you have a soul mate, a twin flam, or a twin soul and how to know the difference!

http://su.pr/9gtYgU

My new Q&A article: Who should make the first move, the man or the woman?

http://su.pr/2pAEcs

If your in the long distance relationship should i make the first move and go to were he is or should he come here first to see me we was engaged once about 10yrs ago what do u think i should do?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/2pAEcs

Ask me anything

Dear sir is there any girl in this world who is beautiful with heart and soul.If she is really in this world how can i reach to her? I love her very much but do not know weather she is only in my dream or really exist in this world, and i am confusied if

The second part of this question was:
Where she is, when she will come to me, i am waiting for her, i need her, i love her.

My answer is, there's someone out there for everyone...probably multiple potential someones!
If there is a certain type of woman you know you want, then you need to set about turning yourself into the type of man *she* is looking for:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/how-to-be-mr-s-right-or-spiritual-loving-ii

Ask me anything

what kind of feeling do u have towards the gay community?

I think that what two consenting adults do is their own business.

Ask me anything

How did you get such an enormous nose?

The better to smell with!

Ask me anything

Best Life 2010 Day 2037 (part I): The early bird got worked out!

Against all odds, I got up and went to the gym at 7:15 this morning, lolol.
And let me tell you: it was *great *! The place wasn't very busy and I didn't have to wait for anything; smooth as silk.

For now, I want to mention something interesting that happened:
Recently my mental game has been a bit off; I was very close to breaking into a new financial bracket that would have made life *much * easier. Instead, something fell through at the last second that turned that big opportunity into a pretty significant hole. Well, that isn't true; I solved one big problem but another big problem took it's place, rather than being on easy street.

The point is, being so close to being permanently in the black kinda threw off my mental game, and I've been trying to rally myself again for another climb up another mountain.
The other day, Charlene asked me what was on my mind, and I said I wasn't sure how I'd done it all these times; managing to create solutions when no way seemed available.
She told me: you didn't do it. As if to say, it was God/The Universe doing the heavy lifting, all I had to do was what I had to do.
I heard what she was saying, but it didn't quite sink in just yet.

(Stick with me, this story is going somewhere lolol)
So, I've been wanting to find a supplement that I can take before I go to the gym, since I have something I take after I work out, but before now I didn't because they can be quite expensive.
We stumbled up on a sale at a local grocery store, and I thought I could get a nice supplement for $15, but when I got there to check out it was $45!
Charlene noticed on the way out and asked me if I knew it was so expensive; I said I didn't and went back in to return it. I went to show the lady who worked there that it was mislabled on the shelf, and she volunteered to give it to me for the list price, so I ended up getting it for 66% off (go LOA!).
While I was standing there, I heard the manager telling another employee that she'd left some bottles in front of the store and asking her not to litter, but she said it wasn't her bottles since she didn't have any when she was outside.
The manager said “ok Shaggy, 'It wasn't me', right?”
You remember that song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ4axo9rmJY lolol.
So, hearing him say that same thing that Charlene had said (in a situation it was unusual for me to be in) made me perk my ears up. Ok, again in less than 24 hours I got reminded that it 'wasn't me' that had solved, or had to solve, my problems.

So, THIS MORNING I get up to go to the gym early (an unusual thing) and what comes on the radio?
It Wasn't Me by Shaggy.

Ok, ok, I get it God; 3 times in 36 hours is enough to reach me!
So let's review:
Charlene told me what I needed to hear
A stranger told me what I needed to hear
and then the radio randomly told me what I needed to hear.

Now my head is back on straight...I guess my only question is, what is the Universe trying to tell you that you might not be hearing?

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://www.google.com/profiles/bdavewalters

Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.
-Mark Twain

Action is the foundational key to all success.
-Pablo Picasso

Best Life 2010 Day 2036: The early bird gets the workout

I'm in the middle of another personal reinvention, it seems.
I'm actually going to bed early so I can get up and go to the gym at 8 am; since if I don't go early, I won't get to go until LATE. And if I go late, it may well not happen, so early it is.

I've actually had quite a bit of trouble getting up early lately (I'm a born night owl, as many of you know). Hopefully this will be the carrot I need to get me up and out.

I'll let you know how it goes!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/0UEca

MORE PRECIOUS THAN A GEM

"A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.

But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

-Author Unknown
(from Bob Gould in the Yahoo Club: Admirers of HH the Dalai Lama)

Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
-Socrates

Best Life 2010 Day 2035: Fun for the whole family

So, like I said yesterday; we had a birthday party to go to at 'Kids Castle' right here in Burbank; and Lexi had a *blast *.

It ended up being a lazy day after that, just laid around the house having a good time. Got a bit too caught up in watching episodes of The Wire, hence this late posting!

I am sore on this first day off since starting my new harder work out routine; and I have a bad feeling that tomorrow will be 10 times worse.
Oh well, no sacrifice: no glory!

One thing has been playing in my head over and over again: today is yesterday's tomorrow.
“Someday” is TODAY.

Today I just rested, I'll give myself until the end of this weekend to sort it all out and figure out my strategy going forward.

And, I'll probably record another episode of All About You tomorrow; I realize it's been WAY too long...any suggestions on a topic?

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/ez5gj

FACTS ABOUT LIFE ON TV

50 Things you would never know if it weren't for TV!

1. If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises wearing their most revealing underwear, preferably carrying candles which will be blown out by the slightest draft.
2. If being chased through town, you can usually take cover in a passing St Patrick's Day parade - at any time of the year.
3. All beds have special L-shaped top sheets that reach up to armpit level on a woman but only waist level on the man lying beside her.
4. All grocery shopping bags contain at least one stick of French bread.
5. It's easy for anyone to land a plane, providing there is someone in the control tower to talk you down.
6. Once applied, lipstick and any other make-up will never rub off - even while scuba diving and sleeping.
7. The ventilation system of any building is a perfect hiding place and leads to any location in the building, including the safe. No one will ever think of looking for you in there.
8. You're likely to survive any battle in any war unless you make the mistake of showing someone a picture of your sweetheart back home.
9. Should you wish to pass yourself off as a German officer, it will not be necessary to speak the language. English with a German accent will do, provided you are blonde.
10. The Eiffel Tower can be seen from any window of any building in Paris.
11. People never finish their drinks.
12. A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds afterwards. This generally leads to a sex scene.
13. The chief of police is always wrong.
14. When paying for a taxi, just grab a note from your pocket and hand it over. It will always be the exact fare.
15. If you lose a hand, it will cause the stump of your arm to grow by 15 cm.
16. Kitchens don't have light switches. When entering a kitchen at night, you should open the fridge door and use that light instead.
17. During all police investigations, it will be necessary to visit a strip club at least once.
18. Mothers routinely cook eggs, bacon and waffles for their family every morning, even though the husband and children never have time to eat them.
19. Any American movie will contain a car chase, unless it was made by Walt Disney. Cars and trucks that crash will always burst into flames after they have come to a standstill and the hero is running away from it at 5 to 10 meters distance.
20. Wearing a vest or stripping to the waist makes a man invulnerable to bullets, provided he is the main character. Unimportant bad guys are killed instantaneously with one bullet or punch. Important bad guys nearly kill the hero savagely before they are killed.
21. A single match will be sufficient to light up a room the size of a football stadium.
22. If a killer is lurking in your house, it's easy to find him. Just relax and run a bath - even if it's the middle of the afternoon.
23. Medieval peasants had perfect teeth, were well-fed, wore clean clothes and make-up.
24. Although in the 20th century it is possible to fire weapons at an object out of visual range, people of the 23rd century will have lost this technology.
25. All single women have a cat.
26. Any person waking from a nightmare will sit bolt upright and pant.
27. Even when driving down a completely straight road, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel vigorously from left to right every few moments. Similarly, when driving a curvy road, the slightest movement of the steering wheel will do the job.
28. One man shooting at 20 men has a better chance of killing them all than 20 men firing at one.
29. Creepy music coming from a graveyard should always be closely investigated.
30. If a phone line is broken, communication can be restored by frantically beating the cradle and saying, "Hello? Hello?"
31. Most people keep a scrapbook of newspaper clippings - especially if any of their family or friends has died in a strange boating accident.
32. It does not matter if you are heavily outnumbered in a fight involving martial arts - your enemies will wait patiently to attack you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you have knocked out their predecessor. If two men attack at the same time, the one behind you will firmly hold you up, so you can free your legs to kick the one coming from the front. If two men simultaneously attack from left and right, just a step backwards is sufficient to have them knock each other out.
33. During a very emotional confrontation, instead of facing the person you are speaking to, one stands behind them and talk to their back.
34. When you turn out the light to go to bed, everything in your room will still be clearly visible, just slightly bluish.
35. Dogs always know who's bad and will naturally bark at them.
36. Police departments give their officers undergo personality tests to make sure they are assigned a partner who is their total opposite.
37. Action heroes never eat and drink when chased for weeks, do not go to the toilet or need more than 5 minutes of sleep per day.
38. Action heroes never face charges for manslaughter or criminal damage, despite laying entire cities to waste.
39. No matter how badly a spaceship is attacked, its internal gravity system is never damaged.
40. If there is a deranged killer on the loose, this will coincide with a heavy thunderstorm that has brought down all the power and phone lines in the vicinity.
41. You can always find a chainsaw whenever you're likely to need one.
42. Rather than wasting bullets, megalomaniacs prefer to kill their arch-enemies using complicated machinery involving fuses, pulley systems, deadly gases, lasers and man eating sharks that will allow their captives at least 20 minutes to escape.
43. There are three types of criminals: megalomaniacs, Italian mafiosi and brain-dead muscle packs.
44. Many musical instruments - especially wind instruments and accordions - can be played with moving the fingers randomly.
45. All bombs are camouflaged using electronic timing devices with large red displays, showing exactly when the device will detonate. They are always disarmed by clipping one of two wires when the clock displays 3 seconds or less.
46. It is always possible to park directly outside the building you are visiting, cars need not be locked, nor keys taken out. If keys are taken out of the ignitiuon, they should be left on top of the sunshade
47. Guns are like disposable razors - if you run out of bullets, they should be thrown away. You can always find a new one which is loaded.
48. The weather always indicates what will happen next: rain will bring sadness (unless the film is called 'Singing in the rain'), thunder will bring fear and accidents.
49. A detective can only solve a case once he has been suspended from duty and continues the case in his own time.
50. If you decide to start dancing in the street, everyone you bump into will know all the steps.

Quick tips on goal setting

Tips for Setting Goals
Developed by the
Office of Student Retention
Wallace State Community College—Hanceville
Seven Steps to Goal Setting
There is a very simple process in seven steps that you
can go through to set any goal whether personal or
professional. To be effective, the goal you choose must
include all seven of the following steps:
• Identify your goal by writing it down
• Set a deadline for the achievement. Put a
date on it.
• List the obstacles to overcome in accomplishing
your goal.
• Identify the people and groups you need to
work with to reach your goal.
• List the skills and knowledge required to
reach your goal. What do you need to know?
• Develop a plan of action to reach your goal.
• Write down the benefits of achieving your
goal. ("What is in it for me?")
On a periodic basis, it is important to re-evaluate your
goals to make certain that they are in alignment with
what you truly value and want out of life. Remember,
goal-setting is a life-long process. Once you have completed
one goal, be sure to replace it with something
else. This way you will always reap the benefits that
goal-setting provides.
First, our motivation can only come from inside
ourselves. Why? Because motivation is an internal
force that drives individuals to act in order to achieve a
specific goal. Two people might read the same book, or
listen to the same inspirational speaker but respond
differently. One person might feel motivated to act, the
other might not.
Second, you must have a big enough 'reason why' in
order to feel motivated. Your reason why must provide
a 'meaningful motive'. It can be useful to look for a reason
that's bigger than yourself. For example, you may
want to earn enough money to take care of your family
- not just yourself. So David McNally's advice is to dig
deep into the truth of what you want. This is why it's so
important to choose goals to which you feel 100% committed.
Third, you need to believe that your goal is attainable.
Either that or your fear must be so great that you
will try anyway. Without this fear or belief self motivation
is difficult to maintain. Given that you probably
don't want to live with feelings of dread, let's take a
look at belief. You can start by looking for evidence
within yourself that you can achieve your goal. You can
then back this up by seeking support, mentors and rolemodels,
either directly or indirectly through books and
audios.
Fourth, your environment is an influence on motivation.
That's a key reason why you need to choose
your friends and colleagues carefully. This doesn't have
to mean saying goodbye to the people you know now.
But consider whether it would be helpful to make
new contacts. Again, books and audios can be very
supportive when you are looking to new ways of thinking.
Finally, there is a difference between motivation and
inspiration. Inspiration is getting in touch with our human
spirit, whereas motivation is the driving force to
move towards our goal. Inspiration can certainly help
self motivation - and we can look outside ourselves for
help with inspiration. So speakers like David McNally
might help us feel inspired. It is then up to us whether
to decide to be motivated to take action to achieve our
goals.
Self Motivation and
Goal Setting
Without self motivation you will not achieve your goals.
As the saying goes, "if it's to be it's down to me".
Motivational speaker David McNally sets out a number
of 'rules' for motivation.

All religions are like different cars all moving in the same direction.
People who don't see it have no light in their hearts.
-Ajahn Chah

Best Life 2010 Day 2034: The Wire

I am a big fan of police shows, and The Wire is widely reported to be the best TV show ever made,
I rented season one; I'm 3 episodes in and I have to say: I'm underwhelmed so far! I'll finish the first season at least, and see how I feel from there.

I actually have quite a lot of TV to watch; some of it is for entertainment, but a lot of it is to help me with some writing projects I am working on and pitches I'm preparing; need to compare what I'm doing to recent successful projects. Want to be similar enough to be salable, but not so similar as to be a turn off!

Today was a good day, I worked out HARD!
Apparently 3ish pm is the magic time to go into the gym. My new program took me nearly 2 hours to complete; I would say it will get faster as I keep doing it, but the weights will only get heavier so who knows.
For now, it's not a big deal; I'll keep pressing until it is.

Tomorrow we have to go to a birthday party for a 3 year old, then back to the gym (for a super light day) and then some rest and relaxation.

There's a Ultimate Fighting event tomorrow night; I might try and sneak off somewhere to watch it....

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/QAATl

Best Life 2010 Day 2033: OK, A *real * confession

Since I teased you a bit yesterday, I will share something that has genuinely been on my mind for the last day or two.

I feel like I am off track.
Well, not COMPLETELY off track, but not moving at a pace I'd like in the direction I want to go. I am still making progress, but not on the level I'd like.

It came to me in my meditation that the 'someday' I'm waiting for is TODAY. The 'one day' I intend to work on certain things is TODAY.
Tomorrow isn't guaranteed, and even if it was...today is yesterday's tomorrow.

Waiting for some fantasy time where everything is lined up just right won't happen; I'm waist deep in a process call 'life' that *guarantees * it won't happen.

I've lost enough momentum; time to double down!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/qSimz

A man who gives way to pleasure will be swept away by craving and his thoughts will make him suffer, like waves.
-Buddha

Best Life 2010 Day 2032: Today was a * BAD * day....

One question before I tell you what's wrong:
What made you read this blog today, especially if you don't usually read it?

To see if I'm OK? Maybe you wanted to see if I finally got knocked off my relentless positivity?

Well, today wasn't bad, it was actually pretty awesome; I just wanted to test to see who I reached with that headline. And who knows maybe you learned something about yourself in the process.

I love you if you were concerned about me; or if you were being a tiny bit of a hater. Heck, I love you no matter what!

I do want to explain, though, it's not that I don't have my own challenges; sure I do.
BUT
I have framed my world view in such a way, and trust God enough, that I know everything that happens to me is ultimately for my greater good. So even things that appear as challenges or obstacles will either get knocked down, or have put in place for opportunities for me to grow on the way to my greater good.

So...nothing ever really bothers me; or at least, doesn't bother me long.
If you are a religious or 'spiritual' person, it might be worth taking a closer look at what you allow to bother you, and why; all the prayers in the world are meaningless if rush hour traffic ruins your whole day.

So like I was saying, today was kinda awesome: I slept later than I meant to (dang it), but I still managed to go to the gym (3 pm is a perfect time); and I got another article written.
A Q&A article for a woman who's got feelings for a guy, but she's not sure if he's interested, and wants to know how to know if he is: http://su.pr/2pdasW

I found out I'm leaving again September 23 to go on the road, but I'll only be out for 3 weeks this time. I'm soaking up all the family time I can before I have to roll out again.

All in all, it's all good. O=)

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/7rh7d

My Boyfriend Tells His Female Friend He Loves Her. Does It Mean Anything? It Really Upsets Me To Hear Him Say I Love You To Another Women. I Love Him Sooo Much He Means The World To Me

I had someone ask a similar question about her boyfriend talking to other women; my answer to her directly applies to your situation, too:
http://www.examiner.com/relationship-in-los-angeles/q-a-my-boyfriend-speaks-to-other-women-at-night-when-i-am-asleep-bed

Ask me anything

Just had a question just wanted to know what is a woman to do if you have really got strong feelings for this man but not sure if he feels the same. Just seems like I'm getting mixed signals. I think this manhas really been hurt before and now thinks that

Answered here:
http://su.pr/2pdasW

Ask me anything

My new Q&A Article:
"I've got strong feelings for this man, and I'm not sure if he feels the same..."
http://su.pr/2pdasW

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
-Lao Tzu

Best Life 2010 Day 2031: Float like a leaf on the river of life.

I'm officially back on the horse!
I wrote *two * articles today after a fairly long layoff:
For my Spirituality column: Can anyone be like Jesus or Buddha (perform miracles, etc); or were they more than human? http://su.pr/19EFyv

And, for my Relationships Q&A article: "I trust my boyfriend, why do I feel like he's cheating on me?" http://su.pr/9i3EJY

I think I'd stopped since I didn't feel like I was getting the return / response from writing that I'd hoped for, and I got a bit burned out. Well, when I was on the road it was very difficult to make the time, but when I'm home I can do it easily.
The fact of the matter is, though, I love my work; and it reaches who it reaches and it helps who it helps.
So...back down to it!

Now all I have to do is shoot another episode of All About You ASAP (it's been too long, I know).

Beyond that I am just rolling around in gratitude for the things that have happened to me lately; even the perceived difficulties. Since, if it wasn't to my greater good it wouldn't have happened!
I guess it's like having a small plateau to rest on before resuming the climb to the top.

I have a lot of choices / options available to me now; it's just a matter of picking the right move(s) to make at this particular moment.
Too many options is better than not enough, I suppose!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/GxEJQ

Can anyone reach a point of spiritual enlightenment where they are like Jesus and Buddha in the sense that they can perform miracles like healing people, defying gravity, etc. Or were Jesus and Buddha something other than human?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/19EFyv

Ask me anything

My new Q&A article: Can anyone be like Jesus or Buddha (perform miracles, etc); or were they more than human?
http://su.pr/19EFyv

I have a long distand relationship since almost 3 years. He always tells me he loves me and misses me so much. He also said he has goals that he wants to achieve with me. But why do i have the feeling that he is cheating on me even tho i trust him?

Answered here:
http://su.pr/9i3EJY

Ask me anything

My new Relationships Q&A article:
"I trust my boyfriend, why do I feel like he's cheating on me?"
http://su.pr/9i3EJY

Do not speak- unless it improves on silence.

Best Life 2010 Day 2030: Soooooore. Ow Ow Ow!

So far, so good on my newly amplified workout routine; but I am SORE!
It actually enjoy feeling sore, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. Also lets me know what muscles I actually worked (and if they are the right ones!)
I think I've already gotten bigger after less than a week of training (I saw it, and Charlene saw it also); so that's a pretty good sign!

I also got my writing submission done for a contest I was invited to join. At first I was kinda whatever about the whole thing; but I got to the root of my resistance and busted through it. Whatever happens now, the die is cast!

I also realize it's time for me to get on a normal human sleeping schedule; I've been back home for 2 weeks now so I think it's time to start waking up before 10 am...you would be amazed to know how late I've slept some days.

Remember, though: I have coaching clients all over the world and write around the clock; I still pull 12+ hours every day; it's just which 12 I pull that I want to start modifying.

A strange thing just happened...I read back in my journal and I saw multiple mentions to a film project I wanted to do, and I don't remember anything about it! I better go dig up my notes on it, it may be the Universe trying to force me into action!

Found them...this is *good *....

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/l5zQz

THE TAIL

There is a story about a princess who had a small eye problem that she felt was really bad. Being the king's daughter, she was rather spoiled and kept crying all the time. When the doctors wanted to apply medicine, she would invariably refuse any medical treatment and kept touching the sore spot on her eye. In this way it became worse and worse, until finally the king proclaimed a large reward for whoever could cure his daughter. After some time, a man arrived who claimed to be a famous physician, but actually was not even a doctor.

He declared that he could definitely cure the princess and was admitted to her chamber. After he had examined her, he exclaimed, "Oh, I'm so sorry!" "What is it?" the princess inquired. The doctor said, "There is nothing much wrong with your eye, but there is something else that is really serious." The princess was alarmed and asked, "What on earth is so serious?" He hesitated and said, "It is really bad. I shouldn't tell you about it." No matter how much she insisted, he refused to tell her, saying that he could not speak without the king's permission.

When the king arrived, the doctor was still reluctant to reveal his findings. Finally the king commanded, "Tell us what is wrong. Whatever it is, you have to tell us!" At last the doctor said, "Well, the eye will get better within a few days - that is no problem. The big problem is that the princess will grow a tail, which will become at least nine fathoms long. It may start growing very soon. If she can detect the first moment it appears, I might be able to prevent it from growing." At this news everyone was deeply concerned. And the princess, what did she do? She stayed in bed, day and night, directing all her attention to detecting when the tail might appear. Thus, after a few days, her eye got well.

This shows how we usually react. We focus on our little problem and it becomes the center around which everything else revolves. So far, we have done this repeatedly, life after life. We think, "My wishes, my interests, my likes and dislikes come first!" As long as we function on this basis, we will remain unchanged. Driven by impulses of desire and rejection, we will travel the roads of samsara without finding a way out. As long as attachment and aversion are our sources of living and drive us onward, we cannot rest.
From Daring Steps toward Fearlessness: The Three Vehicles of Buddhism, by Ringu Tulku Rinpoché

Whatsoever is good; the same is also approved of God.
-Richard Hooker

Best Life 2010 Day 2029: I almost forgot!

I was laying in bed asking myself if I'd posted my blog for the day, and I couldn't recall; turns out...I hadn't!

Let me share with you a thought I've had rolling around in my head lately, that I will probably write an article about very soon.

If something is scaring you, *especially * in the area of relationships, I can tell you why that is:

Things only get scary when you try and look too far into the future.

Inevitably, you reach a point that you can't see past, and don't know what's going to happen. In truth, you NEVER know what's going to happen, but we like to fool ourselves into thinking we do. And yet, when you hit that unknown point, panic sets in.

What if he doesn't call? What if she doesn't like me? What if he proposes, or doesn't propose? What if she doesn't want kids?
What if I can't get a job? What if I get a job and hate it?

Blah, blah, blah.

The solution, then, is to focus on the NOW. Do all you can to prepare, and turn over the rest of to God and the Universe to sort out on your behalf.
If things are working now, keep doing them. If they aren't, change them.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/BAECU

THE ELEPHANT AND HIS OLD BLIND MOTHER

Long ago, in the hills of the Himalayas near a lotus pool, the Buddha was once born as a baby elephant. He was a magnificent elephant, pure white with feet and face the color of coral. His trunk gleamed like a silver rope and his ivory tusks curled up in a long arc.
He followed his mother everywhere. She plucked the tenderest leaves and sweetest mangoes from the tall trees and gave them to him. "First you, then me," she said. She bathed him in the cool lotus pool among the fragrant flowers. Drawing the sparkling water up in her trunk, she sprayed him over the top of his head and back until he shone. Then filling his trunk with water, he took careful aim and squirted a perfect geyser right between his mother's eyes. Without blinking, she squirted him back. And back and forth, they gleefully squirted and splashed each other. Splish! Splash!
Then they rested in the soft muck with their trunks curled together. In the deep shadows of afternoon, the mother elephant rested in the shade of a rose-apple tree and watched her son romp and frolic with the other baby elephants.
The little elephant grew and grew until he was the tallest and strongest young bull in the herd. And while he grew taller and stronger, his mother grew older and older. Her tusks were yellow and broken and in time she became blind. The young elephant plucked the tenderest leaves and sweetest mangoes from the tall trees and gave them to his dear old blind mother. "First you, then me," he said.

He bathed her in the cool lotus pool among the fragrant flowers. Drawing the sparkling water up in his trunk, he sprayed her over the top of her head and back until she shone. Then they rested in the soft muck with their trunks curled together. In the deep shadows of afternoon, the young elephant guided his mother to the shade of a rose-apple tree. Then he went roaming with the other elephants. One day a king was hunting and spied the beautiful white
elephant. "What a splendid animal! I must have him to ride upon!" So the king captured the elephant and put him in the royal stable. He adorned him with silk and jewels and garlands of lotus flowers. He gave him sweet grass and juicy plums and filled his trough with pure water.

But the young elephant would not eat or drink. He wept and wept, growing thinner each day. "Noble elephant," said the king, "I adorn you with silk and jewels. I give you the finest food and the purest water, yet you do not eat or drink. What will please you?" The young elephant said, "Silk and jewels, food and drink do not make me happy. My blind old mother is alone in the forest with no one to care for her. Though I may die, I will take no food or water until I give some to her first."

The king said, "Never have I seen such kindness, not even among humans. It is not right to keep this young elephant in chains." Free, the young elephant raced through the hills looking for his mother. He found her by the lotus pool. There she lay in the mud, too weak to move. With tears in his eyes, he filled his trunk with water and sprayed the top of her head and back until she shone. "Is it raining?" she asked. "Or has my son returned to me?" "It is your very own son!" he cried. "The king has set me free!" As he washed her eyes, a miracle happened. Her sight returned. "May the king rejoice today as I rejoice at seeing my son again!" she said.

The young elephant then plucked the tenderest leaves and sweetest mangoes from a tree and gave them to her. "First you, then me."

Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods.
-Plato

Best Life 2010 Day 2028: Success is dragging me forward!

I've been put in a place where I HAVE to 'put up or shut up' regarding my goals and plans.

I've told enough people what I want, and convinced enough that I could do it, that surprise, surprise: they are expecting me to do it, lolol.

The next few months should prove to be very interesting.
A friend of mine has been saying he wanted me to personally train him (gym workouts, etc) for a while, and as of this week we've actually started; another friend I've been in talks with to do some writing has a contest he wants me to enter (and the deadline is MONDAY, yikes!)

Overall, life is wonderful.
Everyday I move forward, every day is new, every day is good.

Or, as Cantus the Minstrel said on Fraggle Rock:
“It is good to be somewhere, and here is where we are now best.
That goes for all of you!”

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/tzt3H

Dave, I am bad about getting out of bad relationships and hang on until the bitter end. When I do get out I only meet men that are cheaters and liars. It just doesn't seem to get better. I am almost 51 and most guys my age want 30 year olds.

I think my most recent article / video will help you with this:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/the-myth-of-forever-or-tainted-love-video

Ask me anything

I recently found out my BF has been having conversations with other women, both phone and facebook. Conversations were both parties complaining about their relationships. Why does the BF end his relationship with me if he's so unhappy?

I wrote an article about this very thing!
http://www.examiner.com/relationship-in-los-angeles/q-a-my-boyfriend-speaks-to-other-women-at-night-when-i-am-asleep-bed

Ask me anything

I am currently friends with my ex girlfriend . It has been a year since we broke up. She has already moved on. I for some foolish reason keep chasing her, hoping to win her back...but in the end I just feel more pain...How can I let this person go?

I wrote an article about this very thing; and I even did a whole separate program about it, too (video down at the bottom of the link)

http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/letting-go-or-after-the-love-is-gone

Ask me anything

Hi Dave, I think I am in love and he doesn't know that. OMG after three years of loneliness I am dreaming this guy day and night. I think the LOA should work here, but I don't know how to use it. Any help? T

Remember, the Law of Attraction can't override someone else's free will. All the visualization in the world won't help you if he is interested in someone else.

It CAN help you find the man who IS interested in you, though.

For now, I'd say if you want to hook this guy, this is what you need to know:
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/how-to-be-mr-s-right-or-spiritual-loving-ii

Ask me anything

You seem like a positive person, with a full understanding of LOA. Does the law work in your own life, are you happy, fulfilled and got everything you ever want? I have yet to personally come across someone who is not struggling and is on full steam ahead

The simple answer is, yes!
That isn't to say I don't have my own challenges, sure; but I don't see things as 'problems' when they don't go my way.

Since, I have framed my world view with the belief that if something doesn't work out the way I want it to, either 1. it is still manifesting, but taking longer than anticipated, or 2. God is leading me towards something better.

So I'm always happy, and I almost always get what I want, and when I don't get what I 'want', I ALWAYS get what I need.

Ask me anything

I exhort you also to take part in the great combat, which is the combat of life, and greater than every other earthly conflict.
-Plato

Best Life 2010 Day 2027: Ups and downs, but more ups than downs

It's been an amazing week; but I'm further ahead of where I was a week ago!

I'll tell you a secret:
That 'health scare' I mentioned was with my unborn baby; a few months ago we got an ultrasound where she had some early signs of some significant problems.

I knew that our prayers would be answered, and she'd be totally fine, and as of the ultrasound we got last week she is *totally * fine.

The point is, I was able to keep my head up and keep smiling during the intervening time because I was sure that whatever was going to happen was what was meant to happen. If God sent us a baby with 'challenges', I'd have accepted it. If God sent us a baby with her head on backwards, I'd have accepted it.

The point is, you believe that God is in control and that good things happen to you, or you don't. If you DO believe it, then even what could be perceived as 'bad' isn't bad at all.

Thank God for everything that's going well, and even what isn't; since even your 'problems' are ultimately putting your where you are meant to be.
So how can you even look at them as 'problems'?

Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/FucVY

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.
-Aristotle

Best Life 2010 Day 2026: The Trials of Life

In talking to a few people lately, I've pointed out to them that the challenges, hurdles, obstacles, and “problems” they are experiencing are known as a little thing called 'life'.

And, while a few people have gotten mad at the idea, as if I was making light of their challenges (I wasn't); the fact of the matter remains, it IS life.
No one has it all good, all the time; but if you look at it from the right angle, it IS all good, all the time.

Whatever it is you are facing, whatever you are dealing with, there are millions, possibly BILLIONS of people who would switch places with you, right now today.
So, no matter what 'it' is, all you can do is do your best, and give the rest over to God; and even be thankful that your burdens are so comparably small.

And by the way: if you aren't facing something that is going to kill you, or one of your children in the next 3-6 months, your problems *are * small.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/UBMnR

FINDING A PIECE OF THE TRUTH

One day Mara, the Evil One, was travelling through the villages of India with his attendants. he saw a man doing walking meditation whose face was lit up on wonder. The man had just discovered something on the ground in front of him.

Mara's attendant asked what that was and Mara replied, "A piece of truth." "Doesn't this bother you when someone finds a piece of truth, O Evil One?" his attendant asked. "No," Mara replied. "Right after this, they usually make a belief out of it."

He who says there is no such thing as an honest man, you may be sure is himself a knave.
-George Berkeley

Best Life 2010 Day 2025: VICTORY IS LIFE!

This time last week I had two major challenges: a financial one, and a health scare of a close family member; today I have *zero *!
The health scare went away, and the financial problem got fixed, too; and let me tell you something:

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!

My mental game has been positive, but dispersed lately; now I feel like I can move forward totally aligned and in power.

Whatever you're up against, do what you can and give the rest to God; and everything will work out to your greater good.
Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!
And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/84qrF

It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
-Democritus

Best Life 2010 Day 2022: UnFrikkin-BELIEVABLE

I think the fact that I've had some pretty big breakthroughs in my own ability to let things go has had an unexpected by product: I don't understand the people who keep clinging to situations that aren't working, and quite possibly never worked to begin with.

I've written a few articles on the subject, the most recent of which just this week: http://su.pr/29y83p but the idea just amazes me.

I guess I've realized something that I wish everyone else would realize, too:
our happiness is the responsibility of one person and one person only: US.

No other person is responsible for making you happy, or even *can * make you happy; only YOU can make you happy.

Don't spend years swimming up stream, and then curse God for giving you tired arms.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/hloML

Riches cover a multitude of woes.
-Menander

What more can I do to speed up the LOA process?. I made it specific that I wanted what I wanted on september 1 but what more can I do then think positive?.

I wrote an article and did a video (two, actually) about what to do if the Law 'isn't working':
http://www.examiner.com/spirituality-in-national/the-law-of-attraction-or-no-longer-a-secret

Ask me anything

Best Life 2010 Day 2022: ZZZ ZZZ ZZZ...wha????

So, Lexi woke up at 5 am, and I put her back to sleep. Then at 6 am, and I put her back to sleep. Then she woke up again at 6:30; at 7 I noticed she was just looking at the ceiling, and when she saw I was awake she gave me a huge smile.
I was like...guess we're getting up at 7 am. On Saturday.
Nice.

Now it's 9:30 and I am *wiped * but I realize I've been a bit tardy on my journals lately, so I wanted to give an update.

In short, all kinds of things have gone wrong, nearly gone wrong, or gone REALLY wrong in the last few weeks, but I am just overjoyed.
I'm so glad to be alive, and on Earth at this time; the sun shines, the birds sing, my family is whole and healthy.

What else do I have to worry about?

My life is wonderful because I choose to perceive it is wonderful.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/Mj1AP

It will not always be summer; build barns.
-Hesiod

If you add a little to a little,
and then do it again,
soon that little shall be much.
-Hesiod

Best Life 2010 Day 2020: Shooting Stars and Ultrasounds

I got to see my new baby today!
4D ultrasound technology is *crazy *; we could see her yawn, and scratch her face; Lexi pointed at the screen and said “that's amazing!”
I didn't even know she knew that word, lolol.

She seems to have handle on the fact that is her sister Kahlan, and that she's in her mommy's belly; but I think she'll be in for a shock when the new baby comes home and then doesn't leave afterwards, hehehe.

Life is good, and God is great; I can't complain about anything.
You know, you might be surprised to find that I have quite a bit going on, including a pretty significant financial problem and a recent health scare with a very close family member (but that turned out ok).
The reason why I mention it now, is I chose to keep smiling in the midst of it all.

And it's just that: a choice.

I play my cards to the best of my ability, and I give the rest over to God; whatever he sends me, I accept with gratitude; who am I to label it 'good' or 'bad'?

Surely His viewpoint is superior to mine, and I have faith that He always aligns my steps in the right direction.

“The Great Way is not difficult, for those who have no preferences”... I think I finally know what that means.

Now my only choice is what do I want to sit and drink during the Perseid Meteor Shower? I don't mind either, both both would be yucky, hehehe.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/bK6Yl

My new article on what to do if you are afraid of starting a new relationship, or afraid to leave one you are stuck in:
http://su.pr/29y83p

When strong, be merciful, if you would have the respect, not the fear of your neighbors.
-Chilon

The Lion and the Dolphin (Aesop's Fables)

A LION roaming by the seashore saw a Dolphin lift up its head out
of the waves, and suggested that they contract an alliance,
saying that of all the animals they ought to be the best friends,
since the one was the king of beasts on the earth, and the other
was the sovereign ruler of all the inhabitants of the ocean. The
Dolphin gladly consented to this request. Not long afterwards
the Lion had a combat with a wild bull, and called on the Dolphin
to help him. The Dolphin, though quite willing to give him
assistance, was unable to do so, as he could not by any means
reach the land. The Lion abused him as a traitor. The Dolphin
replied, "Nay, my friend, blame not me, but Nature, which, while
giving me the sovereignty of the sea, has quite denied me the
power of living upon the land."

Everyone should stick to their own element

To be bowed by grief is folly; Naught is gained by melancholy; Better than the pain of thinking, Is to steep the sense in drinking.
Alcaeus

Best Life 2010 Day 2018: Broken Stride

It's been surprisingly difficult to readjust to being home.

I've been EXHAUSTED all the time; the only thing I want to do is cuddle with Lexi and *sleep *.
I made a discovery, though: my sleep on the road isn't particularly restful; each bump in the road wakes me, or when I need to stretch my legs in the bunk wakes me up. So even though I've been sleeping, I haven't been SLEEPING, which is why I'm so wiped out now.

Yesterday we took the bands gear to the storage unit and returned the truck, so the tour is officially over, and I'm home for at least a month, maybe 2, which is good. Well, I make more $$$ on the road, but home is home!

So, I'm taking this opportunity to establish a rhythm I can at least have a good chance at maintaining on the road, even though it will always vary plus or minus 3 hours or so.

Driving across the country was interesting, especially through Colorado, which was as beautiful as it was dangerous (at points). I had several epiphanies about what I want out of life along the way, too.

I am totally content, but focused on a much bigger and brighter future.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/g04aO

All this worldly wisdom was once the unamiable heresy of some wise man.
-Henry David Thoreau

The Farmer and the Cranes (Aesop's Fables)

SOME CRANES made their feeding grounds on some plowlands newly
sown with wheat. For a long time the Farmer, brandishing an
empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when
the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they
ceased to take any notice of it and would not move. The Farmer,
on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great
number. The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying
to each other, "It is time for us to be off to Liliput: for this
man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in
earnest what he can do."


If words suffice not, blows must follow.

Do you wish people to think well of you?
Don't speak well of yourself.
-Blaise Pascal

Best Life 2010 Day 2015: Grand Canyon, Lightening, and the Luxor

So after 29 hours of driving in a moving van, I am home safe!
I wrote that title, since those are the three things the person I was driving with kept looking for, or saying they could see at random times so that's our little inside joke.

The tour was AWESOME, and I'm glad to have some time at home; probably a month, maybe two.

For now, I am looking forward to getting to sleep early, in my own bed.

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/wMG3V

The human heart is as a frail craft on which we wish to reach the stars.
-Giotto di Bondone

Best Life 2010 Day 2012: Still Alive!

Oooh, 2012
It's been a few wild days, and I'll be home this weekend to get you all caught up!

I just wanted to post a quick note saying I am still alive, and successfully escaped the Mall of America (quite a task!)

You are great, and I love you!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/5pTVU

Best Life 2010 Day 2010: MALL OF AMERICA!

I spent the day in Bloomington, MN at the Mall of America; 2.5 million square feet of American excess!

Seriously, I'll give you 3 points of information that will help you understand the scale of this mall:
1.there is an amusement park in the middle of the mall big enough to run the local 6 flags out of business;
2.the bottom floor is a full scale walk through aquarium
3.we walked for over half a mile looking for a Best Buy inside it...a BESTBUY gets lost in it!

We have another day off here tomorrow and I'm sure I'll go back; but needless to say it's pretty sweet.
I'll be home this weekend; sometime between late Friday and Saturday afternoon. I have a few problems that are waiting for me to get home, but I still can't wait to be there!

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/Yvxgb

A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.
-Henry Ward Beecher

A wise person should have money in their head,
but not in their heart.
-Jonathan Swift

I like fat guys :D

If I find out who asked me that weight loss question, I'll send you a friend suggestion!

O=)

Ask me anything

during meditation i sometimes (most of the time) have difficulty visualizing in my mind... I'm relaxed and find benefit, but how do i "see"...how can i practice this??????

I wrote an article about meditation, including how to know what to do if you can't 'see' things clearly http://www.examiner.com/x-26138-Spirituality-Examiner~y2010m4d16-Meditation-101-Or-reining-in-the-monkey-mind

The simplest answer to your question is, if you are relaxed and finding benefit, go with it. Trying to figure out if you 'should' be seeing something else will only rob you of the value you're already getting. Not everyone has vivid images play out in their mind, some people get feelings and sensations and that's ok.

Check out that article, it will help.

Ask me anything

urr fresh

O=)

Ask me anything

In every kind of Game (doesn't matter Online or Real Life) i always play Priest, Medic, Healer or any other similiar type of Class and i happen to be very good at it too. Is that coincidence? My Grandma told me it might be because of my past life.

It is *possible* it's a past life thing, but I don't think you need to look so deeply; the answer is almost certainly in this life.

In such games I always play mages, wizards, who whomever can blow things up from a long way a way! In real life, I don't like getting my hands dirty, either!

Chances are you're a naturally caring person, or at least like having others depend on you, since the success or failure of the mission often depends on the success of the healer.
That...or that's what makes for a fun game play experience for you; no real need to read too much more into it than that.

Ask me anything

What part does ego play? I've read about "being" which is removed from the individual and connected to the universal source of existence. I believe in a higher source of consciousness;however, it's hard to let ego--go. Ego must serve some purpose.

You are absolutely right that it does serve a purpose; everything about us does...or we wouldn't do it.

I wrote an article about the three parts of the mind and how they function (subconscious, conscious, and super-conscious minds) http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-26138-Spirituality-Examiner~y2010m4d15-How-to-know-everything-Or-using-your-mind-for-a-change

The 'ego' is in reality your 'self-image' which lives in your subconscious mind; and like all things, it is neither good nor bad. If anything, it naturally pulls us towards our more animalistic impulses, which makes the 'struggle' to operate from our Divine Source, rather than our instincts.

Ask me anything

If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.
-H. G. Wells

Best Life 2010 Day 208: A Day At The Fair

A good day!
We were at a fair somewhere in Illinois, but it ended up being a high earning day.
And the people were SO NICE!

The whole band came out to sign, and the fans stayed to see them; so it was a late night but a good one. At the end I thought I lost my notebook with all our sales figures written down (!), but I located it later.

It was weird being at a fair again; I probably hadn't been to one since I was 8 years old. I ended up eating like a pregnant woman, lolol.

I actually need to scoot, we've had to pull over because the fog is too thick to drive; guess I'll poke my head out the door and see where we are.

Wait...isn't that how horror movies start????

And remember:
Never give up, never give up, never ever ever give up.

B. Dave Walters
*National* Spirituality Column:
http://su.pr/8nfJgO
Relationships Column: http://su.pr/31ml0X
http://ping.fm/govI6

The Farmer and the Snake

ONE WINTER a Farmer found a Snake stiff and frozen with cold.
He
had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom.
The Snake was quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its
natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a mortal
wound. "Oh," cried the Farmer with his last breath, "I am
rightly served for pitying a scoundrel."


The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful.