Think about the sun. When it is shining broadly, it graces everything with a warm glow. But when you shine it through a magnifying glass, suddenly the intensity has the power to burn. Focus…is ENERGISING.

So to help you keep your focus and not be side tracked by the obstacles life throws at us to test our vision, a great question my friend always poses to me when I want to start complaining about something is, “How would it be if…” This then places whatever my issue is in that moment into the positive of the issue being solved and I can work my way backwards because I have the hope of the issue being able to be resolved. Immediately the issue loses it’s debilitating power because suddenly possibilities open up.

I think Dr Jim Rohn said it like this, “Why not you? Why not now? Why do good things have to happen to other people?” I love this quote as it DEEPLY impacted me at a time when I had little hope for the future. Why can’t it be us who get what we want in life?

If you can imagine yourself in the freedom that comes from a resolved issue and imagine how you would be feeling and acting in that state, it can be quite invigorating and motivating.

Happy days ahead for all of us!

Just a quick tip!

When I started working from home in 2008, it was more a decision I made based on lack of options. I  had four children, was separated at the time and my children were going through a very difficult relocation to a new school, a new house, without the security of their father.  I was being called into the school more times than I would have liked, so having a regular job was near on impossible.

That’s when I got creative and decided to use my computer to generate an income.  I started out by doing whatever I could to help out my friends.  Type up a resume, design a DVD cover.  Whatever I could.  Out of that I grew a business providing business support services including webdesign, graphic arts, publishing, video promos and business mentoring and training.

I’m not suggesting that everyone could do what I have done as I do have advanced skills in a few areas.  However, if you can type, then you might find that you can provide a Virtual Assistant type of service working from home.  Working my own business now is the best decision I made because it affords me the flexibility to respond to my children’s needs.  In fact, it would be nigh on impossible for me to do a regular job, as with four children, I am called out to the school at least once a week for something and then there are the days when the children are sick too.

So if you are wanting to find a business that works for you, my suggestion would be to sit down and write a list of the skills that you have and look to see what kind of work from home business you can build.  Think about the kinds of things that you do naturally in your day.  Do you organise a household, do you make phone calls, do you manage a budget, do you type letters, do you research important information etc.  These are all skills that are valuable in a business and you may have more skills than you think.

I’m always happy to throw a few ideas around with you.  At the end of the day though, a work from home business is a lot of hard work and sometimes takes a long time to build up the business to a point where you are getting a decent return.  If you’re prepared for the long haul, it can be very satisfying.

There are always ways to make money, it’s usually just a matter for finding the way that works best for you.  Good luck!

This article was written by Rev Judith Elia and published in the March 2009 edition of the  NAJAX publication, Natural Awakenings. I think the message is extremely relevant to all people everywhere…

One of my favourite ministers is the late, great Eric Butterworth who held his Services in Lincoln Centre in NYC.  He taught that, “Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just money or things.  Poverty is a way of living and thinking, and not just lack of money and things.”  The word prosperity comes from the Latin root word which literally translates:  ”According to hope” or “to go forth hopefully”.  The truly prosperous never tie their well-being to anything that can be taken from them.  Their prosperity comes from the way they think and live and act and serve and not in the appearances of the world.  Like the title of our new President’s book, they have the audacity to HOPE.

Caring for money and using it wisely is an act of respect.  It requires discrimination, contemplation, and the ability to honestly discern the difference between what you need and what you desire.  Respect for money consists of paying our bills on time, thanking God for the ability to do so, and thanking our creditors or business associates for the services they have kindly given us.  It is a blessing to offer someone a good wage in respect of their skills.  Repect for money might also include asking:  will a certain purchase improve my life in some way or am I deceiving myself?

Money is a gift from God but it does not fall from the sky.  As spiritually aware human beings we spend it carefully and make sure we put it to good use.  It is the energy of God so we must keep the atmosphere surrounding it very pure.  All of our financial dealings must be clean and honest.  The idea of putting something over on someone, getting away with something, not quite telling the truth, taking advantage of or manipulating others – not to mention out and and out thievery – all make for paying your dues in the garden of plenty.  You will eventually reap what you sow.  Do not expect to be prosperous and cheat on your taxes.  Do not rack up credit card debt, declare bankruptcy to get out of it and expect to feel good about yourself.  Be the action you want to see in the world.  Do your best every day in every way ad Life will return the favour.

I have decided that every time I hear that we are doomed because of our national financial crisis I will replace those thoughts with:  ”These are Prosperity Times!”  We have fears and we are being given the opportunity to overcome them and examine them.  Some millionaires are tightwads, some otherwise generous people get angry over trivial losses or expenditure and these emotions must be faced.  It is all just ego-driven behaviour.  Respect, purity, and gratitude:  three will honour and build wealth in our lives, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and materially.

Join me in making a commitment to stay focussed on the things that will last like love, the wisdom and beauty of nature, and serve to others.  Refuse to be discouraged.  Go forth hopefully and you will live in Prosperity Times.

Rev Judith Elia is minister at Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Road, Julington Creek.

For me, I look, see that they are the same old standard approach and immediately they have lost me. Is this how others feel?

As someone who is involved in packaging and marketing, I’d really appreciate the feedback of my online friends as I am going to be advising my clients in relation to these processes. What are the outcomes for this type of marketing? Is anyone doing it and having huge success?

I know this probably sounds just a little cynical, but I’ve seen a lot of people selling business and marketing systems and having a bit of success with selling the systems, but how many who buy these systems are also experiencing success? There is lots of talk of growing rich online, but I’d like to see the evidence of it. Anyone who has an opinion is welcome to post a response. I am truly interested in what you think.

Kath was recently awarded by the Moment Women’s Forum in Perth and presented by the Governor-General an award for being an inspirational woman in the community.

Kath, a cancer survivor, has been valiantly campaigning for the past 15 years!

Many say Kath is 5 years ahead of her time and I know that it is going to be my privilege to help her get her message out to the marketplace. Here is a photo of us together today…

Here is also a promo that I did for Kath last September to promote the International Gynae Awareness Day on 10 September.

I have been amazed that as I have sifted through the 7000 plus images on my computer, I have been able to pull a sizeable gallery of decent photos together. Further, it has spurred me on to capture more photos, with even more interesting content.

From nature scenes to children, dogs to ducks, motorbikes to helicopters… I love capturing life in it’s many aspects, especially people and the many emotions we experience.

A sample of a couple of my recent photos are…

Come and check out the photos and leave me some comments. I love hearing people’s reactions to my photography, which I hope brings a new expression of life.

Knowing I am a project junkie, she was delighted when I literally dropped everything to pop over and take some pictures inside the apartment.

I just thought I’d share my handiwork with the world, along with a description of the accommodation, just in case your planning a vacation in the near future and want to put Perth on your agenda. And if you do, make sure you let me know so we can hook up for some fun!

The White House Quinns awaits you…

A very modern 2 bedroom apartment that is light, bright and airy, with fantastic ocean views from the living room, dining and main bedroom, the White House Quinns is more than just a holiday home. It’s a home away from home.

Private, quiet and relaxing, this venue is perfect for a holiday or weekend getaway, with plenty of room for a couple or family.

It’s the perfect location for a writer’s retreat or somewhere to process your life plans, The White House Quinns is simply idyllic.

Tucked away in a quiet street well off the beaten track, and just a hands throw away from Perth’s beautiful white beaches, the White House Quinns has all the ‘mod cons’ including a dishwasher and stainless steal appliances, toaster, microwave and CD Player. The whole place is immaculate and tastefully decorated.

For inspiration or relaxation, swim in the 10 metre pool, walk to the beach and have a coffee or glass of wine at the friendly ocean front cafe. It literally is a 5 minute walk to the beach.

The master suite has walk in robes and a private bathroom, with easy access to the pool via sliding doors. Sit by the pool or at the table with a view and enjoy an early morning coffee.
The second bedroom has its own private bathroom with a lovely big bath, and looks out over the below ground pool.

This home has stunning real wood floors and has been stylishly decorated.

Just 15 minutes from Perth’s Mitchell Freeway, the rest of Perth awaits your exploration. There are so many things to see and do…

Yesterday I went and purchased a desk. I’ve been working for two years from home on this…

I do a lot of work from home as I am a Business Trainer and Mentor, but sideline doing graphics, design and layout work. Previously, if you can imagine that tiny little computer desk with a huge computer on it, then you will realise that every time I wanted to put something on the desk, there was no room to do anything. This was especially frustrating when I had a client with me and I needed room for them to put their coffee cup down, as it caused unnecessary accidents.

So after I received a good payment for a particular job, I decided that was it. I was going to do something positive about the desk need! So I purchased two parts – a main desk and an executive return. They are supposed to butt up together but I haven’t worked out the best position in the lounge yet. But here they are for you to see:

Ignore the mess on the desktop, because I’m not quite finished yet. The point is, I now have desktop space to spare and I’m thinking that the executive return will prove a handy place for me to have my youngest sit to do her homework while I’m working.

The effort to put these desks together was huge! I tried to do it by myself. Imagine me and a 6 year old and an 8 year old holding pieces together while I tried to work out how to use these funny looking screws and caps. Well, I got it together alright and turned it up the right way and within minutes it fell apart. If it wasn’t so tragic, I’d be howling with laughter because I am the “I can” woman!!!

My husband, who was coming up for the weekend to be with the children arrived just as it fell apart to my humiliation and abject horror, as we’d already had a blazing row about him helping me put it together earlier in the day. He saw what I’d done and scolded me for not waiting for him to help me. Secretly, I’m glad I tried and failed because it made him see how much I need his practical help, despite us being separated. Why is it that when you are with someone for 12 years, you develop a dependency on certain aspects of their nature and when they are no longer around you realise just how important they really are to you?

Anyway, I’m very pleased to say that it was relief when we finally got every screw in place. By the way, my error was that I didn’t screw the screws in tight enough for them to expand the thing that keeps it all together. I did it as tight as my fingers could go, but needed to use a screwdriver, which I couldn’t find. )))

Well, now I am sitting at my lovely new desk, typing this and thinking about the new office chair I am going to need to purchase because now the desk is too tall for my chair. It just doesn’t end…