Category: Lunar Letter (English)

Our ability to “Bounce Back” and move forward is an attribute which provides confidence and security to face life’s most challenging situations. The analogy of a bouncing ball rebounding in spite of adversity is a powerful metaphor as is the resiliency of a sponge. While the physical characteristics of a bouncing ball and a sponge are very different, there are noteworthy similarities.

A sponge after being twisted and tortured returns to its original state. While there is a definite limit to the abuse it can take, the sponge is resilient and “Bounces Back” to its initial form. We can learn much from the sponge both in its natural state in the ocean and its commercial state with which we are more familiar.

The living sponge we find in the ocean regenerates itself when cut from its base for
commercial use. The treated sponge we buy in the store is remarkable in its ability to store water (information) and to return to its original state (Bounce Back) after being used and abused. When we face our challenges as if we were a sponge, we encounter new found significance in the most trying times of our lives.

“Resilience” is “The property of a material that enables it to resume its original shape or position after being bent, stretched, or compressed; elasticity.” This is the essence of the sponge. Our capacity to return to our, “original state,” after being bent, stretched and twisted by the dynamic cycles of life is a worthy goal, while our ability to improve and learn through these challenges is ideal.

Those who achieve impressive feats in life are those who have the ability to look at problems as challenges and who are not afraid of failure. Failure is neither good nor bad, it simply is. Some of the most incredible discoveries have been the result of tremendous failures and harsh criticism.

A positive attitude, focus, flexibility, organization and initiative are characteristics which allow us to have the resilience of a sponge to Bounce Back from any situation which arises.

• A positive attitude drives us to see problems as challenges
• Intense focus permits us to continue on the right track
• Flexibility creates a myriad of appealing alternatives
• Organization facilitates the direction our destiny
• Initiative compels us in the direction we desire

Success is not an accident, rather it is the result of the decisions we make daily. When we become aware of the way in which we see the world and, specifically, how we view our own trials and tribulations, we embark on a journey which illuminates the beauty of each stride in this incredible adventure we call life.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 20

At this time of the year, it’s common to review our habits and routines in search of a healthier and more fulfilling life. To truly create habits which empower our future, we need to continually reinforce them. A plan to track and modify our behavior keeps us on the path of success and happiness.

Our habits and routines are part of our being. Despite experience to the contrary, we can be masters of our routines. Implementing a system which highlights the importance of applying positive habits, creates a lifestyle which unlocks a wide range of opportunities. Instead of thinking, “Why can’t we do it?” we can ask, “How can we do it?” Since we have unconsciously established daily routines, our challenge is to implement new ones.

Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape is a system I have developed which establishes a mechanism to initiate change, reinforce positive behavior and track progress. While the number “8” flows with the ideas and principles set forth, the following are also valid:

• Two is None too Few
• Three to be Free
• Four to Score
• Five to Stay Alive
• Six for Kicks
• Seven is Heaven

Creating a system emphasizing the significance of establishing powerful positive habits constructs a lifestyle which unlocks and opens doors of opportunity.

There is a simple way to create positive routines. All we need is a calendar, a pencil and a burning desire to take charge of our destiny.

1. Determine those activities which direct us to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape. We can focus on initiating or continuing behavior which is in harmony with our lifestyle and occupation. Click on the thumbnails below to see a sample list of activities, additional ideas and calendar with results:
2. The number of activities and their difficulty will vary. Each of us controls the content and complexity of the habits and routines we choose.
3. Every evening record each completed activity in the form of an icon or letter on that day’s date. An ideal time to complete this exercise is just before going to bed. The entire exercise of “logging” our daily results takes no more than a minute.

We may say:

“Why bother?”

“I don’t have time!”

“I have too many things to do!”

Whether we feel there is room for improvement in our lives or we consider we are obtaining the results we desire, Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape improves our awareness of empowering activities.

Accomplishing activities which lead us to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape generates a continual flow of energy into our pool of productivity. There will be days when we achieve more or less than our “ideal” number of activities. The purpose of the exercise is not to chastise ourselves for coming up short, rather to possess a powerful plan which guides us to our objectives.

Like sand through an hour glass, the days, months and years slip away with or without a plan. Eight to Create, Motivate and Stay in Shape generates a script which enables us to direct our destiny and assure our path to prosperity.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 19

The most important thing in life is not the daily ups and downs we experience, but rather our reaction to those events. Our capacity to Bounce back from challenging situations determines our direction and destiny.

To be “Bounced” can also have another meaning. The term is also used to signify rejection or failure. At first glance, it appears the meanings of the word Bounce are incongruent. When we take a closer look we actually see they are very much in harmony.

Those who are most successful in life and achieve that which many only dream about are typically the people who effectively deal with rejection and failure. The more they are “Bounced”, the stronger they become. They recuperate and Bounce back from being “Bounced” because of a high degree of confidence and tremendous conviction in their abilities.

To be a better Bouncer there are several factors to take into account. Where we happen to be in our particular cycle is one of the most crucial to consider. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. If we are at the bottom of a Bounce, our capacity to look at things in a positive light and come out fighting is more complicated. If we are on top of the world and feeling wonderful, our capacity to Bounce back is enhanced.

One of the biggest misconceptions of motivation is that we can feel up and motivated all of the time. There are times when we feel down and there is nothing anyone or anything can do to make us Bounce back at that particular moment. Nor should we expect that we should never feel down. If we never know that feeling of misery and misfortune, we can never truly experience the exhilaration and excitement of life.

There is a time for everything and each and every instant has a reason for being. When we feel down and out instead of getting upset with ourselves or with those who want us to miraculously feel up and motivated, we can instead say:

“Don’t bug me, I am in a bottom of a Bounce, but I will be back!”

Being congruent and in harmony with our emotions is perhaps one of the most difficult things we can do. We are taught from a very young age that it isn’t always wise or desirable to show what we feel. Instead we often repress feelings which elicit extreme emotions in the positive and the negative.

When we are down, it’s OK to be down as long as we know we can and will Bounce back. When we are up and motivated, we should bathe in the beauty of the moment. At the same time, it is realistic to accept that there will be a time when the cycle changes and thus prepare to Bounce back when we feel we are in the bottom of a Bounce.

Those who Bounce best assure that the agony of defeat will time and again lead to the thrill of victory.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 18

Energy is life and we communicate with the world according to our level of energy. Internal energy is a direct reflection of our physical and emotional well-being. When we are physically and emotionally energized, we direct our destiny. When we are physically and emotionally weak, we drift aimlessly in an ocean of change.

To create energy in our bodies we need to eat right and exercise. In theory it is simple and logical but in practice, difficult and challenging. It is often more convenient to eat poorly and forego exercise than to eat well and exercise. A disciplined approach to eating nourishing food and exercising regularly creates energy.

Developing the habit of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables is the first step towards a healthy body. The plethora of wonderful food is one of life’s simple pleasures. It is one of the benefits that we, as human beings, have in comparison to virtually any other species. This variety frequently leads us to consume food which generates immediate satisfaction but which is not most beneficial to our bodies. As we create a desire to assimilate fresh fruits and vegetables into our daily diet, we acquire a healthier body and mind.

Physical exercise is initially exhausting and ultimately satisfactory. Laziness is initially satisfactory and ultimately unproductive. While it is imperative to recharge our bodies to create energy, the best way to achieve this goal is by restful sleep and not lethargy. Strenuous physical endeavor activates our body and creates energy. By using every opportunity during the day to exercise our bodies, we generate and store energy for future use.

Stretching our body in the morning, using our muscles to pick up an object instead of dragging it, walking to our destination rather than riding and utilizing our muscles creates physical energy. The small things we do on a daily basis to exercise our body make a tremendous difference in our overall energy level.

Generating the right emotional state to create positive energy is more elusive. We are taught how to ride a bike, read, write and do arithmetic but seldom how to manage our emotions. Developing positive emotional energy is frequently a result of our internal dialogue.

When we tell ourselves that things are terrible and will only get worse, we find a way to fulfill the prophecy. If, on the other hand, we tell ourselves that things are not the way we want them to be and we have the power to create positive solutions, we also will fulfill that prediction.

From the moment we wake up in the morning until we sleep at night, our mind is constantly analyzing and evaluating information. When we consciously empower our internal dialogue to focus on solutions instead of problems, we positively energize our emotions.

Physical and emotional energy are the fountain of life.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 17

Change creates a wave of emotions which determines our motivation and desire to make decisions and take action. Our capacity to Ride the Wave of Change and control our “internal dialogue” is a powerful tool which directs our response to life’s circumstances.

Unfortunately, seldom are we taught how to manage our emotions. Our parents, the educational system and the corporate environment are dedicated to teach us how to do “things.” Like tying our shoes, throwing a ball, studying for a test and being more productive. All of this knowledge is extremely important. Of equal importance is effectively managing the wave of emotions which presents itself daily.

There are two words which help to manage and direct our “internal dialogue.” The words are BECAUSE and BUT.

William Shakespeare said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

 

• A positive attitude towards change is good, BECAUSE it creates imagery which empowers us to develop creative solutions.
• A negative attitude towards change is not good, BUT it does give us an opportunity to reflect on the positive elements which the situation creates.

Every change contains both positive and negative elements. The language we use to process these changes will determine the attitude we assume with respect to each event. In the first case, the word BECAUSE affirms the importance of the positive reaction and in the second case, the word BUT detracts from the importance of the negative reaction allowing us to find positive elements of the change.

Normally, we use the word BUT in a negative way in our “internal dialogue.” For example:
“I consider myself to be intelligent and capable, BUT I wasn’t successful in closing an important contract because I wasn’t able to see the subtle nuances of the deal.”

Unconsciously, we beat ourselves up and diminish the importance of our intelligence and capability while we place more emphasis on our inability to achieve an objective. In order to utilize the word BUT in a positive way, we can “phrase” this “internal dialogue” as follows:

“I wasn’t successful in closing the deal, BUT I am intelligent and capable to learn from the experience so that I will do better next time.”

We create power when we use these small and mighty words. Our attitude towards change has a decisive impact in our lives. The decision we take with respect to each event in our life creates our direction and destiny.

When we control the words and ideas flowing through our “internal dialogue”, we take advantage of a powerful tool allowing us to bounce back from the most difficult situations in life, because in the end…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 16

Adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Think for a moment of the most gratifying moments of your life. Graduating from school, getting married, having kids, being hired for your “dream” job, closing an important sale, resolving a difficult problem or overcoming a complex situation. It’s possible to have these experiences without crossing the turbulent river of adversity but those successes which we obtain in spite of adversity are the most valued moments of our lives.

Why then do we flee from adversity?

We prefer that which is comfortable and convenient. automatically look for that which is known and familiar. Nevertheless, adversity forces us to do something extraordinary. It forces us to think and use our minds to explore and examine alternatives which are outside our comfort zone. We see from our own experience that overcoming adversity produces more personal satisfaction.

Life is like a bouncing ball. Sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down. Our ability to bounce back from adversity creates our character and determines our destiny. Frequently the cause of our down moments is the turbulent river of adversity. One of the most powerful ways to bounce back from adversity is to focus on the end result. Overcoming the challenge provides us with the exhilaration and pride associated with accomplishing an important task.

We live in a life where adversity confronts us like a tiger with bared teeth every day.

How will we react?

Will we turn and run or meet the challenge?

There are certainly moments when the best answer is to run as quickly as possible! Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the alternatives. One way of putting things in perspective is to apply, “The rocking chair test.”

How will we feel when we are old, sitting in our rocking chair and thinking about the decision that we took at a given point in time?

Will we be proud of our decision to turn and run or will it be more desirable to know that we faced the danger and fought with valor?

Adversity provides us with the opportunity to determine our destiny and to fly with the eagles rather than slither with the snakes.

In the end…It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 15

This is one of those months that comes around every once in a Blue Moon, literally. A Blue Moon occurs when there are two full moons in the same month. The next time this will occur is in May 2007. I take this special opportunity to explain one of the ideas which inspired our Lunar Letter.

The routine of our daily lives frequently creates obstacles to our enjoying each marvelous day on earth. I created a concept which enables us to be more aware of the value of each day and converted the idea into a simple game.

The idea evolved as I was thinking about the importance of each day, month and year in this adventure we call “life.” The first step was to establish a point of reference. Since I am somewhat of a “lunatic” and have always been aware of the phases of the moon, I decided to use the Full Moon as the central theme of this wonderful game.

It has been well established that goals and objectives are one of the primary keys to achieving that which we most desire. For example, we can create a goal to buy a new car or change jobs. If we accompany that goal with a definite plan of action, more than likely we will achieve our objective. If this idea works for short term goals, what about more important life time goals involving our health and happiness?

Think for a moment about the time when you would like to leave this reality we call “life” and enter another reality, yet unknown. Now visualize yourself at this “Ideal Age” full of life and energy, celebrating your life with those you love and cherish.

• The age which you have just visualized is your Ideal Age.
• From your Ideal Age, subtract your Actual Age.
• The result is your Years of Fun and Fulfillment.
• Take your Years of Fun and Fulfillment and multiply by 365.25.
• This will give you your Days of Fun and Fulfillment.
• Your Days of Fun and Fulfillment divided by 29.5 will give you your Full Moons of Fun and Fulfillment until your Ideal Age.

It sounds complicated, so here is an example:

• 82 – 42 = 40 Years of Fun and Fulfillment
• 40 X 365,25 = 14,610 Days of Fun and Fulfillment *
• 14.610 / 29,50 = 495,25 Full Moons of Fun and Fulfillment

* This formula will give you a ballpark figure. If you would like to calculate your actual Days of Fun and Fulfillment, click here.

Precious Stones

The next step is to buy or find Precious Stones which exemplify for you each Full Moon of Fun and Fulfillment. In our example we would have 495 Full Moon’s of Fun and Fulfillment. Your Precious Stones can be the precious glass gems in this buy link, marbles, stones or any other small object.

Place them in a glass jar and at the beginning of each Full Moon take one out.
Carry it with you in your pocket or change purse. This way you can see your Precious Stone often during the month and remember the importance of that month in the great scheme of things.

When the Full Moon comes around, take your Precious Stone and place it some place where you can see it regularly. It could be in a fish tank, garden or beneath a tree.
Take another Precious Stone from your jar and play the game until the next Full Moon.

We may wonder, “Won’t seeing the number of Precious Stones decreasing in our jar have a negative effect?” This depends entirely on our point of view. This process is an excellent way to remind us to enjoy each day, Full Moon and year of Fun and Fulfillment. When we finally take out the last Precious Stone from our jar and place it in the special place we have chosen, it signifies the achievement of an important milestone in our lives. At that moment, I would suggest starting the whole process again. Insurance actuaries remind us that even someone who is 100 years old has a life expectancy.

Your Precious Stones create powerful imagery to live in the present and to Bounce back from difficult situations because in the end…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 14

Deep deliberate breathing will provide our body with vigor and vitality. We ignore the power and energy that breathing can generate. Oxygen is essential for every cell and organ in our body. Our respiratory system distributes this vital energy and eliminates toxins from our body.

We breathe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during our entire lives. We can last many days without food, a shorter period of time without water but without breathing for only a few minutes, we begin to turn blue!

Dr. Marcos Levy explains that as we breathe deeply, our diaphragm contracts. This contraction creates suction within the largest vein in our bodies, called the vena cava, which carries blood from our lower extremities to the heart. This improves blood circulation and increases energy levels.

One of the best ways to assure proper breathing is through vigorous exercise. As our heart rate increases and we begin to breathe deeply we automatically utilize our diaphragm. I know what you are thinking:

“I don’t have time for exercise!”

While exercise is ideal for deep breathing, there are other ways to breathe properly. The first step is to inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. The air should fill first the lower, middle and then upper lungs. Exhale through the mouth while fully relaxing rib cage and stomach. This can be accomplished during the following activities:

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Running after our children
Jumping up and down
Walking rapidly
Chasing a dog
Doing yoga

In addition, it is also possible to focus on deep deliberate breathing at any given moment. For example:

In traffic
When we are angry
Before going to sleep
While watching television
Before chastising our children
During a particularly boring meeting

Vanity leads us to suck in our stomach so that people think we are skinny, but by doing this we don’t breathe properly! Deep breathing causes our stomach to inflate as we inhale and to deflate as we exhale. It may be that people laugh at our inflated stomachs but we will be activating our respiratory system which fills us with energy and vitality to face daily challenges.

∞ Rob McBride ∞

LL I 13