I really, really, REALLY want to help people live great, positive, abundant, joy-filled lives just for the heck of it. Just because it's possible. Just because the opposite is not much fun. Perhaps it's because I didn't always have one of those lives until now and the past few years here.

My childhood was part-wreck, part-good. I blame no one. It could've gone differently but it didn't. I think it was all mostly done unconsciously. I don't think it was done intentionally and maliciously? No way. So, I love both my parents even as I wish (now, in the present) that they'd stretch a little further and put themselves and their potential as well as us, their children, ahead of their weaknesses. I don't think they owe it to us so much as they owe it to themselves. It'd just be cool. So, I keep pushing for that. I push everybody for that. I am definitely pushing myself, especially now by finally committing to the writing, just because I think it's awesome to conquer those parts of ourselves that keep the light at bay.

As I write, in fact, Ian - all light and happiness - is playing beside me with not a care in the world. He is SO happy and content and without any need to be or do anything other than what he's doing. He has no false, limiting beliefs (that he's very conscious about anyway or that are deeply ingrained). He doesn't feel or think he must do well, he doesn't feel life should be easy, he doesn't feel anyone owes him anything. I love his carefree life. He's such a good example! And that's what I'd love people to be. Happy, free.

So, here's tip # 1 - if you're depressed, that only means your thoughts are being dominated by negativity. And guess what's great about that? That the person who can change that is ... that's right, YOU! So, go for it. Change your thoughts. Tell yourself it's ridiculous to dwell on what's not working well and start looking for what is. Tell yourself "Okay, maybe this didn't happen or didn't go as I wished. Maybe I failed here on this. A lot of the time though, most things go alright." And then, get further perspective. There's a great life happening out there - a beautiful sky, billions of people, billions of stars. Don't get stuck on you and on your thoughts - and NEGATIVE thoughts at that! No one has time for that. It's a beautiful life right now! Live it.