So… I’ve done it! I’ve reached and exceeded my retirement goal which means next year I will seek to negotiate a part time schedule at work. All of this investing experience has paid off and I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to achieve financial freedom at last! I have one more financial goal that I am seeking to reach which is why I want to continue working part time next year. Once I achieve that it’ll be “Bye bye working world and paycheck dependency!” If I knew what I know about investing years ago I would have experienced this financial freedom years ago! Have a happy Sunday everyone! I know that I sure will!
Author: Joseph M. Brennan Jr.
Arrive Happier Than When the Journey Began
One way in which to live a happier life is to enjoy the process of getting there instead of focusing so much on end goals or destinations. There are frequently many opportunities for enjoyment, reflection, and relaxation all along the way which people do not take advantage of because of the stresses and negativities they tend to create by focusing solely on their end goals, dreams, or destinations and the potential periodic impact to these due to life’s happenings overall.
One thing that I frequently recommend to people, regarding the process of change, is to start small by planting seeds and gently moving in the direction of the changes they desire, perhaps within ordinary day-to-day activities, and then growing from there. For example, someone who wants to become a more disciplined person overall might start out by getting into the practice of becoming more disciplined in his or her daily routine and then growing from there. Over time he or she might experience not only a disciplined routine, but disciplined spending habits, disciplined work and business practices, disciplined health and fitness activities, and a disciplined life overall.
So how might one apply such a “plant the seeds” approach towards enjoying the process instead of merely focusing on end goals or destinations? Well, one way to get into this practice might be taking an ordinary thing that you do nearly each and every day and transforming it into an opportunity for promoting positive experiences such as viewing your modes of transportation, whether by car, by bus, by plane, or by train, as places for rest, relaxation, enjoyment, and reflection instead of purely as a means for getting there. If you do this you will look forward to these moments as places where you can be alone with your thoughts and might even experience joy and smile while reflecting on the positive aspects of your life, things that you can feel good about, that which you love and appreciate, the pleasant recent happenings of your life, reminiscing about the past, doing something else enjoyable, and perhaps even daydreaming a little. If you get into the practice of doing this you will feel more positive and relaxed upon reaching your destination whether you are starting your work day, winding down from work and going home, or arriving at some other location.
When doing this try out different approaches for creating a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for traveling to and from such as the use of relaxing, inspirational, or uplifting music, humor, audiobooks, or simply silence. If you are someone who tends to be late then try getting into the practice of waking up and leaving ten minutes or so earlier. The wonderful, peaceful, enjoyable, relaxed state of mind you will experience will be well worth the small sacrifice. Alternate between each of these approaches until you find something that works well for you. Some people find one approach that works so well for them that they want to keep doing it while others prefer variations and like to switch things up. Experiment a bit and then do whatever works best for you. Simply make it your goal to feel happier and more relaxed, on a regular basis, upon reaching your destination than when you first started the journey.
Another technique which can be helpful in these regards includes imagining that someone who you love dearly is traveling with you at the time such as a pet, a child, a significant other, or a grandparent or other relative that you love and appreciate. People tend to be more patient, cautious, humble, and relaxed when traveling with those that they love and appreciate so this can be a good approach to employ from time to time. Still another technique which might be helpful in these regards is when you witness offensive behavior at times, such as someone cutting in front of you, imagining the person is someone that you greatly love and care about who might exhibit similar qualities in some situations or perhaps even imagining situations in which you might behave in a similar fashion.
These are all wonderful ways in which to make your modes of transportation more pleasant, fun, relaxing, and safe. It can give you something to look forward to each and every day and is a small way in which to “plant the seeds” for getting you more into the practice of enjoying the process; allowing you to feel happier and more relaxed upon reaching your destination than before the journey began. Start by doing this for ordinary things that you do nearly each and every day such as traveling to and from and then grow from there. Eventually you will get to the point where you focus more on enjoying the process for multiple aspects of your life, such as the journey towards your goals and dreams, instead of purely focusing on destinations or end goals. What a wonderful life we could all enjoy and share if we each lived more in this fashion.
I hope this article will inspire some of you to live a happier life. I don’t care what approach you ultimately choose to use so long as it promotes greater peace, happiness, and enjoyment both within yourself and towards others. Just choose a pleasant, happy, enjoyable one.
This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/
#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness
☆°▪︎ THE CALL ▪︎°☆
I
knew
.
t
h
e
.
day
–
–
might
.
c
o
m
e
.
dawning,
–
–
when
.
y
o
u
.
would
again
–
–
start
calling,
–
–
just
.
t
o
.
say . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
just
.
t
o
.
embrace . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
just
.
t
o
.
perhaps
–
–
someday . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
e
l
.
myself
leaning . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
e
l
.
myself
leaning . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
e
l
.
myself
leaning . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
closer
to
.
t
h
e
.
tease . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
closer
to
.
t
h
e
.
warming
ease . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
closer
to
.
t
h
e
.
haunting
memory . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
o
f
–
–
–
all
.
t
h
e
.
things
.
y
o
u
.
meant
.
t
o
.
me . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
b
u
t
–
–
–
I
will
.
S
W
A
L
L
O
W
.
your
intensity,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
LEAVE . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
leave
.
y
o
u
.
there
.
t
o
.
weep . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
leave
.
y
o
u
.
there
.
t
o
.
weep . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
leave
.
y
o
u
.
there
.
t
o
.
weep . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
f
o
r
–
–
–
me,
–
–
the
way
.
y
o
u
.
did
.
w
i
t
h
.
me . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ leave
.
y
o
u
.
there . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
tossing,
.
a
n
d
.
turning,
.
a
n
d
.
spinning,
.
a
n
d
.
sinking . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
drowning
.
i
n
.
the
dream.
Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in January of 2016 where the affected party chooses a path of spitefulness and retaliation when a former romantic partner tries to reconnect.
☆°▪︎ THE FALL ▪︎°☆
I’m
sorry . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ what
did
.
y
o
u
.
say?
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
must
.
h
a
v
e
.
been
away . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
f
o
r
–
–
–
I
.
f
e
l
l
.
into
.
t
h
e
.
warmth,
.
o
f
.
a
.
passing
glance . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
l
l
.
into
.
t
h
e
.
warmth . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
l
l
.
into
.
t
h
e
.
warmth . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
I
.
f
e
l
l
.
into
.
t
h
e
.
warmth,
.
.
o
f
.
.
a
.
passing
glance . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
started
dreaming
.
o
f
.
the
dance.
Reflection: This was a short, simple romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in January of 2016 where the romancer gets swept away for a moment by another. I’ve had this kind of experience many times in my life, and I’m sure most everyone has.
2016 Goal of Financial Freedom and Independence
Happy Holidays everyone! So… In preparation for the coming year… My primary goal for 2016 is to get to the point that I can fully support myself financially via my investments. I’ve had a record year in the stock market this year so I’m getting close. Based on where I presently stand I’d need to earn about 6.5% per year in the stock market to fully support myself without reducing my account balances. This might be sustainable given that the long term average for stock market returns is about 7% per year, but I’d feel much better about things if I could get down to only needing to earn about 5% per year. We’ll see where things stand at the end of 2016, but my goal is to reach this. If I do I’ll be looking to cut back to part time at my job or perhaps to even stop working the job completely. It’s such a wonderful feeling knowing that I’m getting so close to being able to do this! So now you know why I’ve been spending so much of my off time at Starbucks! I’ve been researching stocks, developing and refining my investment strategies and approaches, and writing a series of financial planning, management, and investing books which I also plan to complete by the end of 2016. So soon, all of my investing “secrets” will be revealed!
I’m determined to achieve this financial freedom and independence goal and I can help you with achieving this as well. Please contact me if you need any assistance with any of your financial planning, management, and/or investing needs as this is one of the areas that I actively perform life coaching in. Also feel free to click on “Financial Planning, Management, and Investing Related Posts” on the sidebar to the right or below (depending upon which device you are using) for helpful tips on how to become a solid investor.
You can also follow me on twitter if you like at Joseph M Brennan Jr @ Brighter Days Life Coaching.
#investing #stocks
WHICH LIFE WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Which life will you choose? A life full of beauty, love, warmth, joy, inspiration, and hope? Or a life filled with pain, loneliness, pessimism, negativity, emptiness, and despair? The choice is always yours. Remembering this is the key to the level of happiness – or unhappiness for that matter – that you will experience throughout the days, weeks, months, and years of your life. It is also the key for how much happiness – or unhappiness for that matter – that you will create within the lives of others who surround you. So, which life will you choose to experience and create? This is probably the most important question you can ask yourself.
Most people who know me well know I am a spiritual person. Now, what do I mean by that? Well, for me, one thing this means is that the spirits of all living and breathing beings never die – they live on after their bodies pass. Another thing it means for me is that connections and communications between individual beings – living or dead, near or far – can continue as if they were within our immediate presence. This offers such warmth, inspiration, and comfort because no matter where I am I never feel distant, disconnected, or alone. I can always summon and experience the joyful presence of others I have loved and appreciated in my life – past or present, living or dead. Sometimes, I will do things and invite them along to experience them with me. Sometimes, I will visit places we enjoyed in the past and beforehand tell them I am going and invite them to join me there. In either case, I feel their joyful presence and it fills me with happiness and makes me smile. I will frequently mentally converse with them and experience their joy at still being a part of my life and my joy at still being a part of theirs.
This is an activity you can perform with all of those that you love and appreciate: people and pets alike. For example, one of my best friends moved clear across the country a couple of years ago with his two dogs who I also adored. Sometimes, I like to go to the areas where he used to live. But before I go, I will generally invite him and his dogs – in spirit – to join me there. I always have such a wonderful, pleasant experience whenever I do this. And who knows? Perhaps, me doing this gave my friend and his dogs happy thoughts in those moments or happy dreams if they were sleeping at the time. For, so much more is possible in the spiritual world than in the physical world.
As another example, my mother died back in 2014, but I still invite her to participate in my life and feel her presence around me. For one thing, she always enjoyed trying new foods and desserts. So, anytime I’m trying something new I invite her to enjoy it with me. And she always does it with such joy! Bringing me great happiness in the process.
So, just because those that you love and appreciate are no longer in your life – either because they have moved away or have passed on – this does not mean you cannot continue to experience the warmth and the joy and the inspiration of their presence. Connect and communicate with them spiritually. Do it now. Do it tomorrow. And do it anytime you desire to experience the warmth, joy, and inspiration of their presence. You are not alone. You never have been. The spiritual world is always there for you.
Now, of course, there are naysayers who do not or will not embrace – and in fact reject – what I have proposed above. However, I would ask you to consider this: Imagine someone who lived his or her life experiencing the love, warmth, and joy of living in this fashion. Now, imagine someone else who lived life rejecting all of these notions and believing that life was a painful, lonely, dismal, and spiritless place. If both of these individuals died tomorrow, who do you suppose lived the happier life? The way you choose to live your life is always your choice. Always remember that. Because we truly do not know how the spiritual world works or what happens after we pass. Although, there have been accounts of near death experiences where beauty and reunions with loved ones of the past have been repeatedly described in detail.
I have made my choice. Which life will you choose? A life full of beauty, love, warmth, joy, inspiration, and hope? Or a life filled with pain, loneliness, pessimism, negativity, emptiness, and despair? Because it truly does not matter. Things will happen the way they do no matter how you choose to live your life. It does not matter. Or perhaps, more importantly, it does.
I hope this article will inspire some of you to live a happier life. I do not care which specific path or journey you choose so long as it does not create negativity towards yourself or towards others. Just choose a happy one. Not only for the benefit of yourself, but for the benefit of those who surround you.
This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/
#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #relationships
☆°▪︎ YOU ▪︎°☆
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
just
what
.
i
s
.
the
color
.
o
f
.
my
mood?
–
–
–
.
.
.
f
o
r
–
–
–
although
.
i
t
.
seems
.
t
o
.
move
.
s
o
.
soon . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
my
only
thought . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
my
only
joy . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
my
only
want . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
i
s
–
–
–
you . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
When
first
.
i
t
.
happened,
.
.
I
.
cannot
.
b
e
.
sure . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
f
o
r
–
–
–
I
cannot
discern . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ I
cannot
discern . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
whether
.
t
h
e
.
trace
.
o
f
.
words,
.
.
I
.
thought
.
I
.
heard
before,
.
.
w
a
s
.
.
the
turning
.
o
f
.
the
blur . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
o
r
–
–
–
the
blurring
.
o
f
.
the
turn . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
i
n
–
–
–
the
valleys
.
w
h
e
r
e
.
curiosity
stirs . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
i
n
–
–
–
the
valleys
.
w
h
e
r
e
.
uncertainty
burns . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
f
o
r
–
–
–
in
quiet
passings
.
w
e
.
suddenly
–
–
MERGED
MERGED
MERGED
–
–
into
the
–
–
BLUR
BLURR
BLURRR
–
–
of
the
–
–
URGE
URGE
URGE
–
–
of
.
t
h
e
.
deep,
.
a
n
d
.
wild,
.
a
n
d
.
winding
turn . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ the
deep,
.
a
n
d
.
wild,
.
a
n
d
.
winding
turn . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
merging
into
.
t
h
e
.
blur . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ merging
into
.
t
h
e
.
blur
.
o
f
.
the
urge . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ merging
into
.
t
h
e
.
blur
.
o
f
.
the
unsure,
.
a
n
d
.
insecure . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ of
.
t
h
e
.
words,
.
.
I
thought
.
.
I
heard
before . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
So
.
y
o
u
.
ask,
–
–
what
is
.
t
h
e
.
color
.
o
f
.
my
mood?
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ well,
.
a
t
.
times
.
i
t
.
blooms
.
i
n
t
o
.
soothing,
–
–
romantic
moons,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
at
others,
.
a
.
dark,
.
a
n
d
.
deep,
.
a
n
d
.
brooding
blue . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
because
now . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
because
now . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
because
now . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
my
only
thought . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
my
only
joy . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
my
only
want
.
i
s
.
you.
Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in September of 2015 where the affected party meets someone he/she is highly attracted to who ends up absorbing and consuming much of his/her life throughout the days, weeks, and/or months of attraction. I’ve had a few experiences like this in my life as I’m sure most people have from time to time.
☆°▪︎ THE SOOTHING SEA OF MEMORY ▪︎°☆
Please
take
.
a
.
seat
.
r
i
g
h
t
.
here
.
w
i
t
h
.
me
–
–
overlooking
.
t
h
e
.
sea . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ the
sea
.
o
f
.
memory . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
where
only
–
–
soothing
silence,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
silent
soothing
–
–
speaks . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ where
only
–
–
soothing
silence,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
silent
soothing
–
–
speaks . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
although
.
w
e
.
cannot
–
–
quite
perceive
.
t
h
e
.
whispered
words
.
o
f
.
peaceful
ease . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
w
e
–
–
–
can
.
a
t
.
least
–
–
hear,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
feel,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
breathe
.
a
.
hint
.
o
f
.
what
.
s
h
e
.
means . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ a
hint
.
o
f
.
what
.
s
h
e
.
means . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
Please
take
.
a
.
seat
.
r
i
g
h
t
.
here
.
w
i
t
h
.
me
–
–
overlooking
.
t
h
e
.
sea . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ the
sea
.
o
f
.
memory . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
take
.
a
.
sip
.
o
f
.
the
.
warming
.
ease,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
simply
smile,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
be,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
drift,
.
.
a
n
d
.
.
dream . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
right
.
here
.
i
n
.
peace
.
w
i
t
h
.
me.
Reflection: This was an inspiration/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in August of 2015 in reflection of the simple, soothing, peaceful ease quiet moments can bring.
Start Again
Here’s a wonderful quote, from 60 years ago, that some of you might gain inspiration from – and which can be applied at so many levels… even in today’s world: “I was surprised, as always, by how easy the act of leaving was, and how good it felt. The world was suddenly rich with possibility.”
― Jack Kerouac, On the Road
So… If what you’re doing, who you’re with, or where you are in your life does not inspire and bring you happiness… Leave. Start again. Start again and again and again and again until you find that which does. This is your life… Your journey… Your happiness… Your adventure… Approach it that way.
This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help oriented books: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/
#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness
☆°▪︎ WE ▪︎°☆
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
b
u
t
–
–
–
what
.
believes
.
i
n
.
you . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
what
.
believes
.
i
n
.
me . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
what
.
believes
.
i
n
.
everything
.
beyond
.
a
n
d
.
between . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
~ what
.
believes
.
i
n
.
everything
.
beyond
.
a
n
d
.
between . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
t
o
–
–
–
include
.
every
.
piece
.
a
n
d
.
part
.
o
f
.
we . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
s
o
–
–
–
it
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
It
.
i
s
.
not
.
what
.
w
e
.
believe . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
b
u
t
–
–
–
what
.
believes
.
i
n
.
we.
Reflection: This was an inspiration/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in April of 2015 to inspire a sense of hope, harmony, optimism, and belonging by shifting the focus from what we personally believe to what believes in us. So many hold so firmly to their individual beliefs which can be very divisive in nature and create a life of isolation, loneliness, and pessimism.