.

    Wednesday, December 31, 2008

    New York Style New Year

    I looked out the back window a few seconds ago and to my surprise snow was falling from the sky.



    So I walked out into the backyard to appreciate all the beauty



    I turned to my right and noticed the patio tabled is covered in snow



    And that's when it hit me that I am still in the city





    Happy New Year!!

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor
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    Monday, December 29, 2008

    Building Esteem

    A judgment made by another person is subjective and just an opinion, a reflection of their life. Yet uttered judgments impact people negatively and reduce esteem building efforts to rubble. How does one judgment a reflection of another person’s life reduce your esteem building efforts down to nothing more than rubble? Judgments are no more than opinions or conclusions based on ones experience. An illusion of what they think needs to happen based on their life experience which in many cases differs from the person directly in front of them.

    Judgment fuels fear, which form behaviors like self-doubt. Building esteem requires a level of confidence only achieved through successfully completing day-to-day tasks. Some tasks require no conscience thought while complex tasks will require a lot of thought. More than likely tasks that require the most thought are most likely to be the ones subjected to judgment because those are the tasks people seek external validation. The greater the validation the higher the confidence level – On the flip side, the worse the validation or lack of, the lower the confidence level.

    When one person asks another for feedback they open the door for judgment. More often than not there already is an expectation attached to the request and unless the feedback meets or exceed the expectation someone will be hurt and another accused of being judgmental. However, if the person who requests feedback is confident what they hear is constructive criticism that will be used as an opportunity to improve upon.

    Many people fear judgment, but only because they lack self-confidence. Judgments can be separated into two groups: Opinions, and constructive criticism. Opinions are experience based and ego driven and do nothing for building esteem, while constructive criticism comes from a place of questioning one’s effort to improve the output quality and is objective. However, even constructive criticism can be misinterpreted as judgment – But only if you have expectations as to what the constructive criticism should sound like.

    To avoid feeling like you are being judged, stop asking for feedback unless you truly plan on doing something with the feedback you receive. Otherwise you are setting yourself up for disappointment and hurtful times.
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    Saturday, December 27, 2008

    Goal-Setting

    Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, observed by common wealth countries like Canada. Most stores are closed because Boxing Day is statutory holiday observed across Canada but it is also the busiest shopping day for retailers. Retailer’s mark down everything for clearance, some sales are so good, patrons begin forming lines that stretch around the block at some stores. Thankfully I’m not much of a shopper so you won’t catch me out and about shopping for anything in the next couple of days.

    But more important than Boxing Day is the New Year, which is four days away. I feel like a broken record for saying this again: 2008 was the year for learning. The biggest lesson for the year, also my anthem - Life is a journey filled with learning lessons. With lessons comes growth and with growth comes life. When you stop learning you are either dead or stuck somewhere on your life path.

    Lately I’ve been thinking about where I want to be this time next year. I have no limitations to what I can or cannot do because I love to learn new things. In the past any time I was faced with a challenge or obstacle, I found a solution that kept me moving along often time gaining experience and knowledge - Each challenge prepared me for the next as with each obstacle which provided the skills that I would need to conquer the next obstacle.

    So yesterday I measured how successful I was with goals I set at the beginning of 2008. Of the 15 goals I set for myself I successfully achieved 10 out of the 15 goals. 2 goals are still in motion, while 3 will be axed, as they no longer fit into my overall plan.

    2009 is the year for success. What that means is I will use everything I learned in 2008 and apply it in 2009 to garner further successes throughout my journey and to successfully achieve 2 of the 3 goals that remain plus 10 new goals.

    Goal #1: Finish My Book
    Goal #2: Host My Very Own Reality TV Show
    Goal #3: Launch my first real company with 10 employees by December 2009. 

    A timely tag also came while writing this post by Juliet from lifemadegreat.com 
    The objective is to write six tidbits about yourself and tag 6 fellow bloggers. So here I go: 

    1. Sue @ beggar's shot glass because in the past six months Sue learned what many only dream of learning

    2. Mona @ Mona's Personal Blog. Mona is a spiritual being, and lives life according to Mona and anybody that lives life according to self, not to be mistaken for selfish, is in harmony with the universe.  

    3. JoJo @ my radom insanities - keep smiling JoJo! Even when there is nothing left but a glimmer of hope, JoJo finds a way to put on a smile on her face and keep moving forward in her journey. 

    4.  SAN @ A Life With A View. San is a vibrant energy filled with JOY and passion. It will not take you long to pickup on the energy when you click into her blog. 

    5. Liara @ Dream Builders. Not only does Liara have an amazing talent to articulate her thoughts about awareness but combines that with the art of analyzing dreams. 

    6. Chris @ Wat da Wat for his candid opinion for life and for the love he has for his family. 

    7. Kammie @ Passion Meets Purpose for creating the most inspiring and motivating blog I have read to date. 


    The Rules:
    Link to the person who tagged you
    Post the rules on your blog
    Write six random things about yourself
    Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
    Let each person know they are tagged and leave a comment on their blog
    Let the tagger know when your entry is up


    Happy New Year!!

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    Wednesday, December 24, 2008

    Merry Christmas

    Wishing you and your family
    Merry Christmas
    Happy Chanukah
    Happy Holiday
    &
    Happy New Year!

    May all your dreams come true in 2009

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    Sunday, December 21, 2008

    Four Days To Christmas

    Four days to Christmas and I'm all done. The presents are wrapped, biscotti’s are in the oven, and I’m taking a short break to tell you all about it.

    If you would have asked me what kind of month December was going to be at the beginning of November, I would have probably answered with, “A bad month” and that was before I learned the depth of the recession the world would be in.

    Successful life coaches motivate and support clients with guidance and solid advice, but smart and successful life coaches heed their own advice and lead by example. I knew I had to do something to generate another source of revenue in order to keep the roof over my head, to drive my car and pay for my insurance, among other expenses until January when clients return.

    My guesstimate for how many clients I anticipated for December was incorrect. I miss-guessed by a few. I am thankful that I was wrong in my guesstimate because it pushed me to find another talent, a passion that I could use to generate a new source of income to supplement my coaching income. After two weeks of tracking all the tasks I execute everyday and rated each task for success and love, I discovered I have another passion. My new passion compliments my existing passion for helping others.

    I guess it’s a good time to share with you that there is no more pet company. Unfortunately hero+destiny will never see a grand opening, or not one I will be involved in. And, the consulting company I started after leaving my professional career from a fortune 500 company - its gone too. So, just like many other people I had to start all over again. I had to start all over, on my own with no money and only with experience, knowledge and passion. Last week as many of you already know I started a new company and posted a challenge - Make Money With No Money.

    Only four days to Christmas and Christmas is starting to look jollier than ever. There are gifts under the tree, the aroma of freshly baked biscotti, and tree tips covered in snow. And for one of us, the news received just days before Christmas is a dream come true. 


    Dreams do come true and one dream that everybody can enjoy this year is a White Christmas.

    Visit www.brunologreco.com Master Life Coach & Mentor



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    Saturday, December 20, 2008

    How To Start A Copywriting Services Business And Earn A Six-Figure Income

    by Angela Booth

    The easiest way to make great money as a writer is to discover copywriting. Copywriting is essentially just writing for businesses, helping them to win new customers and make sales. If you can write a persuasive letter, you can write copy - and as you build your business, you can make a six-figure income.
    Most writers take to copywriting immediately, like the proverbial ducks to water, because you're surrounded by copy every day. Advertising is everywhere you are: on TV, on the radio, in magazines, and of course, all over the Web.

    So how do you start a copywriting services business?

    Get Your First Copywriting Client

    You start your copywriting services business by getting your first client. This is not difficult. Just visit any of the out-sourcing sites, or look on sites like Craigslist. Of course, you can post your own advertisements on Craigslist or on any of the many classified advertising sites online.

    Create Some Copywriting Samples To Show People What You Can Do

    Before you post your first ad, create some copywriting samples. Many new copywriters stumble when it comes to attracting clients because they feel that they need a large portfolio of past work. However, every copywriter starts somewhere, with ONE client, and builds his career from there. To get your first client, just write some sample copy.

    The Rewrite Trick - Turn Trash Into Cash

    I recommend what I call "The Rewrite Trick" to my copywriting students.

    Here's what you do. Look through a magazine and find an ad. The ad can be minimalist, as many display ads are today, consisting of just a graphic and a few words. Now, you simply rewrite the ad. Assess what the ad's selling, and who the target market is, and write your own version of the ad. Use around 100 to 200 words. Hey presto - you have your first sample for your portfolio.

    The Rewrite Trick is a useful exercise to build your copywriting creativity skills, as well as to add to your samples' portfolio. One point: when you're sending your "rewrite" samples to clients, ensure that they're clearly marked as SAMPLES, and note they're created only to show your skills. Your aim is not to misrepresent yourself or your work, merely to display creativity and skill.

    So there you have it: you can start your copywriting services business today. Create a couple of samples, post an ad, and you'll have your first client - the first of many for your new business - and the first step toward a six-figure income.


    Discover how you can turn your writing skills into a fabulous copywriting career. Angela Booth's ebook "Seven Days To Easy Money: Copywriting Success" at http://abmagic.com/Copywriting/copywriting.html takes you from novice to pro copywriter in just seven days. This popular ebook has been turning writers into successful copywriters for five years. Packed with information, the ebook also includes exercises which become your copywriter's marketing processes and portfolio. You could be signing up your first clients within two days. Visit the book's blog at http://www.sevendayscopywriting.com/

    Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification
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    Wednesday, December 17, 2008

    Everything you have

    There is so very much available to you. In reaching for your dreams, make use of everything you have.
    Don't be dismayed or embarrassed by what you have to work with. Instead, work with whatever you have and it will grow more useful and effective with each effort.

    Don't place a judgment on your abilities before you even put them to use. Go ahead, get to work, and see how quickly your skills increase.

    Look back at the good things you've accomplished in the past. That power of accomplishment is still with you, so choose now to put it to use again for even more exciting and compelling purposes.
    Think of all the great ideas you've had but have never followed through on. Now is when you can make the best of them come to life.

    The challenges are great and yet the value that flows through your life is far greater. Use everything you can, and you can accomplish anything you choose.


    -- Ralph Marston


    Get The Daily Motivator by Ralph Marston emailed to you daily. Visit www.brunologreco.com and sign-up for The Daily Motivator and The Challenge
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    Free Money To Start A Business Today!

    Make money with no money and earn money to start a business today!

    Welcome back to Morning Java with your host, Master Life Coach and Mentor Bruno LoGreco. Thank you for dropping by! The focus for Morning Java over the next couple of weeks and into January will be to show people how to start a business with NO MONEY. If you are interested, I created a challenge where you could earn free money to start a business. Read all about it at: Start A Business With No Money Today!

    The purpose of The Challenge is to illustrate how to start a business with no money or for a total investment of $100. Over the next few weeks, I will demonstrate how just about anybody can start a business with no money.

    MY NEW BUSINESS IDEA

    Earlier this week I started a new business for a total investment of $9.95 – The cost of a new domain name. I also created a list of people I knew, people they know, and what they do. I contacted a few people on my list that I thought might be interested in a contract, part-time sales position. I also asked if they knew anybody that is looking for part-time contract work. By Tuesday morning I had found a new sales person willing to work part-time and for commission. What a BONUS!

    In order for my new business to gain exposure I require a website. Websites fetch for thousands of dollars depending on how many bells and whistles you would like for your website. I simply cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars for a new website anytime soon, especially with no revenue. However, when you know your skills and what you’re good at you can trade for services. I contacted a Web Design company and did exactly that - I bartered for services. In a few weeks I will have a brand new website for my new business. 

    Last week live on CFRB, Jim asked if barter was enough to start a business. The answer: YES. If you have skills and are willing to trade for services you could start-up a business in no time with NO MONEY.

    THE CHALLENGE

    12/12/08 – Laura - $00.00 Investment – Revenue $300
    12/15/08 – Bruno - $9.95 Investment – Revenue $400
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    Sunday, December 14, 2008

    Make Money With No Money

    Imagine if someone gave you free money to start a business. No strings attached, free money to start your own business, online or offline, to do something you love to do. Would you take the free money?


    But before I tell you how you can earn free money to start a business, I want to share my experience with a Graphologist that I met at a trade show, Saturday.

    I could tell you about your personality.” “Excuse me!” I said, as I turned my head and followed the voice toward a lady seated at a small table directly beside me. “I’m a Graphologist! I could read your signature and tell you about your personality”, she said again.
    I looked down and read the advert sitting on her table: Ellie George – Handwriting Analyst – Has Read 50,000 Signatures Over Twenty Years.
    “Absolutely!” I said. “I’m in! Where do I sign?" . Ellie directed her attention to the pen and paper on the table and asked if I could print and sign my name. The first attempt at signing my name didn't feel right, so I crumpled the piece of paper and tried again. “That’s better”, I muttered as I hand Ellie the piece of paper. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll give you your analysis”, Ellie said.

    Ten minutes later Ellie’s head pops up from her table and she stands up. Ellie extends her arm toward me and in her hand was an envelope. I took the envelope from her hand, removed the letter and began reading what she wrote:
    • Your “idealistic” with many goals & plans & dreams… Ambitious
    • You thrive in a busy atmosphere with lots of challenges
    • You’ve got strong tastes in food, clothing & friends
    • You either like it or you don’t
    • You like to run your own show and call the shots “entrepreneur”
    • You need your space - to think
    • (You live in your “special” world)
    • You’re self-reliant + independent
    • (You like to do it your way)
    • You’re a natural philosopher
    • You’re “optimistic”
    ***Slow Down – You need a vacation
    All the best!

    Things that make you go Uhmm!

    They say if you here it enough times you begin to believe what you hear. I hear a warning, I’m feeling the warning so I better seize to the warning. For me, what Ellie wrote in her last line is enough for me to wish you all the Happiest of Holiday's, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and Happy New Year! I will be back in January. I’m taking a holiday break. :)

    But for you what Ellie wrote implies you might have stumbled upon a blog that potentially could help you make money - earn free money to start a business, or point you in the proper direction. But before I leave the blogsphere for my Christmas break, I want to leave you all with a little challenge.

    Make Money With No Money

    Are you the kind of person that enjoys seeing other people feel good, or the kind of person that knows how to find the answer to just about anything? Maybe you’re analytical, or a problem solver, or maybe both. Do you recognize patterns, or do you prefer to draw patterns? These are all natural talents and everybody has them.

    Do you take time throughout your day to recognize your skills, your natural talent? When you are using your natural talent you require little to no effort to complete tasks. What if you could create a successful business from your natural talent making you money while fulfilling your purpose and soul, would you be able to do it? Would you be able to start a business using your natural talent but without an investment?

    Make Money Fast With Your Natural Talent

    Do you know what your natural talent is?

    Everybody has natural talent the goal is to find what that is. Your natural talent is buried somewhere within your automatic actions, which account for 95% of what you do. You use your natural talent to complete tasks each and everyday. Your natural talent is so much a part of you that you are not aware that you are using it. Your natural talent is an automatic reaction and unless you know what you are looking for, you will not be able to find it. You are probably doing something else while using your natural talent.

  • Over the course of fourteen-days, log every task you complete, including: automatic natural tasks such as helping another person, doodling on a blank canvas, or mixing herbs and spices to create delicious meals.

  • Next to each task create two columns. In the first column enter a number between 1 and 10 to represent how successful you were at completing the task. And in the second column enter another number between 1 and 10 to represent how much you love working on the task.

  • After fourteen-days, analyze the log and look for tasks that have 9’s and 10’s in the success and love column. Your natural talent will pop out at you.

  • Free Money To Start A Business

    Start a business with your natural talent and skills. Make money, and be your own boss. Research the Internet to learn about the various opportunities that are available to you. Leverage existing tools and websites, barter for services, and use forums to ask questions or to solicit help.

    When you are ready to express your natural talent, take the 30-day challenge and you could win free money to start a business. But there is one caveat, you cannot spend more than $100 to start your business.


    CHALLENGE RULES:


    1. All submission must be new and cannot be an existing source of revenue.
    2. Submission deadline December 31st, 2008. Challenge end date: January 30th, 2009.
    3. Participants cannot invest more than $100.00 to start a business.
    4. A dashboard will be posted throughout the month of January with participant names, and how much money they earned to date.
    5. The participant who earns the most revenue for the month of January will be the winner of this challenge. The winner will be crowned “Entrepreneur Of the Month.”
    6. The winner of the challenge must reveal the process and the tools used to successfully create a new revenue stream.
    7. The winner of the challenge will receive $100.00 (dollars) and personal mentoring by “ME” ☺ - You will learn as much as you can handle in 3 one-hour phone call.
    8. Email all entries to bruno@brunologreco.com or visit Master Life Coach & Mentor Bruno LoGreco at www.brunologreco.com
    Willie Hill said it best. “Once you do something you love, you never have to work again.


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    Saturday, December 13, 2008

    47-Day Entrepreneur Challenge

    Do you want to make a quick $100 bucks?

    This past week I was a guest host on CFRB 1010 talk radio discussing the economy and what people should do if they lose their job, or if they find themselves in a position to become an entrepreneur. Over the past few days I started to think about posting a 30-day challenge, but with Christmas and the Holiday season only two weeks away, I opted for a 47-day Challenge instead.

    The Challenge:

    If you would like to participate in this challenge, please send an email to bruno@brunologreco.com with your name, city/state/country and your goal for the 47-day challenge. In the month of January I will begin to post a scorecard with individuals name, their goal, and how they are tracking towards achieving their goal. 

    Everybody in this challenge will be a winner no matter the outcome.

    Challenge Rules:

    1. All entries must be new in thought and cannot be an existing idea that is already generating a source of revenue.
    2. Each entry must include dates, and or targets that they intend to achieve within the 47-days.
    3. You cannot invest greater than $100.00 for this challenge.
    4. The winner of the challenge must reveal the process and the tools used to successfully create a new revenue stream.
    5. The winner will receive a prize package valued at $100.00 CDN

    Source of Inspiration

    If you are stuck and need some inspiration for this challenge, create a task list itemizing your daily tasks. In your daily log be sure to include tasks that are automatic and natural to you – meaning you have no conscience thought that you are performing these tasks. Next to each task enter a number from 1 to 10, to rate how successful you were at completing the task, and another number from 1 to 10 to rate how much you loved working on the task. After one week of data, analyze and look for tasks that have 9’s and 10’s next to them. Now take your natural skills and create a revenue stream.

    Use the Internet well to uncover an abundance of opportunities. Start small - barter for services, use www.craigslist.com to gain further inspiration, use forums to ask questions and to solicit help in your niches. 


    Good Luck to everybody!  


    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor www.brunologreco.com 

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    Friday, December 12, 2008

    How many spare tires does a car have?

    How many spare tires does a car have? One, Right! So, what happens when you have two or three flat tires - or the unlikely event that all four tires are flat, what do you do?

    Highway 401 runs east to west just north of the City and is one of Toronto’s major highways with a total of 12 lanes - express and collector, and in some parts of the highway it expand to 14 lanes. Highway 404 runs north and south from downtown Toronto to north of Newmarket, and is also known as the Don Valley Parkway - or Parking Lot, that turns into the 404 at the 401 junction.

    I was driving north towards Richmond Hill on Bathurst Street, Thursday when I decided to take the 401 eastbound towards the 404. I proceeded to take the exit towards the 404 north, when my steering wheel wobbled under my hands. I didn’t give it much thought until I made a lane change when the steering wheel wobbled again. I thought to myself, “Maybe I should take the car in for an alignment, after all I did just have new tires installed."

    The 407 ETR is toll highway that runs east to west, north of Toronto, and directly through the town of Richmond Hill – I live in Richmond Hill, making the 407 a convenient highway. As I approached the 404 and 407 junction the entire steering column in the car wobbled rending the steering wheel useless. I took a chance and drove to the second exit where a Sonoco Gas Bar is stationed. When the car came to a complete stop I opened the driver door, looked to the rear of the vehicle and noticed a flat tire. I then looked towards the front of the vehicle only to witness another flat tire. 


    "You have got to be kidding me," I said. "I bet I have 4 - count them: 1, 2, 3, 4 flat tires." Sure enough when I walked towards the passenger side of the car, two more flat tires – front and rear.

    I filled the tires with air and drove to the Honda dealer where I purchased brand new tires just one day prior. This morning I learned my tires were not sealed properly and the end result was flat tires. All four tires - FLAT, improperly sealed. 

    I'm safe and alive. Nobody was hurt, no damage was done and I received a free oil change. :) 

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    Thursday, December 11, 2008

    Pain Caused By Fear - Anxiety Attach

    I feel mortified. They say we are our own worst critics. I believe that we are our own worst critics. I won’t deny that I am crucifying myself right now. My heart is beating a thousand miles a minute, the same way it beat last April, when I spoke at the peace-by-peace festival. That was my first public speaking appearance and it was for 800 students. They do say: Go Big or Go Home – So I go BIG!! ☺

    Oh yeah! Style By Jury - Was I nervous the first time? I think I was a little nervous, but not to the extent where I couldn’t work. Do I believe I might have spoken fast like I did on the radio? Sure - I think I did.

    You know! The funny thing is someone once told me that I write the way I speak. Oddly enough I never really heard, or should I say, aware of what I am saying. I mean - I’m aware of what I am saying but I am not aware of how it sounds. I don’t think I ever gave thought to how I might sound. I sometimes become aware of when I speak fast, so I slow down. But even when I slow down I am not thinking about how it sounds - only that I’m speaking fast.

    I gained a lot from my experience at the peace-by-peace festival. I also gained a wealth of experience with each episode of Style by Jury and Save Us From Our House. But today I will walk away with the granddaddy of all prizes, a huge learning lesson that will help me as I move forward in my journey. But, the prize also came at a cost – the biggest anxiety attach I experienced since my last one when bridges were an issue.

    Clients sometimes ask me if I’m ever in my head. I always give them the same answer each time. “No, I have no reason to be in my head.” I never did want to hear what I sound like on the radio, nor did I ever want to see what I look like on TV. But after listening to what I sound like on the radio, I know now what that person meant when they said, “I speak the way I write”. So yes, I am in my head tonight – Just a little bit.

    During my brief, intense anxiety attack earlier, I said, “I’m never doing that again,” But I know that comment is not true - I welcome another time so I could implement what I learned today and what I will learn tomorrow no matter how sever the anxiety attach will be.

    Sometimes what we need to learn about ourselves will come at a cost – the price is fear that causes pain - anxiety, but in the end its worth it – any amount of pain caused by fear is worth experiencing if the end result yields a positive learning experience.

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor
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    Challenges, Tasks & Rewards

    The dawn of new day – A day which promises to bring new challenges, tasks, and rewards. 

    • Challenges - Learning experiences. Live and learn until your last moment. 
    • Tasks – A roadmap that leads the journey, paving the way to your childhood dreams. 
    • Rewards – Motivation scattered throughout your journey propelling you to your next destination. 

    Sounds similar to Life

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor 

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    Tuesday, December 9, 2008

    Start A Business With No Money

    ~I’m shaking. I hope he can’t see it. Why am I in my head again? I thought I dealt with this.
    “Get a grip 'B' – just be yourself”

    Did anybody here it? Yes, I had the jitters this morning when I sat with Jim Richards from CFRB 1010. For the first few moments, just as I sat on the chair I saw my hands shake. If my hands are shaking, so is my voice, I thought to myself. It only lasted for a few seconds, or at least that’s what it seemed like. That's how long it took for me to get comfortable with my surroundings before the jitters went away.

    In between segments, Jim and I discussed the various resources available to people today that allow them to start a business with zero down. People have to start thinking outside of the box if cash is a concern in this economy. Websites like www.craigslist.com allow people to exchange services. For example, I could trade Life Coaching & Mentoring in exchange for Graphic Services. Craigslist is only one of many websites that offer barter.

    Another career opportunity that will cost you zero to start is a writing business. More than ever entrepreneurs and companies in the thousands are looking for writers online to write business plans, marketing briefs, press releases – any kind of writing you could think of, technical writing included. If words are your thing, then it’s waiting for you on the Internet. Now imagine if you could learn how to optimize an article, you just became that much more marketable and companies and entrepreneurs are looking for you Right Now at www.elance.com

    They down sized your company? They said all the executives had to do their own administration stuff and gave you a pink slip… You were barely scraping by when you were working... I understand - You can’t afford to take a job that pays less than what you were making. It sounds like you need to update your resume and think real hard about all the skills you possess, and make sure you market your skills. Keep your resume to one or two pages. Now make a list of everybody you know and contact them letting them know you are looking for a job and this is what you can offer. www.linkedin.com is a genius tool to network with past work buddies and classmates. And if the pressure is on for you to put food on the table, go get a job at the local restaurant waiting tables while you launch your Virtual Assistant business from the comfort of your home office. www.virtualassistant.org

    Maybe supplementing your income was not why you tuned into CFRB 1010 this morning – maybe you were looking for a way to save a little money for an evening out, or to buy that little something that you have been holding out for. What if I told you there is a way for you to enjoy a movie, have dinner, and not cost you a dime? What If I told you your next oil change is free? Would you ask: What's the catch?  Just a minor catch. ☺ The catch is you have to fill out a report, follow some basic rules and that's it. Free Dinner, Free Movies, Free Oil Change, Free Products, Free a lot of stuff at  @ www.conferoinc.com   

    And before I knew it my time was up. Jim and I covered a lot during the commercial breaks, but there wasn't enough time during the show for me to impart what I had in mind for the listeners. And as far as the jitters - the proper elocution helped. 

    Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
    a peck of picked peppers Peter Piper Picked 
    If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers 
    Then how many picked peppers did Peter Piper pick? 
    A Peck! 

    THANK YOU!

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor

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    News Talk 1010 CFRB

    News Talk 1010 CFRB is talking about the economy, saving money, and how to use hidden talents and passion to make extra money during this recession. Jim Richards will be speaking with Master Life Coach & Mentor Bruno LoGreco about strategies individuals, and families can implement to reduce expenses while making extra cash for the holiday season.

    Tune in at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Tuesday December 9, 2008 and listen live @ CFRB
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    Sunday, December 7, 2008

    Taking Somewhat Of A Breather

    Eruptions reeks havoc and can cause serious damage depending on the force and size of the explosion. After two much needed days of total relaxation, I once again feel the buzz of my soul within my body after the minor explosion I experienced Friday past.

    The explosion was not severe, and did not cause any damage. The explosion was minor and by early afternoon nobody could tell an explosion occurred. I take time for self regularly; whether I’m being sedentary in a park or whether I’m being creative at home, I find time for me all the time.

    Last week was one of those weeks where time slipped under me, running out of time before it was my turn. By weeks end, which included one day when I did not eat lunch – Sure I was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. My body told me earlier in the week that something was brewing, but I over extended myself running on autopilot for the past weeks and without an immanent warning I erupted Friday.

    Fortunately I do recognize that I’m burning the candle from both ends so, I decided to take a little breather leading into the Christmas holiday. In the past I’ve articulated what the breather entailed, this time I think I will let the breather take its course - ditch my inability to control my daily actions and do what ever I feel like doing when the time comes.

    Master Life Coach & Mentor Toronto native Bruno LoGreco
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    Friday, December 5, 2008

    Human Emotions & A Volcanic Eruption

    Thank God It’s Friday! What a week it was – from the time I awoke early Monday morning to catch my flight back to Toronto, I worked non-stop up until late last night tending to clients plus cropping and loading new images for the much anticipated launch of hero+destiny - an online pet company that has been in the works for a better part of two years. Suffice to say I feel the candle burning from both ends.

    Awareness coaching is about automatic behaviors, recognizing triggers and identifying the root cause, which evoke reactions. It is also about feeling emotions and allowing space within the soul to go through the process of feeling. Often time emotions are bottled-up for many reasons: fear, judgment, suppression, etc. And when emotions are constantly bottled rather than experienced, one begins to build a resistance towards their own feelings.

    Volcanoes are similar to humans who make the decision to suppress their emotions – how they feel. These are individuals who have suppressed their true feelings, or believe they are strong and that emotions are for kids, or that men don’t cry. I am not suggesting only men think this way because females do to. These are the one’s who have an imminent explosion brewing inside, deep in the core of their soul similar to a volcanic eruption.

    For these individuals, at any moment given the right condition and environment within the world around them, an uncontrollable explosion will occur. A volcano releasing its gases, exploding in every direction, suffocating those who breathe the ashes from the erupting volcano, and burning anyone in the way of the burning lava.

    This past week I experienced an uncontrollable urge to experience my own emotions, but I was unable to allow myself the space I required to feel the emotions because I had no time for myself to feel what I was feeling. I allowed myself to bottle my emotions and put the well being of others ahead of my own. This is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, I am lucky to realize what I have done this past week and today, Friday, is ‘me’ day and I will deal with my emotions and do what is necessary for myself to ensure I do not erupt like a volcano.

    Enjoy Your Weekend - Try to find a little ‘me’ time to allow yourself to feel human, to experience your emotions, in which ever way that may be.

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach and Mentor
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    Wednesday, December 3, 2008

    What you should know about collection agencies...

    Tough economic times attract annoying, unwanted telephone calls from collection agencies, collecting on debt they purchase from creditors. Collection agencies buy consumer debt for pennies on the dollar. The reward - A nice profit if they collect the full outstanding debt.

    So what should you know about your bad debt and the pesky, annoying telephone calls you receive from collection agencies during your dinner hour?

    The first thing you should know about collection agencies is that they are nothing more than call centers, employing anybody and everybody with or without credentials. A typical collection agency will jam all their agents into one room - open concept with the supervisor pit in the middle to monitor calls.

    Collection agencies CANNOT harass, threaten, seize, garnish, hold, or threaten you with any legal action. It is against the law and against the Fair Debt Collection Practices. They cannot contact your employer or any of your extended family. Contacting family is a tactic collection agencies use to try and shame you into paying your debt but it is illegal.

    The Process For Delinquent Accounts Leading to Charge Off

    • Creditors that hold delinquent accounts attempt to collect on outstanding balances internally first. They often use a different company name and mailing address. 
    • Creditors internal collection cycle will last between six to eight months. Beyond this period of time debts are passed off to a third party collection agency. Companies acting on behalf of the original creditor will try to recuperate some or all of the outstanding balance and are paid commission. There is very little negotiating power at this stage. You might work out a deal, making a nominal monthly payment.

    Charge Off

    • The definition of “Charge Off” is a debt that has been determined uncollectible by the original creditor, usually after the consumer has become seriously delinquent. This is when collection agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar and when you the consumer have the greatest opportunity to negotiate.
    • Confirm your debt was sold by checking your credit report. The credit report will indicate a “Charge Off” if in fact the debt was sold.
    Okay now what? 
    • After you confirm your debt was sold - the next time you receive an annoying telephone call from a collection agency you simply say: PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT ME ANYMORE. They can contact you one more time, after the second phone call it then becomes illegal and the collection agency will be violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices. They can and will send you mail threatening legal action, but that’s all it is, an empty threat.
    • Or, you can offer to pay 1% of the total amount owing. The collection agency will flex their muscle and reject your offer. Request they do not call you again. Just be aware they will call again. The next time they call you offer 2% and so on up to 5% of the total debt. 
    • On average, collection agencies buy debt for 3% - Your offer of 5% will yield a profit of 2%. If they accept your offer, verify with your credit report in a few month that your debt indicates “PAID”. You are clear and free

    You should also know collection agency can sell debt up to three times and have sophisticated software that run credit reports on delinquent consumers that do not pay. When the economy recovers and delinquent consumers begin the process of applying for credit, guess what Collection agencies will soon be calling again. 

    Knowledge is Power... Use knowledge to your advantage. 

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor



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    Monday, December 1, 2008

    It's Official - We Are In A Recession

    Stocks rebounded last week on news of Obama's new administration and ahead of Black Friday. I was hoping for another rally at the opening bell today, but even with better than expected sales figures from Black Friday the Dow Jones is down as is the TSX. Despite the massive rally last week - investors are still concerned about the economy, and rightly so.

    It’s official – The United States is in a recession

    Stocks plunged today, starting the month of December on a bad foot and continues to plunge this afternoon after CNN reported that the United States has been in a recession since December 2007.

    Oddly enough people are still spending money this holiday season. 

    Including "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, shoppers spent $41 billion in the four-day holiday weekend. The average shopper spent $372.57, up 7.2% from a year ago. 
     
    So what should you do if you are worried about losing your job in these bad times? 
    • Remain calm and focused - Emotions and stress only cloud your ability to see through the noise and to act objectively and responsibly. 
    • Update your resume - Make sure your resume is updated with your most recent employment and don't forget to market your SKILLS.
    • Create an inventory of all your skills - Take inventory of your daily tasks and recognize the special skills required to accomplish each task. You want to show potential employers the value you bring with your skills and experience. 
    • Create an inventory of everybody you know- The reality is everybody is looking for a job and who you know might help you land your next job. Check out www.linkedin.com
    • Budget your money - Cut down your expenses, create a weekly budget and use cash ONLY. 
    Lastly, if you already lost your job and are looking for a way to make ends meet until you find a new job, Arise might be what you are looking for. Arise is a virtual company that provides companies with customer service, technical support, and sales associates virtually. You would act as an independent contractor answering phone calls or making sales calls from the comfort of your own home. 

    Happy Holidays! 

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach and Mentor 

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    Sunday, November 30, 2008

    Are you looking for a way to make ends meet?

    If you or someone you know is affected by the economy and are looking for ways to make ends meet, bookmark this blog site because over the next couple of weeks I will be posting tricks and tips on how to make a few extra bucks working from home, to how to deal with those annoying collection agencies that call daily to collect money on the debt they purchased for pennies on the dollar. 

    Feel free to drop me an email at bruno@brunologreco.com if you have a specific question or are looking for help on a specific topic. I will try my best to answer every question.

    There is no better time than these times for me to share my professional knowledge and experience with you... 

    Discussion Topics: 

    • Work from home 
    • Starting a home business 
    • Dealing with collection agencies
    • Creating a budget
    • SEO tips 
    • Negotiating strategies 
    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor 




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    Saturday, November 29, 2008

    Change

    Good morning and Happy Saturday everyone! I haven’t posted in a few days because I’m on a mini vacation in New York City. New York is home away from home and soon might be my permanent home. I’ve been sitting on the idea of moving to New York for a few months but I haven’t made my final decision as of yet. New York City is beautiful, vibrant, and alive, but it’s not conducive for creative thinking. There is something about the big city and the way I think – I’m blocked whenever I am here.

    New York is an old city and old cities have old buildings that offer very little natural lighting depending on the architecture plus other neighborhood buildings that trump your building in terms of size - what you are left with is a window that offers direct sunlight for maybe one hour each day. Unlike the apartment in Toronto – it’s a corner unit facing southwest and northwest – the sun penetrates the entire unit throughout the entire day until sunset – it’s a beauty for creative thinking and inspiration.

    Moving to New York represents change. Am I prepared for change? Absolutely… I’m always up and ready for change – I welcome change with open arms. Moving to New York implies a lot of change. For one, I cannot write inside the apartment because of the lack of lighting. I would have to find a quiet place somewhere in New York that is filled with inspiration and people. I don’t think this will be too hard to find in a city of twelve million.

    I enjoy writing in the early hours of the morning while everyone is still sleeping. The stillness and the soundless of the morning fuels my creative juices with ideas, concepts and theory’s about human behavior and why people behave the way they do given a specific situation. New York would be a wealth of information, but first I have to find the perfect spot, not too far from the apartment.

    I welcome change - Big change, small change, or any kind of change. I know as long as I have ‘me’ I will be okay no matter where I live. Whether I live in Toronto or whether I live in New York I will still be ‘me’, and as long as I'm still ‘me’ it doesn’t matter where I live or what kind of change lies ahead.

    Happy Saturday!

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor
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    Thursday, November 27, 2008

    Thankful for it all

    Think today of how good life can be. And you'll see that life's true goodness comes not from what you have, but from how much you value and appreciate it. There is no end to the possibilities for richness and fulfillment in your life. There is no limit to what you can make of whatever you have.

    Consider what you are able to be thankful for, and you'll discover something wonderful and empowering. You can be thankful for it all.

    Look back and you'll see that the pleasures and the pains have both pushed you forward and given you countless opportunities for real growth. You've been supported by the good things you do have and inspired to reach for those things you do not yet have.

    The triumphs have given you joy and the disappointments have strengthened your determination. All of it has enabled you to more richly fulfill the beautiful, genuine person you are.

    Treasure all that is around you, whatever it may be, and open yourself to the positive possibilities. Be truly thankful for it all, and every day is even more rich and fulfilling than the day before.

    -- Ralph Marston


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    Wednesday, November 26, 2008

    Smiling Is Infectious

    Who could have ever imagined one year ago that the world would witness the biggest economic meltdown in history? World markets collapsing with each passing day threatening the United States of a deep recession. I’d like to know, “WHAT HAPPENED?” ~Smiling ~

    This is the part I don’t like about awareness and maybe this is why I am smiling as I write this post. I would love no more than to blame George W. Bush for his outstanding achievements in his eight years in office. But I also know focusing on the past won’t change my current situation - only what I do right now could change the outcome. Focusing on the past is resisting what is and that takes a lot of effort and has zero return. I’m no dummy - I’m not going to waste my energy on something that yields no returns.

    So the question then becomes: What are you going to do about your current situation? Do you sit and wait for a miracle to happen, or do you start looking at all your available resources to make things happen? I definitely chose the later and made things happen.

    Times are extremely tough, the worst they have been in fifty years and they are saying it might get worse before it gets better. So I would like to volunteer myself as a resource. If you or anybody you know is having a hard time and could use a little inspiration, maybe motivation, or a tidbit on how to make an extra buck or two for the holiday season, please feel free to give them my contact information and recommend they reach out to me.

    There never has been a better time than these times for people to come together and support one another. Make a conscience effort as you go about your day to smile at others – you want your smile to read: Everything is going to be okay. 


    Smiling is infectious and doesn’t cost you anything - everybody could use a smile everyday.  :) 

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor 


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    Tuesday, November 25, 2008

    The Search For Love or The Need To Be Loved

    Human beings: Mysterious, intellectual, adventurous and emotional, white, black, brown, leaders, and followers, happy, joyful, stressed or relaxed – these are just a few characteristics that make human beings human. Although each one of us was raised in a different environment, no matter what nationality, culture, or race, we all share one fundamental need, and that is love.

    Love is the single most needed emotion everybody everywhere in the world longs for. People search for love in partners, in spouses, and in family. Often time the search for love is mistaken for a need to be loved. Unfortunately when the basic emotional need of a child is neglected, the child is left feeling abandoned resulting in an ongoing and long-term search for love in adulthood that is often mistaken for the need to be loved.

    The need to be loved is described by loneliness, misunderstood, and unworthy; Nobody to hold and to tell them “I love you and that all will be well” – Nobody to validate how they feel, but many will defend their feelings. How could that be, how could another person defend another persons feeling? Is it any wonder they feel unworthy – When will it be their turn?

    The search for the love or the need to be loved

    The effects from the need to be loved are profound and reek havoc ranging from sever panic attacks to anxiety for the fear that they will never be loved. Some will develop an inability to trust anyone. They fear that the people closest to them will not be there for them when they need them most. Relationships become battlegrounds fighting to secure the love they finally deserve.

    Love is a fundamental need in every human being. In the absence of love human beings are left feeling unsettled, incomplete and continue the search to fill the void within their soul.

    Cycling through unhealthy relationships does not heal abandonment nor fulfill your need to be loved. The only true way to do so is to start the healing process. The feeling of abandonment needs to be confronted and dealt with directly. This is the only path to true happiness. Only when you are ready to accept what is and deal with the imprisoned emotions will you begin to understand the difference between love and the need to be loved.
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    Monday, November 24, 2008

    What Is Life By Annalisa

    WHAT IS LIFE?

    Life is an Adventure ... Dare it
    Life is a Beauty ... Praise it
    Life is a Challenge ... Meet it
    Life is a Duty ... Perform it
    Life is a Love ... Enjoy it
    Life is a Tragedy ... Face it
    Life is a Struggle ... Fight it
    Life is a Promise ... Fulfill it
    Life is a Game ... Play it
    Life is a Gift ... Accept it
    Life is a Journey ... Complete it
    Life is a Mystery ... Unfold it
    Life is a Goal ... Achieve it
    Life is an Opportunity ... Take it
    Life is a Puzzle ... Solve it
    Life is a Song ... Sing it
    Life is a Sorrow ... Overcome it
    Life is a Spirit ... Realize it

    Written by Annalisa November 11, 2008
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    Friday, November 21, 2008

    Looking For Holiday Stress Research? Self-Awareness For The Holidays

    Imagine the holiday season colored in just black and white, with shades of gray. The Christmas tree dull slate and stark black. It would be dismal, wouldn't it? But now imagine a Christmas tree lit with rich vibrant colors: blues, reds, emerald greens... It would be quite a dramatic difference.

    This is the dramatic shift you would experience, just by learning to heighten your self-awareness. Self-awareness--or the lack of it--colors how you see and experience the world around you. Mastering self-awareness opens up a whole new world of opportunity, advantages and experiences, and reduces stress and anxiety levels, especially over the holiday season.

    Reduce Holiday Stress With Self-Awareness?

    Self-awareness is having an unvarnished and clear perception of your behaviors - thoughts, feelings, emotions and your personality. It is an unbiased view of your individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as an unfiltered inventory of your internal beliefs, motivations, reactions and corresponding emotions. When you are in touch with your true feelings and self-aware of your own thoughts and emotions, you are able to fully understand others without judgment and react accordingly, minimizing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

    But learning to heighten your awareness can be difficult to achieve if you don't know what you are looking for. Beliefs and mistruths you have adopted, unwillingly and unknowingly over the years. I call these misperceptions "noise." They cloud the way you perceive others and, more importantly, how you perceive yourself.

    Clearing away the "noise" and learning self-awareness takes time and dedication. A master life coach can also teach it. The first step towards learning self-awareness is learning about your behaviors and how your emotions react in a given environment.

    How to Achieve Self-Awareness For The Holiday Season

    There is no quicker path to awaken and learn self-awareness than by consulting with a qualified master life coach. By participating in life coaching, you can immediately begin to wipe away the years of misperceptions and mistruths and begin to see clearly. Master life coaches are trained to direct your attention toward areas of need. They don't just ask questions but instead ask the RIGHT questions in order to get to the root of the matter.

    By becoming more conscious of your underlying habits and your behaviors, you are able to live more fully, increase your emotional intelligence and achieve more success, while reducing stress and anxiety.


    Learn self-awareness for the holiday season and reduce your stress and anxiety. Visit Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor at www.brunologreco.com. You will discover a new vibrant world full of opportunity!



    Holiday Season Self-Awareness Package Includes: 
    • Two forty-five minute phone calls
    • Behavior assessment 
    • Summary of your behavior 
    • Tools to help you reduce your stress and anxiety just in time for the Holiday
    From now until the end of December, you could learn about your behaviors and how to reduce holiday stress and anxiety for only $99.00  Call Today to book your assessment 416.725.2092 or 212.987.3998 bruno@brunologreco.com 



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    Thursday, November 20, 2008

    Random Thought About Life

    I’m tired. I did not sleep well last night. It seems as if I have a lot on my mind these past few days. I know everything will work out, it always does. Due to the lack of sleep and my wondering mind, I doubt that I will be able to keep a thought this morning. Instead, I decided to write about the random thoughts that are running through my mind. 

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Late last night while working with a client, I noticed something missing from the article I wrote the other day, “When You Suffocate The True You” I noticed I had omitted an important piece of the suppression exercise. If are using the exercise, you need to add the following to the beginning of the exercise: 

    1. Become aware when you are around people, which make you feel bad. Notice when you are feeling limited or muted. Write down the scenario – people, conversation, and feeling. 

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    What is the meaning of life? 

    Life is continual change - the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity and continual change preceding death. You are changing with each passing minute, growing and learning to your full potential up until your last minute. 

    You could choose to learn and grow with each passing minute or you could choose to make life complicated and remain right where you are, stuck in your comfort zone, rewinding time and reliving the past as if you could change it. 

    Life is a never-ending learning lesson. Choose to learn and grow with life, because rewinding time is resisting what is. 

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach & Mentor

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    Tuesday, November 18, 2008

    When You Suffocate The True You

    WARNING

    WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE. 
    READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED. 


    Do you ever wonder if the life you lead is really your life? Is your life lacking: Intention, purpose, and goals? Is your childhood dream a past memory? Are you feeling suppressed, depressed and misunderstood? Do you suppress your true feelings? Do you feel disconnected from the person you know lives inside of you? Are you living your life or… the life of another person?

    If you answered ‘Yes” to all seven questions it could mean that you are living another person’s life – their intentions and goals. At some point in your life, you unconsciously took on the intention and goals of another person, typically an influencer. The life you once dreamed of is probably different then the one you are living and it’s creating a conflict within you. The end result: stress and depression.

    Ask yourself what “suppression” means? Do you know what it means? It means to suppress - voluntary or involuntary, direct restraint on the expression of an instinct. This could happen if you are trying to deal with a situation. You abandon your true self and assume the intentions and goals of another person. This could also happen out of good intention too. Essentially you suffocate the true you, you give up your freewill and power to choose.

    So what happened or happens when you suppress your true self:

    • You suppress your true intention and goals and you assume another’s identity.
    • You resist and create a new identity, but not that of your true self.
    • Or you maintain your integrity by being your true self, which implies taking responsibility and acting according to your own identity – Your true intentions and goals.

    But, whether you suppress or whether you resist, if there is a direct restraint on the expression of an instinct you will generate emotional charges throughout your life until it is resolved.

    Suppression Exercise:

    1. Become aware when you are around people, which make you feel bad. Notice when you are feeling limited or muted. Write down the scenario – people, conversation, and feelings. 
    2. Become aware of when you are around positive people, which make you feel good, and help you feel better about true self. Write down the scenario –people, conversation and feelings. 
    3. Review the specific reasons why you were left feeling bad or good in each environment. Write down your thoughts and feelings.
    4. Write your intentions - Likes, dislikes, purposes and goals that are being suppressed? 
    5. Who is suppressing your true self? 
    6. Are you suppressing your own feeling–but originally suppressed by the actions of another person?
    7. Is your past a present day issue? 
    The truth behind your current situation will help you free your true expression, your natural instinct for your life. Learn how to be free.

    Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor Bruno LoGreco  


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    Monday, November 17, 2008

    Stress, Anxiety - The Economy, AND... The Holiday Season

    The holiday season is fast approaching. With American Thanksgiving only one week away and only 39 more days before Christmas, many of you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. When you combine the stress of the holiday season with the current “global economic meltdown”, that’s a recipe for disaster and it’s being distributed to well over twenty million homes, and counting, across the United States and soon Canada.

    Everybody seems to have an opinion when it comes to the Big 3 automakers. Personally, I think the government should let them fail. Greed has never worked for anybody, karma has a way of getting back at you. And, if the government bails the Big 3 out, they won't learn the valuable lesson that needs to be had. But, on the other hand and I don't remember the exact figure but I think it’s three million companies will be affected if the Big 3 declare bankruptcy. That’s HUGE, and unfair to all those people that will be affected by the collapse.

    Now, add the holiday season, economic meltdown, and the idea of not having a job to return to come January, now that’s a recipe for a major anxiety attach. And that’s not even adding the In-laws into the equation yet. Its not hard to see how quickly anything could trigger an emotion this upcoming holiday season. 


    So how do you prevent you from having a meltdown before January?

    Easy, follow me:

    1. Try not to over extend yourself this holiday season. Create a holiday budget before running out to the store and filling up your shopping cart.
    2. If you cannot afford to host Thanksgiving and or Christmas this year, DON’T. Your guests will understand and there is no need to be ashamed. Times are tough and no one will judge you. 
    3. DO NOT use credit cards. Create cash drawers for various expenses on a weekly basis. When the drawer is dry, so is your shopping.
    4. Sleep. You must sleep at least seven hours nightly. The less zzzz you catch each night, the greater the risk of you blowing-up.
    5. Fitness. Yes! I cannot stress enough how important health and fitness is. When you engage in any fitness: Walk, run, weight train, anything, it reduces your stress level.
    6. Take care of self. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and you are not running ragged trying to please everybody. You are an equal to everybody and you too deserve a break.
    7. Hot water to cool you off. If at anytime you find yourself reacting to a comment or a situation, excuse yourself, take a walk to the bathroom and put your hands under warm/hot water and become aware of the feeling of the water as it runs down your palms, splashing your wrists. Follow the flow and feel the warmth. This will cool you off. 
    And always remember: 
    • The economy will still be there tomorrow – maybe in better shape but definitely not any worse. 
    • If you do lose your job, you will still have the single most important thing in the entire world, and that is YOU. As long as you have YOU, you will be able to find another job.
    • And about your In-Laws - they are not looking for change, so why try controlling them?They'll be back next year and you'll have to do it again. 

    Happy Holidays

    Master Life Coach and Mentor Bruno LoGreco


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    Sunday, November 16, 2008

    How do you measure your self-worth?

    "I want to be the best that I can be. I challenge myself each day by achieving perfection."



    What happens when you don’t achieve perfection? 
    "I do what I need to do to achieve perfection."

    How do you know when you have achieved perfection? 
    "Because I could see it in their faces, they love what I’ve done or how I made them feel."
     
    Who's "They?"
    "Them, all of them, you, her, him - everybody around me."

    What happens when you don’t make them happy or they don’t like what you did for them? 
    "It means I haven’t reached perfection, so I will better myself for the next time." 

    So you measure yourself based on how other people react?
    "Of course, I’m a giver. My purpose is to make other people happy."

    What happens when you don’t make those people happy? 
    "For example: If someone came to my house for dinner and they did not eat my food, I would be offended. And not only that, but they are also saying that my house is dirty, or that they don't like the way my house looks, or something. So the next time they come over I will make sure the house is spotless and that I cook a bigger and better meal than the last time." 

    Do you find anything odd about what you just said? 
    "No, that’s the way I am. I’m here to make other people happy by giving them happiness through the things that bring me joy." 

    What brings you JOY? 
    "Making others happy"

    You base your self-worth by how others respond to you for the things you do for them? 
    "No... I didn’t mean it like that."

    Then, what did you mean? 




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    Saturday, November 15, 2008

    What's Up, Doc?

    It’s another gray and dismal day in Toronto. I didn’t do much today. I cleaned my apartment, read a few pages of Anna Karenina and finally I went to Loblaws to pickup a few items for dinner. Loblaws is a Canadian grocery retail chain.

    I went to the store to buy basil and cilantro and I came home with cake, chips, and whole bunch of other stuff. Between you and me, grocery stores love me because I never go with a shopping list. I just walk into the store and start throwing items into my shopping cart, when I feel I have everything I need I proceed to the checkout counter. My short exertion to the grocery store to buy basil and cilantro wasn’t costly today - under forty bucks. Not bad.

    On the menu this evening:

    Rigatoni pasta, basil tomato sauce with Italian meatballs. Mixed greens with slivered almonds, sweet onion with an olive oil and balsamic dressing. And for desert: Crunchy Almond Biscotti and Panettone. I’m entertaining a few guests this evening.

    Happy Saturday!
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    Spoiled Life Coach With 'Me' Time...

    Maybe I am spoiled maybe I’m not but these are luxuries I get to enjoy because of the choices I made. I work for myself as Life Coach. I have the flexibility to schedule clients according to my schedule and availability. When I first decided to become a Life Coach I made a promise to myself that I would not work on Fridays. For most of my adult life I wished that the workweek would be reduced to four days per week. My wish came true but only for a short time when I became a coach. I work Sundays - Sunday is family and teen coaching day - I’m okay with this choice for now.

    Yesterday was ‘Me’ day. The weather was gray and rainy, not conducive for a walk in the park or much of anything in nature. I typically meander to High Park. I stayed home all day yesterday instead. The only time I left the house was to go to the gym first thing in the morning and the rest of the day I worked on my new idea, and wrote a few articles.

    Can I ask you a question? Do you consider “work” work if you are passionate about what you do?

    I don’t think it is work. I enjoy writing. A few people in my life believe that when I write I am working because I write about a specific subject matter, LIFE. I learned the art of journal writing a few years ago and I recommend it to all my clients. I also learned through journaling that my writing skills were horrible, and my grammar was worse. I don’t remember learning grammar in elementary school. I remember learning how to spell, how to add and subtract, but I have no recollection of ever learning proper grammar. So I use Morning Java With Life Coach Bruno LoGreco to share my thoughts and views on life, but also to improve my writing skills.

    So, YES… I am writing about what I am passionate about - LIFE, but I’m also improving my writing skills along the way. And, because journal writing is a form of meditation, a method for you become one with self, I chose to spend my “Me” day writing and becoming one with my own thoughts. Even though I was writing about a specific subject matter, writing is very relaxing and soothing.

    Do you have ‘Me’ time? 


    You may want to consider creating a little ‘Me’ time in your life if you don't already have some. Schedule an appointment with yourself: Read a book, or write your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Take a walk through the park and immerse yourself into nature. Or, maybe a little pampering with a spa day, men included. Unfortunately, the reality is - If you do not take care of yourself, nobody will.

    Master Life Coach Toronto native Bruno LoGreco


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    Friday, November 14, 2008

    My New Idea

    I am so happy this morning. Seriously… I am in such a good mood! I am moving forward with my new idea. This past week I’ve been working towards solving a puzzle. The puzzle I am working on is very complex and has multiple layers and because of the complexity and the amount of time that it takes to solve the puzzle, I’ve been working around the clock. BUT... I am proud and happy to report that my persistence and determination paid off.

    I had an ‘Aha' moment this week while learning to solve the puzzle. Do you know what an ‘Aha’ moment is? An ‘Aha’ moment occurs when you are working on something or doing something and you have an idea to solve a problem or to enhance an existing produce or service. Your heart begins to thump and you begin to drift into la-la-land with thousands of images racing through your head with every passing second. When you finally return to reality you begin to wonder why nobody has thought about your idea, and that is when you here the big DONG in your head.

    This morning I registered my new domain names. I could not believe they were not taken. The first domain name is not a big secret: www.lifecoachintoronto.com. The second domain name I registered - that one I will not be sharing with you quite yet. If you want to learn more about the second domain name you will have to just keep returning to this blog as I reveal the idea over a period of time.

    Oh, by the way if you are looking for a domain name and you are unsure how to pick one, pick a domain name that is relevant to your niche. Try to keep the name to two or three keywords and also know that most search engine skip three letter words or less.

    Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor Bruno LoGreco
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    Thursday, November 13, 2008

    He Does Not Want To Do Anything With His Life

    Two down with two to go…

    The weather is still gray and gloomy. Thankfully I snapped out of my dreary mood earlier this afternoon. It doesn’t take me long to snap-out of, one of my moods. Put me in front of a client and I instantly pickup on his or her energy. I almost always could tell when someone is trying to pull a fast one on me. All you have to do is make eye contact and pay close attention to the body language. Actions speak louder than words and if you combine energy to the equation you now have a story. (NOT TO BE USED WITH AWARENESS COACHING)

    Client # 2 today was a teenager. His mother contacted me because she was concerned about him. The night she contacted me she told me that her son had already been through therapy a few times and that he is a very smart but does not want to do anything with his life. She continued to tell me that Life Coaching was her last hope and if coaching does not work for him than she wouldn’t know where to turn next.

    We scheduled a meeting for the following week. One week later I met with him and his family. Everybody in the family was very pleasant. It was your typical family with two teenage boys. I proceeded with to ask questions for the next hour and half. At the end our discussion I smiled at the teen and I said to him: 


    “I totally get you. You think you are smart and know it all and don’t need me or anybody to tell you what you already know. I get you – Tell you what… This! Me and you. This is about you and anything you want. I think you're creative, I think you like to create and put things together. And if it doesn’t work out, Oh Well, Time to move on. 

    Did I get that right? I asked. He looked at me and smiled. 

    I meet with him on a weekly basis to catch-up and to learn about what he’s been up to since we last met. We also look over his business plan. Oh yeah… I forgot to tell you. He is working towards staring a business. He loves to design and he wants to start-up his own line of shirts with his own branding.

    Since we started working together he has saved close to $2,000. Is writing a business plan for www.summercompany.ca, he is testing for his G1 license, and looking continuing education at Ryerson University. Not so bad for a teen that did not want to do anything with his life.

    Have a great night!

    By the time I finished writing this post I saw my last two clients for the day.

    Master Life Coach, Toronto native Bruno LoGreco


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    I Lived In A Box - Now I'm Living My Dream

    It’s a gray and rainy day. I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open. With one client down and three more to go I better snap out of this dreary mood I’m in.

    Just a few months ago one of my clients believed she would never have the opportunity to showcase her collection. She had a dream that one day she would design beautiful garments, bags and what ever else her creativity allowed. Her designs are feminine, chic, made with quality fabrics and definitely for trendsetters - for the artsy type. She also designs garments for woman that have had mastectomies, she wants to give these woman their femininity back through her designs, plus she herself is a cancer survivor.

    Before she was diagnosed in 2006 with breast cancer, she was held captive in her own little box, a box she created for herself. The box offered very little if any inspiration or motivation, it only served as shelter to protect her from her fears – the fear of what other people would say about her creations, the designs that she is passionate about, the designs and vision that she’s been dreaming about since childhood. This morning she came out of her little box and exposed her designs to the outside world.

    Yes - she was a little nervous early this morning when I arrived to chaperon her to her first show. The purpose of my attendance was for support, encouragement, but most of all to be the voice of reason should she become pessimistic. Shoppers stopped, looked, touched, some even asked questions. Threw the corner of my eye I watched, as she stood proud of her accomplishment. Even if she doesn’t sell a single piece today at the show, she will walk away feeling proud that she did it – she put her mind to it and accomplished what she set off to do.

    What are you waiting for?
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    Wednesday, November 12, 2008

    Safe Inside My Box

    Image living in a 20x20 box. The box is divided into three smaller sections – A bedroom, kitchen, and a living room with a small couch facing the only door leading to civilization and to the promise land. The box is dark, lonely, and quiet. There is nothing to inspire or to motivate you – there is only you and your thoughts.

    On the other side of the door is promise land, or so you have been told. But, when you attempt to learn what is on the other side of the door you are greeted by noise, congestion, and what appears to be judgmental people everywhere you look. The vision of what you want to see occupies your thoughts engulfing your soul with anxiety and fear. You immediately retreat and close the door to your box.

    You see! It’s not so bad in here after all. Yes it is quiet and yes it is lonely, but I don’t have to deal with whatever is out there. It’s loud, noisy, and extremely busy for my liking. How can that be the promise land? I think I will stay right here - safe in my little box.

    Not long after you retreated into your little box you begin to experience loneliness and a desire to move on to bigger and better things again. You are growing tired and lonely from being the only person living  in your little box. You are ready to move on, but the only problem is you have to face whatever is on the other side of the door.

    It can’t be that bad – they say it’s the promise land and I can do anything I choose if I could just walk out the door and figure it out for myself.

    You approach the door with caution. You open the door slowly as you stare up and down the street to gauge what is going on in promise land. The noise is just as loud as the last time if not louder. There is traffic everywhere, and the people standing on the street turn towards you staring you down like you are some creature or something. 

    No thanks – I feel safe right here. There is no such thing as promise land. This is my promise land right here in my little box. I feel safest in my little box and nobody could tell me otherwise. Promise land my ass…

    Just outside the box about 100 meters to the left and around the corner sits the most incredible view of the promise land. It is filled with peace, love and JOY. The scenery is picturesque – something out of a movie. But… for the poor person stuck inside the box, they might never learn the truth. They have chosen to sit with their own thoughts of what isn’t, and the only emotion they could feel is loneliness. BUT... What they may or may not know is depression will soon be knocking at the door requesting a friendship. 

    Are you living inside of a box? 


    Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor Bruno LoGreco





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    Tuesday, November 11, 2008

    Self-Awareness Through Life Coaching

    I love what I do. I really love helping people with the art of Life Coaching. Life Coaching is truly an art form – to understand individuals for who they are: unique, passionate and talented. Yes - everybody has a talent somewhere buried, down, deep, in their soul caught between fear and who knows what else, there is a talent. The trick is to find it… And when they do find their talent, they quickly learn how passionate and unique they really are.

    There are Life Coaches in every major city across North America and people are turning to them for support, guidance, and encouragement these days. People are in the mood for change - change in the world, change in politics, and change in self. A shift in consciousness is happening across the globe right now that is quickly gaining momentum.

    I’m glad to be part of this shift – To watch individuals go from what they believed to be reality - a reality inundated with noise, emotions, and self-inflicted pain, to a new life of hope, goals and dreams, self-awareness and most importantly self-love. A love for self to self-validate, to feel good and to appreciate you for who you are, not for what another person says you are.

    Me along with many other life coaches are here to support you along your journey. You don’t have to do it alone anymore.

    Oh yeah… before I forget to tell you, the process to self-awareness will hurt – The truth hurts when you learn how you’ve been treating yourself, but it oh so worth it in the end.

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor
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    Monday, November 10, 2008

    Life Coaching or Therapy?

    What can life coaching offer you? Life coaching can offer many alternatives to traditional therapy or counseling. Unlike therapy, life coaching by Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor Bruno LoGreco is about identifying the root cause - untying the knot at the root of the problem. Only after you identify the root cause and undo the thoughts, which ignite your behaviors, will you be freed to achieve your goals and live your dreams. Life Coaching by Bruno LoGreco will enable you to move forward in your life with self-love and self-awareness.

    Many people wake-up at some point in life and ask, “How did I ever get here?” They sit back and contemplate where, how, and when did everything go wrong. Their first instinct or gut reaction is to point blame at their loved ones – spouse, children, parents and/or sibling. Women feel unappreciated, unworthy, and lonely, while men feel disconnected, lost, and afraid of what is yet to come. But you see, the problem did not start in they’re thirty’s or forty’s, the problem started decades before. The root cause could be remnants from childhood. During a child’s first years, immediate influencers need to support their children with encouragement and confidence, showing them they are beautiful and that they are loved. This is positive effect. In the absence of positive effect a child will grow into a negative adult, seeking encouragement and confidence from the outside world. Of course there is fine balance of how much is too much and how much is too little.

    Therapy or counseling help individuals talk through their problem – The only problem with talking through the issues and not working towards addressing the root cause is it will only serve as fuel for the negative ego. I used the Ego word. Yes, all of your actions whether you are aware or not are ego driven. You have good and bad ego - if you seek external validation because of the lack of positive effect you received as a child, you might have your back up right now due to my ego comment, but it's reality.

    The next time you react and feel that you are not worthy or unappreciated, ask yourself – What am I truly looking for? If you are unable to answer the question, dig deep into your soul and sooner or later you will find the answer.

    If you are tired of reliving the past and would like to move onto bigger and better things before for the New Year, then Life Coaching might be the answer for you.

    Bruno LoGreco Master Life Coach Toronto Mentor
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    Ten Powerful Self-Coaching Tips

    By Bruno LoGreco

    Are you living the life of creativity and happiness that you've always dreamed of, or are you allowing your fears or other outside factors to influence you?

    Following the path that your heart's desires requires courage and might require a shift in attitude. There are several methods you can use to act as your own life coach and start working toward the life you dream of.

    Ideas for self-improvement

    You don't need to change every aspect of your life at once in order to improve your attitude and outlook on life. Self-improvement can feel daunting if you try to change everything at once.

    A good way to embark on your journey of self-coaching is to make one change and see what kind of impact it has upon your life. The following tips are designed to help you improve your life and become your own life coach. Try out one of the following tips at a time to positively impact your attitude and daily life.

    1. Find some ‘you' time. Everyone needs time alone to meditate and recharge. You may think you don't have extra time in your day. Start with 10-20 minutes to use for meditation or silent reflection.

    2. Ask yourself what you truly want in life. Are you living your life according to your true dreams and desires? You may be unaware of your desires that lie hidden beneath your surface needs and wants, so take the time to find out.

    3. Write everything down. Even if your thought seems silly, write it down! You may be surprised by the inspiration and ideas you can come up with.

    4. Journal daily, but with a twist. Instead of just writing about today, try writing about yesterday.

    5. Keep track of the "happy moments." Each day has potential for many small moments that bring joy and happiness. If you don't make a special note of them, you may not even recognize the small joys in your day.

    6. Choose one task each night to complete the next day. This way, you have focus, and you accomplish at least one task. Tasking and taxing yourself with effort is important in reaching goals.

    7. Smile when you wake up. Smiling is contagious. By smiling you improve your mood and can potentially improve someone else's day as well.

    8. Give thanks each night. Gratitude will improve your outlook on life and help you see all the good and wonderful moments of your day.

    9. Try something new. A new experience fuels creativity and your enjoyment of the day.

    10. Create at least one memorable moment each day. Make each day unforgettable, even if in a small way!

    Taking the next step with a life coach

    Self-coaching tips are great ideas for helping you improve your life. However, you can take your life to the next level with a life coach and mentor. A professional life coach can help you set goals and help you move forward with your dreams. If you're looking for the right path toward happiness, a life coach can help you discover the path your heart truly desires.

    Want to learn more about self-improvement? Bruno LoGreco is a Life Coach Toronto and mentor. Visit BrunoLoGreco.com and find out how to unleash your potential for success and happiness.

    The Success Indicators on Your Life Path

    Many people seek out a particular goal in their life path and are content when they achieve it. The chance to broaden their horizons or learn new things within an existent structure is not as appealing to them as it is to some others. This is an issue that arises in many individuals because they mistakenly think they have achieved what they wanted to in their lives. The plethora of environmental noise around them begins to infringe upon their goals and forces them to lose sight of what they truly wanted.

    A good way to think of this problem is to envision a large square box. This is not just any box though. Rather, in this case, your box has been divided into three separate, but equally shaped rectangular boxes, all stacked on top of one another. Each of these rectangular boxes is a highly important expression of your life goals -- individual levels of success. Within each of these levels of success is an indicator that tells you how close you are to becoming successful in this area of your life.

    Every area of your life that you identify as a potential path for success can be further divided, containing the many different events and obstacles you will encounter as you strive to reach your goals. Think of each sector of your life as being divided even further, with three new sections within one of the three stacked boxes (sectors). Within each stacked box are three separate sections, divided by dotted lines that make up the life path you will follow. These dotted lines are not the same as the solid lines dividing the sectors -- they are a path that you have envisioned since childhood -- a series of goals and pathways to success that you want to follow.

    As young people, these life paths may not be fully formed. Or they might be crystal clear in our minds--long, straight life paths from the early days of college and adult living to the ultimate goal of success that you have always strived for. You can see exactly what you need to do to reach each success indicator and achieve what you have set out to accomplish. And you probably did just this. After all, your goals as a youth were to be successful in the same way that you saw thousands of others live their lives. You wanted to reach your success indicators and experience the measure of success by which you would measure you life for decades to come.

    However, nothing is ever as simple as we envision it during youth. There are countless factors that interfere with your ability to clearly see those success indicators and life paths to success. These factors, or "Environmental Noise," can be detrimental to even the most focused of individuals. Think of what would happen if you dumped the contents of downtown New York into your box and tried to maintain your focus on those goals. Would you even be able to see your life path anymore?

    Everyone must travel their life path with environmental noise inundating them from all sides. It begins to become cloudy. The dotted lines, our life paths, begin to look like the straight lines and the success indicators start to be confused with any number of different distractions.

    And then something will happen and you will realize that you are in fact nowhere near the original success indicators you set for yourself. Everything has changed and yet you are stuck in a way. You are deep within the center of the middle rectangular box and you have no idea which way to go or how to get back on track. The noise only grows louder and you grow dizzy trying to regain your focus.

    It is in this instant that you must clear the noise and return to the basic, almost instinctive mode of thought you experienced as a child. What did you want from life? Where did you want to go? What do you need to get to that point? What was my life path? All of these questions must be asked without the distractions of the world around you muddying up your thought process. When you can revert to a very simple perspective of the world and only spend time thinking of what you want from life, you can be that much more successful.

    You can succeed in life despite the environmental noise, cruising down your life paths and moving through your rectangles with ease, but oftentimes you need a helping hand to clear away the noise and look at life with fresh eyes. There is nothing wrong with asking for help to weed out these distractions and remove the clutter from your life sectors with a professional life coach.

    Is your life path inundated with environmental noise? Learn how you can lift the noise and begin reestablishing your success indicators today. Visit www.brunologreco.com a Life Coach Toronto today.

    Chapters.ca

    Top 10 Benefits to Journaling

    By Bruno Logreco

    There are countless reasons to maintaining a journal. The top ten benefits of journaling may differ from person to person. However, there seems to be general themes that are attractive in the collective unconscious. Many people are looking to daily entries of their personal experiences to reap some of the following rewards.

    Maintaining a journal is a natural way to exercise the brain. People who make regular entries are taking time to develop writing and communication skills that are very valuable in everyday interactions. This mental exercise also helps to allow your thoughts to flow freely.

    Creativity is a second benefit to consider. This is an important aspect of journaling. The right hemisphere of the brain is associated with visual, imaginative and intuitive facets of thought. When you take time to write, you free the right hemisphere. The ideal entry will be one that puts the inner editor on hold. Thoughts and ideas should flow freely and naturally.

    The uninhibited nature of this form of writing serves a third benefit of developing self awareness. People often create different faces to meet various circumstances. We tend to recreate in distinct situations including the work environment, the community and even when at home.

    The process of keeping a journal helps you recognize the various aspects of your unique personality. The growing self awareness is a powerful force that can lead to even greater benefits in the future. Gaining insight into the self is among the most important aspects to maintaining a journal.

    The fourth benefit is the ability to set priorities. Once you get a grasp on the thoughts and emotions that are filtered through your personal experience, you begin to gain control of them. The process eventually leads to a greater understanding of what is and what is not important.

    The ability to re-see the past is another great benefit of keeping a journal. The pages can be revisited with a fresh perspective. It can be very surprising how much your understanding of an event changes over a relatively short period of time. Some writers find great moments of epiphany when rethinking and rereading entries.

    Journaling is a fantastic problem-solving resource. The approach of using entries to come up with various solutions to troubles is a little different than approaches for self awareness and growth. Many people choose temporary brainstorming techniques that serve to give viable solutions to problems.

    The seventh benefit of journaling is variety. You can choose what kind of entries you want to make. Common choices include brainstorming sessions, automatic writing and reflective notes. Personal journal entries can be made upon inspiration, when you first wake or right before you fall asleep. Some choose to do a combination of these.

    Purging is the eighth benefit to this practice. Many people find it helpful to place negative thoughts and feelings down on paper. Once the negative energy is placed on the page, they are free to let it go. This practice also works well when dealing with anger towards another individual. Purge the negativity and work towards a constructive approach.

    The ability to communicate with others is another benefit of keeping a journal. Those who work with life coaches can find a wealth of resources for sessions. Journaling can help you tap into your fears and dreams, helping your coach gain insight through entries that you choose to share.

    The tenth benefit is improvement in your overall health. Journaling reduces stress. It provides time for you to meditate. The process helps to make the positive forces in your life surface and it helps to bring the harmful elements into light. The result of personal journaling is a new perspective on how you can take control of many aspects of your life.

    Want to learn how online journaling can help you reach goals and problem solve? Learn more about life coach Toronto at brunologreco.com and journaling at iijournal.

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