Dreams – the big and small stuff you want to accomplish in your life – are often not perceived as urgent, yet they are very important.

Do you dream?

So many of us don’t treat our own dreams with respect – like we honor and support the dreams of others.

Why is that?

Here are 10 simple tips for turning YOUR dreams into reality:

1. Make time each day to write down your dreams.
2. Break down those dreams in to steps, place dates on these steps and turn (or integrate) those steps in to individual business plans.
3. Read your dreams/goals at least once a day with passion and belief in their realization
4. Connect and share your dreams with someone – a buddy – who has your best interest at heart. Ask them to hold you accountable – in a loving way – for succeeding.
5. Read at least 10 pages of your favorite personal development book every day.
6. Exercise at least three times each week. Exercising allows fresh oxygen to your body feeds your inner desire to be better
7. Become informed about dieting and develop healthy eating habits
8. Keep in mind that you are worthy to accomplish your dreams. Many people will not pursue their dreams because they don’t feel that they are worth the effort.
9. Don’t be afraid to fail for it is through trial and error that you will find your greatness.
10. Finally, live YOUR dreams – not those of others. Your dreams deserve to be realized as much as anyone.

Where do you begin?

Start by first accepting and acknowledging that you need to forgive. Yes! That is the first step. Simple enough – right? It’s like taking a long walk on the beach – alone.

Okay! Take a moment and say to yourself, “Self, I forgive you for that “thing” you did in the past. I forgive you for not reaching that goal. I forgive you for making a bad choice while in that past relationship. I forgive you for thinking you were perfect, and then acting like you weren’t. I forgive you for…”

Step Two. Once you are done with the above, which for some may take a while to get up the courage to complete. The next step is to make a list of those to whom you want to ask for forgiveness. Go ahead! Make your list now. You can do it in your head now, but then make sure to write down those names in your personal journal or somewhere special.

Its okay to forgive.

Step three. Give yourself permission to forgive those on your list. Not only do you want to grant permission to yourself, you also want to prepare yourself for the response of those with whom you actually have a physical conversation. Good. bad, or indifferent – be prepared to accept their response without judgement and with an open heart.

Step four. Decide to whom you need to speak in person and to whom you simply need/want to silently forgive in your heart. Begin with the latter group. This will pave the way for successful conversations with those you want to tell in person.

Finally,do the forgiveness deed. In other words, begin the process of forgiving everyone on your list, one by one, with sincerity and a heartfelt genuineness.

You might find that as you go through this process of forgiveness, you will also begin to experience a greater love and appreciate for yourself. The world will look better through your eyes. Your relationships will get a little deeper and your commitments will also broaden. It will also be easier for you to move forward with more passion and love because you will have made a space for those new experiences in your life.

Forgiveness is a cleansing process like no other and of all the people in the world – you deserve to experience it the most. Don’t you?

So, what are you waiting for? Get along and started today! Check back here once you are done. I want to hear all about your experience.

Professor Swain feels that when a Black male wears a hoodie, it draws unnecessary attention to them. Her philosophy seems to be that Black males should attempt to “fit in” in an effort to be accepted. She also does not feel that race is a factor. It almost sounded as though she was saying that is was Trayvon Martin’s fault for being killed – because of what he was wearing. REALLY?

She also does not support boycotting as she believes it is an outdated solution to this particular situation or problem.

Dr. Boyce seems to believe that this case is all about race. To paraphrase, if George Zimmerman had not profiled Trayvon Martin because he was Black, wearing a hoodie, and walking on the street at night – then there never would have been a situation like his death. Boyce believes it is absolutely necessary to boycott the entire city of Sanford, Florida, where this incident took place.

My questions:
Is this a race issue, or should we let go of the notion of it being about race?
Is this just another way to drudge up old wounds from this country’s past?

What is your opinion about what is really going on here?
Is the Trayvon Martin case about race – or – should we let that go?

SHARE YOU THOUGHTS BELOW.

I have to say that it was an inspiring story. Giuliana Rancic, came to the united States from Naples with her family , stayed focused on her dreams, and has not allowed one thing to get in her way. She has even overcome the challenges of breast cancer. Talk about going up against all odds.

Rancic’s story, particularly her journey with cancer, is rated right up there with that of my Mom’s. As a matter of fact, I have placed her (Giuliana Rancic) right at the top of the list of my personal heroes. At the top of this list is my Mom, of course. In case you have not read my book and don’t know the story, my Mom was challenged with multiple sclerosis. In 1992, after about fourteen years of dealing with the symptoms of MS, she transitioned (passed away) at the young age of 64.

It was the way that our Mom faced the challenges of the MS that really allowed me to herald her as a true hero. Yes, part of her heroism comes from the fact that she was my Mom; but another huge part of it comes from the way she faced her challenges. She was courageous, inspiring, kept a sense of humor, and continued to love her children and her husband – right to the end.

I am not saying that she didn’t have her moments, (in some cases days) in which she was difficult to be around, because she did. Imagine that your organs, muscles (voluntary and involuntary) are working against you. I can imagine that it would frustrate one to no end. Nonetheless, and as I recall, those moments and days were few and far between.

It was my experience, as I watched the multiple sclerosis overcome every component of her body, that she was able to laugh, enjoy a good book, love, and was willing to learn new things. She continued to live, even though, she was face to face with a dreadful uncontrollable challenge that had inevitable consequences. She laughed and enjoyed a good conversation right up to the point in which she lost control of her voice. After she lost her voice, she would communicate with me using her eye brows and facial expressions. She never gave up on life.

I love that lady so much! Always will.

I can remember one day when I came to visit her at their home (my parents lived in Nashville, TN). At that time, she had been moved from the master bedroom upstairs to my brother’s bedroom downstairs because it was easier for her to get in and out of the house. I walked in to the room and after we greeted, she called me over to the bed and said with great enthusiasm, “I want you to help me do my exercises.” She continued, “If I exercise, then it might help me to get more control of my muscles.” So I did. For her, at that time, exercise was simply holding a tennis ball in her hands and squeezing it as tightly as she could, and then letting it go. She did those exercises with intense focus, vigor and commitment. It was amazing and inspiring to watch.

What I also appreciated (still do) about my Mom was her strength, tenacity, fiery approach to some situations, and the fact that she never gave up. NEVER! I see the same qualities in Giuliana Rancic as I watched that E! True Story. I admire and appreciate that quality SO very much!

Giuliana, you have inspired me to face my fears, keep my head up high, and stay focused on my dreams – no matter what. The message I got from your story is – never give up. That is one of the same messages I got from my Mom, as she courageously faced her challenges with multiple sclerosis.

The first step in the process of Letting Go of Stuff is to accept and acknowledge – that thing (or things). What is “that thing?” It is what ever it is that is getting in your way. What ever it is that is keeping you stuck in what ever rut you might be in – in this moment. It is not until you notice it, step to it, accept it, and then embrace it – that you will be able to let it go. Regardless of what “it” is!

I believe that part of the reason many can not let go of stuff is because we never make it to that first step. Many people never take the time to exhale, and admit that something is in their way. That something is keeping you stuck. Being perpetually stuck – keeps you from living life to the fullest.

• Are you alive in your life’s journey?
• Are you going for it in your life?
• Are you hustling to make your dreams come true? Or just hustling?
• What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to begin – living your life to its fullest?

Linda, the harpist, played her heart out and set a wonderfully harmonious ambiance for the evening. Bill Sterling was a gracious emcee. He also set the tone with his incredible voice as he sang his heart out for the audience. Bill also auctioned off, with his voice, the paintings offered up by the two local artists.

Laurie Samaniego and Christopher Martinez, the two local New Mexican artists,  both were wonderful. Christopher offered three of his fine art photographs to be auctioned off. What a great gesture of kindness.

Laurie Samaniego painted a rendition of the meaning of National Letting Go of Stuff Day during the reception. It was an incredibly beautiful

Laurie Samaniego sharing her painting’s meaning

rendition of the meaning of the day. Her efforts are to be upheld as spectacular because she literally shared her heart and soul during the night – through her passion and work.

THANK YOU LAURIE!!

At one point during the reception I invited anyone to come up and share what they plan to let go of between National Letting Go of Stuff Day this year (last night) and March 28, 2013 – which is when this national day will come up again. Many people shared genuinely, emotionally, and with confidence what they are going to let go of starting – yesterday.

CONGRATS to all who shredded your letting go claims!!

In all, the event was a major success. It will go down in the records of National Letting Go of Stuff Day as the best of the best receptions in the four years since the day was established. Awesome!

To our sponsors – Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) Albuquerque, Foreclosure Rescue, LLC, and InsideOut Learning, Inc. I would like to extend a big THANK YOU for your support and participation.

Congratulations to everyone! Can’t wait for next year’s event.

See more pictures

Today is a great day to begin the journey of change in your life. This is a day to identify what you want to change and improve about your life, make the claim to improve it, and create a plan to move forward.

Next year, on this same day (fourth Thursday in March), you will be able to measure your success and progress with letting go of stuff in your life.

The above is what National Letting Go of Stuff Day is all about.

If you are in the Albuquerque area and want to CELEBRATE the beginning of your new Letting Go of Stuff® Journey – join us today at the Sheraton Uptown for a free and open to the public reception to celebrate the significance of this day.

The details for the reception are HERE.

Share below your secret for letting go and then tweet them to your followers.