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I was expecting nothing less than an ego smack down. There was really no telling what would happen with a mercurial boss who scheduled an early morning meeting. My intuition told me to gird my loins.

I choose my armor/wardrobe carefully. A shocking pink jacket from Paris and the darkest Chanel shades. But the most important accessory was folded in my purse. It was a list specially prepared for my meeting. It was a list my supervisor would never see. A list of my star qualities-- reasons to shine no matter what.

My inventory of fabulousness included such items as "My determination…my loving nature, "my glorious past, my glorious future, and "my faith.

As it happened the boss in question did berate me but I was strangely serene because of that list tucked away in my bag---and in my heart.

You've made a lifetime of lists. Grocery lists. "To Do lists. Lists of resolutions. Make a list today of all of your star qualities. The qualities I am talking about have nothing to do with wearing everything Marc Jacobs designs or getting patio seating at the Ivy. I'm talking about those unique internal traits that make you sparkle.

When I give speeches and seminars I've found that some of you don't recognize your star qualities. If you are having trouble of figuring it out on your own consider what you have heard from your co-stars and fans over the years. What do they appreciate about you?

My original list was handwritten on a piece of plain notebook paper. Why not use your computer to print up something on colorful paper using your favorite images? I'd love to see your masterpieces. You can send them to me at www.nozizwe.com.

I haven't seen that mercurial boss in years, but my life is not free of crisis points. Not even. My list remains. It's now posted on my fridge for easy reference every time I need a reason to shine.

About the Author
Lena Nozizwe is a multi-award-winning broadcaster, motivational speaker, actress, filmmaker, and educator. For fun she recently began designing Bling it Ontm hair ornaments. (Web site coming soon!) Lena is also is the author of Starring in Your Own Life published by Simon and Schuster, a book that's all about the inner bling. She is currently working on Hut to Hollywoodtm a documentary about her return to her birthplace, Malawi, Africa. Questions? Comments? Contact Lena at www.nozizwe.com © Lena Nozizwe 2005

7 Reasons To Stop Procrastinating
Today
by Caroline Jalango

Procrastination is a delay tactic that has the ability to choke your dreams and abort the plans and purposes you have for your life.

It has to be nipped in the bud. It should not be given a chance to put your life and your dreams on hold.

The following are 7 benefits of not procrastinating. Not procrastinating will afford you an opportunity to:

1. Find out what you can do.
If you want to find out what you can do and how far you can go…stop procrastinating! When you don't procrastinate, you get a chance to be the best you can be. You discover what your abilities are, how far you can stretch and what you can do. Not procrastinating gives you a chance to amaze yourself and others!

2. Make an impact on other peoples lives.
Use your gifts and talents to bless other peoples lives. Everyone has a message to share with other people. Not procrastinating allows you to act in a timely manner when making contributions to other peoples lives. Stop procrastinating! Others are waiting to be enriched and empowered by you.

3. Accomplish something.
Acting on a timely basis allows you to finally accomplish something! The project or dream or goal you have been working on for the last few years needs to be completed. Accomplish something. Bring that project to a close and add it to your list of accomplishments.

4. Move on to other things.
When you don't procrastinate, you accomplish things and move on to other fresh and exciting things. This gives you the freedom to work on other projects without the guilt of pending issues that need attention.

5. Get yourself out of a rut.
When you are stuck in a rut or a situation that needs to be acted on, dreaming and constantly talking about future actions you plan to do, will not help. Do what needs to be done as soon as you can.

6. Manage your time better.
When you don't procrastinate, you free up time for all the other things you want to do. Acting on things that need to get done, clears the clutter from your life, mind and schedule.

7. Conquer your fears and take risks.
The longer you procrastinate on overcoming your fears, the bigger your fear becomes in your eyes. The bigger your fear, the more terrified you become and the more you get tempted to procrastinate! Minimize your fears, stop procrastinating, act now and achieve your dreams.

About The Author
Caroline Jalango is a life coach for unstoppable women who are willing to step up to the plate and take a shot at living exceptional lives wherever they are. www.motivationzone.com Caroline@motivationzone.com

Happiness

We convince ourselves that life will be better when we have a baby or another one. When we finally get what we thought we wanted, we find ourselves exhausted. Then, we conclude we will be more content when the children are older.

Only, they do get older. Then, we have teenagers to deal with. Surely, happiness will come once they have outgrown that stage. But, no, wait. They leave the nest.

We tell ourselves that life will be complete when our spouse gets their act together, when we get a nicer car, when we get a raise, when we have grandchildren, or when we are able to go on a nicer vacation.

The truth is, there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It is best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special enough to share your time with; and remember that time waits for no one.

Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new home, until your home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you get approved for disability, until you are off welfare, until the first or the fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you have had a drink, until you have sobered up, until you die, until you get to heaven to decide to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations