Menu: This week's tasty bits. Click an item to view!

• Appetizers: Brilliant quotes from interesting people
• Entrée: Passion for Pizzazz by Keith Varnum
• Main Course: Possibilities and Perspectives by Michael
• Second Helping: A Pervasive Purpose by Jim Clemmer
• Soup to Nuts: From the feedback button
• Just Desserts: Sites to see and other sources for personal growth.
• Check Please!:  *Shameless commerce* (visit the V-Store!) to help F.I. support CASA
• Party's Over, Go Home: Article submission guidelines, subscription information and member's list maintenance

Appetizers:
      Back to top

• Terri McPherson, Weaving Small Wisdoms

• Alfred D. Souza

Entrée:  Passion for Pizzazz by Keith Varnum
      Back to top

Personal power is the ability to attract what we chose to have in life. It means that we have authority (authorship) over the script of our life—as in the head screenwriter of a movie. We are in command of our earthly dominion, master of our destiny.

Being the ruler of our world—in charge of our fate—requires energy, might, strength, stamina. In other words, power in its basic, raw sense. Your cosmic destiny rocket needs fuel to take off. You need a source of energy that can propel you into permanent orbit. You need a source of thrust to overcome the gravitational pull of cultural and personal programming—the limiting beliefs and feelings that keep us earth-bound.

And to generate a whole lifetime of adventure and wonder, we need a vast source for this energy, a deep well of power. Fortunately, we all do possess such an infinite reserve of creative power—the passion we feel for our true calling, our life purpose.

Your deep excitement for expressing your unique spirit can lift you to the heights. This passion provides the power to reach your dream. Enthusiasm funds the dream. Exhilaration feeds the dream. Your exuberance attracts the people and assistance to build your castle. The electricity of your enjoyment of your special adventure lights you up from the inside. Your inner radiance shines through. People are enticed by your eagerness, your inner fire, your glow. The joy of self-expression is your secret juice. Natural charisma acts like a magnet to draw in the human and financial support you need to soar. Authentic aliveness is very contagious.

As you take off, you feel ever more vigorous and enthralled. High on life, you have the vitality to meet any challenge. And your ever-deepening delight fills up every pore of your being so that doubt and fear cannot find a place to reside in your holy temple.

Haven't quite figured out where your passion lies? Focus less on your skills (what you can do) or your resume (what you have done). Instead, tune into the aspects of your life that feel light, easy, flowing, open and fun. What activities fascinate, intrigue or thrill you? What types of things did you love to do as a child? What activities have spark and aliveness for you now?

About the author:

From the roots of indigenous cultures and ancient spiritual traditions, Keith Varnum shares the underlying principles of all healing, transformation and success. After curing himself of blindness, Keith has perfected these practical secrets in his 30-year career as an author, therapist, filmmaker, acupuncturist, radio talk show host, gourmet chef, restaurateur, vice-president of a natural foods company and international seminar leader with his “Dream Workshops” and "Sedona Shaman Vision Quest." Keith helps people get the love, abundance and body they want through his free “Prosperity Ezine” at TheDream.com

Main Course: Possibilities and Perspectives
      Back to top

Life comes in cycles, and all experiences (even the most difficult and painful) are a part of my purpose in this life. "This, too, shall pass" must become my watchword if I am to pass beyond difficulties. It is important that I learn to watch and wait, to expect the best outcome, to anticipate positive things as a result, and to believe that change - in all things and all people - is inevitable, even in this.

Just like planting a garden, wherein the fruits of my labors will not be ready to reap for some time, so will a difficult situation not be resolved with the sweep of a hand, or a single word, or an act. It will take time, and effort, and creativity, and circumspection, and a hundred other things. It will take a bit of living, and a bit of learning, and a few mistakes and false starts. Not everything I do will be productive, even so. It will take cultivation and tending, but it will be worth it.

I must let what I am feeling pass thru me. There is much more to this situation than simply that which is facing me, so I can accept the feelings I am having, and know that they are part of a bigger purpose. It really is o.k. to feel anger, sorrow, loss, or disappointment. These feeling let me know that I have dimension and depth. They give me a greater appreciation for the feelings of joy, happiness, abundance and warmth when things are resolved and life is good.

I might even try to gain a different viewpoint on the situation. If I am too close, too invested in the details, I may want to "zoom out" and take a larger look, to see where this experience fits in with the overall purpose of my life and personal growth. Perhaps this difficulty is a lesson that ties in with that lesson last week, or perhaps that lesson last month or that other one a year or so back. Yeah, the big one, that one. I can see now, how important that was; maybe this lesson will be just that important too. Paying attention to the details is important, but being able to lift my sights, and see more than just this part of my life - that is important, too.

I need to stop "should-ing" on myself. What I "should" be doing, in my estimation, is not necessarily what is best for me in this situation. I must remain open to that which is possible, instead of forcing the situation into what I think it should be. Perhaps things should be different, but they aren't. Perhaps others should be the way I want them to be, but maybe they can't. What can I gain from things as they are? What can I learn from people in this situation, without demanding that they change to fit my idea of who they are, or what they should be doing?

I am not alone. I most certainly am not the only individual who has had this experience, and I may be able to find someone who has been through what I am going through, and borrow their experience. Wisdom abounds in this Universe, and wise people are everywhere. No, none are experts, but perhaps someone I know can give me a unique insight, one I hadn't thought of. Or, maybe, they have a friend that went through the same thing, and this is what they did... that just might work.

All life asks of me is to keep trying, to grow and learn - and to become that which the Universe needs me to be. All things are possible. It may only take a different and unique perspective to attain that unique possibility, and become that unique individual, which is right for me to be. That's my purpose, after all.

Michael Rawls, Friday's Inspiration © 2005

Second Helping: A Pervasive Purpose by Jim Clemmer
      Back to top

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.

• Albert Schweitzer

There's a recurring, consistent pattern in the mission or purpose of most effective leaders, teams, and organizations. That pervasive, underlying theme is, success comes through serving others. In the front of Zig Ziglar's book, See You at the Top, he singles out and highlights this declaration, "you can get everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want." That philosophy (which he weaves throughout the rest of his book and his presentations) left a very deep impression on me early in my career. It has profound and powerful implications for defining personal, team, and organizational purpose.

In his book, Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey presents a convincing case for a leaders’ universal mission statement. This, he writes, "is intended to serve leaders of organizations as an expression of their vision and sense of stewardship." The leaders' mission statement he proposes is "To improve the economic well-being and quality of life of all stake-holders."

This universal statement is a starting point or general philosophy; it shouldn't be adapted as is. We all need to develop our own. Part of the reason for "growing our own" mission or purpose is so we'll have one that's in our own words and relevant to us. But the biggest benefit comes from the process of thinking and verbal wrestling to get something on paper.

Developing a personal, team, and organization purpose that's aimed at serving others adds a richer sense of meaning to any personal, team, or organization change or improvement efforts. It taps into the deep craving we all have to make a difference. We need to feel that the world was in some way a little bit better off for the brief time we passed through it.

About the author:

Jim Clemmer is a bestselling author and internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, workshop/retreat leader, and management team developer on leadership, change, customer focus, culture, teams, and personal growth. During the last 25 years he has delivered over two thousand customized keynote presentations, workshops, and retreats. Jim's five international bestselling books include The VIP Strategy, Firing on All Cylinders, Pathways to Performance, Growing the Distance, and The Leader's Digest. His web site is www.clemmer.net.

Soup to Nuts: From the feedback button
      Back to top

Laura K wrote, "Hey Michael, It's nice to hear from you and read your latest Friday's Inspiration Weekly. Your writing is always are an inspiration to me! Just wanted to share my good news... It's official! I've started PENCILS, a Proofreading ∓ Copyediting Company. I filed my business license on March 1st! I'm really excited. I've got my biz cards, post cards, fliers, brochure, and letterhead all designed and now just need to start sending them out! Once I get a few clients, I will get a website." Wonderful, Laura! Let us know when the website is up and running, and continued success.

Dearest Maralyn writes, "AHHH Michael, I am SO happy to see your email. I checked my address book and wondered if you were going to be gone much longer. WE are delighted to have you back. This issue is great. Much gratitude, prayers for those in need, and blessings coming your way. Love and Light." I feel the love all the way from there, every time I hear from you, my friend. Thank you, and continued health and prosperity to all.

Heather is an author and talented artist, in addition to being an F.I. subscriber. She writes, "I can't remember if I sent you the link or not, but my book finally came out this past week: Making Your Purpose Your Business - I hope you are writing... You were in my thoughts." That is really great news, not just for yourself, Heather, but for the wisdom and growth that you may bring to others through this book, and the wonderful and creative work you do. Press on!

N-Spire yourself!® with a no-frills weekday morning inspirational email, containing a simple quote from archived issues of Friday's Inspiration. Just click this InboxInspiration link to subscribe, or click on the feedback button below, and ask for a one-time email sample. InboxInspiration is part of YahooGroups!

If you would like to express your concerns for loved ones, or yourself, in the form of prayer requests, send them to Prayers@N-Spire.com so we can help share the burden. Good news is welcome too! Write to Abundance@N-Spire.com and let's celebrate together!

Click to send your FEEDBACK to me right now!

Just Desserts: Also Highly Recommended
      Back to top

There have been more than 400 NEW AND UNIQUE visitors to the website during the last month, viewing over 8000 pages! Thank you for your continued support! Over 500 of our partners on the Internet have graciously recommended visitors to Friday's Inspiration. Please take time to visit the "Highly Recommended" links below.

Notes From the Universe - Totally Unique Thoughts is an Adventurers Club! An exclusive, private, FREE affiliation of like minded "Thinkers" from around the world who believe that living within the jungles of space and time, as a Creation amongst our Creations, is the ultimate Adventure... because thoughts become things... and dreams come true! Want to be part of our expeditions? This way to take the Oath!.

Inner Bonding - Want to learn about the Six Steps of Inner Bonding? Take their free course to gain a brief understanding of the Inner Bonding process. Download the Free Course as: PDF file or MS Word file.

Check, Please!: Brought to you by F.I.'s *Shameless Commerce* Division:
      Back to top

Everyone can make a difference. In the United States over 500,000 children are in foster care because they cannot safely live with their families. Nearly 70,000 National CASA volunteers serve approximately 280,000 of those abused or neglected children every year. Please join the National CASA Association in their mission to make sure every child in need has a voice. A child should have a childhood and a safe, permanent home. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of products and services advertised here will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children - CASA.

Our Own V-Store: Check It Out!!! Purchase products and services from FI's new *Shameless Commerce* online store, and help us help CASA! Nutritionals, environmentally safe household products for you and your pet, MCI Neighborhood telephone services, magazine subscriptions of every kind, and so much more! Visit the V-Store today!

Save $15 on McAfee Security AntiSpyware software, and eliminate malicious applications before they can steal your identity. You also save $5 on McAfee Security Anti-Virus software and protect your computer from malicious code through your purchase of McAfee's VirusScan®. Please visit the McAfee Security Center to learn more!

Print real coupons from you computer at Valpak.com! Fine dining coupons, grocery, automotive, and more - all in your area. Save money here.

Party's over, go home - The rest of the stuff:       Back to top