I am an inverse paranoid.
 
That is a phrase used by my mentor and teacher, Jack Canfield, who defines an inverse paranoid to be one who believes that the Universe is out to help and support them in creatng the life of their dreams and is conspiring to help them fulfill their purpose.

I have a former friend who is paranoid. He always looks at the negative side of a situation. He always expects the worst. He even once said out loud, "The Universe is against me and it feels like it's out to get me."  I tried to get him to reframe his thinking, but it was no use.

But here's what I've learned.

There is a part of the brain called the Reticular Activating System. It works along with the subconscious mind as a sort of information filter. The function of the RAS is to take what you're focused on, sort through the millions of bits of information you get through all of your senses, match it with what you're focused on and bring that  into your consciousness.

A simple example of how this works ... have you ever thought about getting a new car? Perhaps you had the make and model in your head. Or in your dreams? And the next thing you know, all you see is that particular make and model car on the road? That's your Reticular Activating System in action ... sorting through all the cars on the road to bring to your conscious attention the one you are thinking about.

The Reticular Activating System is a great thing to know about if you're trying to access the law of attraction to create more of what you want in your life.

The real key to gaining maximum benefit from being an inverse paranoid is to be clear what you want. First you must have clarity of purpose and create specific goals. The next step is to have a vision of what the goals look like and feel like completed. Then let the Universe do it's thing. Take action on a daily basis towards your goals, especially when the action is inspired by something beyond you. That's where the sychronicities happen, opportunities appear out of the blue, ideas crystallize in your dreams and you know what you need to do next.

So back to my friend. He refuses to give into my concept of being an inverse paranoid. He called me crazy when in response to his "what if's" I one day responded with "What if it all goes right?'

We don't see each other any more. Being around him was bringing me down. And I'm sure that my positivity made him equally uncomfortable. As hard as it was to end the relationship, it was necessary to keep the positive energy flowing in my life. Like attracts like.
 
Every day the inverse paranoid in me gets stronger and stronger and I trust more and more. With that comes inspired action ... and that's where the magic lives!

Life is so much more fun as an inverse paranoid. My favorite part is teaching the process to others to support them in becoming an inverse paranoid and helping them supercharge the law of attraction in their lives.

Every once in awhile, a limiting belief pops up for me. When it does, with the help of my coach and a little hypnosis to reframe my subconscious mnd, I address it.

There's always something to work on ... that's what being human is all about ... learning and growing. But in the big scheme of my life ... it's all going right!

One of the most powerful Success Principles I learned from my mentor, Jack Canfiled is the power of asking.

The first thing Jack taught me was to be clear what I'm asking for. To know exactly what I want. The next thing was to execute my ask as if I was going to get it.

I'm in the process of developing a new business. I know what I want. I know people who are already doing what I want to do ... and doing it successfully. I'm pretty independent and could very easily go it on my own. In addition, to being independent, I had an old, limiting belief that showed up as fear of rejection. 

Jack helped me get over that fear of rejection, which I subsequently discovered was connected to a fear of success.. There are so many layers to transformation!

At Breakthrough to Success, he stood on the stage and asked us all to sing after him, really loud, "Oh what the heck ... go for it anyway!" He followed this up with SWSWSWSW. I've coined the phrase with my teens, SW to the 4th! It stands for: Some Will ~ Some Won't ~ So What ~Someone's Waiting

Now, I'm asking for lots of things. For help, for contacts, for opinions, for ideas, for feedback, for business. I don't take "no's" personally. I just keep asking. It doesn't stop there. Now I teach it in all my classes, with both kids and adults. Be clear what you want ... and ask, ask, ask.

SWSWSWSW ... oh what the heck ... go for it anyway!

Read more about asking in Jack's article at
http://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/item/1018-good-things-come-to-those-who-ask.html

To learn more about the 7 days that transformed my life check out BTS at:

I am relatively new to this blogging world and wanted to try a new technology I just learned about ... audio blogging!

Above is an audio of one of my recent blog posts. It will take about 6 minutes of your time to listen. Most blog posts will not be this long ... only about 2 minutes ... but as you can tell, I'm a bit passionate about this topic! If you have kids, teach kids, coach kids, care about kids, it's worth a listen for sure in terms of content!

Even if you don't have time to listen right now, I'd love your feedback on whether or not I should offer audio in addition to a written blog as a daily option.
 
Just one click on the survey below and I'll have what I need. Thanks so much for your time and input!

I'm in the middle of launching my new online program to support parents in talking with their kids about sex, The Sex Talk Series for Parents. During my research I came across the new documentary, Let's Talk About Sex. 

I watched if for the first time several weeks ago. I've watched it several times since. I've been talking about it and writing about it ever since.

Hugh Jackman stated it perfectly, "Whether you have children, teach children or are around children at all, this movie is a must see."

Okay, so I'm passionate about this topic. Okay, so this movie struck a couple of nerves. And okay, so I'm coming up with a plan about how I can help facilitate a change movement.  I think the topic is that important ... and obviously, I'm meant to do something with the spark that's been ignited!

Watch the movie and let me know what you think! You can stream it on Netflix for free.

If you're interested in my thoughts about Let's Talk About Sex, visit my blog post at http://www.talkingwithtrish.com/2/post/2011/06/lets-talk-about-sex-reflections-on-sexuality-ed-in-the-us.html

Inspired by federal and state budget cuts that will significantly affect youth programs, I am pleased to announce my new project to help fill the gap and help support adult-teen communication and support teens in being the best they can be. 

Visit my new blog Talking With Trish at
http://www.talkingwithtrish.com/blog.html

Learn more about my first product titled
The Sex Talk Series for Parents:
A Step by Step Guide for Talking With Your Kids at http://www.talkingwithtrish.com/the-sex-talk-series-for-parents.html

 If you don't have kids, please pass this information onto those who do ... or those who work with them! Post to Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the buttons at the end of this post!

I hope you will continue to follow this blog and check out the new one as well. Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think might be interested. And, as always, let me know what you think by commenting below or emailing me at [email protected]

 I just found this link to Insight of the Day and LOVE the message in today's story!

Five Birds and Good Intentions

Five birds are sitting on a telephone wire. Two decide to fly south. How many are left? Most people would say three. Actually, all five are left. You see, deciding to fly isn’t the same as doing it.

If a bird really wants to go somewhere, it’s got to point itself in the right direction, jump off the wire, flap its wings, and keep flapping until it gets there.

So it is with most things. Good intentions aren’t enough. It’s not what we want, say, or think that makes things happen; it’s what we do.

I frequently think of writing thank-you, birthday, and congratulatory notes. Unfortunately, only a sad few of these good sentiments ever make it to paper. Still, if I don’t look too closely, I can delude myself into thinking that based on my good thoughts I’m a gracious and grateful person. A truer and less admirable picture of my character is drawn by my actions.

In the end, we either do or don’t do. We either make the time to do the things we want to and should do or we make excuses. As Alfred Adler said, “Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.”

What do you want to do? Do you want to take a course, change your job, lose weight, make new friends, or spend more time with and appreciate more the ones you have?

What’s stopping you from jumping off the wire and flapping your wings?

Michael Josephson
www.charactercounts.org

To get your Insight of the Day, click on the picture below!

Today I taught my last class of the school year ... a 6th grade puberty education class. I've been teaching puberty and sexuality education in 5th through 12th grade classrooms for 10 years in NH, where we have one of the very lowest teen pregnancy rates in the country.

Our program works and we know why. We also know what needs to happen next to make our rates even lower.

Unfortunately, we are waiting to hear the final figures for our FY 2011 budget that goes into effect on July 1. We are expecting a hefty cut in our clinic and outreach budget that will more than likely eliminate our 5th through 7th grade programs as well as our parent eexuality education programs.

These program cuts will impact our outcomes in a negative way. There's no way around it.

Rather than wait for the axe to fall, I decided to follow along the path of many of the older kids I work with. Use technology to make a difference in the world.

I am pleased to announce my new 12 week online educational series for parents titled:

The Sex Talk Series for Parents: A Guide for Talking With Your Kids

To read more about this unique online program that will coach you through the Sex Talk AND get  a free copy of my eBook TOP 10 Resource Guide to Support and Inspire Teens, visit http://www.talkingwithtrish.com/the-sex-talk-series-for-parents.html

To learn more about how federal and state budget cuts are impacting school based sexuality education programs, listen to this 5 minute audio clip.

It is imperative that kids get age appropriate, comprehensive sexuality education to support personal empowerment, a foundation for health decision making and healthy attitudes towards sexuality and relationships.

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in all of the developed countries. It is high time we stop making this a values argument and start take action based on what's really going on with our teens and what we know works.

We'll get there someday. But in the meantime, parents must assume more repsonsibility  and a more active role in educating their kids about sexuality.

And I'm glad to provide a program that will support that role ... in a fun, focused, convenient and affordable way!

http://www.talkingwithtrish.com/the-sex-talk-series-for-parents.html

Shop positively!

Support a business that supports others. 

Whether a portion of the proceeds are donated to a great cause or the product itself brings attention to an important issue, or highlights fair-trade practices, how and where you spend your money can make a difference. 

Take a  few minutes this week to look beyond the big box stores to find something that fills your need and supports others at the same time. 

Why not start today with a Positivity Bracelet?

Positivity Bracelets are a great way to remind you and those around you to stay on the positive side of life while supporting a great cause.  All proceeds go to support the White Mountain Community Health Center. For more about what we do, see http://www.whitemountainhealth.org

$6.00 each includes shipping!

Thanks to Positivity Nation for granting us permission to share A Year in Positive Action. Check them out at www.positivitynation.com or like them on Facebook to get a daily dose of Positivity!

John Assaraf posted a couple of quotes yesterday on his Facebook page that really struck me.

"What luck for rulers that men don't think"
 ~Adolf Hitler

“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it” ~ Adolf Hitler

My first thought is how powerful Hitler was, how much influence he had and, of course, about the devastation he caused.

My next thought was about the power of the media to create fear, spread propaganda and instill it in the subconscious minds of so many. Perhaps that is why I've choosen to turn off the television and refrain from listening to or reading most of what's out there.

I rather enjoy thinking for myself and choosing what I want to fill my head with,, thank you.

Now that my world is more quiet, I find myself reflecting on the people around me. I'm curious to discover what makes them tick. Why they think the way they think and feel the way they feel. Why they make the choices they make.  What they hope for and dream of.

Fascinating ... and as I learn more about them, I better understand myself.

Science tells us that we downloaded the majority of our subconscious programming by the the age of 7. I've noticed that many of us have patterns in our lives that originate from beliefs developed from these old programs. I've had the opportunity to explore this concept with siblings recently. So interesting!

We know that the Reticular Activating System of the brain strives to match our unconscious programming with our experience of external reality. We also know that our conscious behavior can be determined by our subconscious beliefs and that repetition can literally build new neuronal pathways in the brain and create new.

Science now indicates that we have the ability to reprogram our subconscious mind. That's one of the reasons I am so fascinated by hypnosis and the many other ways to reprogram the subconscious mind.

As we can delete, upgrade and intstall new software on our computer, we can literally rewire our brain and eliminate old beliefs and patterns that hold us back from reaching our goals and realizing our full potential.

Wayne Dyer says that the most important time of the day to reprogram limiting subconscious beliefs is the 5 or 10 minutes just before we fall asleep. During sleep is the time the subconscious mind is most active.

What do you give your subconscious mind to process before you go to sleep?

Do you fall asleep worrying, fearful, perhaps with the television playing in the background? Or do you intentionally give you subconscious mind something positive to process during your 6-8 hours of sleep?

Consider the followng:

Unleash the Power of Goal Setting with Affirmations & Visualization

For every goal you have, you ideally want to have an affirmation that declares it as if it’s already completed (even though it’s not). This creates and maintains a dynamic tension in the brain and inspires motivation.

Affirmations (ideally with emotion and emphasized with visualization) causes the Reticular Activating System of the brain to look for ways to match your thoughts and feelings with your reality, thus helping you reach your goals, recognize opportunity, take both deliberate and inspired action and create your new reality.

Precision affirmations used on a consistent connect the conscious mind with the subconscious mind. They help reprogram the subconscious mind and eliminate limiting beliefs that keep us stuck.

Guidelines for Writing Effective Precision Affirmations

1.    Start with the words “I am …”
2.    Use the present tense
3.    State it in the positive i.e. What you want versus what you don’t want
4.    Keep it brief
5.    Make it specific
6.    Include an action word ending in “ing”
7.    Include at least on emotion or feeling word
8.    At the end, add the words “or something better”
9.    Remember that you are doing this for yourself NOT for others

For example, "I want to lose 20 pounds." becomes "I am feeling great at 148!"

Punctuate your affirmation with a vision of what your goal looks and feels like. Remember that repetition key!

To learn more about how hypnocoaching can help reframe old beliefs and set you on a new course to success, contact me at [email protected] or 603-452-7350.

Over the last two decades teen births have dropped 37 percent in the United States and are now at a record low, government health officials report. While this is good news, the US teen birth rate is the highest in all developed countries and still up to nine times that of other affluent nations.

Speaking at a press conference recently Dr. Wanda Barfield, Director of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion's Division of Reproductive Health said that teens may still not be getting the sex education they need to protect themselves. "Only 50 percent of high school students are getting comprehensive sexuality education including abstinence and contraception," Barfield added.

See more about the press conference at:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/04/05/us-teen-birth-rate-hits-record-low?PageNr=1

In NH we have the lowest teen pregnancy rate in the country. In my region, we provide abstinence based comprensive sexuality education to teens beginning in the 7th grade and continung through high school. In addition, we offer a teen clinic and peer education program as part of our family planning services.

It works.In addition to using evidence based programming and practices, we connect with teens on many levels and in many vanues and help them build assets and develop effective support systems.

Unfortunately, we are facing huge budget cuts for the upcoming fiscal year. If things end up the way they seem to be headed, we will have to cut programs significantly. We will certainly lose ground and our rates will undoubedly go up.
 
I find it incomprehensible that some of our legislators are voting to defund Title X Family Planning services and others are supporting deep cuts in the short term that will result in long term negative outcomes.
 
I also find it a waste of time and energy to engage in the debate over what we should or should not be doing with regard to sexuality education. We know what works. We simply need to be doing it. I am doing it in my program and hope to be able to survive the cuts and continue doing it. 

Both are conversations for another time.I prefer to focus my energy and attention on what's nextt moving forward.

I am hoping to take it what we have accomplished one step further to bring in some of the newer brain research into current family planning practice!

Here's what I see in my practice and here's what I'm interested in investigating:
.
We are seeing increased pregnancy rates in 18-22 year olds. Case studies indicate that these teens and young adults report having limited or vision for their future. Many report being the child of a teen mom. Some are choosing to drop out of high school. Many are in unstable or less than stable relationships and expect to evenutally be raising their child as a single parent with the support of family and friends. Some have no definitive plan. Many tell me that access to birth control wasn't an issue in their pregnancy, but aren't really clear about why it happened. Some cite their decision being a subconscious one.

I am a passionate student of the subconscious mind and the limiting beliefs lthat can lead us to limiting behavior patterns that keeps many of us stuck. In my own personal growth, I had and continue to explore limiting beliefs that were downloaded into my subconscious mind, according to current research, by the time I was 6 or 7.
 
I would love to explore the impact of limiting beliefs on teen risk behavior and outcomes, including unwanted or unintended pregnancy. In my work with students at risk of dropping out of high school, it is clear that limiting beliefs play a role in academic performance and success.

Fascinating. In a way that makes the passion within me rise. I'm thnking that my experience with teens and pregnancy prevention and risk behavior, as well as my expertise as a hypnotherapist may well be an interesting combination to explore the connection!

Now, to connect with some innovative thinkers with high impact and find some funding!

If any of you were teen moms and would like to share your story, thoughts, insights and opinions confidentially, I would love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected].

If any of you have ideas or contacts for private funding, Please share them with me at [email protected] or feel free to pass on my contact information.

As Jack Canfield suggestsin his Success Principles , I'm being an inverse paranoid. I am trusting that this passion is driven by purpose. That we will find the funding we need to support our current level of service and develop more to explore this new theory. I am taking action by writing about this and asking for your help.

Let's see what the Universe comes up with!