Quote by U.S. Anderson

“When you paint success pictures in your mind, you initiate an inner process whereby your attitudes, hopes, aspirations, and enthusiasm are elevated in response to an image of a more promising future. Every person who aspires must first sell themselves hope, the promise of a better life.”

Law of Compensation by Raymond Holliwell

Crowd out all inferior thoughts by superior thoughts, evil thoughts by good thoughts, ugly thoughts by beautiful thoughts, distressing thoughts by pleasant thoughts, and you will begin to overcome the growth of all negative and confused states of wrong and discord. In other words, learn to think constructively of all persons, all things, all events, and all circumstances. Appraise them from the ideal point of view. As you do this you will gradually transform your whole existence for the better. These are the means whereby you may steadily promote your welfare and advancement.

As you train yourself to mentally look for the good, you will move towards the good; and, as you form higher and larger conceptions of the good, these elements will begin to find expression in your words, acts, character, person, talents, powers, attainments, and achievements; that is, all things in your life will commence to improve as the direct result of your improved thinking.

This process does not imply, however, that you are to ignore the wrongs of life, the empty places, and the undeveloped states of being; but that you are to think right through and beyond them towards the hidden good or the principle within that is ever seeking a higher and fuller expression. You will, therefore, cease to condemn and to criticize in a destructive manner; instead you will seek to bring out the good in yourself and in others, and to discover and develop the greater possibilities everywhere.

Commonly Missed Tax Deductions

Many business taxpayers fail or neglect to deduct otherwise eligible business expenses or fail to fully deduct qualifying business expenses. As a result, millions of dollars are overpaid to the Internal Revenue Service every year. Below is a listing of some commonly missed deductions or deductions that you may not be fully utilizing. You may wish to carefully examine your records to determine if you may be missing any of these deductions.

Home Office Deduction: If you use part of you home as a home office, you may be entitled to deduct expenses related to the home office based on the percentage of square footage the home office occupies. Related expenses include mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, and repairs, etc.

General Business Expenses: If you use your personal funds for business expenses such as office supplies, these are qualifying business expenses, which you may deduct.

Meals and Entertainment Expenses: If you have used your personal funds to pay for meals and entertainment expenses, these expenses qualify as a business deduction, subject to limitations. In addition, you should keep detailed records on each expense.

Personal Assets Converted to Business Use: If you have contributed personal assets, such as a computer, the fair market value of these assets qualify as a business deduction, subject to depreciation limitations, beginning with the date of conversion.

Self-Employed Health Insurance: As a self-employed taxpayer, you may deduct 100 percent of your health insurance premiums.

Communications Expenses: Expenses related to the business use of your personal telephones, cellular phones, and internet connections may be deducted.

Automobile Expenses: Mileage and other related automobile expenses might be deducted when your personal vehicle is used for business purposes.

Universal Flag

Around the globe, hundreds of millions of people go to bed hungry every night. Over a billion have inadequate access to water. Tens of thousands of children under five years old die each day due to poverty related causes. Why is it that the richest nations allow the poorest ones to suffer any lack at all? According to Brian McClure, creator of the Universal Flag, the answer lies in “our perception, which is the only thing that we can ever change.”

In order for us to heal the planet and evolve as a species, we must shift our perception to one of inclusion rather than exclusion. This requires a remembering of who we are and what our place is in the world. A visit to the Universal Flag’s website will provide you with some food for thought on these issues. It outlines five fundamental “Truths” shared by all humans: 1) You are One with All, 2) You are Divine Presence, 3) You are Eternal, 4) You are Truth, 5) You are Interdependent on All.

By displaying the Flag, we remind one another of these greater Truths. When people ask what the Flag means, we tell them. In so doing, we extend an invitation to consider new possibilities. Without making anyone wrong for their beliefs, we offer a kinder, more expansive lens through which to view the world.

The power of symbol cannot be underestimated. Our dreams guide us through symbolic language. Politicians use symbols to gather and mobilize support. Ancient healing arts such as Reiki use symbolic hand signs to restore balance and flow to the physical body. And, corporations have made good use of their logos to create effective, very profitable brand loyalties. (Who can think of golden arches and not reminisce about their favorite way of eating a french fry?) Now, the world has a new symbol and it is one that calls forth our greatest promise and potential as a species. The Universal Flag is a beacon of our future.

The end of global poverty will come when each of us understands the Truth of who we are. That we are each inextricably connected to one another, to our earth and to our divine Source. When any one being suffers, it has an effect on all beings. Every time we see a Universal Flag symbol, the part of ourselves that desperately longs for peace is stirred awake and given greater legitimacy to exist. When we see the Universal Flag flying outside of any home, anywhere in the world, we know that we have found a friend. Instead of being greeted by limitations, we meet each other in an endless horizon of opportunity; and thusly, the world is changed.

McClure, intends for the Flag “to serve as a reminder, or a sign post, of our Oneness with All.” Rather than representing any one particular group, race, religion or nation, the Universal Flag represents all of life. Woven into its design are elements that express a commonality all beings share. The white background represents the purity from which we come; the colors signify vibrations of energy common to all (think chakra system); the waves represent the ups and downs of life; and, the gold band encompassing the symbol reminds us of the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you want to be treated.”

If you’re wondering why we need a universal flag, since it will never be used to distinguish us as separate from anything else….Well, that’s exactly the point. Let’s consider the consequences of a separated humanity by revisiting a few scenarios from our recent past: Hundreds of soldiers with swastika armbands marching the streets of Nazi Germany…The Israeli government banning the Palestinian flag and forbidding use of its four colors in artwork…Students in California protesting proposed immigration laws by raising a Mexican flag over an upside down American one. Not one of these situations led to greater peace or abundance for the parties involved. The world is filled with symbols of our human differences, when instead it could be enhanced by expressions of individual gifts or fortified by testaments to our collective strength. We all seek a sense of belonging, yet we’ve forgotten that our ultimate belonging is to each other.

The Universal Flag Foundation is a 501C3 company. To purchase a flag, or to learn more about upcoming projects and ways to get involved, visit www.UniversalFlag.com

Brian McClure can be reached at Brian@universalflag.com Brian is a personal friend of mine and an incredible individual.

Developing Loyal Clients and Customers

The 6 reasons people do not buy products and services is no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust and no value. Do not get into objection answering games to try to finesse people to buy your services. You may gain the sale, but you will lose a customer and referrals.

There are two types of services, a pleasure providing service and a problem solving service. A pleasure providing service is fun, provides escape, excitement, amusement and reward. A problem solving service on the other hand, should provide fast, easy, solutions to nagging tasks that people have to do, hate to do, do not know how to do, do not want to do and are afraid to do. The secret is to research and design your pleasure providing or problem solving service so it is ideally matched to your specific target market.

You can then confidently and persuasively present your services with impact and conviction because you have done your homework. You will not have to sell. Your prospect will want to buy. You will have lifetime clients and advocates and not just one time sales. You will also have referrals. You will earn them with superb advice and service.

The Art of Blessings

I Am There by James Dillet Freeman

Do you need Me?
I am there.
You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.
You cannot feel Me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.
I am at work, though you do not understand my ways.
I am at work, though you do not recognize My works.
I am not strange visions. I am not mysteries.
Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know me as I am, and then
but as a feeling and a faith.
Yet I am there. Yet I hear. Yet I answer.
When you need Me, I am there.
Even if you deny Me, I am there.
Even when you feel most alone, I am there.
Even in your fears, I am there.
Even in your pain, I am there.
I am there when you pray and when you do not pray.
I am in you, and you are in Me.
Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for only in your mind
are the mists of “yours” and “mine”.
Yet only with your mind can you know Me and experience Me.
Empty your heart of empty fears.
When you get yourself out of the way, I am there.
You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all. And I am in all.
Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I am there.
I am there because I have to be, because I am.
Only in Me does the world have meaning; only out of Me does the world
take form; only because of Me does the world go forward.
I am the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living
cells are founded.
I am the love that is the law’s fulfilling.
I am assurance.
I am peace.
I am oneness.
I am the law that you can live by.
I am the love that you can cling to.
I am your assurance.
I am your peace.
I am one with you.
I am.
Though you fail to find Me, I do not fail you.
Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never wavers,
Because I know you, because I love you.
Beloved, I am there.

A copy of “I Am There” is now on the moon…carried there on the Apollo XV voyage by Astronaut James B. Irwin and left on the moon for future space voyagers.

Deliberately Creating Community

I created my company Practical Empowerment, LLC to show individuals, families, business owners and organizations how to create what they really want. Our purpose of is to inspire and touch people in such a way that they make the decisions and take the actions necessary to transform their life. Our mission is to make a meaningful and positive difference in peoples’ lives so that they can be more, do more and have more of life. We do that through a seven step process we call Practical Empowerment. The seven step process shows people how to gain power and control over their lives so that they can decide and create the life they really want. Practical Empowerment is a multi-dimensional process that is capable of being put to use, practice or action, is workable and gets the dramatically improved results that every individual, family, business owner and organization wants.

One of the steps is community. Community is defined as a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area. It can be a group linked with a common policy, history, social, economic or political interests. Community is about joint participation.

How do you get involved in your community? You can join a church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship? You can volunteer at your local coop or food bank. You can be part of your community foundation Viroqua Area Foundation or local charity. This is where we can get meaning and connect with others. This is where we realize we are really all the same.

One way I have found to create community is to attend my local farmer’s market every Saturday morning here in Viroqua, WI. Search - LocalHarvest. It is a chance for me to buy organically grown fruits and vegetables that were grown by my neighbors. It is a chance for me to meet and talk with people and stay connected. I also know that I am helping the environment because my purchases are not shipped thousands of miles from the producer. I also know that I am supporting a small business grow and prosper in my community.

If you are looking for other ways to create community, go to Tools for Creating Community Sustainability Goals and read the information.

The Shift Movie - Watch it, Share it...

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My Grandchildren

This is a picture if my 2 grandsons, Charles and William and my Daughter Anna. It is Williams first birthday.I think life is wonderful. I will be going to see them next weekend.

What gift has Providence bestowed on man that is so dear to him as his children?
-- Cicero

George Carlin's Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life. You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60 ..

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92"

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning Learn more about the computer, crafts, music, art, stock, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If by Rudyard Kipling

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise.

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn out tools.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “HOLD ON!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that is in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!

Rudyard Kipling

Measuring Your Performance

I have been a CPA since 1974 and a CFP since 1989. I have worked with individuals, families, business owners and organizations for the past 35 years helping them produce greater incomes, save money in income and estate taxes, increase sales, start and sell their business, create vision and mission statements, do planning, produce meaningful and timely financial information and increase their net worth. I have worked in just about every industry there is and with both large and small companies. I have developed an expertise in helping companies increase their bottom line. I have started, operated and sold many successful businesses. So with all this experience, I have developed some practical ideas that can be used by anyone to transform their business and personal life.

One of the most important ideas I share with my business owners is the need for meaningful, accurate and timely financial information. This is the one idea that can transform your business, because it will measure your performance and show you exactly where you are positioned financially. A runner would never run a race without a watch and trying to run your business without financial statements is the kiss of death. Your balance sheet details assets, liabilities and net worth, while the income statement tells the story of your performance showing revenues and expenses. In addition, the cash flow statement explains how the cash was received and spent.

Ideally you should have your financial statements completed by the 10^th or 15^th day after month end. This allows you to make adjustments before it becomes too late to make adjustments to your operations until the next month. Having meaningful, timely and accurate financial information will let your banker know you really are serious about success and they will want to be part of your team. If you need help completing your financial statements, please let me know

I have found that one of the best software programs for doing your accounting to be QuickBooks and you can find more information at Accounting Software – QuickBooks. In addition, I like the QuickBooks Online program because there is no need for backups, you have access to it anywhere in the world and I can be in the program giving you advice from my office while you are in the program at your place of business. You can find more information at Online Accounting Solutions and Professional Internet Accounting Software - QuickBooks OE | Home

If you want to purchase regular QuickBooks, you should call me because I usually can get a discount on the program at 608-637-6898 or email me at marty@martymcevoy.com In addition, if you would like to purchase QuickBooks Online, you should call my friend Patrick Gillogly at QuickBooks Online at 520-407-6759 or email him at patrick_gillogly@intuit.com If you tell him I said to call, he will give you a 40% discount off the purchase price.

Decide today to have meaningful financial statements. Success and decision are partners.

Your Definite Purpose

Author James Allen says that ‘until thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.” You must decide what you want. You must decide on your definite purpose. Only you can decide that. Most people go through life trying to find their purpose, only to realize that it can be whatever they decide it to be. It is an intention, resolution or determination. Purpose is the focus of your attention and attention is the creative energy that brings about your reality. Purpose is a settled determination and comes about from a decision. You can make a difference in the world. What is your purpose? If you fail to determine and decide on your definite purpose, everything else will feel wrong. Your purpose gives you direction in life. It is why you get out of bed in the morning and it is the fuel that will transform your life. It could be you might want to work with. Without a clear purpose, you will wander through life, not sure which way to go, and usually living someone else’s dream. Your purpose should be to do something that you love. When you have your purpose, everything else will fall into place. You will focus less on what is wrong and more on what is right. You will be happier. Your purpose may be something you would be willing to trade your life for. The psychologist Alfred Adler once said, “I am grateful for the idea that has used me.” Martin Luther King said, “If you do not have a life worth dying for, you are not living.” Mr. King died so others could live. What is your purpose? We live in a world of abundance, where you can have anything your heart desires. There is nothing standing between you and your desires except lack of definite purpose and the plans that will derive from it.

A Self Empowering Message - Esther Hicks Abraham