Why do we expect life to be obstacle free? In our imagined ideal world we don’t expect difficult situations to get in our way. We should be able to sail through life ‘s seas without any storms. Problems and obstacles only taunt other people. Who are we kidding? I’m here to reassure you that whatever obstacles life dares to dump in your way, you can deal with them.

Guest post by Tim Brownson of A Daring Adventure: Our self-talk can build and lift or it can trap, undermine and cripple. There are ways we can learn to change the very language we use to describe the obstacles we have to the life we dream of living. Try this simple change of language to experience a quantum change in your life. Self-talk matters. Come see why.

Guest post: While it’s not possible to live a 100 percent stress-free life, you can help reduce some of the day-to-day stress you experience – leading to a happier, healthier you. It doesn’t necessarily take a major life overhaul. Just a few small changes can lead to a major overall impact. Click on in to see how!

A Guest post by Anne Lyken-Garner: Most neighborhoods have that one house that is run down and unkempt with rusty cars on the lawn and garbage strewn around the yard. Sometimes the greatest blessings can be discovered in such unexpected places. Anne poignantly shares her experience and the treasured lessons she learned from it, lessons we would all do well to learn ourselves.

A guest post by Steliana van de Rijt-Economu: I’m convinced there’s a place in our heart and soul where we can withdraw and be happy for just the simple fact of being. In my case, I find that place when I hold my little one and sooth her when she is crying. I also feel it when I open the window early in the morning and feel the fresh caress of spring air cooling my cheek, reminding me that there’s a new day … a day full of possibilities. Some people call it happiness, but I would like to leave it undefined.

Guest post by David J. Singer: If you stop to think about the number of times a day you interact with other people you’ll probably find it’s more often than you think (at home, the store, the bank, post office, gym, neighborhood, classroom, in line, at the office and even passersby). What are yours like? Are they deep and rewarding or superficial and thoughtless? Mindful interaction may be the answer you’re looking for.

Guest post by Farouk Radwan: What is the most precious asset you own? Is it your house? Your investments? Your current skill set? Even combined, they pale in comparison to what is an even more valuable asset. Your most precious asset is your time! Just think about it. If you were to use your time wisely, you would be much more likely to acquire whatever other asset you’re after.

Guest post by Stephen Martin: Much of what I’ve been able to accomplish over the past few years – being a father, writing a book, staying energized in my day job – came about largely because of what I learned from doing laundry. Gradually, three principles emerged from the never-ending supply of dirty socks. Following them not only allowed me to keep my kids clothed most of the time. They also nurtured a personal breakthrough, taking my writing career in new directions during the absolute busiest time of my life.

Guest post by Stuart Mills: Instead of enjoying the life they already have, many people spend their waking moments worrying about all that could possibly go wrong. Death is seen as something to be avoided at all costs – the idea is to live as long and as safely as possible. Instead of thriving, these people simply survive.

Guest post by Hiten Vyan: What stops you from breaking through the brick walls in your life and experiencing the life you dream of? Most obstacles to doing what we want are self-imposed, created in the chambers of our minds and hearts. One of those self-defeating ways of thinking is to think in worst-case scenarios. Come read 5 ways to break through that mental trap to the life you truly want.

Guest post by Mohamed Tohami: “I believe that you are only one idea away from realizing your full potential and turning your passion into a wildly profitable venture. One bold crazy idea can generate mega buzz in your market that turns your passion into a worldwide sensation. Here are 10 ways to find such creative ideas that turn your passion into profits.”

Guest post from Naveen Kulkarni: Faith and doubt, two powerful states, both able to change our experiences in life. One can propel us forward, pushing through obstacles, overcoming caverns of opposition, reaching and stretching further than could have been imagined. The other creates the very opposition that thwarts achievement, slows progress and prevents us from following our dreams and passions. Come read Naveen’s insight and motivational post to help you past your doubts to have faith in your capacity to take action today.

This is a Guest Post by Alex Mangini. Think of the last time the odds were against you. Maybe you were considered the underdog in a sporting event, or were told that your goals in life are unrealistic. Whatever the case may be, the only thing that’s important is how you overcome these problems. Some people thrive on adversity and use it to fuel success. You can learn this invaluable characteristic too. Steve Jobs exemplified this well.

Guest Post by Stuart Mills of Unlock the Door: Ever felt like things were so bad you had no idea what to do? We’ve all been in situations where we worried that the very worst possible thing that could happen was going to happen, even when evidence suggested it wouldn’t. Sometimes these ‘worst-case scenarios’ actually take place. But more often than not, they appear in only one place – our minds.

Do you struggle to make sense of life? Does happiness seem fleeting and distant? Is emotional pain eating you from the inside? Read my interview with Lori Deschene of Tiny Buddha and see why her site has such a huge following! Also, participate in a free hardcover giveaway of Lori’s new book, “Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hard Questions! Two books will be given out. Come see what all the buzz is about!

Memory is a powerful tool to provide us with direction, comfort, inspiration and even correction. Our memories can work against us or serve us. Check out my guest post at Life, for instance on that topic and click here to read how other childhood memories can serve us here on our journey through life.

To forgive is to no longer feel hate or resentment for the person who has hurt you. It is to release them from the emotional bondage you keep them in. It is also to free yourself of that same bondage. It is to feel compassion for their troubled minds and hearts and replace hatred with love. It is to sincerely want the best for them. But forgiveness can be a very difficult thing to do. Check out my guest post at Steve Aitchison’s awesome blog, Change your Thoughts!

Are you fully living life? Are you truly alive? If you’re not, you know what I’m talking about. There is a part of you that does not feel fully awake, that is shrinking little by little or is hiding or perhaps dying inside you. But be assured, there is more happiness, greater joy, the possibility of deep and rewarding growth and a more abundant life waiting for you. Come see how to climb instead of sit, laugh instead of cry, rise instead of shrink and live instead of die.

Stuart Mills of Unlock The Door: “providing the keys to unlocking your life,” has posted an article I wrote as a guest post at his amazing site. Come check it out!

I was recently interviewed by the site All Swagga, a blog about men becoming better fathers and better men. Come read the interview and let me know what you think!