Vast Visions Blog

Fear may Blind You to Opportunities that Might be There!

One might think that earthquakes, suspicious characters or UFOs could alarm some individuals. These external encounters may be a real and dominant force. But, some people are more petrafied by internal thoughts, whether they think that these beliefs are real or fantasy.

Whenever I encounter people who are afraid to change because they might be disappointed, it makes me sad and discouraged. Sad because in their ignorance, they know not the thrill and excitement of achieving what they want. Fear makes them see obstacles that may not be there.

I am discouraged because in their terror, they are bound to stay stagnant so they will not be crushed in disappointement later. Fear makes them blind to opportunities that may be there.

This revelation occurred to me when I attended the Spring Convention of the Northern California Council of the Blind in Sacramento, April 11 and 12, 2008. We met several people who are satisfied with their bleak outlook on life. They prefer not to venture and try something new to avoid possible future failure. Wrong thinking!Of course, we also find this “stinking thinking” in the sighted world, and predictably, they fall in the same mental abyss.

What all of us should think is that:

We cannot fail if we have tried our best!

We always learn something even in defeat!

Our actions will strengthen our determination to face future challenges successfully!

Our disappointements may be guideposts that lead us to a different path!

Our lack of achievement is a clue that we might need additional skills!

Our self esteem heightens when we try even in the face of discouragement!

We cannot be fearful of trying new activities or ignoring educational opportunities. If we are lazy, then our self esteem suffers. If we do not take action, there is almost zero chance of success. However, if we take action with tenacious resolve, then there is a high probability of success.

In this world, there will be many well intentioned people trying to stop you for doing what you want so you won’t get hurt. These individuals think they are doing you a favor by protecting your feelings while they feel more compassionate. In some cases, they may be afraid for you, not knowing that your enthusiasm and determination will help you achieve your goal.

In our lives, there will be others who will admonish your failure to discourage you from succeeding. There will always be more people to limit you than to encourage you. But, for heavens sake, do not limit yourself! Do not listen to others who might or might not have your best interest in mind. Besides, they do not have all the pertinent information that you might have.

I heard some people retort, “You sound like an elitist. That’s fine for you, because you don’t know my real situation. How can you be so callossed to other people’s feelings?”

Anyone who would say that does not know my background. I know how it is to face adversity because I have been there. People who criticize are frightened to continually persist in their quest to better themselves because of fear of failure, scared to face the unknown or unwilling to change.

I listed above how to think if you want to better yourself. Now, it is up to you to take action or not. It can be that simple!

If you are courageous and want to truly better your circumstances, contact us at vastvisions.com.  Don’t let fear blind you to opportunities!

“Our lives are not measured by what we have accomplished, but by how many times we have gotten up after we have fallen.”

                                    -unknown author

“The greater danger is not that we hope too high and

fail to obtain it; it’s that we aim too low…and we do.

        -Michaelangelo

Stress and Sex Sex can be a wonderful stress reliever as it enhances bonding with your partner, liberates endorphins and other “feel good” chemicals along with the obvious physical and emotional release. However, stress can prevent us from being ‘in the mood’. Excessive stress dampens libido and, consequently, lowers enjoyment with your partner. Here are three tips for enjoying the benefits of sex without Viagra. These suggestions are outside the bedroom. In later articles, we will add more suggestions that will include lowering stress in the bedroom.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet. What you put into your body can make you feel energized and light, or sluggish and tense. A healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, adequate water and whole foods can actually reduce your stress level, increase your energy, and help your body look and feel better. This will go a long way toward getting you in the mood.
2. You know this one! You may think you’re too busy or tired but exercise can actually give you more energy, and even 20 minutes three times a week can make a big difference in your energy level and overall health. You can lift light weights, stretch and perform calisthenics while watching television, or skip the boob tube altogether and go for a walk. Either way, your body will feel more energized, you’ll have more positive hormones flowing in your blood, and you’ll be happier with your body. These are definite turn-ons. But, caution, don’t over do it as fatigue hampers sensuality.
3. Reduce obligations in your life. When you get organized, you will prioritize only important commitments in your life and to other activities that take up your time, you can reduce the overall level of stress you experience in your life, and you’ll have more time and energy on your hands and will be less stressed. This all contributes to a healthy libido.

 “But, I know all this,” I hear you saying. Well, then, why don’t you do it consistently? You might need a little push or guidance…you might need a coach to help you through some difficulty in the stress and sex field. Contact Vast Visions today and suffer no more! “Delight in your own dance.”                          -John Battistoni    

Optomism and Happy People are Linked

While you might know that lifestyle has a significant impact on personal happiness, the other significant element is a positive attitude for life. Optomists tend to be happier people.

However, just because someone puts on a happy face or radiates a smile is not enough to change attitudes. A genuine thought philosophy that states:

Whatever happens today will not affect my general happy mood.

This simple statement brings optimists better health, more success and increase life satisfaction.

 Optimist can not only mean cultivating happiness, regardless of your circumstance, but it can actually bring more positive circumstances into your life, one of which could be a solution to your challenge. .  

In addition to optimism, happy people tend to have an internal motivation that staunchly says that they are the masters of their lives instead of playing the victim of circumstance.

 When we view the stressors of your life as a challenge rather than a threat, we tend to come up with more effective solutions and feel more exhilarated (rather than drained) as we tackle these circumstances.

Challenging circumstances, such as, vision loss, divorce, disabilitating physical ailments and bankruptcy can be overcome when a different perspective is exersised rather than a depressive attitude. People have broken through their barriers to make their lives worthwhile (see www.vastvisions.com for founders story).

You too can be more happy by the way you look at life.

One of the most satisfying ways of increasing your happiness is to volunteer your time to help others less fortunate. Whether you read to a blind student, drive someone to their destination or just give some flowers to someone who helped you, sincere actions of goodwill enhances your happiness level while reducing excess stress at the same time. What a deal!

“You never quite know the moment in a person’s life when you’ll make a difference for a lifetime.”            -author unknown

Welcome! This exciting blog is an attempt to create equilibrium in your life. The topics are varied, but appropriate for balance and success. So, let’s get started.

Argentine Tango Helps Parkinson’s patients.

 a new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows thatpatients with Parkinson’s disease who took part in regular tango dance classes for 20 sessions showed significant improvements in balance and mobility when compared to patients who did conventional exercise.  Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement. The nerve cells that make the neurotransmitter dopamine die or do not work properly, resulting in trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk; slowness of movement and poor balance and coordination.  Researchers Gammon M. Earhart, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy, and Madeleine E. Hackney, a predoctoral trainee in movement science, concluded that tango is feasible for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and may be an appropriate and effective form of group exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s. What about dancing in general for health reasons? Dance in general, including ballroom dancing, is beneficial for genral health. Tango, in particular, uses several aspects of movement that my be especially relevant for some patients including dynamic balance, turning, initiation of movement, moving at a variety of speeds and walking backward. The quality of life can be improved because of the social aspect of the dancing as well as the exercise.  At Vast Visions ™, we try to incorporate ballroom dancing whenever possible in the training sessions. We find that alertness, reducing social tension and enjoyment are additional benefits. What do you think?  

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.  ~Author Unknown

 So, when life gets cloudy and wet, just dance until the sun shines again!

Stress can affect you immediately (acute stress) and over time (chronic stress).

Tension is often the first signal of acute stress. Tense muscles are tight and feel hard to the touch. A tense mind makes you feel jumpy, irritable, and unable to concentrate. This could be your signal to do something about excess stress, both for your immediate comfort and to prevent the long-term effects of tension.

Common symptoms of stress include:
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Stiff neck and/or tight shoulders
• Backache
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating and sweaty palms
• Upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea

You also may notice signs of stress in your thinking, behavior, or mood. You may:

• Become irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances
• Feel irritated or frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason
• Feel jumpy or exhausted all the time
• Find it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks
• Worry about insignificant things
• Doubt your ability to accomplish tasks
• Imagine negative, worrisome, or terrifying scenes
• Feel you are missing opportunities because you cannot act quickly

Today, control your excess tension and relax, meditate or take a long walk.

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