Checkout this month's issue of Scottsdale Health Magazine.  In the month of LOVE...do you have a solid connection to the most important relationship in your life?  Pssst...it's the one you have with yourself first. 

https://www.allyouneedforhappiness.com/issues/2017feb/index.html#/34/

Just a thought...As another year comes to a close, I always sum up my feelings with one word and that is GRATITUDE. We may all be done with 2016, however, I never view a year as "good" or "bad." Life happens. Shift happens. Every year there are opportunities presented to us, people that become part of us, moments that teach us, and lessons that grow us. No matter what, we are stronger because of another year of life that we all experience together. Go into 2017 with gratitude. Take the lessons and bless the rest. Honor those that are with us. Remember those we've released and those who have passed. The New Year is upon us and I stand in gratitude for all of you. I could not be where I am today without all of my teachers, life lessons and influences which have and continue to shape the man I am still becoming today. Take a moment as we finish 2016 to express your gratitude to those who have been a part of your growth...even if they are not a part of your life any more...simply say...Thank YOU!   Looking forward to a kick ass 2017!!  See you all there!!  ~James

As we get ready to enter into 2017, remember that YOU are an example to someone.  As you grow and shift...be sure to set the tone for someone else to follow in their own ways and for future generations to mirror. 

What will you add to your routine in 2017 to "give back" and "pay it forward" as you create the abundant life you desire most? 

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the blessings I have received this year both personally and professionally.   2016 was a year for the books when it came to a HUGE amount of change and while there were many ups and downs just like any other year, 2016 pushed the envelope and I'm still standing...LOL.  Thank YOU for whatever role you have played in my life.  I hope to give back even more in 2017 and expand even further as I get to share my gifts with all of you and continue to educate and encourage everyone to "make shift happen!"  Bring on the rest of 2016!!  Sending lots of love and blessings to each and every single one of you from myself and everyone who has worked with James Patrick Lifestyle Training!! 

Click the link below to read my latest article in the September issue of Scottsdale Health Magazine:

https://www.allyouneedforhappiness.com/issues/2016sep/index.html#/34/

Hey there everybody!!   After a nice little "summer break,"...I'm back!!  Ready to share more wisdom and lessons learned along the way.  The most recent share is this article recently published in this month's issue of Scottsdale Health.

Alter- Ego
By James Patrick
“The ultimate aim of ego is not to see something, but to be something without attachment to it.” ~Anonymous. 
It goes without saying that in today’s world there are many factors which determine how we show up in our day to day lives. WHO we truly are may often be masked by an “alter-ego” in an effort to adapt to particular roles with friends, family or environments like work and social atmospheres. There are standards today that dictate who someone is “supposed” to be in order to be considered significant, money someone is “supposed” to make to be considered successful and things someone is “supposed” to own to be considered valuable.  Yet, the truth is that everyone has a different definition of what significance, success and value is in their lives.  So, the question becomes how we can alter ego to live authentically, keep ourselves in check and avoid being defined by factors that do not align with our true self and purpose?

1. Define Your Role.  You are one person within this infinite universe.  Yet, the universe is still bigger than all of us.  Focus on the part you play and what contributions you choose to make that will add value to your life AND the lives of others.  Remember, that if there is not a balance of give AND take, then no amount of abundance or wealth is sustainable. 
   
2. Build Your Team.  The late author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn states, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”  So what is your sum?  Do the people you surround yourself with challenge you and push you to be your next best self?  Are there some within that circle that may need to change?  You want to be lifted up and have the strength to do so for others when it is needed most.  Successful minds breed success together.
3. Everyone plays!  There are no extras. Accept that everyone has a role to fill, plays a part and has the potential to do great things in this life IF they choose to do so.  You are never bigger or more important that anyone else.  Every life matters in this human experience. Be a support; serve as a mentor or perhaps a member of someone else’s team. 
4. Enjoy the journey.  Each day set personal and professional goals to strive for and avoid getting hooked on the perfect plan.  As you move forward, remember that there isn’t just one path.  Sometimes it may also mean moving forward by going back to a path you’ve previously traveled.  Life experience may have allowed you to gather the tools you’ve needed to finish what you once started.  To take one step forward can mean taking two steps back.  You’re still moving forward.
5. Laugh and be vulnerable.  One of the greatest strengths you have is the ability to laugh at yourself and not take life so seriously.  Be willing to be vulnerable when life throws you a curve ball.  Laugh, learn and own your missteps.  It shows that you are human just like everyone else.  You are willing to put yourself out there and be the example that some may follow. 
6. P.U.S.H. Yourself.  Create Positive, Unique, Sustainable, Habits which put you into productive daily routines.  These include things like proper diet and exercise.  They will enhance your frame of mind, promote structure and discipline for your goals and motivate an authentic expression of self.  The ego has no room to play because YOU approve and love who you see in the mirror. 
    
   At the end of the day, choose to wear the mask or don’t.  According to Deepak Chopra, “Ego thrives on approval, wants control and is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.”  Everyone wants to be seen and to know that their life meant something.  The version of that self which will be seen depends upon how ready you are to release that fear, act and BE yourself versus the reflection of someone else.
   

Checkout the Full issue here: https://www.allyouneedforhappiness.com/issues/2016aug/index.html

This is by far one of my favorite quotes to share.  We ALL have our "quirks" AND at our core we are ALL capable of great things.  There are moments we will SHINE and be seen.  There are moments those quirks take over and we will wish that spotlight were somewhere else.  It's all perfectly imperfect and part of this human experience.  Own it!  Give yourself permission to accept ALL of who you are before you expect any one else to.   Blessings. JP

I went for a hike this morning like I’ve been doing every week since the nicer weather began to arrive.  With each step, I found myself entering into my spiritual space, deep in thought and contemplating the life events which had occurred over the last few weeks and still spinning from the shift that changed everything.  My emotions fueled my thoughts so much that I lost myself and before I knew it I had reached the top of the mountain faster than I’d ever done before.   As I sat there in my favorite spot, overlooking the city, I just closed my eyes, felt the cool breeze, let out a large sigh and held back the tears. The voice inside says, “How long would my heart be broken for this time?”  I know it’s not forever.

As I sat with the pain and reflected upon my own vulnerability I could not help but hear his words echo through my mind. Those words, which had once held such great meaning, now only created questions.  Pictures that used to make me smile, texts that anticipated a future we had waited so long for and songs which told the story of our relationship…now tell a different tale.  I had become a supporting character and not the lead I was made to believe I was.  His promises to me were being broken, and I felt my heart sink wondering if his commitment was ever truly there.  Did he ever truly “see” me?  Did I really ever “see” him? Did he simply provide me with an illusion similar to the one that had broken his heart…but now runs back to?  Did he now become the reflection of the very person that hurt him and pain he was caused? Why had he now given that same pain to me?  How could he do that? Knowing how it felt to experience such broken promises and pain…how could he justify doing the very same thing to me?  But he did.  Yes.  I now knew that I was not “the one” I was told…rather “the option.”  My heart sank even deeper, feeling devalued and betrayed yet, I still saw him with love through my eyes.  The voice inside, says “How is that possible?  What’s wrong with you?”    Nothing is wrong with me.

The tears had welled up and I finally began to cry thinking of a life without him. Just the other day, it was a life that we were going to spend the coming weekend planning and now it was gone. I cried thinking of the apartment, which we had chosen together for the first time and remember the lease had now been broken.  I envision the bed which we would not be sharing and think of the mornings and nights I would not have him by my side.  I see the empty closet that would not be housing his ridiculous collection of clothing and shoes which we had joked about so often.  I mourn the loss of the sacred space which held the memories of those promises made and commitments which were shared.  My head dropped at the thought of that blank frame which I had purchased for our first family picture that would no longer be ours to manifest.  I cried at all that is being lost, yet I find myself with no anger, rather disappointment and sadness.  The voice inside says, “How are you not furious with the damage that’s been done?”  I chose to believe.

The breeze picks up at the top of the mountain, and I hold myself in all my human-ness and simply allow myself to continue to feel.  The mountain had been symbolic in our journey and there had been a time where we were at the top together and in those moments, nothing else mattered.  He was mine and I was his.  My eyes still closed, tears pouring down my face, I reflected on our connection, all the time and effort spent creating pieces of what would remain a part of who I am and who he will be forever.  This connection.  This love.  This will always be.  Each one is unique in this life and for 10+ years, you just don’t get chances or connections like that and I smile.  The voice inside says, “Don’t smile! He took that connection and broke it.  He took that love and threw it off the mountain! What are you thinking!?”  That love will always be there. 

I envision him in my head and think of the man that had once stood before me.  When we looked at each other, there were often no words to be spoken, yet the eyes said it all. The touch that made our hearts skip a beat because it was a love language we both shared and could would never be replaced.  Oh, those hands fit perfectly together.  We were so great together. We were a team. The good times, the laughter, the playfulness…along with the not so great times, the tears and the arguments…yet always still with such respect for one another.  The voice inside says, “You held on for so long and he just let you go!  Screw it. You deserve better.”  I had better.  I was better. It was worth holding onto. 

The Lesson:
There is so much that we may often find ourselves left with…a little broken…but never shattered.  You’re still here, so that’s half the battle.  There are people that go through so much worse, so in that respect, today, I say, “I am blessed.”  In those moments I realized my “blesson” was how deeply I could love…how hard I could love…and how far I could push myself for what I believe with all my heart and soul.  We all have those moments that will push and challenge us.  I also learned what it would mean to forgive.  I always have.  I always will.  It is strength and what has and will always make me stand out.  We ALL have this strength within us.  Are you the victim or the victor?

This moment is mine.  It is not one I would wish on anyone, but then again, we all go through moments like this in life and it’s a part of how we grow.  It’s part of life.  Get over it.  This moment in time does not define the entire history…only this moment.  So, breathe.  Stay present.  Yes…even in the worst of circumstances…and I mean the worst…it’s always about being able to look at the action(s) and the person(s) in two very different lights and that is always the challenge.  Yet, I ask you this.  Isn’t it exhausting to hold onto the anger and negativity?  How much energy do you use to fuel that hate?  What value does it add to your life?  Then…ask yourself…What would it mean if you were able to look at your worst day and still feel love and forgiveness…even a little?  Try it.  Where would the rest of your energy go?  How many opportunities could you open yourself up to?  Do it. 

We are often quick to hate, but the truth is…we hate the actions…not the person.  There are reasons people end up in your life.  We’ve all heard a reason, a season or a lifetime…and whatever it turns out to be…it’s because it was worth creating that connection and there were lessons to be learned.  It’s a two way street and everyone has a choice.  Now, what happens if you find yourself in a process of healing…if you choose to heal…is the difference between the truth of the heart and the echoes of the mind.  There is where the true battle takes place.  The heart feels and reflects on the memories and the emotions attached to the connection. It is a truth that is felt and often never spoken.  It can be scary and make us uncomfortable but at its core…It’s peace.  It’s love.  It’s what allows us to believe and to trust.  The mind thinks…okay…overthinks…and is often chaos.  It is the voice inside that makes us question or doubt and leaves us spinning.  It only echoes the hurt we are feeling in those moments and we feel will never go away…but it will.  It’s hard to see it that way sometimes but it will.  At the end of the day, you always have a choice of which you will listen to.  Will you be empowered by the truths of heart which open up a world of opportunities?  Or will you be imprisoned by the thoughts of your mind which create a false reality?  “Your heart knows things that your mind can often not explain.”

Life Lesson: I just got off the phone with a distraught friend who is stuck where...sadly...many are today when it comes to love. Here's the reality and one I have always lived by.

• Love is a connection...NOT a business deal.
  
• It's NOT having the expectation that someone will "take care of you." It's simply about having someone who cares for you.
• It's NOT about buying love with material possession or money. It's a feeling and being with the one who makes you smile and laugh and... whom your heart skips a beat for.
  
• It's NOT about having it all. It's simply about what you will create together to have your all TOGETHER.
  
• Love does NOT take care of itself. It takes work. You ONLY work for those who genuinely care, who unconditionally love, who see that they already have it all in you, and who have taken the time to SHOW UP so you know they are worth more than what any dollar sign could ever do.
  
• Its NOT love of convenience. It's love with common dreams and goals that have been present since the beginning.
  


• When did we forget that in the end...we can't take it all with us? The love in our memories, hearts and souls are the only things that go with this vessel when the time comes. See yourself in someone else as they see themselves in you. Two complete individuals. When you have that heart connection HOLD on tight and be ready for one hell of a ride! FLY!!
  

As we enter into the last few weeks of 2015, we often reflect on the memories of a year passed.  Some memories we will cherish forever, and others have taught us lessons we will use forever.  The important thing to remember, is that if you are reading this...you are still here...and above all else, you haven't given up!  Oh, I know...some days it may have just been easier if you could.  Some days it may have been easier if the universe would have just taken care of things for us.  We already know that's not how it works and that's not what we are here for.  Congratulations!!  If you have the bumps, scars and bruises to show for this past year...it just means you made it and you chose to LIVE! 

As we continue to dream big and manifest our goals for 2016, honor yourself for the ability to SHOW UP on your best days and even on those which you feel may have been your worst.  Honor yourself for owning your life, listening to your heart and learning the lessons  that have kept you moving forward.  Even when you may have had to take that step back...you are still further than you have been and still moving in the right direction.  You are FU@#ING Amazing!!  Go ahead, look in that mirror and say it.  I did the other day and had tears in my eyes.  Own it!

Be persistent in what it is you desire most.  Remember to act as if, speak as if, live as if you already have everything you ever want.  Don't look back.  Call in that good energy and positive vibration so that you may have it as a support in doing the work you need to achieve all you wish for.  Accept the challenges you will be faced, with excitement and your zest for life.  Be humbled by the lessons you have learned and know that in return you have been given strength to make the choices you need to make to keep going.  Remain consistent in your ACTIONS and keep showing up as you have and you will not only KEEP what you have worked so hard for but you will also MAINTAIN the life you have spent so much time to build on this foundation of your greatness.  

Most importantly, express yourself fully.  Share this life with those you love most and those who you cannot imagine your life without. Don't hold yourself back and remember, tomorrow is never a guarantee.  Smile. Laugh. Play.  BE with those who will smile, laugh and play with you.  Surround yourself with those who share that same passion for life and inspire others to do the same.  Give your time, energy and emotions to those who have been there for you all along the journey and be prepared for what greatness you will receive in return to feed your own spirit. 

Gratitude and thanks for all that you have done.  Thank YOU for being you and for inspiring me each and every single day to continue working my passion and life purpose.  

Own your knowing for 2015 so that you may invest yourself in 2016.  I believe in YOU!