Category Archives: Life

My Thoughts On Religion

By Roger on | 75 Comments

What are my thoughts on religion?  What about Spirituality vs Religion?  In a world where there is a huge debate over Spirituality vs Religion, sometimes sharing your thoughts helps to spread light on why you do what you do.

So, what is Spirituality?  Spirituality has several different meanings, but the definition I go by is this, an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.”  This is why I love Spirituality, it allows you to discover yourself without the rules and regulations of Religion.

Why is this important to me?  Why not follow a set of rules guided by a Religion?  While it’s nice to have a set of rules to go by, one may not always agree with a certain aspect of their own Religions standpoint.  How many times have you found something in your “Holy Bible” that you didn’t agree with.  In fact, how many other people don’t agree with that, or at least debate over it frequently?  Seriously?  If you can’t come to a conclusion about what something means, then what’s the point?

With Spirituality I get to set my own rules to follow.  Which is great, as long as I don’t break those rules.  If I break those rules, then I’m no better than anyone else.  That and that alone is what keeps Spiritual people in check, but why?  Simple, we don’t want to be like everyone else.  We choose to be our own person.

You see the other problem with Religion don’t you?  Religion teaches you to be someone you’re not, while Spirituality encourages self discovery.

What about Religion?  My thoughts are that Religion was created to control those who can’t control themselves.  Have you ever wanted to go run that reckless driver off the road, that cut in front of you and nearly rand you off the road?  Yeah, we’ve all been there, but here’s the thing, we don’t act upon our thoughts.  Why?  Fear.  We fear the consequences of getting caught, going to prison, etc.

We’re better than that right?  We’ve learned through lives own experience that if we do something wrong, then there are consequences.

I love how Religious people use the argument, “If there isn’t a God, then where do you get your Moral values from?”  Let me ask you a question, If you’re wrong, then you’ll be the one going to “Hell” right?  Fact, Life gives us Moral Values and a set of Guidelines to follow, not some “Holy Text,” which may or may not be the “Word of God.”

Again, Religious people use the phrase, “But it’s in the Bible and the Bible is the “Word of God.”  My thoughts?  Word of God?  No!  Inspired by God?  Perhaps!  More like, inspired by events that happened.  Don’t get me wrong, there are things that you can learn from the Bible, but I don’t think one should take it literally.

But hey, who am I right?  Just some random guy writing on his blog.  Who knows, I could be wrong, you could be wrong, we could all be wrong.  The answer might be much more simpler than we’re making it.  Often times, it is.  Food for Thought.

Now, before you start flaming me about not believing in a “God,” let me say something first.  I’m not saying that there isn’t a God and I’m not saying that you’re wrong either.  I won’t go that far.  What is a fact though, is that we don’t know.  We think we know, but in reality we don’t know.  Now that’s food for thought.

While I will take the time and effort to at least listen to you and your thoughts, I think it’s important that we develop our own belief and realize that we’re all different.  Only through understanding others, can we really begin to understand ourselves.  Only then, will we be right.

Care to do your own blog post?  Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Posted in: Changes, Life | Tagged: , , ,

Social Media and My Experience

By Roger on | 15 Comments

I’ll be going over my thoughts on Social Media and My Experiences with it.  Social Media is a great way to keep in touch with friends, colleagues, net workers, and even your favorite celebrities.

If you’re using Facebook, Twitter, or have used MySpace, then you’ve used Social Media.  Even Youtube is considered to be a Social Media Network.  If you want to increase your presence on the web, you’re going to have to do some Social Networking.

My Experience takes me on a long journey from the days of first signing on with MySpace.  This was something that my friends were doing at the time and I thought it was a great way to meet people.  I didn’t really have a purpose on MySpace, other than just having a profile and having fun.

Skip forward to Facebook.  At first, I neglected Facebook, but at the same time I was angry at MySpace for making all those profile changes that ended up making it slow and eventually killed it.  I eventually logged into Facebook for the first time and started doing Networking on there.  Not too long after that, I made the complete move over to Facebook.  I was actually surprised to learn not too long ago, that MySpace was still actually getting roughly one million new people a month.

Facebook so far has made some changes and people thought it would be the next MySpace with all the changes it was making.  So far, Facebook has stood the test of time.

When Facebook released the gaming aspect of the Network, I was all over that.  I actually added friends just play the game, which ended up being a huge waste of time for me.  I spent I don’t know how many hours on Farmville.

I eventually tried out Twitter for a little.  I never really stuck with it though, that is until I joined Empire Avenue.  It’s a virtual Stock Market game where you invest in others, meet new people, and connect via your networks.  It’s a great way to measure your performance, meet people that you wouldn’t have met otherwise,  all the while, growing you and your business.  You can find me on Empire Avenue at my ticker name, which is e(TFLAT).

Nowadays, I’m all over the place on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google+, LinkedIn, Flickr, and here on WordPress.  Via Empire Avenue, I’ve met people who have taught me how to use Social Media to grow my Network.  I’ve also learned that if you want to grow as an Individual or a Company and actually be something of value, then you have to have a purpose.

What’s my purpose?  Inspiring others to do things that they have always wanted to do.  How do I accomplish this?  By talking with them and encouraging them to take the first step, because the world isn’t going to come to you.  You could have a thousand opportunities, but if you don’t open one of the doors, you’ll get nowhere.  I’m hoping that my stories of inspiration and success, will inspire others to follow their dream.  After all, that’s why we’re here right?  To help one another?

So, that brings me to what I want to achieve on Social Media.  That happens to be find those in need and help them achieve their dreams.

“A Dream is like a flame, if you don’t have the cover to protect it during the turmoil of the storm, it will surely flicker and die.”

Even though we all have dreams, we all have areas that we lack in.  One of my biggest problems is that I’m not very consistent with my Social Media.  That may explain why I’m not growing as much as I should be.  If I’m going to do a daily blog post, then I need to do just that.  Perhaps I’ll only do it for five days a week?  Either way, I need to be consistent.

When it comes to Social Media and My Experience with it, it’s probably an average tale.  You won’t hear me complaining though, because I’m going to make it beyond average.  Are you with me?  Are you going to take that leap of faith and together we will achieve our Dreams?

“I believe that we can be extraordinary together, rather than ordinary apart.”

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Blog Content – 4 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks!

By Roger on | 6 Comments

When it comes to Blog Content, there are tons of blogs out there.  Today’s post is 3 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks!  Perhaps you’re not getting any readers to your Blog Content and you want to attract more of them, but where do you start?

It’s Not Personal
Contrary to popular belief, blogging IS personal.  Some so called “Gurus” make the claim that you don’t want to be Personal, or at the least too Personal.  Why is this a lie?  The average person comes to your blog to read your insights, your thoughts on a particular subject.  They like how you write and enjoy your thoughts.  They might even share in the same thought process as you.

If you’re trying to write a blog based on Entrepreneurship and you’re afraid to share your current income, let alone your income goals, people won’t listen to you.  At least not very many.  What about Debt?  Should you share your debt with others?  Sure, why not, especially if you have a monetary goal that you want to obtain.  This gives people a clear view of your success in the market.  Have you succeeded in getting rid of that debt?  Have you succeeded in achieving that dream of traveling all over the world?

There Is No Call To Action
How many blog post have you read that never asked you any questions?  How many blog post have you read that never asked you to “Leave a Comment?”  If you don’t ask, then they won’t know what’s expected.  When it comes to Blog Content, you’ve got to create that opportunity for your readers to leave their opinion.  This is yet another way to make it Personal.

You Never Edit
I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to read, is a blog post that has a lot of errors in it.  I certainly don’t want to read a blog that has a bunch of abbreviations associated with it, such as the ones you’d use during an online chat session with a friend.  Blog Content is meant to be personal, but it’s also meant to be professional.  If you’re not going to at least make a small attempt to stand out from the crowd, then why should we bother reading your blog?

You Never Optimize
Blog Content should always be optimized.  What do I mean by Optimized?  I mean SEO (Search Engine Optimization.)  I’ll share with you a few tips you can start implementing today to help boost your rankings.  1) Add video and images that relate to your Blog Content.  Google loves video and images.  2) Link to your other blog post if there is a related post to what you talked about within that post.  It helps to tell Google what’s important on your blog.  3) Always base your post on particular Keywords, use the Google Keyword Tool to help with that.  4) Don’t forget Backlinks.  The simple act of sharing this post to Facebook, or Twitter, creates a Backlink.  If your Blog Content is being shared, Google will notice that.

So there you have it, Blog Content and 4 Reasons Why Your Blog Sucks.  If you only take one thing away from this article today, always remember to edit.  Do you think that J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series would have been as successful as it was if she hadn’t edited?  Even then, there are a few mistakes she or the editors missed.  No one is perfect, but at least make an attempt.

I suggest checking out Blog Success for some great article s on getting started with blogging.  They also have SEO blogging tips and many other topics.

20 Things You Can Do To Offer Your Readers A Great Experience

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What Is Success To You?

By Roger on | 12 Comments

So, what is success to you?  Many people go through life thinking that they are successful or at least happier than rich people.  Now, I always have to ask myself a certain question, how is it that everyday people can claim that they’re happier than the rich?  Now, surely both sides have their pitfalls?  If you missed my last article on The Key to Success, just click on the link provided after reading this one.

When it comes to success, you can’t look at one thing such as, money or time.  You have to examine everything when looking at the big picture.  Let’s look at an example: person A over here has lot’s of Money, while person B has lots of time but no money, yet again, person C has time and money.  Again, what is success to you?

Let’s get back to person A shall we?  These are the people who have a considerable amount of Money, yet have no time to enjoy it.  There are many pitfalls to this and I’m sure you’ll be able to point some out that I don’t.  These people have no life, they work many hours throughout the week with no time for family, and they may or may not have very many possessions.  See the problem?

Now person B on the other hand, these  people work full or part time, yet have no Money to do the things they want to do.  Instead, they’ll have mounds of debt, nothing to show for, and always worried about living paycheck to paycheck.  These people generally have more time, but they’re usually spending that time working on projects at home that need to get done.  Sound familiar?  This is the average person we’re talking about.

Last, but certainly not the least, we have person C.  These are the people who are fed up with the daily grind of going to work and have set out own their own.  They are the ones who have: managed to find a balance between time and business, learned to manage their money so they don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck, don’t always have to have the next new thing, and they certainly don’t by things they don’t need.

The working class Average Joe generally finds himself/herself wanting something they can’t afford yet.  When you’ve got money, it’s generally a whole different attitude.  It’s more or less, “do I really need a 3rd generation iPad when I have the 2nd?”

Yet at the same time, the Average Joe, tends to be poor, worried about where their next Paycheck is going to come from, worried whether or not the lights are going to get shut off or if they’ll have enough food, struggling to pay the taxes on the property that they “own,” not to mention, scrambling to fix their work vehicle when it breaks down on one of their work days, thus costing them more money and time.  I don’t know, sounds pretty stressful to me, just to be an Average Joe?

Again, success is numerous factors, how much time you have, do you have worry about paying the next bill, are you loved by your family, and what about your overall health?  There maybe one or two things missing here, but you get the idea.  Let’s close this out by asking you to leave a comment….

What is success to you?

Click on the image below to read an article on – 20 Tips to Save Time and Money in Your Small Business and At Home!

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The Key To Success

By Roger on | 2 Comments

What is the Key to Success?  Is there really a such Key?  Many people may not realize it, but there is.  I’ve been learning a lot about Success lately and I have to say that I’m blown away.  There are literally tons of valuable information and teachers available, so there is no reason not to succeed.

There is perhaps one single most important factor that determines Success.  What is it?  Mindset.  That’s right, it’s merely how you think and perceive the world.  It never fails, time and time again people often make an excuse.  These excuses range from, it’s already been done, to I can’t turn my passion into my job.

This kind of thinking, is dangerous.  Not only is it dangerous to the way you think, but it’s also dangerous to your health.  Health and Success go hand in hand, if you’re not healthy, you won’t be successful.  I’m not talking about a healthy body, although that’s important too, no I’m talking about a healthy mind.

Have you ever seen the type of person that is a loving and caring person, but perhaps they care and love a bit too much?  You know the ones, they’re always tired when they come home, they never take time to enjoy the day, and little things like playing with the kids annoy them?  That’s not healthy, that’s not successful.

In order to be successful, we have to take care of ourselves, yes that included taking breaks.  If you haven’t found your passion yet, keep trying, you’ll find it.  There is already someone doing what you love and making money at it, no reason you can’t too.

Think positive and visualize already having what you dream and the doors will open.

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Making Fitness Goals

By Roger on | 2 Comments

What are you fitness goals for the coming years?  I’ve been working on a dieting plan, rather a lifestyle change.  I hate the terminology diet.  Many people do and I don’t blame them.  After all, it has the word “die” in it.  Whereas, lifestyle has the word “life” in it.

I think the biggest problem with Lifestyle Changes, is that people cut out too much.  At least at the start.  By cutting out high fat foods, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fat, or can only have low fat foods.  In fact, you’ll want the majority of your foods to be moderate fat intake, not low fat.  Low fat is just as bad as high fat.

I’ve been working on a list of things that I want to cut out and limit this morning.  So far so good, here’s what I have for the time being…

Limit – one slice of bread per day.
Limit – small dessert sizes.
Limit – meat intake, small portions, 2-3 times a week.
Limit – refined carbohydrates.

Zero – high fat foods, such as bacon.
Zero – high carbohydrate snacks, such as cake.

Doing these things will go a long way to help aid the weight loss.  Also, building muscle will burn more calories.  Another thing you’ll want to cut back on is the amount of Sugar.  If you drink a lot of Soda, you’re bringing in a ton of Sugar.  That alone could be making you fat.  I would say no more than about one Soda a day.  That’s a 12 ounce can size.  Not a 1 liter bottle.

Many people assume that they need a lot of carbohydrates to stay healthy.  The problem with that is, far too many people trust the government to make smart choices for them.  That’s not always the case.  In fact, if you’ve watched the Documentary – Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, you’ll find out that we need fewer carbohydrates than we’re told.

Why so many carbs?  Simple, money.  If you traced back the money trail, you’ll more than likely find a trail leading to big bread and grain manufactures.  If they didn’t have these high daily recommendations, people wouldn’t buy as much bread and grain.  In the Documentary above, he recommends limiting your carbs to 100g or less per day.  You especially don’t want to have a lot of refined carbs, such as white bread.

There are also a few things you can do to help lose weight.  These include taking Sunflower Seeds and Safflower Oil.  Those two substances cause the body to release stored fat.  Take 3 Tablespoons daily of Sunflower Seeds to lose the fat, even without exercising.  Just be sure to watch your calorie intake and eat healthy.

 

 

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There Is Great Abuncance

By Roger on | 2 Comments

Many people go through life believing that they don’t have enough.  That there isn’t enough to go around in this world.  That the world is over populated.  Well, guess what?  It’s not.

One of the many things I’ve learned from watching “The Secret” is that there is plenty in this world.  There is always enough to go around.  No matter if it’s Money or Food.  We determine our fate by our thoughts.

For example, if you’re always thinking about debt, guess what, it’s going to continue to pile up or you won’t be able to get out of it.  However, if you started thinking about Money all the time, more doors would open than close.  But don’t just think about money, imagine, visualize yourself actually having that money.  The Universe gives us what we think about.

Controlling your thoughts are very important if you want to succeed in today’s world.  If you’re happy working a 9-5 job and doing the same thing over and over on a daily basis, which I’m sure you’re probably not, then fine, have at it.  There are those who will, and those who don’t.  Brings a who new meaning to will doesn’t it?  What will you Will into your life?

I’ve created an Abundance list that I use on a daily basis.  This  list reassures me that there is plenty in the world and there is.  You can use this list if you wish, or create your own Abundance list.

There is an abundance of Money.
There is an abundance of Food.
There is an abundance of Health.
There is an abundance of Life.
There is an abundance of All.
There is an abundance of Love.
There is an abundance of Happiness.
There is an abundance of Success.
There is enough for everyone.

These are all things that I want more of in my life.  You too can have more of these.  By affirming that there is enough, you’re also visualizing, which helps aid your visualization process.  Change truly does start within.  What are you going to start changing?

Abundance

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Dance In The Rain

By Roger on | Leave a Comment

Dance In The Rain

I dance in the rain with thee.
For your mind and soul set me free.
Laughter and love on this night.
Together, we will not be fright.
Standing against the storm.
This is how love does form.
I cherish this moment for all time.
And hope I never turn into a lime.
For when that happens, all is lost.
Love is always the last to be tossed.
I will always remember you.
Even if it means, that I’ll turn blue.
Despite the fact, we’re worlds apart.
Only you can have my heart.

Written by:

Roger Hoyt

Rain

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Changing Winds Prevail – Poem – by Roger Hoyt

By Roger on | Leave a Comment

Changing Winds Prevail

 

The world around me is narrow and thin.
This is not something, I can easily win.
Chaos and the hectic abound in this wood.
Though I look around and see much good.
People are skeptic and thus they can’t see.
The world around them is already free.
From the lies and turmoil of their lives.
The passion and love, that’s what drives.
For they know the secret, from within.
That the thoughts have always been.
They strive for all they’ve done.
All you can think of is a pun.
Open your eyes, so you can see.
Change always starts within thee.

Written by:

Roger Hoyt

Change Your Life In 7 Days

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Why You Shouldn’t Get Life Insurance!

By Roger on | 6 Comments

In Short, Life Insurance is a rip off.  If you absolutely can’t hang onto your money, but you can pay a bill, then insurance policies may be the right thing for you.  Otherwise, you’re better off saving your own money.  Let’s do the math.

Today I received in the mail an letter for life insurance policies, yet at the same time, it’s for anyone between the ages of 45-85 and those are broken into different categories.  There are in fact, eight different age groups, but I’m 30, why are they sending me this crap to begin?

Prices of the product vary as well.  The prices range from $32.50 at the 45-49 age range to $166 at the 80-85 age range.  That’s per month of course.  Even then if we broke down the math even further…..

45 years of age onward to 85 is a difference of 40 years.  With me so far?  Good, this is all simple math, don’t worry.  Let’s take that 40 years and multiply it by 12 months.  If you got 480 months, we’re good to go.

Multiply that 480 months by the cost of $32.50 which is the lowest age bracket.  That comes to $15,600.  Where’s the problem?  It’s a $10,000 life insurance policy.  Now do you see my point?

Those of us who are disciplined enough to save our own money, can come out way ahead.  Again, I’m 30 years old, let’s add another 15 years to that 40 for a total of 55 years.  You should now have a total of 660 months.  Multiply that again by $32.50 and you come up with $21,450.  Not a bad life insurance policy is it?  At least not compared to that $10,000 one.

All of this is done of course without adding interest to the pot.  If you put your money in the bank, it would be even higher.  However, nowadays, the bank isn’t exactly the best bet for your money.  Another thing to look at is if you’re just a little bit smarter with your money and invest it into something that will give you higher gains, you could easily double that into the $40,000 – $50,000 range.

What does all this mean?  For the price of a $10,000 insurance policy, you could have a $50,000 or better policy.  It all depends on several factors: your discipline, how much you put back, and how wisely you invest.  Seriously though?  Do owe want our death to be more of a burden on our families than it already is?  It’s time for us to start thinking ahead and doing things our way instead of their way.

Death is Coming. Are You Prepared?

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