You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.
-Brian Tracy

In order to make choices that may change your destiny, you must first know yourself and what you are creating moment by moment. What you do in the present moment brings you closer to being in command of your destiny. When you focus on past experience and the knowledge youve gained from school, work, society, economic, and spiritual training, you can begin to know yourself.

Human nature is created so that you can choose your destiny, and then control it. The key is to be one of the few who know where you are going and exactly how to get there. To do this, you must realize that life is changeable. With each change along the way you develop experience. You enrich your learning.

Since your life is always in a constant state of creating and developing, you create your own story by choosing the direction you want it to take. With any one decision, you can change your destiny. You have the power to do this: it is called making choices. Without it youd just be following the masses and letting others control your destination.

The repetition of certain thoughts also plays a huge part in determining your destiny. This is why its most important to be aware of what and how you think. Some thoughts that may bear repeating include:

• To always show positive feelings toward others. Negative thoughts and feeling are limiting.
• To know youre smart even if it takes you a little longer to understand a point.
• To know that failures can lead to success.
• To welcome problems they are learning tools.
• To know that there is untapped skill and creativity in everything you attempt.
• To remember that God put you on earth to win.
• To know that prosperity comes to those who believe it will happen.
• That giving quality service to your customers may result in a quantity of customers.
• To know that valuing your own self and making a commitment to excellence is worth striving for.
• To treat others with respect and kindness is a measure of your spirituality.

And as you keep these thoughts uppermost in your mind, you have the power to be guided by them. Yet, just knowing without thinking how you respond to life is the art of self-awareness and living in the present moment. Being aware of each moment is a part of your true being

Other ways to measure the power of your thoughts is to limit any thoughts that are non-productive. Some of these non-productive thoughts may include:

• Feeling guilty when you say, No. Refusing to cater to the demands of others is not a selfish act. Saying, yes, when you mean no may cause resentment.
• Feeling stupid when you dont understand something - Rather then make a mistake when instructions are not clear, dont be afraid to ask for clarification. This is a sign of good judgment.
• Thinking that everything you do is solely your own doing. Be confident and have enough faith to know that your life is guided by a higher power. This confirms your spirituality.
• Ignoring opportunities to change - Growth comes with change. Life is a constant state of change. Be ready for any worthwhile challenge or opportunity to grow.
• Worrying - Some of the best opportunities are missed when you worry and procrastinate until the opportunity has come and gone. Learn to be decisive. Whats the worst possible scenario? How hurt would you feel if you missed a great opportunity?

Whatever you do, and wherever you are in life, pay attention to your thoughts. Any sign of negativity, anger, fear, or procrastination is harmful. Get rid of biased opinions. Be open to other ways of thinking. Make the best of your thoughts and your thoughts will make the best you.

Then, let your new founded self-awareness lead you to a life where you are free to choose and to control your own dreams and goals. Thats your destiny.

Gerri D Smith

Gerri D Smith combines apparel fashion design and creative writing into a successful and growing mini-business known as Distinctive Impressions. For more then ten years, Gerri seeks to inspire thousands of others to realize their goals, to look and feel ?distinctive? in the way they dress, and to improve their professional image.

With a deep passion for creating women's fashions and accessories for day and evening wear, her clients include professionals whom she has named "VIW's" (Very Important Women), as well as other small, medium, and large sized women . Her other interests include organizing, producing, and participating in promotional fashion shows, fashion contests, art and craft sales, as well as coordinating and participating in fund-raising events that show off both her fashion and small business/entrepreneur skills.

Gerri?s apparel and accessory designs are promoted and marketed both online and offline around the Bay Area, and are sold to private clients. As a free-lance designer, many of her designs are one-of-a-kind and by special-order.

Her love of writing is portrayed in her ongoing self-improvement and motivational articles, an inspirational non-fiction book, and a modern contemporary, and inspirational romance novel. Gerri?s published books are marketed nationwide through the world wide web and offline to business women and romance novel readers.

Gerri is host and publisher of an inspirational newsletter that encourages, motivates, and supports individuals, small business owners, and women entrepreneurs to go for their dreams. The newsletter is an internet resource creating multiple ways for subscribers to unlock the doors to success and improvement. And it is Free. Now, being able to share two of her deepest passions - creative fashion designing and creative inspirational writing with others is her greatest pleasure.

In addition to producing her fashions, accessories, and her creative writing to inspire and encourage others, in her spare time Gerri also finds great pleasure in researching, studying and learning new skills. She hopes to broaden her expertise with public speaking on business leadership and personal improvement. Her two self-published books, one a full length contemporary romance fiction novel, titled ?A Challenge of Love,? and an inspirational non-fiction book titled, ?31 Cups of Inspiration,? are modern classics and will inspire others for a long, long time.