Independent Expression Radio

I’ll bet you even have a few in your closet right now. On the nightstand? In the bathroom? Glanced through once or twice or perhaps read cover to cover? Do you feel like your life has changed all that much? Are you living the life you’ve always wanted or does each year look pretty much like the last?

Do you often wonder what makes some people able to create the lives they want, while others feel powerless to change their own circumstances? Why is it that some people transform challenging experiences into victory, while others are mired in frustration and disappointment? Or why is it that some achieve personal excellence while others remain stuck in unwelcome mediocrity and routine?

The difference lies in how we view ourselves and our ability to change and adapt. Two people may be faced with the same situation, yet they react entirely different. One person is adopting the mindset of the “creator” and the other, that of the “victim.” By becoming a creator instead of a victim, we rise above our internal norm (what’s common for us) and take a step toward greatness. We begin to live an “uncommon,” or remarkable life. Simply put, creators know that it’s the attitude in which they accept life’s challenges that determines their quality of life allowing them to transform a defeat into triumph.

Just what is it that causes us to choose one mindset over the other? Most psychologists would agree that there is one primary factor, above all others, that governs our life choices. It is the subject of this book -- Healthy, Vibrant, REAL Self-Esteem. One that embodies: Self-Love, Self-Discipline, Self-Reliance, Self-Control, The Ability to Self-Correct.

These are the five cornerstones to a Healthy Self-Esteem. At the end of each chapter, I have given you a prescription (Rx). These are exercises to assist you in implementing the Cardinal Rules in your daily life. As you do each exercise, keep in mind the five cornerstones of a Healthy Self-Esteem.

We all have some, or several issues with our Self-Esteem. It appears to be part of being human. Much as catching a common cold is something we all can relate to. And as we take our Vitamin C and eat well to fortify our immunity to keep the germs at bay, The Cardinal Rules are designed to strengthen your sense of self and fortify your value and self-respect. Once stronger, you can reject those people and circumstances which weaken and erode your personal integrity.

I have been a therapist for over 20 years. In my practice I have dealt with hundreds of clients who have struggled with deep issues, such as an abusive childhood, chronic depression and difficult relationships. The key to helping them resolve these issues is largely a matter of shifting their paradigms, or inner beliefs, to reflect those of a Healthy Self – one who has learned how to shift from victim consciousness to that of a creator. The Cardinal Rules are ten essential principles that have proven to be a foundation of true and lasting change.

The underlying message of this book is a calling to your personal greatness! We all have this “Call to Greatness” that leads us to the uncommon life -- a life that is lived to the highest expression, no matter what the obstacle, a life filled with love, strength and wisdom, a life lived with purpose and passion.

The Calling lives in each of you. It begs you to hear. Rally to it, embrace it and keep growing step by step.

It is my hope that the Cardinal Rules guide you to an uncommon life of personal greatness and that this book finds a treasured place in your home and heart.