Your Motivational High 5 | 5-minute Inspiration, Motivation, Positivity, Mental Health, Self-help, Esteem, Improvement, Growt

Author Matt Bays gives us insight into where real joy is found, especially around Christmas. Not in the gifts or the parties or the busyness, but in the meaning and relationships behind those things. #YMH5   Matt Bays’ Site: MattBaysWriter.com Matt’s Book: MattBaysWriter.com/FindingGodintheRuins   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast YMH5 on Facebook Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Negative thoughts stick to the brain instantly. Positive thoughts require at least 15 seconds to imprint. Contemplation of the good is required for a positive rewiring of our brains. Featuring a conversation between Rob Bell of The Robcast and Father Richard Rohr. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast YMH5 on Facebook Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Embracing change invites new perspectives that wake us up to the possibility of a better life. We gain wisdom from a wonderful poem by Portia Nelson called, "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters." #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast YMH5 on Facebook Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Molly Schlangen shares with us how listening is an act of placing the needs of others before your own, and how to do this practically. When we listen well, we love well. #YMH5   Molly Schlangen's Studio: AwakeningGraceYoga.com   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast YMH5 on Facebook Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Thankfulness is a choice that leads to happiness. When we are thankful, we become present to the now. This podcast has a lot to be thankful for! Thank YOU! #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Self-Growth is easier when we project ourselves into our future and connect our present self with that version. What we are doing now determines what that future self will look like. Are you becoming who you want to be? #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

We gain self-control through practicing moderation. Just try something different and see how you feel about it afterwards. Ask, "Who am I becoming." You can only control yourself. That is the biggest gift you can give others and your country. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Kylee Larson shares her understanding that healthy relationships involve a give and take of challenge and growth. I'm greatful to be married to this amazing woman! #YMH5   Connect with Kylee Larson: BoomerangGrace.blogspot.com @Kylee_Larson   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

"Never compare your beginning with someone else's middle." When we compare, we get stuck on someone else's success and lose focus on our own personal self-growth, which is the antidote to comparison. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

When we try to over-control, we often lose a healthy balance of control. Sometimes giving up control is the thing we need to do to regain it. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Dr. Paul Maxfield of Children of Promise talks about his journey to approaching life with more openness. He has realized the walls he has relied on for years are unsafe as they prevent growth. #YMH5   Children of Promise: Website: echildrenofpromise.org Facebook: facebook.com/ChildrenofPromiseInc   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Resentment becomes unhealthy when not addressed. We carry around this weight that begins to cause damage on our mental health. Riding unaddressed resentment takes grieving the loss of this thing that served us. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Trust is slowly built on over time and deserves the weight it has gained through its history of being built, so it does not topple like a Jenga tower. In a sense, trust the trust. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

A note about episode replays and why I'm doing them (very rarely). Also, exciting episodes with guests Dr. Paul Maxfield and my wife, Kylee Larson, are on the horizon! Stay tuned! #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Sometimes we assume we have the whole story. All we really can have is our own perspective, which often is not the whole story. Allowing for more perspectives enables us to get to the truth. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Cory J. Nichols tells us we are capable of more than we realize. Sometimes what we believe is our limit is the very thing that keeps us from reaching what we are truly capable of. #YMH5   Check out: CoryJNichols.com   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Are Spirituality and Religion separate things? Whether and whatever we believe in God or not, can we lean into and have spiritual experiences. I don't know, but here are my thoughts so far. #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

In this Microsode, I talk about my interview that was just released on the Focus On The Good podcast. Check out FocusOnTheGood.com #YMH5   Direct links to the episode: iTunes/iPhone - bit.ly/ymh5interview Web/Android - bit.ly/YMH5interview   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Pain is a teacher. The lessons we learn through our pain can offer healing to others. "Suffering ceases to be suffering the moment it finds some meaning." -Viktor Frankl #YMH5   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art

Emily Khoo takes us through her definition of success. Success can be defined best when we answer the question: "Who do I want to become?" Find fulfillment not in resume virtues but in eulogy virtues. #YMH5   Connect with Emily Khoo: http://EmooSays.com   Reach out to Phil Larson: phil@thestoryshop.tv | PhilLarson.net @Phil_Larson | thestoryshop.tv/ymh5 thestoryshop.tv/podcast Facebook.com/YourMotivationalHigh5 Art by: http://bit.ly/ymh5art