WELCOME

WELCOME most of us have experienced break-ups, breakdowns or brokeness in some part of our lives. (relationships, jobs, finances, health) Moving on can be difficult, but there are steps you can take for healing. The 100 Hearts Challenge is a social initiative designed to encourage awareness and help one another to grow up, grow thru & grow on with life! Healing requires you to accept the challenge of doing the work necessary to heal. The validity of your happiness comes from YOU! Over the next 100 days, "Will YOU commit to YOU?



Oct 29, 2010

Time for a Temper Tantrum - WEEK 5: Task 25

TIME FOR A TEMPER TANTRUM


Today's task may not be easy for some of you, but please give it a try. You've been so disciplined and controlled lately it's time to lose it. The next time you're alone, I want you to have a good old fashion temper tantrum for 60 seconds. Kick, scream, yell, punch, pout, shake your hair, run, jump, fall out, growl or whatever melodramitic antics you can do to let it out! Make sure you use your whole body. (Think of a bad child who's horribly embarrassing his mother in the produce section of the grocery store) You need to be and act like that child today. This can be done in your car, closet, bathroom, garage, office wherever! Just make sure you're not disturbed while you're acting this out. While you're throwing your tantrum, think about whoever or whatever has hurt and held you hostage. For whatever reason, you haven't gotten your way so lose control and throw a temper tantrum about it just like the bad kid.   

Task 25 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What made you hesitant to do this task?
2. How did you feel before, during and after your tantrum?
3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 28, 2010

Is It REALLY Easier to Tell a Stranger? WEEK 5: Task 23

IS IT REALLY EASIER TO TELL A STRANGER?

Today is going to very similar to yesterday except I'm going to push you a little more. Find a stranger and tell them your TRUE life story. It doesn't have to be the graphic version with every detail included, but it needs to be enough information so the stranger walks away knowing your tragedies, pains, successes and ultimately who you are. The stranger can be a co-worker you've never spoken to, someone in the grocery store, coffee shop, daycare, mall or wherever! Just make sure you let your wall down enough to tell someone your TRUE story. Also make sure you encourage the stranger to give feedback and ask questions. BIG task, but you can do it!

Task 23 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. Who did you approach and why?

2. How did you feel before, during and after you told your story?
3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 27, 2010

Tell Me a Secret - WEEK 5: Task 22


TELL ME A SECRET

This is one of my favorite exercises, but it's also going to be one of the more challenging tasks for some of you. Pick a friend, partner, spouse or relative, sit them down and honestly tell them 3 things about yourself you've never shared before. Share something you've carried around with you for awhile and have been either too embarrassed, ashamed, guilty or afraid to share with anyone. Don't just share something on the surface or that's superficial, really lower your wall and reach for something you need to release. Make sure you're in a safe and comfortable space while you're sharing these things.

Task 22 = +2 point for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What secret has been holding you hostage the most?
2. How did you feel before, during and after you talked about your secrets?
3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 26, 2010

Take Off the Cruise Controls - WEEK 5: Task 21

TAKE OFF THE CRUISE CONTROLS
 
Today is no automation day. The task is to NOT use anything that automates something for you. If you use a remote control to turn the channels on your tv...you cannot use it today. Get up and change the channel. For all your phone calls, do not just punch the name or speed-dial #s; dial all the numbers manually. Changing radio stations in the car; do it manually. No microwave; cook something. No cutting & pasting on the computer; re-type it out. No shower; take a bath. No Electric toothbrush; breakout the ole manual one and BRUSH! No garage door opener when you come back home; park outside. No Toll way EZ passes; stop and pay. Get the point yet? Whatever things in your life have you on cruise control, think about them and do your best to NOT utilize them all day.
 
Task 21 = +2 point for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?
2. What was the most difficult thing you did without and why?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 25, 2010

Relax Relate Release - WEEK 5: Task 21

Theme: Who's in Control?

RELAX RELATE RELEASE

Today, take 5 minutes to center yourself. Sit up straight in your chair, close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths in and out. Try to count to 10 as you inhale and exhale. Clear your mind and think about relaxing and releasing. Forget about your drama, deadlines, kids, relationship, boss, finances, or anything that may be stressing you out right now. The only important thing is breathing and where you are right now. Do this exercise at least 3 times today. Pretty easy task, but make sure you get the full experience of relaxing, relating and releasing everything for those 5 minutes.

Task 20 = +1 point for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?
2. What was controlling thoughts the most today?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 22, 2010

Plant it and it Will Grow - WEEK 4: Task 20

PLANT IT AND IT WILL GROW

This challenge is going to take a little more effort, but it's worth it. For this task, if you haven't already, you'll need to pick up a couple of supplies:

1. Go to Home Depot and purchase a packet of Viola (#8339) or Pansy (#8388) flower seeds. (Packet only cost $1.00)
2. Go to Home Depot and also purchase Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse plant carton. (it looks like an empty egg carton) It's used to grow plants.

Once you've gotten your supplies, find a good spot for placement and simply follow the instructions to plant your seeds accordingly. Make sure you do what it takes to nuture and grow the flowers you've selected. I know, I know you've never been able to grow anything in your life! However, you will DEFINITELY succeed this time! The seeds you're planting are symbolic of the goals you've set for yourself so the same rules apply; Make it, Measure it and MEAN it!  

NOTE: If you don't have a Home Depot near you, goto your nearest floweral store.

Task 20 = +3 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?
2. How does it feel knowing that something you've planted will soon blossom?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 21, 2010

Set Your Cell Phone for Success - WEEK 4: Task 19

"Plant it and Will Grow"
 
Set Your Cell Phone for Success

 
Today, take your cell phone and set up reminders on your calendar for at least once a week about your Big 4 goals. Pick the same time and same day every week for the next 5 weeks. If you're not sure how to do this on your phone, find a kid, relative or someone who's not technology challenged and can plug this simple information in for you! If you don't have or carry a cell phone, set up the reminders on your computer's calendar. The truth is, you get busy, distracted, or will keep coming up with more excuses of why you can't... We need to make sure there's NO excuse for you to NOT focus on getting your Big 4 goals accomplished. Therefore, every reminder helps. The goal is YOUR goals! So let's keep making, measuring, and MEANING them!
 
Task 19 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel while setting your reminders?
2. Do you feel like they will help you stay on track?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 20, 2010

It's Time to Step it Up - WEEK 4: Task 18

"Plant it and it Will Grow"

IT'S TIME TO STEP IT UP

Today it's time to step it up. If you're going to develop and carry out a real plan for success, you have to have actionable steps that are going to get you closer to acheiving what and where you truly want to be. Under each of your Big 4, write at least 5 action steps necessary for accomplishing each goal. Also, find 1 picture of each goal that inspires you to keep moving towards that goal. Paste it in the appropriate goal quadrant. Your pictures can be from anywhere or of anything you like as long as they motivate you into action! Commit yourself to these goals and utilize this sheet as your blueprint for success.

Make it, Measure it and MEAN IT!....You Can Do It!

Task 18 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel while thinking about the action steps for your goals?
2. What did the pictures you selected symbolize for you?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 19, 2010

My Commitment Contract - WEEK 4: Task 17

Plant it and it Will Grow

MY COMMITMENT CONTRACT


It's contract day! Today, make it, measure it, and mean it! Yes...you've already written down a few goals to live up to, but did you MEAN it?! For this task, we're going to make a commitment. A commitment to the 4 goals you so eloquently wrote and hypothetically stand by. Find someone who you trust, discuss your goals and sign a contract with them committing yourself to the big 4 goals. Your contract should be simple. "I will by _ _ _ _." Sign, hug, pinky swear, shake on it or whatever makes you feel comfortable that you've sealed the deal, but mean it! You now have someone who's going to hold you accountable for accomplishing what you said you would. It's up to you to now do what it takes to follow through and make it happen!

Task 17 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did it feel sharing your goals with someone else?
2. How will the person you signed the contract with help you stay committed?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/



 


Oct 18, 2010

The Big 4 - WEEK 4: Task 16

"Plant It and It Will Grow"

THE BIG 4

Today, take a piece of paper and draw a line vertically down the middle. Now draw another horizontal line intersecting the vertical line in the middle so you have four equal quadrants. (it should look like an oversized lower case "t") For each quadrant, you need to develop one specific goal for the following categories: 1. Relationship 2. Health 3. Spirituality 4. Finances  Don't write down several goals for one category; just ONE. So think about what the one ultimate goal you really want to accomplish in each area of your life is and write it down. Example: Health - March 2011, I will be at least 20lbs lighter. Finances - I will have $4,000 in my saving account by _ _ _. For this task, be honest, be specific and most of all be ready to act on the goals you write. Keep this list in a place you can find it.

Task 16 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:


After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How does seeing each goal on paper make you feel?
2. What reasons could keep you from accomplishing any of the four?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 15, 2010

High 5's All Around! WEEK 3: Task 15

Decisions Determine Our Destiny"   Watch video
HIGH 5's ALL AROUND!

Today, your name is Miss High Five! Find 3 people you normally don't talk to, look them in the eyes, smile and give them all high fives. Find 3 more people and perform the over the back high fives. Finally, find 3 more people and create your own individual handshake together. Make sure you really get everyone into it with you. Don't worry about explaining yourself. Most people won't even ask why they're giving you a high five. They'll just quietly wish they had your excitement! When people do ask, "What's up with you today, why are we high fiving or why are you so excited?" Simply tell them because you choose to be! Remember, excitement is contagious so SPREAD the love!

Task 15 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:


After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel the first time you high fived someone?
2. What thoughts made you hesistant?
3. How much did the decision you made today impact your normal attitude?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 14, 2010

Just Say YES - WEEK 3: Task 14

"Decisions Determine Our Destiny"   Watch video

Just Say Yes

Today, is the direct opposite of yesterday. Your task is to say, "Yes" to as many people, requests, offers, cravings or things as possible. This may be hard for some of you, but give it your best shot. If someone asks you to do something, politely tell them, "Ok, my pleasure, I'm all over it, let me get right on that, I'd be honored to do that for you" or however you can think of to positively respond to whatever they're requesting. Say, "Yes" to any food cravings you have, helping a friend, listening to someone else's problems, going to lunch, a feeling to get up and dance, being late to that meeting, picking up pizza for dinner tonight or to as many things presented to you today. This challenge requires more thought because you're involving other people, and it may be outside of your character, but you can do it!

Good luck and remember, "Just say YES!"

Note: Use some common sense on this task. DON'T say yes to any dangerous, hazardous or compromising situations. Rule of thumb: If a situation feels uncomfortable...DON'T do it!

Task 14 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:


After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel the first time telling someone yes?
2. What thoughts made you hesistant?
3. How much did the decisions you made impact your daily routine?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 13, 2010

Just Say No - WEEK 3: Task 13

"Decisions Determine Our Destiny"   Watch video

JUST SAY NO
Today, your task is to say, "No" to as many people, requests, offers, cravings or things as possible. This may be hard for some of you, but give it your best shot. If someone asks you to do something, politely tell them, "Not right now, I'll follow-up later, I'll get back to you on that, I'm in the middle of something" or whatever nicely gets you out of doing whatever they're requesting. Say, "No" to any food cravings you have, helping a friend, listening to someone else's problems, going to lunch, loaning money, having sex, buying a new outfit, or to as many things presented to you today. This challenge is going to require more thought because you're involving other people, and it may be outside of your character, but you can do it.

Good luck and remember, "Just say NO!"

Task 13 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel the first time telling someone no?
2. What thoughts made you hesistant?
3. How much did the decisions you made impact your daily routine?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 12, 2010

What's in Your Purse? WEEK 3: Task 12

"Decisions Determine Our Destiny"   Watch video

WHAT'S IN YOUR PURSE?
Today, take your purse and empty everything inside it onto your bed. This includes all of your pockets as well. Pretty easy so far right? Now, look at all of the items carefully. For the next 2 days, you can ONLY carry 3 items with you wherever you go. Choose carefully and thoughtfully. Hmmm...cell phone, lip gloss, lotion, blush, wallet, mirror, tampons, tissue, comb, glasses? So many to choose from! If you DON'T carry a purse daily and only carry a wallet, the same rules apply. Empty your wallet completely and choose ONLY 3 of those items to carry for the next 2 days. Remember to be honest with yourself. I know this one is hard, but you can do it! :)

For those of you thinking of cheating...DON'T! Don't spend all day today cramming things into your wallet so you have everything you need in there before you dump out your purse tonight. Don't stash or purposely leave a few important things in your car, at your desk, over his house or in your locker. If you NORMALLY carry those items in your purse...BE HONEST and leave them there! Make the hard decisions to do without for the next couple days. This should be reeeeeally fun! Enjoy!

Task 12 = +3 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel after dumping your purse out?
2. Which items did you choose and why?
3. How much did the decisions you made impact your daily routine?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/



Oct 10, 2010

Reverse Your Routines - WEEK 3: Task 11


"Decisions Determine Our Destiny"   Watch video
REVERSE YOUR ROUTINES
 
For today's task, throughout the day, your job is to do as many personal routine tasks as you can in reverse. If you put your pants on by placing your left leg in first; today begin by putting in your right first. If you start combing the left side of your hair first; today, reverse the order. Brushing your teeth, how you hold your coffee, which hand you use to eat or wear your watch. How you park your car, take the stairs vs. elevator, which hand you use to navigate your mouse and so on! Be conscious and aware of the routines you've become accustomed to performing. Make the decision to NOT repeat those routines no matter how weird it may feel.   

This is a fun activity to perform because many of us have our lives on auto-pilot and don't realize the ritualistic routines we perform daily. Some things are going to feel very awkward, but do your best to reverse as many of your routines as possible.

Task 11 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.
 
1. How did you feel after trying do reverse a routine for the first time?
2. Which routine challenged you the most?
3. How much thought did you put into completing some of your reversed routines and explain why?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/
   

Oct 8, 2010

If You Were Being Honest - WEEK 2: Task 10

Do you know where you are?"  Watch video
IF YOU WERE BEING HONEST

For today's task, take a sheet of paper, write out and finish the following statements. Don't rush and don't filter anything. Write a total of 5 rationalizations of how you truly feel for each statement. If one of the statements doesn't apply to you, skip it and focus on the ones that do.

1. I feel guilty because __________.
2. I feel sad because ____________.
3. I am angry because ___________.
4. I am sorry because ___________.
5. I am scared because __________.
6. I want to _____________.

Now take the total list of all the statements you've written and highlight the ones that stir up the most emotional memory(s) for you. Keep this list somewhere close because we're going to reference what you've highlighted as your starting point. This is "Where You Are." Now it's time to begin working on getting you to where you want to be.

Great job this week and keep up the good work!

Task 10 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.
 
1. What emotion had the strongest presence and why?
2. How did you feel before and after you did this exercise?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/
   

Oct 7, 2010

Rip Him a NEW One - WEEK 2: Task 9

Do you know where you are?"  Watch video

RIP HIM A NEW ONE

Imagine your ex, your boss, abuser or whichever person caused you the most pain in your life is right in front of you. Tell them ALL of your feelings as if they can hear and respond to you. Be realistic. Embrace the true emotions and sentiments you feel. Cuss them out, scream, argue, console, point your finger, cry, whine, pace or whatever you normally do when you express your feelings. Just be authentic and don't hold anything back! You don't have to act this out alone. You can role play with your girlfriend or sister. The person helping you doesn't need to do anything but hold your hand and listen.

Before you do this task, make sure you're in an environment where you feel comfortable. This task may be difficult to perform because it requires you going to a place in your mind you may have closed in order to protect yourself. Role-playing a scene may be somewhat painful, hurtful, shameful or embarrassing to remember. The idea is to get in touch with some of the feelings you've been holding on to. However, if this exercise is too hard for you do right now, its ok, skip it and come back to it another day.

Task 9 = +3 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. What was the topic of the conversation you just acted out?
2. What emotions were present the most?
3. How did you feel before and after you did this exercise?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Oct 6, 2010

What's Holding You Hostage? WEEK 2: Task 8

Do you know where you are?"  Watch video

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU HOSTAGE?
We are special. Our hands and feet provide us with the tools we need to accomplish many tasks. If we were entangled in thread, yarn, or fishing line, we would more than likely be able to free ourselves. How would the birds, turtles, and other animals free themselves? Try this exercise. 

Procedure: Your hand is going to represent an animal of your choice. First, take a rubber band and put it around the back of your hand, looping the pinky and the thumb. (see picture) Without using your teeth OR your other hand OR arm, try to remove the rubber band from your hand. You have 30 seconds.

Were you able to find a creative way to free yourself?  Unfortunately, many animals are not able to free themselves. This can cause starvation, strangulation or suffocation.

This task is a simple reminder of how much control you have in the success of healing and moving on. Fortunately, you have or have access to several tools you need to free yourself from whatever bondage is holding you hostage. You just have to be courageous and creative enough to utilize them!

Task 8 = +1 point for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. Write about 3 things you feel are possible keeping you from moving on?
2. What have you creatively done to help you get over what you've listed?
3. What could you do that you haven't tried yet?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/