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“Every artist, whether an actor, writer, musician or visual artist, stands before a blank canvas waiting to be filled. Then, as if by magic, creative intention transforms a vacant stage, a blank page or a tightly stretched canvas through colors, sounds and images. The intangible becomes the tangible. Vision is made concrete by an act of the will.” —Susan Ann Darley, The Art of Becoming Visible

You have the ability to create your life as you so desire. These 10 steps will guide you through the process:

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1. Become Quiet

It is in the silence that you will find peace and achieve clarity. Meditate, take long walks, listen to music. Do whatever works for you in order to turn down the volume of the external world.

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2. Go Deeper, Go Higher

There is an exquisite order to the running of the universe. Your goal is to align yourself with this magnificent power and consciously use it to benefit your life and the lives of others.

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3. Set Positive Goals

When you have taken steps 1 and 2 you will begin to set goals from the deeper aspect of yourself know as "inner wisdom." Many choices are made at this level, which explains why goals made at the "personality" or "surface" level often don't happen.

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4. Catch and Toss Out Negative Beliefs

Beliefs create behaviors and behaviors create conditions, therefore, it is critical that you catch your negative beliefs. If you want your life to change then you must change your beliefs. What areas do you need to change your beliefs in? Money, health, career, relationships?

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5. Write and Use Affirmations

Affirmations cultivate a positive inner voice, which counteract self-defeating negative messages. The use of repeated affirmations leads to belief and when that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.

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6. Visualize

Your subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality and an imagined thought or image. Visualization is a powerful tool to use to change your life. It is the ability to see and feel a goal in order to experience it. Remember, what you focus on becomes your destiny.

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7. Direct Your Emotions

Your emotions can act as a powerful force to assist you in creating change. Think of three different goals you wish to achieve. Which one carries the greatest force of feeling? The one with the most passion will be the most likely to happen. Where are you putting your energy?

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8. Listen to Your Guidance

Your body will let you know which direction to go in. Pay attention to your feelings. Get out of your head — statistics, judgments and facts can steer you off your course. Newfound confidence will become stronger each time you trust. Learn to walk in your own footprints with faith.

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9. Take Action

Visions, guidance, affirmations mean nothing without the courage to act. Always ask, "What is my next step?" Then take it. I guarantee after you have taken it the next step will reveal itself to you. Then take it. Big dreams are created from a succession of small steps.

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10. Let Go

Give it your best, then let go of preconceived notions and the results. Let go of what it will look like, how and when it will happen and whom you shall meet. Enjoy the adventure of the unknown!

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A man peered over his neighbor's fence and saw an exquisite garden. He exclaimed, "What magnificence God creates." His neighbor, the gardener, shot back, "You should have seen it when God had it alone."

Become an active and conscious co-creator of your life. Let your life be a reflection of the magnificence of the universe.

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Next: Seeking the Artist Within

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Copyright ©2008 Susan Ann Darley. All rights reserved.

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