"Throughout this book, I felt Bruce had a secret window into my own life and private thoughts. Many private feelings I am currently dealing with were addressed and revealed in a manner that made me feel it is not only normal, but I am truly not alone in this. I was surprised that I cried while reading it and the comfort that the words brought me. I read tons of self-help books, among other types of books, and this book actually gives me hope and things to look forward to. My tears were from the fact that I am facing the words I read. I have been getting negative feedback from outside sources and these words reassured me not to listen, keep them out of your life and do what is right. The section on the other home/parent opened my eyes and freed me. I did not go into reading this book thinking it would help me on such a deep emotional level." ~Dorothy Justice, Vice Chair-Community Action Partnership

March 12, 2014

8 Points That Will Change Your Life

Mostly what I walked away with during this period is that happiness is more derived from a correlation of strengths in your life and not an easily contrived step-by-step process. Happiness happens through dynamic experiences, a thirst for change, a life of learning, reaching for goals, and sharing with those you love.
When I originally developed this compilation over six years ago, I was already into the first of two years of my own personal search-I was in the midst of a two year sabbatical free from intimate relationships. This period in my life was initiated by the culmination of my minor children coming home fulltime and ending a yearlong relationship.

My children and I took advantage of our renewed time together-we grew through dynamic experiences and learned valuable lessons together. Through the process we developed stronger bonds, we learned together what is really important, and we discovered ourselves with each other.

During this period, I created time for introspection. My original vision of this sabbatical was for a year--it felt so good I took almost two. At a mere forty-four years old and 10 years removed from a divorce with my kids mom, I still had questions for myself: How did I get here? What have I accomplished? Where am I going? Finally hitting me, what do I really want?

The main keys I discovered allowed me to incorporate more harmony and balance in my life. During this prosperous journey to uncover and unravel my personal challenges, I wrote the “8 Keys to Finding Harmony and Balance”.

I read many popular books over this time primarily on the subjects of Spirituality, Personal Growth, Love, and Inspiration. I reached for books that jumped off the shelf at me. My search brought me to investigate topics of Buddhism, the art of Zen, Religion and finally the rediscovery of my savior and lord, my Christ and Devine Father. Other subjects I read were Integrity and Truth, being a Man and therefore a better Father, and Love as a hypothesis and model.

I focused on my children, my career, and me in that order. In retrospect, I gained a feeling of life cleansing or detoxification if you will. The value in releasing relationship issues, eating healthier, finding time and merit in exercise, more downtime in reading and quality with my children allowed me the opportunity to reorganize and reprioritize. My career blossomed as a result.

Mostly what I walked away with during this period is that happiness is more derived from a correlation of strengths in your life and not an easily contrived step-by-step process. Happiness happens through dynamic experiences, a thirst for change, a life of learning, reaching for goals, and sharing with those you love.

Sometimes when I hit a bump or two, I always return to the following 8 keys and believe in their capacity to make me feel better. These steps, when combined together, help me channel balance and harmony in my life. Synchronizing these items together will challenge, but as I’ve learned over the years it’s worth it.

8 Keys To Finding Harmony and Balance

1. Be in the present -Focus on the now, find clarity, witness your thoughts and clear your mind of the past and future; release your pains and fears.

2. Exercise Regularly -Staying fit for the mind, body/ heart and soul is imperative.

3. Eat Healthy -Satisfy the mind and body nutritiously.

4. Love and be loved -… Family and closest friends as the core and extend out to your other brother and sisters.

5. Practice Openness -Be honest with yourself and with others.

6. Do unto others… -The Golden Rule: do unto others, as you would want them to do unto you. Treat your friends and foes with respect and responsibility. Reach out and smile.

7. Be Active -Participate and get involved. Find purpose. Feed the soul.

8. Get the rest you need -For your daily needs and to elevate yourself to the top of this list again.

While balance is the stake and mortar in the ground, harmony is the connections or strong bonds, which bind them. Simply put, if balance is stability, then harmony is what embraces it. This list resonates within and I find its wealth in making me a more mindful, healthier, and better person.

In order to develop harmony, I formed strong bonds in my relationships with my children and others, improved my faith, got organized, reprioritized my life, and tied together all facets in my life. Examples of harmony are love, unity, agreement, faith, accomplishment, and good emotional health.

In order to create balance, I needed to build a firm base to stand on. I needed to find or develop stability. Examples of balance are sharing my life with a significant other or spouse and my children, chasing a dream, having an occupation, a good home, good physical health, family, and friends.

From my own personal experiences, this list will help you develop and bridge exhilaration and contentment in your life, the mere essence of happiness in my opinion. Join the ranks, who have incorporated and shared these 8 keys, and reach out to me today!


My Photo
Bruce Buccio resides in Colorado, USA, with his beautiful new wife, is loving dad, Author of "Parenting After Divorce: Rebuilding Your Life And Reaffirming the Relationships that Matter (2013)," court appointed state child advocate and expert counseling families professionally in parenting, relationship, personal growth and life changes. Today, he writes primarily inspired by experiences raising his children as single dad, but also writes about inspiration, growth, and love.


Photo courtesy of "sheknows.com"

© 2014 Bruce Buccio


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