It's empowering to know that I can change my reality based on my perception. Perception is subjective of course, so therefore reality is also subjective. I have truly found that my reality may often not be my friend's reality. Interesting.

"To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds" ~William James

This is a beautiful verse that is full of wisdom for everyday living. I used to also believe that the way I saw life was the "way it was". Well, it is the way it is - for me. I have learned to change my perception, but I must say that your conscious awareness, your ability to stay present in this moment makes all the difference between being empowered to change versus feeling like a hapless victim of circumstance.

Here are some pointers:

1. Open your mind to a new way of seeing the world - Beliefs are fluid. We now can say, even from science, that belief is wired into your biology; your body is very subject to change. Just look at how much you've change on all levels since you were a baby!

2. Heal the past, now is all there is - Technically speaking, there is no past or future, only the memory of past and future. Your physical body can only be here now. To the degree that your mental body is not here, you are scattering your energy and keeping yourself disempowered. Past hurts and pain are memories that can be released from your "bodymind"

3. Now is your point of power - There truly is power in the now. When I am focused in my body, that is, embodied instead of in my head, I can feel more energized and efficient in making things happen. When our sense of now is expanded, creativity also flows more freely.

4. Choosing to focus on gratitude instead of fear is a powerful antidote to dissolving the fear in your mind. You get to choose what you focus on to the degree that your intention is clear, and your attention is focused. Intend to find everything in your world to be grateful for and your perception will shift.

Empowerment is truly and inside job. It all starts with thoughts, feelings and emotions that form your perception. Then, once our perceptions form, a feedback loop helps to hold us in unconscious, automatic patterns of belief. What we believe we perceive, the way we perceive, we believe. Have you noticed that you can shift your beliefs through awareness? Think about beliefs you would like to change.

Author's Bio: 

Website: Visit http://www.ValenciaRay.com for your free jump-start report & audio, "7 Common Myths That Block Your Vision for Your Life - And What to Do About It"

Valencia Ray MD is a former eye surgeon who with clear intention sold her medical practice to now show women entrepreneurs and professionals how to eliminate blind spots that block their true potential and limits their vision for business success, happy relationships and good health.

Every week she gives uncommon tips and strategies in her Mind Muscle Minutes and blog, to expand your vision for your business, relationships and a healthy lifestyle, and how to make it happen! You can claim your free reports and learn more at http://www.ValenciaRay.com