This week I'll keep my welcome short so you can jump right into the "meat" of the Ezine because there's so much to share. But before I do, I want to say that because of The Angel Inside's re-launch with Random House my travel schedule is about to really pick up, and if you've been thinking: "I should really check into having Chris speak to my team, speak at my meeting or event." Now is the time to do that, because I'll probably be passing through your town or city anyway, and I would LOVE to have the opportunity to come out and share some of my time with you -- bring a little encouragement and hope, inspire and motivate -- so let me know where, when and how many will be there and if I can do it, I'm there.

I have to say that I'm still so overwhelmed with the response (to read a recap, scroll down to #4) from my friends and supporters all over the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you! This has been such a fun ride, and I'm looking forward to new doors of opportunity that are opening because of this.

You Are Made for Success!
Chris Widener

P.S. Today's issue is going out to 87,870 subscribers. If you've gained value from what you read in my Ezine, then I would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates!



In This Issue.......

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article
2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary
3. The Last Word...
4. Results!
5. Customer Feedback
6. More Information

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article

7 Keys for Joyful Living! by Chris Widener

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in your life. If there were one thing I could wish upon my family, friends and the readers of this Ezine, it would be joy in everything they do!

Know your purpose. Nothing will bring you joy more than knowing what it is that you are about on this earth. Not knowing brings sadness, wondering, fear and lack of fulfillment. Above all, find out what your unique purpose is here on this earth - then fulfill it! As you do, you will experience joy!

Live purposefully. This is a follow up to number one. It is one thing to know your purpose, but then you need to live according to that purpose. This is a matter of priorities. Let your actions and schedule reflect your purpose. Don't react to circumstances and let them cause you to live without your purpose fully in site. Living without your purpose will cause frustration. Living purposefully will bring you deep satisfaction and joy!

Stretch yourself. Don't settle into the status quo. That will leave you unfulfilled. Always look to stretch yourself. Whatever you are doing, stretch yourself to do more! Stretching yourself will break the limits you have set for yourself and will cause you to find joy in your expanded horizons!

Give more than you take. It brings happiness to accumulate. It brings joy to give away. Sure, getting the car you worked hard for will bring you a sense of satisfaction and even happiness. But it won't bring you joy. Giving something away to the less fortunate will bring you deep, abiding joy.

Surprise yourself and others too. The words here are spontaneity and surprise! Every once in a while, do the unexpected. It will cause everybody to sit back and say, "Wow, where did that come from?" It will put a little joy in your life, and theirs.

Indulge yourself sometimes. Too much indulgence and you are caught in the happiness trap -- looking for the next purchase, celebration, etc., to bring you a little "happiness high." But if you will allow yourself an infrequent indulgence as a reward for a job well done and a life well lived, you will appreciate the indulgence and experience the joy of it.

Laugh a little - no, a lot! Most people are just too serious. We need to laugh a little - no, a lot! Learn to laugh daily, even if you have to learn to laugh in bad situations. This life is to be enjoyed! The next time you go to the movie rental store, get a comedy and let loose! Let yourself laugh!

Joy can be yours! Look for it, pursue it and enjoy it!

Chris Widener


Chris Widener is an internationally recognized speaker, author and radio host. Chris is the author of eight books and audio series as well as over 400 success articles. To learn more or to order Chris' products, including his newly released book, The Angel Inside (top seller on Amazon.com, The New York Times top 10 list and The Wall Street Journal top 10), or his other books including Live the Life You've Always Dreamed Of, The Image or Twelve Pillars co-authored with Jim Rohn, or his newest CD series, Twelve Pillars - The Skills You Need to Succeed, or Winning with Influence, The Extraordinary Leaders Seminar go to www.chriswidener.com or call 877-929-0439.



2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you are alive, it isn't." -- Richard Bach

Chris' Commentary:
The day-to-day grind can lull us to sleep, can't it? You get so busy doing the everyday stuff you forget that you were put here for a mission! Yes you!
Every person plays their part to help improve the lives of others and leave their place here on earth better than it was before they got here. So if life has caused you to drift, then it is time to get back on track, fulfill your mission and find your purpose! You are desperately needed by those around you to help them grow and to fulfill their mission and purpose, and to achieve all that they can.

Action Point: Take some time today to think about what it is that you can best offer the world around you. Now mold that into your mission and develop a plan of attack. Your mission here isn't finished yet, at least not if you are reading this. So saddle up cowboy (or cowgirl), it's time to ride!




3. The Last Word...

This week I'm sharing a little something from Jim Rohn with you... Jim is a legend in the personal development industry and has been around for 40+ years in the speaking business. Some consider him the "grandfather" of personal development because his simple, straight-to-the-heart philosophy stands the test of time and continues to impact people years after they've heard Jim at a seminar, read his words or listened to one of his CDs. I have great respect for Jim and consider it a privilege whenever I share the stage with him or collaborate on a writing project. Enjoy! -- CW

The Two Choices We Face by Jim Rohn

Each of us has two distinct choices to make about what we will do with our lives. The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity to be. To earn less. To have less. To read less and think less. To try less and discipline ourselves less. These are the choices that lead to an empty life. These are the choices that, once made, lead to a life of constant apprehension instead of a life of wondrous anticipation.

And the second choice? To do it all! To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give and share as much as we possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can. All of us have the choice.

To do or not to do. To be or not to be. To be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.

Like the tree, it would be a worthy challenge for us all to stretch upward and outward to the full measure of our capabilities. Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?

Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. To settle for doing less than we could do is to fail in this worthiest of undertakings.

Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation. Not explanation. Not justification. Results! And if our results are less than our potential suggests that they should be, then we must strive to become more today than we were the day before. The greatest rewards are always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the world around them as a result of whom and what they have become.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn




4. Results - Wow, Wow, Wow!!

I just had to say one more time, that I have been simply OVERWHELMED with the response from everyone who purchased The Angel Inside last week! Here's what I sent out the day after (and then read at the bottom for the latest and greatest update)...

As I write this, it is my 41st birthday. I have had a lot of great birthdays, but this is one of the best!

What makes it so great? Two things. First, it isn't bad having the number one best selling business book on Amazon for your 41st birthday! It is number three overall behind Harry Potter - the most successful fiction franchise in publishing history, and the new J.R.R. Tolkien book - one of the greatest writers in the history of literature (how did he release a new book when he isn't even alive?? :-) All in all, that is pretty cool!

But even more important to making this a great birthday is the overwhelming show of support and love you showed me yesterday as you drove the book up the Amazon charts. The hundreds of emails I received absolutely made my day!

So many kind words touched my heart. No greater present could have been given as you wrote from all over the U.S. and the world! Thank you!

I mentioned in the original email that I do not believe in being self-made. We all work together. And yesterday, we all worked together to do something amazing! I spoke with the lead editor at Random House today and he said, "Chris, do you realize the whole publishing industry is aware of what you did? And they are abuzz over it."

Frankly, I didn't do it - YOU did! For that I am very thankful!

You are a generous bunch of friends and supporters and I want you to know that I appreciate each and every one of you!

Many of you have written and asked if the campaign is still going and if the bonuses are still available. We know that many people missed the date because of travel, vacations, etc, and would still like to participate. You still can! Just click on over and take advantage of the offer at www.ChrisWidener.com/AngelInside.asp

Here are the stats for what we accomplished on April 17th. They are all still the same today except for the "Movers and Shakers," as that monitors highest gain in rank day over day.

- Number three overall behind Harry Potter and J.R.R. Tolkien.
- Number one business book.
- Number one non-fiction book.
- Number two new release book.
- Number one new release book on CD.
- Number two for all books on CD.
- Numbers one and two on Amazon's Movers and Shakers - audio version is one (number 53 overall) and book is two.
- And featured prominently on the front page of Amazon, front, top and center!

One word: WOW!

Again, if you want to still take advantage of our kickoff offer plus all of the freebies, you can at http://www.ChrisWidener.com/AngelInside.asp

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your tremendous support! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it!

Chris Widener

05-03-07 UPDATE: Here's a little more information on the waves your response to The Angel Inside created... Not only did you TOTALLY inundate Amazon.com with more orders than they had ever anticipated -- I LOVE that -- you also caused The Angel Inside to break into the top ten list of THE New York Times top ten best-seller list AND The Wall Street Journal top ten best-seller list -- Do you know what an accomplishment that is? Once again, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART for what each of you have contributed.



5. Customer Feedback

Here are some of the dozens of testimonials and comments (hundreds and hundreds) we received over the past week from Ezine subscribers. To read more recent testimonials we have received from readers over the past year, please go to Customer Testimonials


What a joy to honor you on this day! I'm thrilled to be a small part of helping to make that dream a reality. You are a wonderful man, entrepreneur, author and speaker. May God continue to use you mightily to bless and teach others. Happy, happy birthday. I pray that this year would be a fantastic one for you!
-- Julie Wood

I just loved that you did that with all the friends by words not faces...
-- Mary Katherine Sheehan

Dear Chris, I have never written to you personally although I feel as if I know you through your weekly messages and articles which I subscribe to. I am very happy for you and your well deserved success with the best selling book charts. Your writings are very inspiring. Your vivacity, common sense and writing flair make reading your works worth everyone's valuable time. The "Angel Inside" is a very inspiring work. Besides the profound message, the imagery is wonderful and I can even see it being made into a movie. Oh, to be in Florence and run into Michelangelo... Keep up the great work and keep sharing your insights with all of us who recognize you for the talented and humane person you are.
-- Florence Katz, Israel

Chris, I am impressed. You darn well earned it!!! GREAT JOB! I have been enjoying your Ezine for a year now and I thank you for all the free wisdom. It's definitely helped build me up consistently.
-- Jenna Forrest

Dear Chris, Undoubtedly it is wow. I am truly delighted to know that you were touched by our humble words of "Happy Birthday" or whatever expression we wrote, I am sure we all did it wholeheartedly. For a person like you who dedicates his life to teach and guide others is many ways is richly deserved. I am also very please that your book made it to number one. I am looking forward to receiving my order and of course I cannot wait to start reading it.
-- Herminda Jones

Hi Chris Widener!!! Happy belated birthday! I checked the Amazon website this morning to see where your book landed and was THRILLED to see it on the best seller list. I can imagine your excitement to see it there. I already had a copy of your book, it was given to me by a friend; but, I still ordered one so I could share with someone plus the book on CD. My white Mercedes :-) is my rolling university so I listen more than I read. You take care and I look forward to seeing you at the Arbonne events in the near future. Take care and again Happy Belated Birthday.
-- Jane Obermeier, Executive Regional Vice President, Independent Consultant, Arbonne International

WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Just a little excited for you!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
-- Ellen DiVietro, Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant

Chris, I enjoyed so much meeting and hearing you in Iowa City at our Arbonne conference. Before that I had become a fan through the series we spoke of - the Sam's Club collection. You have the ability to break down a topic, such as Influence, and make it understandable and duplicatable. You have - are - a gift. Even though I have several copies of your new book to loan my consultants, I wanted to show my support and wish you a happy birthday. I am so happy for you - and all of us who love you - to see one of your dreams come true. That's an inspiration to everyone. We look forward to many more of your birthday celebrations. Best wishes to your lovely family, too.
-- Diane Fulknier, Arbonne International

I am so proud. I got an email from Amazon & they said there was a delay in my shipment. I emailed them back because I wanted them to tell me what the delay was. I wanted to hear it from them that there was an overwhelming response. Congratulations!!! Well deserved. Thanks for being on the leadership call that Cecilia Stoll conducted. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Heidi Mann

Hi Chris, you are so very welcome. I was fortunate to attend an Arbonne training event last fall, actually my first major training, and you were inspirational. I just loved listening and learning from you that day. This was a simple way for me to show my gratitude. I am looking forward to getting my book and reading it! I wish you continued success. Wishing you many more happy, healthy birthdays!!
-- Kathy Laun, District Manager, Independent Arbonne Consultant

Nice to see once again that dreams and wishes do come true! You deserve it!
-- Joy

Dear Mr. Chris Widener, I have bought the book more and foremost because I appreciate you so much and have come to appreciate your newsletters which are all free and which are so inspiring and interesting. So, simply because you requested something from your readers (which was within my reach of course!), I could not resist to help! In fact, you won't believe me if I tell you that I don't even know what the book I bought is all about, but knowing it's from you, I'm sure I won't be deceived! Thank you for the valuable treasures you share with all your readers for free - This was all too natural to give a hand when we can to someone worth it! I wish you lots of continued success in all your endeavors, though you are already a successful person! All the best, Mr. Widener!
-- Isabelle Brillant

Congrats Chris, I can see that this was a big joint effort from your free site, that's riding on the backs of giants.
-- David Farraway

Chris - I am so happy for you! I have been waiting on pins and needles to find out the results. You go, boy! And let me tell ya, I would have done it without any bonuses thrown in! Happy Birthday and may God continue to bless you above and beyond all you can ask, think or imagine!
-- Hannah Dugan

Congratulations! You deserve it. The Buffy Ruthardt nation shopped till we dropped. We know the Secret. WooHoo!
-- Patricia Faust

Dear Chris, I just want to say that you're welcome, your words touch us all and have helped me in many ways. Here is to your success and may our paths stay intertwined.
-- Anne and Bob Lentz

Congratulations to you. What an amazing feat to have done that on your 41st birthday! I love that book in fact I ordered 22 of them to pass out to places where I volunteer at. It is really a great book!
-- Analynn Sardella

Dear Chris: All I can say is, "You get what you deserve!" A lot of us subscribe to your weekly email and get good information and inspiration. Keep up the terrific work! Thank you for inspiring me to turn my life and perspective 180 degrees!
-- George Vernon

Chris, I was one of those people who ordered your book yesterday. I have heard about it, and now as soon as I get it I will know what others have said. My husband and I will be anxious to meet you at the Chairman's Tour with Team National in Ft. Wayne, IN May 4th & 5th. We thank you for all the other books you have written. You have helped us, and many many others. See you May 4th & 5th. Congratulations to you. See you soon.
-- Dave & Linda Parr

Congratulations Chris and Happy Birthday! You are so deserving of all your success!! I have seen you speak at an Arbonne conference in Omaha, and I have read many of your books! I love them all, but my personal favorite is The Angel Inside. You are such an inspiration! I am a different person today, because I have implemented what I've learned from you! Thank you so much! Enjoy your Birthday!
-- Kari

Dear Chris Widener, After receiving your e-zine for several years now, I would expect that your new book would be a bargain at any price. Your words have motivated and inspired me on many days when I needed that inspiration so much. Was it Jim Rohn who said 'motivation is like bathing, it has to be done on a daily basis'? You are part of my support system, as I am sure you are for countless others you have never even met. Amazing. I look forward to receiving your book and thank you for all the free downloads.
­­­­-- Barbara Williams

Chris --- I already had several copies of the book but bought again!! You are awesome and I just loved loved the Angel Inside -- Congrats! As part of Laura Harry and Dana Collins' nations I know you have given back to us so much -- so congrats, happy belated birthday and WOW!! to you too :)
-- Amy Mallia, Executive Area Manager, Arbonne International

Dear Mr. Chris Widener, Congratulations!!! Being #3 for the first time you try to drive your book "The Angel Inside" up the Amazon chart is a WOW indeed. Don't feel disappointed. As Dr Denis Waitley said, try for #2 the next time and soon, there's no other placing except for #1. Now look who's talking - a rookie from Malaysia trying to teach his guru a lesson on his 41st birthday. Ha ha ha. Keep up the good work Mr. Widener and have a great weekend. God Bless.
-- Simon Chan

Congratulations Chris on this great achievement! I can't wait until the book arrives so I can dive in.
-- Kevin Gehrer

Congratulations and Happy Birthday- when you give unconditionally you can expect to receive rewards two fold! Keep living your dream life and continue to make a difference in others lives and anything and everything is possible. Have an awesome day and I am fired up to read your book-- this is my first exposure to you and I am excited I took time to order.
-- Amy Merry


Thank you Ezine readers, for the sincere and kind words of encouragement and appreciation you sent me! -- CW

 

6.  More Information

Ezine Archives - To review previous issues of Chris Widener's Ezine, please go to: Ezine Archives

How to Subscribe - Subscribe at Chris Widener International or send an email with JOIN in the subject to subscribe@chriswidener.com

How to Unsubscribe - Use the automatic unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email, or send an email to unsubscribe@chriswidener.com

For a complete listing of Chris Widener's books, CDs and downloadable products go to:
http://www.jimrohn.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20

Booking Chris Widener - Send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com and include your name, company, date and location of event, along with anticipated audience size and composition.

No or List Sharing! - You can rest assured that your subscription email address will be kept in the strictest confidence. We do not divulge, nor make available to any third party, our subscription list. Your privacy is paramount to us! Therefore, it receives the respect it deserves!

Copyright/Reprint Info - The contents of this Ezine may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are included.

Example: Reproduced with permission from the Chris Widener Ezine. To subscribe to Chris Widener's Ezine, go to http://www.chriswidener.com or send an email with Join in the subject to subscribe@chriswidener.com Copyright 2007 Chris Widener International. All rights reserved worldwide.

All contents Copyright 2007 Chris Widener International except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. **Duplication or reprints only with express permission or approved Credits (see above). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information:

Chris Widener International
2835 Exchange Blvd., Suite 200
Southlake, TX 76092
877-929-0439
International and/or Dallas/Ft Worth - 817-442-5407
Fax 817-442-1390 or visit the website - http://www.chriswidener.com