You don't have to like everyone...

Oh my gosh... have you ever felt really bad about not liking someone or their personality? Or even worse, felt badly because someone didn't like you? I hear people all the time trying to justify why they don't like a person, trying to convince themselves that they are not bad people for disliking another human. It is perfectly natural and normal to dislike some people. Maybe someone gossips at the office and you don't want to hear it, or someone is constantly rude and burps in the lunchroom; you don't have to like everyone! You should however be respectful of other humans and treat them kindly. Just because you don't like someone doesn't mean you should insult them, call them names or hurt their feelings. We don't have to get along with everyone, but we do have to maintain civility. Set a good example by living with integrity and treating everyone with kindness and compassion, even those you don't like. Today, acknowledge that your feelings are valid, that you are not a bad person for disliking someone, treat everyone with kindness, take a deep breath and Live Inspired Now!

Halloween at home...

We are planning a non trick or treating Halloween for tomorrow night! The kids are all older now and in the aftermath of the hurricane, we just think it would be better to hang at home and have some family fun! I bought plenty of candy and have assigned a "party planning committee" to plan the low key fun! Carrie and Ethan will make decorations, Mattie will pick a kid friendly scary movie and Harry can dole out the candy! Thad and I will make a yummy dinner and the kids have the option to dress up or not. Halloween trick or treating is always fun but this year there will be no complaining about the cold or the long walk, just a quiet and fun night at home with the family! So this year, try planning a Halloween at home, no tricks, just treats, movies, family fun and Live Inspired Now!

Be safe...

Here on the East coast, we are bracing for a Halloween storm! Hurricane Sandy is heading our way and we are ready! Don't panic, just be prepared. Panic won't help, nor will it ease the storm so why stress yourself and others out. Make sure you have what you need; water, candles, generator, non-perishable food and lots of fun time activities for the kids. The world has seen storms for as long as it has existed and while it is scary sometimes, we are not in control. Mother nature will do what she wants and the best we can do is to be prepared, stay POSITIVE, help our neighbors and Live Inspired Now!

Pumpkin painting!

I love all things that have to do with Fall! Last night Thad and I took the kids to a haunted corn maze. Harry and I stayed back while Thad took Mattie and Ethan through the maze. Harry and I had so much fun watching the people nervously waiting in line and we ran around the farm taking "spooky" pictures and even made a silly "Blair Witch" style video. Thad, Mattie and Ethan were "terrified" in the haunted maze while being chased by ghosts and goblins! We all had such a great time and today the fun continues with pumpkin painting! We love to paint instead of carving, it is a little easier and you can be super creative with a variety of paint colors! So today, have some Fall fun with creative pumpkin painting and Live Inspired Now!

Stories from Grandpa...

Thad and I are lucky enough to have 3 sets of parents; his, mine and ours. "Ours" is the older couple who live across the street. They truly consider Thad as their third son and graciously welcomed me as their daughter in law when Thad and I got married. EJ (dad) was over this morning for coffee before he and Thad get busy on our home construction project. While EJ was here, he regaled us with stories from his youth. He told us about scuffles at the local bar and where everything used to be located. He shared stories about him and Pat (mom) dating and where they used to go. I think I could have sat there for hours listening, it was nice to get a glimpse of a time we would never have known about. Stories are the only way people had to communicate hundreds of years ago, these days we have a million options to convey a story but I still think the best way is to listen. So today, talk to your parents, grandparents or even and older person that is close to you. They have some amazing stories if you will take the time to ask about them. Listen, learn, enjoy the time spent with an elder and Live Inspired Now!

It is ok to say NO......

I am a total YES person! I love saying yes and trying new things but sometimes you have to say NO! Saying no for some people is difficult, they say yes so much that they forget to say no when they are over extended or just need time for themselves. I often hear people (especially Moms) telling about all the  things they do and how they feel so overwhelmed. Soccer practice, music lessons, tutoring, work, laundry, cooking, cleaning, volunteering, taxi services, lending an ear, projects and more... learn to say NO! You can't do all things for all people at all times. You have to say no once in a while and remember to take care of you, or at least take a break. It is perfectly fine to say NO to one more responsibility that someone wants you to take on! Say it with me: no, no thank you, not now, I'm sorry but I can't, maybe next time, I would love to but I am booked up. Say no and take time for yourself before you get overwhelmed or resentful and Live Inspired Now!

Walk away...

How many times in life has someone tried to bait you into an argument or provoke you into a fight? Our ego loves to engage with other people but we don't have to participate in the drama of other people. Even though it might be a difficult choice sometimes, we can choose to walk away. We are responsible for what we engage in. Truthfully though, who cares about being right? People will try to debate you about your opinions but who cares? Do we really need to be right? What would happen if we just walked away and the other person was left thinking they were right because we didn't choose to engage and debate with them? Who cares; just walk away! Walking away from people who want to drag you into their drama leaves you feeling in control. People who continuously argue and fight or feel the need to provoke others are trying to feed an ego and they usually have pretty low self confidence. A person with self confidence never has to prove that he is right, he just knows it. So today, walk away from arguments and drama, keep your head high, be in control of your own life and Live Inspired Now!

Be brave, share your story...

People have stories, some deep and painful, some shameful, some they would never tell anyone. Everyone has these stories, you are not alone or unique. Sharing these stories can take the shame, guilt or pain out of them. It can also make you realize that you are not the only person who felt that way, that other people have felt or experienced the same thing.
After I had my first child, 18 years ago, I had postpartum depression. I had no idea what that was, nor did I know that I had it. I had just had a baby and didn't understand why I was so sad and constantly thought about jumping out of the window with my baby in my arms. I refused to talk to anyone about it because I thought I was crazy and was ashamed at how I had felt. It wasn't until years later that I realized what I had been going through and wished I had told someone back then. It might have made that time easier or given me peace of mind to know that I was not crazy, nor was I the only one to ever experience that. I am grateful that my daughter and I got through it unharmed and now I share this story with the hope that it may help someone who is afraid to ask for help.
Please share your stories and experiences, don't hide them away and let them have control over you. Let them out so that other people can learn from it and feel better about their own stories. On a planet with billions of people, nobody is alone, if you have experienced it, so has someone else. We are all connected by our emotions, our feelings and our stories. So today, be brave, inspire and help others with your story and Live Inspired Now.

Up yours???

"I'm not going to lower my standards, so up yours!" I heard this on one of the political stations on satellite radio yesterday and it cracked me up! The play on words is pretty funny but it is also very true. I often hear of people lowering their standards for what is acceptable in their life. They decide to put up with abuse, they try things that they know are wrong (drugs) or they keep people in their life that don't belong there. It is a slippery slope and once you lower your standards it makes it easier to lower them again and again. Don't do it! Raise your standards, live with integrity, maintain your convictions and Live Inspired Now!

Reflect happiness....

Relationships don't make you happy, they reflect your happiness. If you are single, don't search for that person who will make you happy. Look for the person you can share your own happiness with. Happiness is not something you can find, it is something you can be. If you are not feeling very happy, whether you are in a relationship or not, try being grateful. Everyone has something to be grateful for, even the fact that you woke up today. I am always grateful for choices, we all have choices even if we choose not to acknowledge them. We always have the choice to be happy, to start a new relationship, to leave an abusive relationship or to re-create the passion and excitement in an old relationship. So if you are unhappy in your current relationship, look within, is there something you could be doing to change or improve things? Are you truly reflecting happiness in your daily life? Think about the things you can do to remind yourself to choose happiness each and every day and Live Inspired Now!

Remeber old toys...

Remember this toy? Actually, remember when we had "toys?" Everything now is digital, computerized, wireless and virtual. Thad and I were explaining the wooly willy toy to a friend a few days ago and then there it was last night in a craft store! I was thinking about all the cool games, board games and toys we had as kids and how we would sit in our room and play for hours. I spent more hours playing barbies and jump rope than anything else.... oh wait, I also liked marbles! Today, introduce your kids, or younger friends to some old favorites and Live Inspired Now!

Research...

There is really no reason in this day and age to "not know something!" I often hear people say that they "just don't know how to do it" or "I didn't go to school for that" or even "I can't, I don't know how." With the internet at our disposal, there is NO reason to "not know something" ever! You can research that behavioral challenge your child is having, you can learn how to create your own website, you could learn to speak another language or how to build something! We are so very blessed to have access to the entire world of people, knowledge, information and instruction... and for free! So today, if there is something you don't know how to do, research it, learn about it and Live Inspired Now!

It's a Fall weekend......

It's Friday! Yay! Today, make a list of all the great Fall activities you can do this weekend! Check your local free papers for farm fun activities, ask your friends where they pick their pumpkins or do a local web search for festivals. There are so many fun options! So today, compile your list, buy some cider and prepare for a pumpkin patch, apple pie, corn maze filled weekend and Live Inspired Now!

My list of Fall activities.... message me your add ons!
Farm visit
Hay Ride
Hot apple cider and donuts
Pumpkin patch
Corn maze
Apple festival (or any festival)
"You pick" farm
Farmers markets
Foliage tour/Leaf peeping
Pumpkin carving/painting
Hiking
Snuggling with your lover and sipping hot cocoa

What else???

Don't be a buttinsky....

You cannot know too much but you can certainly say too much! Learn all that you can but don't use it to correct or call people out. Nobody likes a "know it all" who butts into the conversations of other people. Correcting everyone or butting in does not prove that you are intelligent, it proves that you are rude. So today, mind your manners, respect other people enough to let them manage their own conversations and Live Inspired Now!

Premeditated Kindness...

The holidays are right around the corner and now is a good time to start planning your good deeds, random acts of kindness and donations. There is plenty of time now to set aside some extra funds to help someone in need. You can buy a grocery store gift card and provide Thanksgiving dinner, or buy the food yourself and deliver it or even invite someone over for dinner with your family. There are many people who are in need but won't seek help, they just quietly go without and never complain. If you are not sure who to help, ask around. Everyone knows someone who could use a little (or a lot) of help! Premeditate your kindness now so you have time get what you need or save up a little extra to share and Live Inspired Now!

PS... COMING SOON: My new website which will have the blog build right into it! I can't wait to show you all! :)

Encourage & Empower!

We tend to see life through a filter that shuts out other peoples struggles unless they are very close to us. We must remember that every other person on earth has struggles and challenges and are trying to navigate through life just like you are. Ask the people around you what they are working on, what their goals are, what they do in their spare time. See if there is some way you can encourage them! Be a friend to your friends. If there is nothing you can do to help, take an interest, offer a compassionate ear or even show up to cheer them on! Be encouraging, acknowledge other people and their interests, inspire them if you can and Live Inspired Now!

Make it count...

Last night I lost the page counter on this blog. In one evening I went from over 78,000 hits to only 7 hits. I tried to figure it out but my google analytics had reset itself and all my counts were gone. I decided to let the Universe handle it and went to bed. This morning, my counter was back and working fine! I am not sure what happened but it made me realize we need to make things count while we can! When you do something, do it right, when you love someone, tell them, when you want to try something, try it! Make your life count by leaving joy, love, peace, happiness, laughter and good memories wherever you go! Your life will be counted by the good that you do... make sure to leave a legacy of kindness and Live Inspired Now!

Time for lessons...

Last night my husband gave me an anniversary present... a piano! It is beautiful and I am so excited! Many many years ago, when I was a single Mom, I was taking piano lessons. It was way before I became my current self. Back then I didn't do much for myself, just for the kids but I have always wanted to play piano so I made it work. My dad came over once per week to watch the kids while I went to the music store across the street for my lesson. I made it through the beginners book before I had to stop because it became too financially difficult to maintain. Diapers were definitely more important! I always thought I would take lessons again but never did... until now! I don't think even Thad knows just how much the piano means to me! I have always dreamed of having a piano in the house and gathering around it at Christmas time to sing carols. I am going to go buy a piano book today and start practicing and soon... once I find someone local, lessons! So today, consider that instrument that you loved, look for lessons in your area and Live Inspired Now!

There is no comparison...

Compare yourself to you, not another person. Compete with yourself, not someone else. No other person on earth is a comparison, we are all unique. Even siblings, raised together in the same circumstances will always have a different take on their life.
Always do your best and be your best and set your own bar for accomplishments. Also, don't judge another person for what they have not accomplished. Everyone has a different story and set of experiences, no two people are comparable. So today, see yourself as a completely unique individual, be your best you, don't compare or compete with others and Live Inspired Now!

Adapt...

Adapt to situations and make the most of it. Life, events and people are always changing, be flexible and go with the flow and you will always fit in. Nobody wants to hear complaining about the new software, having to park far away or how they were out of your favorite coffee flavor. Remain positive and adjust yourself to your environment. Just go with it... adapt and Live Inspired Now!

Body language...

I watched an interesting Ted talk the other day about body language and appearing powerful. It stated that when you stand tall and keep your arms open rather than folded you appear more powerful. Also, those who slouch, slump in their chair, fold their arms or put their arm up with hand on the neck are subject to being over-powered by people with stronger energy. Think about this in your daily life.... how are you using your body? Are you open and approachable or is your body conveying that you are closed off and ill at ease? Today, pay attention to your body language and adjust it accordingly, make yourself feel more powerful by observing good posture and open arms and Live Inspired Now!
Here it the Ted talk I was referring to: Ted

Ditch school for a good cause...

Today I am letting my son Harry stay out of school. He is helping to film a video for our local youth bureau. I am on the board of directors for the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau and we are filming a video around town; interviewing local leaders and asking them why they support the youth bureau. We needed extra help with the filming and Harry has become quite proficient at making his own "youtube" videos so I thought it would be a great opportunity for him to help out! He is very excited about the project and didn't mind skipping school to support the youth bureau. I think things like this are a great opportunity for kids to learn from and certainly worth missing a day of school to participate in. Keep your eyes open for opportunities for your kids to "ditch school" and help out in their community, church, family or group. The lessons they learn about generosity, philanthropy, compassion and more are priceless. So today, or soon, allow your kid to ditch school to participate in volunteer work and Live Inspired Now!

Rejection... be good at it....

Have you ever known someone that was rejected and they went mental about it? They yelled, screamed, threw things, broke things or even got violent with a person? I am sure the "reject-or" was happy they rejected that person after they saw the destruction that occurred as a result. Rejection doesn't mean that you are unworthy as a human, that you are unlovable or undesirable, it merely means that you are not getting what you want at that moment. Rejection can feel bad, but it is not the end of the world, do not globalize it. I always think it is an opportunity because something else better is coming. I believe that rejection is often a good thing. We all have examples of when getting what we wanted would have been a bad thing. Like the job we didn't get but then a much better job came about. Or the person that said "no" when you asked them out but you met the perfect person shortly thereafter. Or even rejection in a loving relationship can just mean that it is time to change some things or to re-connect as a couple.
See rejection as a gift, sometimes is hurts, sometimes it hurts deeply. But rejection is not about you as a human, it just means you are not getting what you want. Hang in there, you might be getting what you NEED instead. So if you are rejected, accept what is, recognize your feelings, focus on and be grateful for what you have, look for ways to improve your own self and Live Inspired Now!

The award goes to....

If any of you are a fan of "The Office" you will get the picture! Everyone loves to get awards, so why not host your own family award night? You don't have to get all fancy and buy trophies, you could use certificates that you print or even go to the dollar store and get little prizes to give away! Make the categories fun, like "Best chore do-er" or "Most likely to make Mom laugh" or even something serious like "Best homework completion." Whatever you come up with, make it fun for the entire family and Live Inspired Now!

Wake UP!

Are you wide awake? Are you fully experiencing life or are you watching others enjoy it? Wake up and open your eyes to all that life has to offer. Don't sit on the couch and watch other people have fun... turn the TV off and have fun yourself! Don't consign yourself to "this is how it is, I have to accept it," make a CHANGE if you are unhappy! Life is not happening to us, we are full participants and we can either choose to be pro-active, or we can sit around waiting for something to change. We have to take the pro-active approach because life doesn't come looking for us. Today, get out of the house, do something spectacular, fall in love, run a 5K, explore the woods, take a road trip, try something new, do something adventurous... whatever it is, get out and do it! Wake up, take charge of your OWN happiness because only you are responsible for it, experience life fully and Live Inspired Now!

PS... Need help finding inspiration? Contact Heather NOW!!

PPS... Here is a good article about how anger effects the family during a divorce or custody battle:

http://www.fightyourcase.com/blog/2012/09/avoiding-anger-custody-battle.aspx  

Mom's off duty...

I meet with so many Mom's that suffer from Mom guilt. Many Mom's feel like they don't do enough, like they must meet every single need of every person in their life or that they are the only person who could provide a high enough level of care for their kids. I am here to tell you... you can take time off! Yes, you will always be a "Mom" but you can go off duty and take time for YOU! Besides being a Mom, we are also significant others to someone, beautiful daughters, goddesses, warriors, professionals and so many other things! I don't know one single Mom that is strictly a Mom and nothing else. So take some time off from the Mom responsibilities once in a while and relax, take a bath, go on a date, have a glass of wine, read a book... whatever it is that YOU like to do. (If you take "time off" and you are watching Nickelodeon and drinking out of a plastic spongebob cup, you might be doing it wrong!) 
So tonight, get the kids settled then tell them you are off duty except in the case of house fire or medical emergency. Put the spongebob cup in the sink and go spend some time doing what makes you feel like a grown up and Live Inspired Now!

Don't bring the debate with you...

Here in the United States, we had the presidential debate last night. I have seen people posting all about it and their opinions on facebook and twitter... everyone is a buzz with election fever. It is easy to get caught up in it, especially if you are very involved in politics. However... not everyone cares about politics and some people don't want to hear about it. In fact, some people might feel offended if you voice your opinions because some people try to avoid political talk. Also, you never know what another person's views are and they may be completely different than yours. I see so much drama on facebook lately about people getting un-friended because of political posts and opinions.... just ask yourself, are your political posts worth friendships and relationships? Focus on positive, uplifting messages, don't try to put down the "other side." Leave those slimy tactics to the politicians and Live INSPIRED Now!

Pack your lunch...

Pack a nice healthy lunch today... brown bag it! Pack one for your spouse too and slip a love note in it. I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with some fruit and veggies to go with it. Save a few bucks today and pack your lunch, eat healthy and Live Inspired Now!

Are YOU worth it?

Opportunities look for you when YOU are worth finding. Bring your best YOU wherever you go by putting your best foot forward, speaking kindly, never judging people and always thinking compassionately. People are often cranky and unkind but when you realize that it is not about you, you can start to think about ways to show compassion. If you are kinder than you have to be and always doing your best, people will seek you out when they have an opportunity. Are you worth finding? Are you positive and easy to be around? Are you flexible and willing to help? Today, be the person you would want to hang out with, have a positive effect on those around you and Live Inspired Now!

Sit in the car in the yard...

I love to sit in the car at night in the yard! When I first moved here to Upstate NY, I had house mates and the between the house mates, kids and pets, it was quite loud in the house. When a client would call, I would take the calls outside in my car because it was super quiet and I could focus better. Sitting out there one evening coaching a client, I realized, it was really beautiful and peaceful out there. I lived in the country and you could see every star in the galaxy and it was nice and warm in the car. I often saw deer walking through the yard and one night I even saw a shooting star. From that time on, I would sit in the car when I needed some quiet or to have a quiet talk with one of the kids. So tonight, if your house is loud, get out and sit in the car in the yard, look at the stars, enjoy the peace, share a quiet moment with someone special and Live Inspired Now!