Monday, December 31, 2012

Henna!



I have wanted to try henna for a long time and yesterday I finally did! My friend Lauren is an amazing artist and she creates beautiful henna art for people. It is a great way to "try out" a tattoo before you commit or just a temporary expression of beauty. In some cultures, woman get henna on their hands and feet for their weddings. I think it looks so gorgeous! My friend Lauren's link is below for local Upstate NY people. If you don't know someone who does henna in your area, you can buy a kit at your local craft store and do it yourself! There are millions of possibilities for designs, check them out online. So have some fun and give henna a try, or even host a henna party and Live Inspired Now!


Henna Art By Lauren

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Awaken...

Guarding your heart from getting too close to people will not prevent you from being hurt, it will only drag out the pain for a much longer duration. It is time to wake up, time to start feeling things again, time to move forward and start living a life of joy and passion. Yes, yes you could get hurt again... so what? YOU CAN HANDLE IT! It is time my friends, time to awaken your souls and experience life and all the fun, excitement, love, passion, happiness and adventure that it has to offer. What have you been guarding yourself from? What have you been too afraid to try? Who have you resisted giving your heart to? Today is the day... awaken to possibilities and Live Inspired Now!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Snow day!!!

Wow... here in Upstate NY, we have tons of beautiful snow and it is still coming down! They are those giant wet flakes that stick in your hair and make everything look so white and clean. The pine tree branches are all weighed down and the yard is calling out for the first person to make tracks in the smooth white cover. I can't wait to get out there and play!
Today, take some time to play in the snow. Snow angels, snowmen, sledding, snow forts, snowball fights and even catching snowflakes... are all wonderful, fun, snow day activities! Get out there and have some fun and Live Inspired Now!

PS: No snow where you are? Get out and have some fun anyway.... get some fresh air, enjoy nature or take a hike. 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Love is the true purpose...

I watched a documentary the other night about this doctor who devoted his entire life to developing medical procedures and tools that made life easier for terminal patients. He never married, had no children but had plenty of patents and a legacy of making a difference in peoples lives. This doctor had done amazing things and was highly honored and respected but at the end of the interview, he said he had but one regret. He regretted never getting married and having someone to love. I felt bad for the man because at the end of the day, he went home alone. He had tons of friends and colleagues and lots of awards and honors, but nobody to fall asleep with or to smile at in the morning.
You career, job, book, invention or hobby may keep you busy and entertained but they will never provide love. Give you heart to someone, this is the true purpose in life.... to love someone.
Today, think about how much better off we are for the people in our lives that we love and Live Inspired Now!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Set a fine example...

Thad and I took the kids on Christmas day to volunteer serving meals to the needy and this is what our daughter Madison posted on facebook that same evening.
"Today I got the opportunity to help out people who are less fortunate and don't have any family really to spend Christmas with. Today I was their family, and to know I made their day that much better makes my whole life that much better. I want to be able to devote my life to always helping people, because it is honestly such an amazing feeling."
This is why we should always set a positive example for our kids and let them get involved in making a contribution. Kids are highly impressionable; which would you rather they learn from... your life experiences or Jersey Shore on television? A woman I met at the community center that day said "Lessons are caught not taught" after she complimented us on bringing all of our children to help. It is true... you can try and teach a kid how to act or what to do but ultimately, they will mirror your behavior. So today, set a fine example for your kids, not everyone has to volunteer but be sure that whatever you are doing, it is something you wouldn't mind your kid doing as well and Live Inspired Now! 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas full of love, laughter, joy and peace! Enjoy your friends, family, pets and everyone who is blessed to be in your life!
Love, Thad & Heather Paris & Family

Monday, December 24, 2012

Adopt an elderly person...

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!! I am so excited for Christmas! Tomorrow; besides spending quality time with family, eating too much and opening presents, our family is volunteering at an elderly home. There are plenty of seniors in need this holiday season that would love your company and it is not too late to sign up to volunteer. There are so many elderly people that do not have family to visit them or spend time with them. "Adopt" an elderly person today, spend some time sharing stories, getting to know one another, making them feel like part of the family and Live Inspired Now!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Vigilante Philanthropist...

"A what?", you might ask. I use this term to describe people, like myself, who donate or give to others without going through an organized system or charity. In other words, you might give money, goods, food or offer services directly to people in need rather than giving it to a known charity. Charities are great and I support many, but I also very much love giving to people that I know are in need. Not to mention,  many people who are in need will not seek any type of charity or help.
There are so many ways to help people directly. You can send gift cards in the mail, drop off food, toys, wood or other heating sources, give a salon day for a single mom, bring warm clothes to the school, drop off blankets or coats to a homeless person... the list is infinite.
Today, I am going out with 2 friends and we are dropping off a full Christmas dinner to a family in need. I can't tell you how much fun it is and how much satisfaction you will get by helping someone in need. It doesn't have to be anything huge... every gift from the heart is priceless. So today, try it for yourself, be a bad-ass vigilante philanthropist, do it anonymously, if you can, and Live Inspired Now!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Don't live in fear!

People live in fear every day, most are not afraid of big things like the world ending or zombie apocalypse rather they are afraid to change. Many people stay in abusive relationships because they are afraid to be alone or they are afraid of the unknown, the "not knowing where to go or what to do." It never ceases to amaze me how people (and I have done it too) will prolong suffering because of fear. Fear causes us to find ways to control that which we have no control over and it is has been Fucking Even Awesome Relationships since the beginning of time.
Some people will try to control their partners and manipulate them to try to subside their fear but that will not create a healthy relationship. If you partner is going to lie or cheat, you can't manipulate them into not doing it... and why would you want to? Wouldn't it be better to be with someone you can trust rather than trying to "catch" bad behavior? Wouldn't it be better to be alone and have the opportunity to find a positive, healthy relationship that you can love rather than continue to live in fear of getting hurt? Nobody deserves abuse but we have to take responsibility for what we put up with and what we stay with.
Parents, please teach your young ladies and gentlemen that they deserve a healthy relationship that is not based in fear and that being alone and taking the time to find a quality relationship is far better than settling for abuse. Also, set a good example for your kids, they will have a relationship similar to yours. Ask yourself... would I be OK if my son/daughter had the type of relationship that I have now?
Don't live in fear, you can always make a change. Yes it is scary but yes you can do it. Never settle for abuse, don't live in fear of things you have no control over, seek help or support if you need it and Live Inspired Now!

PS: Check out my coaching solutions if you would like some support in your relationship or breaking the pattern of finding unhealthy relationships.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Homemade gifts...

Every year we make homemade gifts for one another. I am super excited this year because I made some really cool stuff for the kids. I can't tell you what it is because my kids read my posts each day. lol. But feel free to message me on facebook and I will send you a photo of the cool things I made this year! In the meantime... do a google search for homemade Christmas gifts, there are hundreds of thousands of ideas and pages to keep you busy! Get the kids involved too. Some of our favorite times are showing each other the secret presents we have made, brainstorming for creative ideas and then the proud moment when your family member truly appreciates your handy work. We exchange regular store bought gifts too but the homemade gifts are always a huge hit! So today, think about making something for your kids, friends or family, enjoy the satisfaction of making your gifts and Live Inspired Now!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Contentment...

I am content.  I love my life and all that I have but I still have things that I am working towards. Contentment comes when you are grateful for what you have or have already achieved. Being grateful will align you to receive more too. Today, be grateful, be content even while working towards more and Live Inspired Now!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

We the people...

We the people need to set a HIGHER standard for what is acceptable in our lives. No amount of laws or regulations will change human nature. Laws do not prevent crime. As long as humans walk the earth, laws will be broken. Stop regulating and start EDUCATING!

Our teachers have become forced into babysitting for 6 hours a day. They have to be social workers to the kids who show up without proper clothes, hungry and or beaten down by their often appalling life circumstances.

While in every classroom now sits at least one very special young person who has been "mainstreamed." I have seen high school students who can't dress themselves sitting in algebra classes just drooling on their books. How is this treating them with dignity? I think it would be far more dignified if they were learning some life skills that could make them feel successful. Teach them to dress themselves, tie shoes, make a sandwich, use manners, and self advocate.

I once took my son Harry to a professional wrestling event and a lovely young man of about 16 sat next to me while his parents sat in the seats directly in front of him. This young man was mentally retarded and seemed to be quite excited about the event until the wrestlers spilled out into the crowd and were "beating" one another about 10 feet from us. The young man became very agitated and scared and his crying escalated to wailing. His parents were gracious enough to put their beer down momentarily to tell him to "stop that" and "get over it." So I sat there trying to comfort the young man and calm him down... all the while sitting in a wet seat that his parents spilled beer on before the show even started. Not all entertainment is suitable for all ages and this young man may have been 16ish but mentally he was innocent and sensitive like a very young child and this clearly impacted him in a very negative way.

Where are our standards? Why does the government have so much control; especially if they are not effective at it? We have laws that allow 14 year old girls to go and get birth control and abortions without any type of parental notifications or permission yet they cannot get a tattoo or a flu shot. Most 14 year old's will assume they will get in trouble and wont want to tell their parents. Some parents however are supportive and should have the opportunity to comfort their daughters, especially if they are going through something that can be life altering and extremely hard emotionally. We have young men who are being emasculated by a society that thinks strong men make women weak. This is the same society that teaches women that to be feminine will leave you vulnerable and unsafe.

Parents have had their rights stripped away but then are expected to be held accountable.
The laws are designed to protect people but they are just deterrents, not actual shields. It is still up to us as parents to step up, raise our standards and teach our children what is acceptable.
When parents do step up and ask for help, they should not be treated like failures. From personal experience and from close friends, I know how this feels. Schools are refusing to look at alternative placements for behaviorally challenged students. Kids who struggle with drug or alcohol addictions or have violent tendencies are left in the general population of students, often because a school will lose $12,000. per student. ($12,000 is the national average, some states are as high as $18,000+.)

Then, when parents try to hold their kids accountable for their unacceptable behavior, the parents are punished. Also, Child Protective Services can go to the school and interview your children at any time without notifying you. They can also come to your home and investigate you and when they find nothing wrong, they still won't tell you who made false allegations against you. They won't allow you to hold your child accountable, They say that if he is under 18 and refuses to come home, you must call the police and have him picked up and brought back, And if he is violent or hurts someone you must call the police and have him arrested. Then when you beg for help and ask for him to be placed in rehab or a school with counseling services you are deemed a bad parent for wanting to "get rid of them." It makes you think twice about ever asking for help again.

For as long as we continue to be humans, there will always be tragedy. There will always be people who break laws and hurt others. There will always be something negative to focus on and always people who want to try and control others with laws and regulations. There is no law that will govern the behavior or actions of all people.

The best we can do is to educate our young people. Teach men to be loving AND strong and teach them that strength is caring for other people, not hurting them. Teach our women that being vulnerable is a strength and to fully appreciate their feminine qualities. Teach children that life is not fair but it is still good. When we teach them that everything must be fair, they grow up with a sense of things being wrong and unjust and feel the need to constantly regulate their surroundings. Life is not fair. It never will be but we can still love every moment of it.

We should teach our kids to be kind, polite and respectful and never hesitate to hold them accountable to that standard. We should teach our kids that we are not all equal. We ALL deserve equal human rights but our diversity is beautiful and should be appreciated. We should teach our children that N and F words are beyond appalling and should not be "dropped" so casually. We should abhor drugs and instead teach the kids how to get high on life, adventure and adrenaline.

We need to cancel all television subscriptions. Reality TV is NOT reality, is is the lowest common denominator of so called entertainment. It preys on people who want to check out of their real life and feel better about themselves by seeing people who act worse than they do. Then, in between the idiocy, you get a feeling of well being by watching a commercial that shows a happy family sharing joy around a wet mop and you automatically want to buy it because it makes you feel better than the show you are watching. It gives you a respite from the drama.

Oh my gosh people!  We need to raise our standards, we need to get our civility and intelligence back. We must focus on all the good in the world, the joy, the love, the generosity and kindness that will always be here along with the bad. We need to ignore that which doesn't lift us up in love and light and give our complete attention to things that will enhance us and help us grow as people. We must appreciate and encourage people for doing good things, we must recognize the positive and reward kind acts. We must solely focus on things we would like to see repeated. We must Live and Love Inspired.... Now! -Heather Paris






Monday, December 17, 2012

Ahhh.... silence!

Don't invite or welcome bullshit into your life. Avoid people who talk badly about others or who consistently focus on the negative. Turn off the television or computer or anything that brings you a barrage of negative news and energy. Find peace in the silence, listen to the sound of your environment or nature, take a break from BS and Live Inspired Now!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Turn it off!

Turn off the news. Just turn it off and walk away. If you ever watch the news and start to get upset, heart racing, cry or just have an overall sense of despair, you are allowing the purveyors of gloom and doom to give you anxiety. On the other hand, if you are watching the doom and gloom and feel nothing, you have become desensitized to misery and need to do something to get back to a place where you can feel things. Terrible things happen in the world, that will always be true but amazing things also happen in the world... all the time. When we watch the news we focus on the bad and it makes us feel bad. No worldly problem has been solved by sensationalizing it or giving it attention. In fact, I would argue that bringing attention to problems actually makes it worse. Not only do we get desensitized to the problem because it becomes "part of life" but it also gives other people ideas about how to get attention for themselves by doing bad things. I do not and will not be part of that. Where is the news channel that only reports positive, uplifting, happy, compassionate stories that can also be very contagious? I want people who "copy-cat" acts of kindness and generosity. We need to focus on that which lifts the world up to a higher level of consciousness, not the drama, violence and pain that causes us to withdraw, feel depressed and have an overwhelming sense of despair.
So today, turn the news (and the television) OFF, do things that make you feel good, spread joy and love, don't allow negative influences to rob you of happiness and Live Inspired Now!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Every day...

It might be tough to make today better than my birthday yesterday! lol. Yesterday was amazing and ended with a meteor shower! We can TRY to make each day better than the one before by having a positive attitude and a willingness to be open to new things! Every single day that we wake up, we get a whole new chance to do something amazing, to live fully, to experience something new and to try that thing we were too scared to do the day before. Every day can be like your birthday if you love life! So today, try and make it better than yesterday, express your gratitude and love, do something fun and Live Inspired Now!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Happy 41st Birthday!

This is what 41 looks like! :) Happy Birthday to me!! I am so grateful for such an inspired life! I got the best present in the world today... my husband stayed home with me! Thank you everyone for your love, support and encouragement through the year! I am blessed with such good people in my life. Remember, relationships are what life is all about.... choose good ones, then cherish them! Have a very happy and blessed day... do something amazing and Live Inspired Now!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Hide secret messages!

My dear friend Karen gave me an amazing basket full of assorted teas for my birthday. The basket also had two custom tea mugs in it with my logo on them! I was blown away... what a very cool gift! The basket was so pretty with all the colorful tea bags and boxes and the "Heather Paris: Live Inspired Now" logo mugs sitting like royalty atop the admiring tea. It just looked so cool that I didn't want to take anything out of the basket! Finally, after two days to admire my basket, I decided to take it apart so I could proudly drink from my new custom logo mug. Well, I happened to notice something. There was a secret note etched right onto the bottom of the mug that read "Thank you for inspiring me! xo!" I couldn't believe it...it was like getting another gift! I swear all my friends are in cahoots to make me cry this month!
So today, find a way to include a secret message when you give a gift, put a message somewhere that they won't notice right away and Live Inspired Now!

You can buy all sorts of custom gifts from my friend Karen at www.wulfcreekdesigns.com  She and her husband do amazing work, please check out their site!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

YOU are a star!!!!!!!

I love getting the mail this month! With my birthday and Christmas, most days I find cards in the mailbox and yesterday was no exception. There it was... a lumpy card from my dear friends Peg and Craig and I knew something was in it but had no idea what a wonderful treasure was hiding inside. The star ornament in the picture above was nestled between the pages of a beautifully hand made card with a note about the artist that created the star. This star was hand crafted by "Adede," who is also known as the "Queen Bead Maker" in her village of Krobo Odumase Nuaso in Ghana, West Africa. The 72 year old woman hand crafts beads from recycled soda and beer bottles. Wow! The personal message included from "Adede" the bead maker was "Your journey starts here."
I got all teary eyed when I read about my star. It was so amazing to me that this ornament was once in the hands of a villager in West Africa. I wonder if she sat and thought about the people who might receive her work, if she thought they would appreciate it or her message, or if they would admire her craftsmanship. Well I certainly do!
Last year around the same time, I received a package of shimmery silver stars, also from Peg with a card that reminded me that "I was a shining star!" I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends! I know how to inspire others and help them let their light shine but I often forget that I get to shine too! Thank you Peg!
So today, support a not so local artist, buy goods that will support women in other parts of the world, inspire a friend, share your light and love, be a star and Live Inspired Now!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Nourish your spirit....

Your human spirit is infinite so don't do anything to destroy it. Even if you don't believe your spirit to be infinite; you still have to live with yourself so while you are here, don't do things that will harden your heart or create walls. Every time you practice hate, jealousy, cruelty or anything that doesn't spread light and love, you scar yourself. Your infinite spirit was scar free when you were born and the hardship of life causes us to harden but we can focus on love, kindness, empathy and compassion and get back to our true selves. Focus on the things that will heal you and others, things that will express your inner light, avoid people and things that provoke you and encourage your frustrations. Take responsibility for nourishing your human spirit and Live Inspired Now!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Don't self destruct...

Don't be destructive just because you are in pain. We all experience tough times but wreaking havoc or creating bigger problems will never minimize the pain you are experiencing. Instead, try to find comfort in friends, family, talking to a coach or counselor, getting enough rest, exercising, taking a break or even going for a drive to clear your head. We all need to take a time out sometimes! It is better to take some time to think about the situation before reacting. Better decisions are made proactively as opposed to re-actively! So if you are in pain, get help, take a break and give yourself the same amount of compassion you would give another person and Live Inspired Now! 

Friday, December 7, 2012

Stay bold or get old!

Stay bold or grow old! Who wants to age with their years? Not me! With my birthday coming up next week, I have been thinking about aging and how it doesn't really have to effect who we are. I don't plan on aging at all!! My Grandma Bea was one of my biggest roles models in this department. She was a teenager well into her 80's! I used to spend summers with her sometimes when I was a kid and she would do everything with me. She would wake me up in the middle of the night, midnight, 1am, 2am, didn't matter and take me out for a drive. Sometimes we would go to McDonald's and eat apple pies and drink sprites in the parking lot. Then she would challenge me to a shopping cart race! We would each grab a cart and push it as hard as we could and the cart that went farthest was the winner! Sometimes she would let me steer her Cadillac on the way home...... we did everything together and it was so much fun! (OMG; you should have seen my grandmas Halloween costumes each year... one year she even wore balloons all over her entire body and went as a stripper! lol.) So I refuse to age! I refuse to settle for a numeric sum as the equivalent of my maturity or as an indication of the way I am supposed to behave. Screw it! I want to be bold and never grow old! So today, forget your age, do something fun and "youthful," change your attitude about aging and Live Inspired Now!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

We were prepared... mostly!

Last night we had a fire in the kitchen! One of the kids put a veggie burger in the toaster oven and a couple of minutes later it was engulfed in flames! Not just a little bit either, the entire thing was on fire! My son said "Mom, FIRE!" I instantly jumped into action. I pulled the cart away from the wall, told Harry to pull the fridge out so we could reach the outlet, told Mattie to unplug the toaster oven, I grabbed oven mitts and another kid opened the door and I took the toaster oven outside! It was so scary but everyone kept their calm and did as they were told and nothing was harmed... well except the veggie burger and the toaster oven! After I brought it outside in the grass, I ran inside and got a pitcher of water and took it outside and threw it on the fire and put it out. I was so proud of the kids who were responsive and calm!
It occurred to me after, I have no idea where our fire extinguisher is, then when Thad got home, he told me we don't have one! Yikes! I will be getting one today! After the fire though, I talked to the kids about our plan... what to do in case I wasn't home and something like that were to happen. We all went over the plan a couple of times to make sure everyone knew what to do. It is a great idea to go over that with your family too. Make sure everyone is prepared, be sure they know to remain calm and let them know who to call. So today, go over your fire plan, be prepared and Live Inspired Now!



Wednesday, December 5, 2012

WHY?

People always ask "Why?" Why do people get sick and die, why do people suffer, why are there homeless people, why are people hurting, why are people going hungry, why do people abuse their kids, why why why? The answer is that it is just part of life, unfortunate, but inevitable. If you don't like that answer, start asking better questions like why am I focusing on all the negative when there is just as much positive in the world, if not more! Why do people smile at one another, why do we get butterfly's when we are in love, why are we so lucky to live in a time with so much cool technology, why do we have so many wonderful people in our lives, WHY NOT? If you are the type of person who is always asking "why" ask yourself "why" aren't you thinking about all the beautiful, wonderful and amazing things we have to be grateful for and Live Inspired Now!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Keep It Simple Stupid......

I am a firm believer in KISS; Keep It Simple Stupid! While I could do without the "stupid" part, I will use it because it makes a better acronym. Keeping things simple is almost an art form. I am not sure why people want to make things so complicated. Break things down, chunk your tasks, stop over-analyzing and keep it be simple. Simplicity is beautiful, uncluttered and makes things easier to accomplish. Look at your life, your relationships, your job, your chores, your writing... how can you simplify it? Today, 'KISS;' find the way to make it simple, free yourself from the overwhelming feeling of difficulty and Live Inspired Now.

Please check my upcoming workshops for the "Becoming Badass" teleconference that will teach you just how to keep it simple! Upcoming Workshops

Monday, December 3, 2012

Hug too long....

When you give a hug, give a real hug. A nice embrace and make it last just a little too long. People just don't hug long enough, they do an obligatory hug without any real feeling behind it. Physical touch has many healing properties and a hug can be just what some people need. Have you ever hugged a person and they seemed fine but started to cry when you hugged them? All that stress and tension came out when they felt secure in your arms. Hugs are very therapeutic so don't rush them! Give a nice long hug to a willing participant today and Live Inspired Now!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

How to be badass....

Being badass has everything to do with attitude and being true to who you are. A badass person marches to the beat of their own drum without regard for what others think of them. They also don't hurt other people... bully's aren't badass, they are usually scared and lack any confidence. People who stand up for others are badass. Badass people follow their dreams even when others say "it's completely unrealistic!" Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Sylvester Stallone, Walt Disney, Dalton Sherman, Derek Redmond, JK Rowling are all examples of badass people who did something amazing, something that others told them they couldn't or who showed extreme bravery when others would have walked away. There are so many more examples... who do YOU think of when you think of badass? Today, channel YOUR inner badass, stand up or speak out, do something amazing and Live Inspired Now!

PS: Check out my "upcoming workshops" page; I am hosting a "Becoming Badass" workshop that you will want to participate in! (It's a teleconference so you can listen in from the comfort of you own home!)  

Saturday, December 1, 2012

My biggest fan!!!

I have been posting about relationships this week and yesterday on facebook I asked 2 questions: "What jobs should the woman of the house be doing?" and "What jobs should the man of the house be doing?" I received a host of answers but only 1 person really got the answer that I was looking for. She responded with "Taking care of the man of the house"... and "Taking care of the woman of the house..." which is exactly right! Put one another first, take care of each other, honor your relationship and be each others biggest fans! Your health and success of your family is only as strong as the foundation that you build as a couple, put one another first always and Live Inspired Now!