Learning from home....

I love learning new things that will enhance my life! I also love teaching what I know. Today I am preparing for my Pathways to a stress-free life workshop which is next week. Teleconferences are a great way to learn something new without breaking the bank. You get to listen and learn from experts from the comfort of your own home! So today, please check out the upcoming workshops that I am offering: Upcoming Workshops, sign up, learn something new and Live Inspired Now!

YOUR beliefs?

If you are going to be so dedicated to your beliefs, at least make sure they are your own! So many people actually carry the beliefs of their parents or their peers and don't even realize they are not what they truly believe. It takes courage to challenge your own beliefs but the reward is great. You get to finally develop your own tastes, opinions, and convictions, but best of all.... you are finally free to be YOU! Our opinions form based on our life experiences or they are taught to us by others. For example: You might grow up with a fear of dogs because your dad hated dogs. He hated dogs because he was attacked as a child but you hate dogs because you learned it from your father. This is just one example but it is true for so many things. If you hate or judge a group of people or think you don't like something, or feel things are wrong.... think about whether it's YOUR opinion or not. Is this something you just blindly believe or is it something to be challenged? Challenge your beliefs that don't serve you or your fellow man then come up with more empowering beliefs for you and your family and Live Inspired Now!

Remember to celebrate!

Two years ago today, Thad and I got engaged. It was the most magical moment of my entire life. He proposed in the planetarium under the stars and we were married 4 months later. The wedding is over but the celebration should never end! Make time to celebrate your love and life together every day... even for a moment. Create and honor anniversaries! Thad and I celebrate: the day we met, our first date, the day we got engaged, our wedding day, and every day in between! Who says you only have to have one anniversary? Also remember; anniversaries are not excuses for gifts rather they are reminders to celebrate and be grateful. Always make time to celebrate the joy, passion, and love that you share and you will never have to worry about not sharing it anymore.
So today, celebrate an anniversary or even make up an anniversary... but celebrate! Recall fond memories together, spend time being close, honor your relationship and Live Inspired Now!

Modesty....

 

There are so many young people out there that are just starved for attention and will use their bodies to make themselves feel loved. This seems to be more prevalent in young women but is certainly not exclusive. I am seeing more and more young people that are wearing less and less clothes to get attention. Bear in mind here, I am no prude... I think it is totally fine to wear something risque sometimes and to feel sexy, but I do not think it is appropriate to use your body as a billboard to find a relationship. By exploiting your body, you are mostly going to appeal to the lowest common denominator anyway. A person who is truly interested in you, will want to talk to you and get to know you, not just jump into bed with you. It is desperately hard to try and convince a young person of this once they have crossed the line into sexuality. The chemicals produced by the brain when they are in an intimate relationship are addictive and make them feel great so they tend to hop from relationship to relationship in an attempt to never feel "bad" again. If you have young people in your life, especially young women, please talk to them about modesty. Encourage them to relate to people on a cerebral level first, to make real connections and to love themselves enough to wait until they are truly ready for intimacy. Teach them the difference between flattery and a true compliment. Let them know how wonderful it is to connect with another person on a deeper level of love, trust, and devotion rather than platitudes and false admiration. Have that talk with a young person in your life, let them know they are loved and Live Inspired Now!

Where inspiration comes from....

People often ask me, "Where do you get the inspiration to post every single day?" I tell them "from LIFE!" Life is so full of inspiration in every moment. You just have to be willing to detach from your expectations long enough to see the magic. I think of topics for posts after watching movies, talking to friends, from my daily experiences and from things I see, feel, hear, and even taste! I also gear my posts to things I might be working on with a client at the time. I was looking at a cup hook once and thought up a great inspired post! Living "inspired" means seeing the beauty in and learning a lesson from every moment we are blessed with. You should try it! Stop what you are "doing" and start "being." Recognize the amazing awesomeness in every breath of life, find the inspiration in every magic moment and Live Inspired Now! 

Fill your cracks with gold....

It has been said that when the Japanese repair something that has been broken, they fix it with gold because they believe the cracks are historical and beautiful. This is true with people too. When you make a mistake or do something you regret, fill yourself up with something better. Wallowing in guilt, sadness, or drama won't make the situation better than it was. Fill yourself up with positive actions toward repairing what you broke. Maybe that means apologizing, getting help, taking drastic steps to ensure you won't make the same mistake, or sometimes it just takes time and patience. Be proactive and take positive steps: hire a coach, read self help books, learn new behaviors and become self actualized. We all make mistakes but it's the choices we make after the mistake that determine the full extent of the damage. Will you prolong the suffering and create lots of drama around it or will you fill your cracks with gold? 
Today, take out the tools needed to fill your cracks with gold and turn your mistakes into lessons that will make you stronger and wiser and Live Inspired Now!

Recovery.......

Last night a friend of the family came over for dinner. He is a young man (19) that is going through recovery from drug and alcohol addiction; he has been sober for 5 months. At my request, he was kind enough to share his story with our children. We all sat and listened as he told us about his drug addiction, the ways in which he funded it and all the horrid circumstances that resulted. Then he shared with us how difficult it was to get clean and how hard it is dealing with all the destruction that he created. He encouraged our kids to do whatever they had to do in order to make good and healthy choices and to avoid all drugs and alcohol.
We have had (and still have) several family member that are addicts and I was grateful that our children were able to speak with an addict that is in recovery. It was nice for them to see that you can get sober if you prioritize it. I also appreciated him letting the kids know how much he wished he had just made better choices and not used drugs, not stolen from people, not broken important relationships and mostly how he had to relearn how to do everything all over again... clean.
Our kids asked several questions and we gave him a round of applause for his sobriety and offered our continued support while he is in recovery.
As you all know I am a huge supporter of real, honest and open communication with children and the drug and alcohol conversation can't be had too much. Let them know how you feel about drug use, don't say "Your gonna try it anyway but....." Never assume a kid will make a bad choice, give them the opportunity to make good choices, keep them informed, let them know the effects of drug use and be open to questions. The more they learn from YOU, the less they will learn from friends or other influences at school or on the bus. So today, have an open conversation about drug and alcohol use with your kids, let them know your personal values for your family and Live Inspired Now!

PS: Need support or advice on how best to speak with your kids? Please contact me today! The conversations your have today build the foundation for the choices kids make tomorrow.

Confidence Building....

Want to achieve more self confidence? The best way to do that is to focus on helping or contributing to others. Lack of self confidence is actually conceited in that it is all about you. YOU are not good enough, YOU are not thin enough, YOU are not smart enough or YOU aren't good enough for love.... all focus on YOU. This thinking is self focused rather than self actualized. Self actualization is when you accept who you are and are fulfilling your full potential; or at least working toward it. Self focus is when you solely focus on yourself, you are not trying to grow or evolve rather just thinking about yourself, your needs or what you lack.
If you want to have more self confidence, start to think about what you can do to help others. You could volunteer, mentor a child, help a friend, offer your time and resources, whatever it is... just take the focus off of yourself. Put the focus on lifting others up and your confidence will automatically build. Turn that self "focus" into self actualization and evolve as a person. So if you lack confidence, find local volunteering opportunities, focus on building someone else up while you evolve and Live Inspired Now!

Matter of fact kids.....

When speaking with children always use what I call "matter of fact" speaking. Oh man, I could go on for days with this one but I will keep it brief. Basically, kids understand way more than we think they do! We all face challenges and tough times in our lives but trying to "shield" kids from that is just not realistic. Let the kids know what is going on with age appropriate words and matter of fact speaking by being honest and open. For example: if your child's other parent won't call or spend time with the child, do not call him names and tell him his dad is a jerk. Simply state the facts as you know them and show that you care. "I am sorry your dad has not picked you up for visitation in a month. How do you feel about that?" Then, let the child guide his own feelings..... when you say "I'm sure that makes you feel sad" you are implying your own feelings to the child. Maybe the child isn't really sad, maybe he is angry or maybe he is actually OK with it all...... whatever the case may be, do not guide his emotions with your words. This allows the child to express their true feelings and it validates how they feel. If you think the kids "don't hear you arguing because you don't do it in front of the kids" you are wrong. Kids see how mom and dad act, react and interact.... if you are having challenges, let the kids know. It is OK for them to know that Mom and Dad are working through difficulties but it is not OK for them to think this behavior is the norm and we just pretend it doesn't exist.
So today, be matter of fact when speaking with your children, value them and understand how perceptive they are and Live Inspired Now!

PS: If you have a child that is struggling, please contact me right away. I have effective and simple programs and coaching designed specifically for children that will get them back on track. (Divorce, sadness, bullying, school concerns, relationship issues, parent/child communication...... I have the tools to help you in all of these areas and more!)

Turn off autopilot...

Many of us have walked through life on automatic pilot, just getting through the day without ever engaging in it. We wake up, go to work, come home, dinner, TV then bed and we just do it over and over without every really examining why. Why would we bother living a mundane existence when life can be so expressive, creative, fun and full of passion? It is time to sniff the peppermint and wake yourself up! FEEL something, CREATE something, DO something, do SOMEONE :) and find a way to fully express your inner passion and desires. Do not walk around in a fog, just doing the same thing you have always done. Try something new, get excited about something, schedule something to look forward to and get your family or friends involved. If nothing else... listen to something that makes you laugh so you can FEEL again and get rid of the numbness. Try it today, turn off autopilot, you will be amazed by the possibilities when you start to pay attention and Live Inspired Now!

A break from reality!

Last night we all got to participate in Harry's weekly video! It was so much fun!! We all had to just be normal but then we got dressed all weird and acted crazy. Everyone was having so much fun choosing weird clothes and trying to decide on the odd dance or motions they would make. Even if you are not going to make a video of it, get crazy with the kids! Have some fun, break away from reality even for a few moments! So tonight, blast some loud music, dress up like weirdos, laugh your butts off and Live Inspired Now!

Total immersion....

I often hear people say they wish they could change, they wish they would have a better attitude or they just wish they didn't feel so down. Then the go and sit in front of the television and watch crap, with a bag of crap and wonder why they feel like crap. If you want to make a change, you must be willing to immerse yourself in it! If you want a more positive outlook, the fastest way to achieve that is to live and breath positivity. Read positive books and blog posts, talk to positive people, listen to inspiring music and avoid all negative influences. This is true no matter what you want to accomplish.... total immersion is the quickest way to get what you want. Want to find true love? Immerse yourself in love.... dedicate yourself to giving love to everyone, read relationships books/blogs, hang out with people that have great relationships and tell people you love them. (This is also a wonderful way to repair any hurt that you have.... dedicate yourself to giving to others.) So today, figure out what it is that you truly want. A more positive outlook, to feel wonderful, to find love, to appreciate life more? Then, immerse yourself fully, live and breath it. You don't become an excellent swimmer by just dipping your toes in the water; you have to jump in! Completely immerse yourself in what you want most and Live Inspired Now!

PS: If you need support... feel free to contact me. I will help you get where you want to be!

Don't forget to CELEBRATE!!

Too many awesome things happen each and every day that go un-celebrated. We should spend much more time in a happy and joyous state of celebration. No matter what day it is, if you woke up you have something to celebrate. Yesterday, a friend of mine shared the good news that after months of testing and worrying, she has no cancer to worry about! Yay!!! I told her to go and celebrate and she said she would after she rested because she had not slept well in weeks. I am so grateful that she can stop worrying now but I thought about it: what good did any of that worry do? Worry will never make the problem go away but it could make you sick. Life presents challenges that can be so hard to deal with but as long as life continues to present those challenges, it means we are ALIVE! Don't lose the precious time you are afraid to lose by worrying about losing it. That was confusing. lol. The point my dear readers... CELEBRATE being alive! Never miss a week, a day a moment of joy that comes when you are truly grateful for life and love. Make time to celebrate today, you will never be this young again.... Live Inspired Now!

Free yourself!!!

Kick the negative and destructive thoughts and emotions to the curb! Are you ready to be free? Are you tired of drama, suffering, jealousy, negativity, fighting, manipulating or being controlled? You can be free, just decide to be! Freedom comes from a peaceful surrender with the realization that you control nothing except for yourself and you can CHOOSE not to participate in anything that doesn't bring peace to your soul. If you need some help doing this, hire a coach but do not spend one more day being a prisoner in your own personal hell. Life is too short to be a slave to your own self destruction. Be free, love unconditionally, chill out and Live Inspired Now!

PS: If you need help or support, please feel free to contact me. I would love to help you find peace from destructive patterns or emotions.

Adventure Time!!!

You can't tell by the picture, but I do have a snowboard strapped to my feet. Thad was able to catch one of the few shots of me upright on the board! lol. We took the kids sledding/boarding yesterday with friends. We all had a blast but it got me thinking about how all too often people don't try new things or are afraid to venture out of that comfort zone that we mistakenly think keeps us safe. Life is a great adventure with so many opportunities for excitement, joy, fun and new experiences! Don't miss all the fun... life is about getting out and experiencing all you can instead of watching others do it on TV. So today, get out and have an adventure. Maybe not snowboarding, but perhaps sledding or skiing or even just some diversion from routine! Enjoy the adventure of life, take in every moment, experience all you can and Live Inspired Now!

Stick together....

Wow we got a bunch of snow here on the East Coast! Like the snowflakes, when we stick together, we as people are an indestructible force for good! So today, help your neighbors, check on one another, stay warm, keep safe and Live Inspired Now!

LIVE, don't just exist...

I feel a little overwhelmed this morning. It is just 9:00am now and so far I have dealt with death, disease, suicide, abuse, bad parenting and a struggling relationship. I am so grateful for what I do, I am beyond grateful that I am able to offer help and guidance to those in need. The part that overwhelms me though... is the idea that there is so much suffering and such easy solutions that people do not seek out. I am grateful for my clients and friends but I worry about the people who don't know that they can change their lives, that they can enjoy passion and feel free and alive. Too many people are just existing and not really living. They get caught up in drama and suffering and forget what it feels like to really be alive; to feel the wind on your face, the sun in your eyes, the excitement of love, the pounding of your heart, the anticipation of things to come, the joy in remembering fondly, the cuteness of animals, the hope that he likes you back.... all the amazing feelings and emotions that let us know we are alive! Don't numb out, don't forget to love life, don't be afraid to ask for help if you have and don't be afraid to remind someone else. We only get one chance, take it, make the most of this life and Live INSPIRED Now!

PS: Clients, friends and callers from last nights teleconference, THANK YOU all so much for your positive feedback and testimonials. I am so grateful to you all and honored that you allow me to be part of your world! :)

Love is....

People often comment about my relationship with Thad; they mention how lucky we are to enjoy such a wonderful relationship. It's true... we do have an incredible relationship but luck has nothing to do with it. We work at it! Granted, it's not hard work... it is very easy because we know how to do it. We always put one another first, we apologize if we say or do something to hurt the other, we make time for each other and we always communicate openly, honestly and often. We have never once had an argument or "fight."
I share this today because tonight my colleague Peg Haust-Arliss and I are doing a relationship teleconference. If you would like to learn the tools needed to make a relationship incredible, please join us! This workshop is appropriate for everyone: singles, couples, people in healthy or unhealthy relationships. This workshop will teach you how to interact better with everyone in your life! Please join us: DIY: RELATIONSHIP REPAIR TELECONFERENCE and Live Inspired Now!

Pick a hero...

Pick a hero, someone who inspires you or someone you admire and learn everything you can about them. How they got to where they are, why they wanted it, where they started and who helped them along the way! It doesn't have to be someone famous, it can be anyone that you are inspired by. It will help you along your journey to hear the stories of people you admire and it might give you ideas of how to get where you want to be. I don't care who it is... everyone has struggled at some point, learn about your hero's struggles and how they got through them. Let your personal hero be a shining example of what CAN be done! No matter what you are struggling with: drugs, alcohol, stress, disease, parenting or relationship challenges, work or career troubles, no matter the struggle, SOMEONE before you has overcome this and so can you! You can do it! Immerse yourself in the inspiration of others, learn from your hero, use their path as a guide for your success and Live Inspired Now!

Guilt sucks!

Guilt is your inner voice that tells you that you should not be doing whatever you are doing. If you don't like feeling guilty, then stop the action that is creating the guilt. Live in alignment with your core values, make choices with integrity not selfishness and never make it your goal to harm anyone. Also remember... everything you do, you model that behavior for your children. Don't burden yourself with guilt, make positive choices that you can feel good about and Live Inspired Now!

PS: Please don't forget to register for our worldwide teleconference- DIY: Relationship Repair happening this Thursday at 7:00pm eastern time USA. 

Life's not so serious...

Life is only as serious as you make it. Spend some time relaxing without worrying about everything... especially things you can't control. No matter how "serious" the situation is, take a deep breath, surrender to "what is," sit calmly and relax. Freaking out will never fix a situation, neither will dwelling on it. Always focus on what is positive in your life and avoid prolonged commiseration. Laughter can ease grief and pain and can help you through any tough struggle so try to find the humor in situations. If nothing else, put things into perspective and realize that no matter how bad you have it, someone else is still worse off so have compassion for them. Stay positive, be grateful, avoid negative focus, surrender, relax and Live Inspired Now!

One night vacation.....

Friday night Thad and I took the kids for an overnight in Rochester. We stayed at a nice hotel with a pool and hot tub. It was fun to get away for a night and the kids loved to be able to swim! The pool room was so toasty and warm and the water was relaxing. It is nice to get away once in a while and being able to swim was a nice break from the snow and cold. We also visited with one of my dearest friends Chris who lives up that way. What an awesome night... dinner out, visiting with an old friend, relaxing poolside and a bunch of excited kids! You don't have to spend a ton of money to get away for just one night. Look into hotels within 100 miles and take your family on a mini getaway and Live Inspired Now!

Remove the blinders...

If it is your choice to walk around with blinders on or to avoid looking into anything beyond your own beliefs, don't just assume everyone else is wrong. As you can see by the picture above, the world still exists beyond your box, you are just missing out on it. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, religion, opinions and what they focus on... just realize that so is 'everyone' else. Don't be like a little child who refuses to try a food yet insists they don't like it. You don't have to try everything but at least take the time to learn about it before you decide that you hate it and it's bad. Today, try removing the blinders, keep an open mind and learn about something you thought you were opposed to. You may still be opposed and that is OK but at least you can see that your way is not the only way. Appreciate the experience of seeing new ideas, learning about new cultures, keeping an open mind and Live Inspired Now!