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And You Can Too!

Yes, You can survive (and even thrive) no matter what our economy dishes out IF you build a good support network

I'll never forget the words my News Director said in January that would change my world forever, "We don't know if we can renew your contract. It depends on the economy." What?! I remember being numb. He can't mean ME?! In my mind, I rationalized a lot of things:

1) I've done the 5pm news at KTUL-TV for almost 12 years and have won awards! (Just look... they're on my mantel!)

2) Most viewers love me! (Those are the only ones I chose to listen to anyway.)

3) I constantly work 20 years of contacts in Oklahoma for EXCLUSIVE stories. (That single word alone usually brings chill bumps to any News Director.)

4) I make more appearances than any other anchor here! (Well, that's mainly because I can't say "no," but it still counts!)

5) I even help mentor our young, green journalists! (Oh God, have I trained MY replacement?!)

But the facts are the facts. Our station had already suffered two big layoffs and mandatory pay cuts. (TV stations around the country are having a hard time as viewership declines due to news on the internet, hundreds of cable choices, and busy lives plus now advertisers are cutting commercial budgets because of the economy.) So, I could bury my head in the sand and believe my reputation would ensure my job or I could look at the facts and realize my contract was simply expiring at a bad time. The later meant I would somehow have to find the courage for 'Project: Reinvent Cindy'. Forced to do that at mid life, did I really have that much strength?

After the "what?!" came the "what now?" Did I even know how to do anything else? I was a journalism major and never even had a class in the businesses school during college! Plus, I'd spent 20 years in TV News. I can handle live breaking news on the anchor set with ease and can write the heck out of any story (remember the awards on my mantel?), but ask me to do a business plan (or a simple math problem for that matter) and I break out in a sweat! But, what honestly scared me the most? Breaking out of my comfort zone and taking a huge risk all alone. There is an AT&T commercial where people are walking in a field (a herd of sheep, basically) saying "bah bah bah." Well, in the commercial, two guys decide to jump the fence and take the better deal with AT&T. I totally identify with that commercial. That was me! I was happy being a sheep, getting my paycheck and staying with the herd. (Bah...!) Well , when my life changed on a dime because of the economy, it was my family along with my network of Girlfriends who showed me it's okay to find my new place outside the herd because apparently Corporate America is having lamb chops for dinner! Does something in your life threaten to serve you up as the next meal?  I'll tell you right now, if you don't have a strong Girlfriends Support Network, it is time to one that can help you can survive anything in our changing times, including a very public layoff.

My parents are extremely supportive but they live in Texas. My husband is my rock and my BEST friend, but let's face it, there's only so much he can put on his shoulders 24/7. So, I believe you must build a  Girlfriends Network that can make you a "10" and get you (& your family) through hard times. In the end, it was my true Friends who picked me up like Humpty Dumpty and put me back together again. (Unfortunately, there wasn't a dang plastic surgeon among them, but I digress.) And this support system didn't just help me, they kept my husband calm (That's HUGE!) plus they helped my children deal with my tears, fears and life changes. It truly does take a village these days.

So, how do you build that kind of support network? First you need to dump the Wanna Bes. I believe that becoming a true and trusted Girlfriend is something you learn and earn over time.I know as I get wiser (using the word "older" involves Botox), I learn to be a better mom, wife, worker and Girlfriend. Many times that is because of the influence of my tried and true Girlfriends Network. On the other hand, a bad girlfriend (notice NO capitalization) can be a cancer that can or will at least try to destroy you. Emotional vampires WILL suck you dry and you know who I'm talking about - Suzi Sabatoge, Helen Hater, Debbie Downer, Nancy Needy. If you have one of these women in your life, run do not walk to the nearest exit. That's right, if you can tell your so-called girlfriend is not really a FGirlfiend (with capitalization) then they have no room in your life.

Next, look at your Girlfiend Network as your unofficial board of directors. These are the people who will call a spade a spade, help you build your life of success, pick you up and dust you off if you fall, and will tell you to quit whining when you're out of control.  I have my friends who know all about business and are willing to share because they believe helping others succeed will in turn make them successful. (NOTE: Friendship is NOT a competition!) I have my Girlfriends who I can call when I'm down or needing a pick-me-up. There are my Girlfriends who are my lifesavers when it comes to helping raise my children while I struggle with reinvention. So, take an inventory of who you can lean on, talk to, and trust.
    
Also, don't overlook networking to help you find even more Girlfriends. Sometimes we get caught up in the boundries of our town or lives. I know I did! But as I gained confidence, I began to use connections, social media (Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn) and other networking tools to expand my Friend base. For example, when I learned about the National Speakers Association, I joined. What a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of  the best in the business! I am now able to call any number of successful speakers for advice, answers and mentoring. Your Girlfriends are more than your next-door-neighbors, fellow PTA parents and co-workers. To truly survive this economy, you need a diverse Girlfriend Support System that can help you reach new heights.

Here's where I feel compelled to say that some of my best Girlfriends are GUYS. Mark my words: Guyfriends are the new Girlfriend. Remember, you are trying to pick the best board of directors possible  and stretching a bit out of your comfort zone. So if you pick your inner circle on gender alone, you're missing out. One of my dearest Guyfriends is the mayor of Oklahoma City. We became best buddies while anchoring the morning and noon show for years in OKC. That was more than 12 years ago and to this day, we talk almost weekly. Why wouldn't he be one of my nearest and dearest Friends? He's one of the smartest, most caring people I know. My select Guyfriends are men I (and my husband) trust in every way possible which, of course, really puts them in the Girlfriend catagory.

So, here's how to build a better Girlfriends Support Network:
Dump the Wanna Bes and the Emotional Vampires NOW!
Create a Girlfriends Network that operates almost like a board of directors to keep you successful in every part of your life
Challenge yourself to expand that Friend Base past your usual comfort zone -- including select Guyfriends

With the help of my Girlfriends, I spent months laying the groundwork and networking to start a new career. They encouraged me to write a book (about to be published!), hit the national speaking circuit (which I start in July) and even start my own business (done!). They shared incredible contacts, branding information and the confidence to do things I (& my family) had never dreamed of 6 months before. And you know what? When I finally learned my contract would, in deed, not be renewed, I was not bitter or full of hate and rage. Instead, I was actually relieved. My Girlfriends help me realize all my years at KTUL-TV helped make me part of who I am, and I would never have so many exciting opportunities if I hadn't spent 12 years there. (My Friends also reminded me the layoff was the perfect ending to my book about building a support network to survive these changing times. Who knew I'd be smiling about that?!) Yes, I'm blessed with an incredible family but they were often too close to see the bigger picture. My Friends made sure my husband and kids weathered this storm, all the while helping me find a strength I never knew I had, talents I'd never tapped, and dreams I can't wait to conquer. I challenge you to upgrade your Girlfriends Network so they can help you survive money problems, divorce, layoffs or anything else that may come your way in this economy.

Cindy W. Morrison is an Emmy award winning TV Broadcaster with 20 years experience in the news business. When hard economic times lead to a layoff, Cindy reinvented herself by creating her own business, writing a book and hitting the speaking circuit. Her goal is to empower others to reboot and upgrade their support system to not only survive but thrive in these changing times. She's a member of the prestigious National Speaker's Association and her new book, Girlfriends 2.0, will be available this Fall.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Cindy spent a dozen years as the nightly news anchor and lead investigative reporter in Tulsa, OK. Before that, she spent nearly a decade as an anchor and reporter in Oklahoma City. The veteran journalist covered such major stories such as the OKC bombing and the 51-day cult standoff in Waco, Texas for stations across the country including Good Morning America. During her TV career, Cindy won an Emmy, Peabody and Gracie Allen Award along with many statewide honors for her groundbreaking investigations.

Kim Lampe is ready to figure out her exit plan from 21 years of Corporate America. Grateful for her experience, but ready to be done with all that "do it for the stockholders", which means "do it for the money". Fast forward to December 2008, Kim has a concept, branding strategy and small but loyal list of newsletter subscribers.

Ask her what she sells and she will proudly say, "NOTHING". She sends out a weekly newsletter, blogs and gives away gifts to her subscribers. Tell her she's not really running a business and she will strongly disagree. She's not ashamed to say she doesn't have it all figured out and feels it time to hear stories about journeys, not just "arriving" and "crashing".

In the spirit of shredding fear, Modern BAG Ladies is taking action and holding their first official Drop Off Your Baggage event, Saturday, January 17, 2009. The 4 hour event will be packed with sharing, fun and an "A"ction project that will serve to provide other ladies with inspiration and connection. The mission of MBAGL is to provide women with their daily dose of "B"elieve vitamin and charge women to "A"ct, because women deep down desire to "G"o to places they thought were only in their dreams. Ladies will spread their new found joy, shred their own and other's fears and just have more fun. They are real! They are not yes ladies! They are OH YES Ladies and it feels darn good!

Kim Lampe is 1 of 11 million women entrepreneurs in this country. Today her eye is not solely on a $1 Million dollar pot of gold at the end of an entrepreneurial rainbow. She is equally in it for the multi-millions seconds of joy, love, fun and happiness she can give herself, her family and the world.

Today she is in the business of studying her market, strengthening her skills, building her brand and GIVING AWAY FREE ECO-FRIENDLY FUEL to her growing list of newsletter subscribers. To fuel up with Modern BAG Ladies' weekly Traveling Sanctuary Newsletter, go to Kim's blog, www.believeactgo.blogspot.com and click "Join Now" . Stay a while and read some get real posts as well.

In a world and economy where money & stuff, as the focus, is failing, Kim is focusing on the needs of NEW LADY CONSUMERS in this NEW ECONOMY. Ladies have much control over how and where money is spent. 38 million ladies with children control $8.5 trillion in consumer spending--three quarters of the American economy. And NEW BUSINESS LADIES are outpacing men entrepreneur start-ups 2 to 1. NEW LADY CONSUMERS are emerging.

Viewed as consuming machines, but quickly becoming conscious consuming machines, ladies are educating themselves on environmental impacts, socially responsible companies and realizing the power of knowledge. This NEW BUSINESS LADY sees a NEW ECONOMY where NEW LADY CONSUMERS will have a large impact on the new world order. She's positioning herself to align her purpose with this ever changing new world order, which isn't all about houses, cars, money or stuff.

Spread Joy. Shred Fear. Have Fun.

To be actively calm and calmly active is the essence of a balanced life. We need to be active, but this activity needs to be undertaken with equanimity and inner peace. As well as working and achieving things, we should not ignore the importance of looking after ourself and paying attention to our inner life.

Here are some suggestions to be actively calm and calmly active.

1. One Thing at A Time

This concept is essentially simple; yet, if we can concentrate on one thing at a time it will make a big difference. Whatever we do, we should give it our full attention and focus. When we have only 1 thing to do and one thing to think about, it is quite easy for our limited mind to cope. When we have several things on our mind we flit from one problem to another; when this occurs, we can become overwhelmed at how difficult life seems. By doing several things at once, we won't get more done; we will just feel busier and feel more important. Try to do only one thing at a time and see the difference it makes. Start off with the your most important task and gradually tick off the things that you need to do.

2. Set Aside Time for Relaxation

It is very easy to feel that our life is too busy to spend 20 minutes cultivating inner peace. However, the success of our outer activity depends on our inner state of mind. If we our mind is confused and brimming with conflicting thoughts, our outer activity will be hard work and victim to our own insecurities. However, if we can clear the mind and achieve an inner state of peace, we will be able to work much more effectively. The time we set aside aside for ourselves will not reduce our potential; it will give us increased productivity.

3. Be Not Attached to the Results

Difficulties arise when we worry about the outcome of our actions. Quite often the result is beyond our control, it is dependent on circumstances and the reaction of other people. In these eventualities we have a responsibility to do our best, but also, we should try and be detached from the result. The only thing we can do is approach the situation with the right attitude and correct response. If things don't go as planned we should not beat ourselves up.

5. Don't Panic

When a problem arises, we often panic and often try to respond immediately. However, in our instinctive response, we often fail to solve the problem and can make it worse. No matter how serious the problem is try to evaluate the situation before jumping head first into the problem. If you take time to find the right solution you can deal with the difficulty with a calm reaction.

It takes courage to break free from the chains of limiting belief patterns and societal conditioning that have traditionally kept women suppressed and unable to see their true beauty and power.

Women, I encourage you to see and bring forth the beauty and strength within yourselves, to be inspired to be the best you can be, and to let your essence shine through. For those of you who are in challenging circumstances, the words here- can help you find some peace and some strength to begin to turn your life around.

The Change Starts With You.

You only need to take small steps at a time. And remember that you are not alone.

Regardless of our present or past circumstances, the important thing is.... everything that is happening or has happened is for a reason. In reality, there are no victims. We each have a different sad story to tell, there are thousands of them. But the common thread that runs through them all is that we have at some point lost our power, or it has been taken away from us, or we have just plain given it away.

Discover Real Power in Your Life

Every time you lose control to anger, fear, jealousy and rage, you allow those feelings to have power over you. When you allow yourself to feel those emotions, instead of just "acting out," you can start to recreate authentic power.

Creating Authentic Power

Step One: Whenever you are feeling a painful feeling, stop and become aware of what you are feeling.

Step Two: Remind yourself that the thoughts and feelings you're experiencing are coming from a part of you that's frightened by the thought that you're not good enough.

Step Three: Ask yourself: "Do I want my decisions to be made by a part of me that is frightened?"

Step Four: Ask yourself: "What would I do in this situation if I were compassionate and wise?"

There is learning potential in every decision you make, as well as consequences. You must accept the responsibility for every one of your decisions.

"One's Philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices on makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

1884-1962, American First Lady, Columnist and Lecturer

Give yourself permission not to be superwomen...As a way of honoring yourself; I encourage you to practice some of these self care strategies that have been helpful for me and my clients:

1.    Give yourself permission to add self care to your life. It's OK for it to be all about you sometimes. Think of self care as any act of nurturing, meaning anything that enhances your level of health, wellness and happiness. Look at all areas such as physical, mental, social, spiritual, and financial. Paying an overdue bill can do just as much for your level of wellness sometimes as a warm bath.

2.    Recognize and blast the barriers. Ask yourself: what is preventing you from making self care an everyday occurrence? Some of my client's barriers that we often work through are feelings of guilt, lack of time, finances, lack of support or the need for perfectionism. If any of this ring true for you, take some time to determine a plan as to how you can overcome the. As Dr. Phil says..."You can't change what you don't acknowledge."

3.    Ditch the Superwomen Syndrome. This syndrome is adding unnecessary stress and sickness to our lives. We place such unrealistic expectation on ourselves. The quilt we feel often fuels this Superwoman Syndrome. Start letting go of your mental chatter; practice saying NO and remember no one's life is perfect. We need to take Superwomen off the pedestal and start putting a more realistic, imperfect, yet happier women up there.

4.    Remember that small acts of kindness and compassion can have big pay offs.

5.    Allow yourself to dream. If you are craving something new in your life, ask yourself what are some of the dreams you have been putting off.

6.    Get yourself a pair of rose colored glasses. Having a healthy perception of life and a positive attitude is one of the best self care strategies you can practice. It is universal laws that what you focus on expands so what are you focusing on? Is your glass always half empty? Do you complain about everything and everybody? Take some time to see what you inner chatter is saying. Then consciously take steps to changing your thoughts and seeing the glass as half full. A daily reflection of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way towards improving yourself care, yourself worth, and your whole life.

I acknowledge all women out there who on a daily basis...participating, engaging in the present moment. Take an opportunity to acknowledge yourself for many big and little things you do. Honor yourself from a place of kindness and gentleness. We do what we know to be the best at the time. Forgive yourself when needed and celebrate yourself whether you think you need it or not. We all deserve to be celebrated. Here's to you...Cheers!!!

What will you do today, to give yourself permission not to be a superwoman?

Numerous times every day I invite you to say "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" for everything grateful in your life and affirm that you are ready now for the next experience; the next piece of your live to reveal itself.

Living with passion and purpose means living with an attitude of gratitude. When you are grateful for your present light, it becomes brighter. When you are grateful for the things you do have, more will come into your life.

"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." Albert Schweitzer

 "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." ~ Albert Schweitzer

Take a moment to think of five things you are grateful for. Write them in your day planner on this day. Then smile for those five things. Your day will become a little sweeter for having taken the time to love.

Coaching question of the day: What are you grateful for today?

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a youth she's content to leave behind...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to re-telling it in her old age


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
one friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal.
that will make her guests feel honored

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a feeling of control over her destiny

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder..and WHEN TO WALK AWAY

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect... but it's over

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would or wouldn't do for love or more

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...or a charming Inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
why she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month... or a year


COACHING QUESTION OF THE DAY
As a Women....'Are You Living Your Best Life?'   

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time...

You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love...

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.


Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.

"It takes courage to demand time for yourself. At first glance, it may seem to be the ultimate in selfishness, a real slap in the face to those who love and depend on you. IT IS NOT! It means you care enough to want to see the best in yourself and give only the best to others." ~ Shale Paul

"If you are not taking care of yourself; body, mind, and spirit, the people in your life don't get the best of you, they get what's left of you!" ~ Lorraine Cohen

 As women, we tend not to take care of ourselves, putting everyone else's needs before our own. We are more about "embracing extreme self-neglect."

In effort to fully embrace who we were created to be: women of passion and purpose, though sometimes that may look a little misty. To get clear on what our intentions for self-care are, we need to begin with self-care intention guided visualization.

One of the ways to take care of ourselves is to stay in the present moment. This is difficult to do if you are prone towards worrying about the future and fretting over the past.

The past has NO power and the future has NO presence

This behavior leads to fears, stress and anxiety. When we catch ourselves in one of those mental spaces, we must remember. One of the main reasons we get out of alignment with who we really are - which includes ignoring our self-care - is that we have stopped remembering.

Remember what? Remember who we truly are. The opposite of remember is not forget - We become 'super hero's'- scattered here and there, masters of multi-tasking. In order to pull ourselves together again and become whole, we must remember. What we are remembering is a feeling - the feeling of being whole and present.

Living your life for others is a very worthy sentiment. How can you care for others...when you are not taking care for yourself? Always putting others first can make you a doormat to be trodden on. Putting yourself and your need to rest, relax, have fun sometimes, and so on, will make you a better career, provider or parent because you'll be healthier and have more energy.

Here are some self-care practices that you can do on a daily basis in order to maintain a sense of peace and wholeness.

1. Set your self-care intention. Always begin your day intentionally. Remind yourself of your self-care feeling. The balances needed are these components:

1.    Harmony
2.    Balance
3.    Healthy lifestyle of exercise
4.    Beauty  - inner strength -confidence- self esteem

2. Three things you are grateful for. Start small, start with the basics: health, home, nourishment, friends, family, work...

 
3. Find a nutritious support person to check in with - this could be a good friend, an accountability partner, a life coach, a mentor - you don't have to go through this transition alone; and creating new habits is transition. You can set up a time, preferably weekly, to get together.


KNOW YOUR OWN WORTH...KNOW YOUR OWN POWER

For myself, I know that my mission is to equip, empower and encourage women to live lives of inner peace, passion, purpose and prosperity.


A few more things to remember; One of the things I have tried very hard to eliminate from my life is negativity. Negativity is nothing but toxic energy. This toxic energy can come in the form of toxic people, or energy whose only job is to suck and drain the life out of you; or toxic situations. When I find myself in one of these toxic environments, be it with people or circumstances, if I cannot turn the situation around, then I merely excuse myself and remove myself.

What you really want is to be surrounded by people you trust and treasure and people that cherish you.

 "Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment!" ~ Thich Nhat Hanh


 When you are in doubt, when you feel frustrated, when you are angry, stop... and take a breath. Breathing is the one thing you can do anywhere at any time. It does not cost you anything, but it may gain you much. Remember that stopping is a spiritual action; and so is breathing.


Once you have made the decision to do so, these three practices will easily incorporate into your everyday life.


Taking care of yourself is vitally important to a happy survival and by no means selfish.

Keep in mind that if you are happy, you will treat others with respect and respect is earned, not given. By not being happy, you become irritable creating a tendency to disrespect others. Disrespecting someone only creates negative consequences and so amplifies your unhappiness.

If you feel you don't trust people, you are insecure in your own world and need to balance the three components. If you are worried about what everyone else is doing, you also need to even the scales as this shows a failure to do what you need to be doing.

If you are married, you must be able to keep your identity, do the activities you love, and take care of your needs emotionally and physically. Don't fall into the trap of being detached from yourself by constantly focusing on fulfilling other's needs while ignoring your own. If you have children, there is no reason why you cannot take care of yourself first. Enjoy time as a family but step out, take a walk, take a class, or have lunch with friends every week as this balances your life and creates happiness.

"The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind."- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
1855-1919, Poet and Journalist

Lifestyles are created one decision at a time. When decisions are made without forethought, life simply happens. The course of life begins to resemble that of water- meandering downhill while taking the path of least resistance. But when even small decisions are guided by an under lying philosophy, the results can be dramatic. Decisions consciously made according to an overall pattern for living can change the direction and dramatically improve the quality on one's lifestyle.

Our physical well-being is a matter of great concern, and the level of health we enjoy is largely a function of the lifestyles we lead. Over time, insufficient physical activity coupled with poor eating habits can give rise to a variety of health issues resulting in a decline in lifestyle. The made demands on our time make it even more difficult to create and maintain a healthy life style. But difficult doesn't mean impossible.

The key to creating a healthy lifestyle is to remember that small, everyday decisions count, working together to create an over pattern for healthy living.

Remember that no one can ever make your choices for you. What you do with your life is your own choice.

How you decide to live your life and achieve your goals is up to you, and no one but you!

Mistakes will be made, but you can learn from them. Always remember to live your life in a way that's right for you.

Everything you do should make you happy, and those who may at first disagree will, in time, be happy for you, too.

Then you will come to see that the choices you make are right - if you make them for yourself.
-Jodi R. Ernst

The question to ask is, If you loved yourself, if you believed you deserved to have what you wanted, why in heavens name would you choose to take action that would rob you of attaining your desired results?

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Abraham Lincoln

All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not.

We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.

The biggest difference between people is their attitudes. For some, learning is enjoyable and exciting. For others, learning is drudgery.

Our present attitudes are habits, built from the feedback of parents, friends, society and self, that forms our self-image and our world-image.

Positive Thinking: Many of us can become more positive (i.e. more cheerful, agreeable, affirming and happy) with not too much effort by concentrating on the plus side of things. However, such efforts do not usually touch the unhappy source of our negative thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, ideas, concepts and perceptions. The common source of our negative thinking is our negative childhood conditioning, which really can only be eliminated by feeling the unhappy inner child emotions behind our unhappy thoughts, ideas, judgments and beliefs.

An attitude is something you choose to put on everyday...

Are you LIVING CONSCIOUSLY?!

"Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment."

Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it will bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing and strengthening.

Is the glass half full? Or half empty?
 
It's all a matter of PERSPECTIVE.

CREATING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE RESULTS
Your attitude determines the state of world you live in.
It is the foundation for every success and every failure you have had and will have. Your attitude will make or break you.
Attitude creates the way you feel about people and situations. Your actions are a result of your attitude, which, in turn, creates a reaction from others.

So, basically, what you think...you get.

It is your attitude toward others and the Universe that determines the resultant attitude toward you.

Integrate a positive, joyful attitude and you'll have positive, joyful results. Put out a bad, negative attitude and you've failed before you begin.
I know it sounds simple, but the truth is... it is simple!

WHERE DO NEGATIVE ATTITUDES COME FROM IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Negative attitudes come from thinking negative thoughts over and over until they have become a part of your subconscious- they've become habitual, a part of your personality.
Mind made entity not your essence.
Your may not even realize you have a negative attitude because it's been with you for so long.
Once you have a bad attitude, you expect failure and disaster.
What ever you fight will strengthen and whatever you resist persists.
Then it becomes a vicious circle. You expect the worst- you get the worst- your negative beliefs and reinforced- you expect the worst- you get...got the picture?

SO, HOW DO WE SHIFT OUR THOUGHTS AND CREATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE?

Change begins with you! Action comes out of presences (state of consciousness) it takes work, but creating anything of value takes work.
In order to have a new attitude we have to change our subconscious thinking.

How do we do this?
By analyzing every thought we have until positive thinking becomes habit. You're merely replacing an old habit with a healthy habit, much like replacing exercise for smoking.

Some people would say, "But negative situations are a reality. They just show up in everyday life."

This is absolutely true. Situations are a reality, yes. They do show up. It is your ATTITUDE that makes a situation positive or negative.Try accepting the moment as it is. When someone challenges your mental position, opinion or viewpoint, don't feel attached personally- you become defensive.

It's time for you to become conscious of how you think and feel- no one else on earth has this power unless you give it away.

"Your state of consciousness creates the state of your result."

How's your attitude?

"When we truly are in the divine presence of our own humanity, we naturally make choices that reflect love of our deepest selves and give ourselves the gifts we so fully deserve."
-Debbie Ford





Setting Intention- Power of Intention

1. Get clear about something you want and write it down.

2. Share your intention with someone in a way that will supportively hold you accountable to taking action.

3. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment to your intention.

4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and then, take the next step.



I invite you to practice this daily affirmation:

"I am available to more good than I ever experienced, realized or imagined before in my life."


"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
~ Wayne Dyer quote

 

The body and mind are interconnected and emotions play a big part in determining one's health status. Stress and its negative effect on the immune system remains the major challenge to good health.  A comprehensive approach to maintaining good health includes increasing self-responsibility for wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, health-promoting diet and a positive mental attitude.

The concept of "Don't Worry. Be Happy," is not new.

Let's face it women, the present times of living under high stress, work pressure, family pressure, fast life competition, immune breakdown and pollution has made us quite different than what we wanted to be... these problems have become a normal path of our life. Many things that can happen in your life can disrupt your emotional, mental health and overall health.

WHAT IS STRESS?

We often refer to stress as an emotion, but it is actually a much more complicated phenomenon. Stress is, in fact, a complex mix of emotional, physical and behavioral responses. Feeling "stressed out" is your body's way of saying, "I cannot cope with this challenging situation."

But stress is not always just a result of something negative happening to us. It can be something that takes us out of our usual routines, or something that creates more responsibility or work for us--even something very positive and exciting, like planning a wedding or adjusting to life with a new baby.

Having some level of stress is a necessary and positive thing. Stress can be motivating and can enhance performance--ask any athlete or stage performer!

But too much stress is a bad thing. Chronic stress causes health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as immune deficiencies, which can make it harder for your body to fight infections. Chronic stress also causes memory and concentration problems, and can lead to depression and anxiety disorders.

Get well sooner by tapping into the latest thinking on health and healing. Whether you're concerned about improving immunity, fighting disease, or mastering that mind-body connection, there's a guide here for you.
Responsibilities help us become better people, which directly increase self- esteem and self worth. These qualities are essential in becoming successful and happy people. So be responsible, identify your body type, understand how it becomes unbalanced, and learn how you can correct present and help prevent future imbalances. While exploring how you can work towards perfect health.

Quick Tips for Managing Stress in Your Body

Progressive Muscle Relaxation
While sitting or lying down in a relaxed position, tense the muscles of your feet as much as you can and then release the tension and pay attention to the sensation of relaxation in that muscle group. Tense and relax different muscle groups of your body one at a time. Focus on your legs, stomach, back, neck, arms, face and head. 

Once you have finished tensing and relaxing all the regions of your body, allow yourself to remain in a state of relaxation for a few minutes.

Stretching
Practice simple stretches, such as a neck stretch, by simply rolling your head in a half circle in one direction and then in the other. Stretch your shoulders by raising them to your ears and then releasing them.


Self-Massage
You don't need to rely on someone else to get the benefits of a massage. When in the shower or seated comfortably, massage one side of your body with the opposite hand and then massage the other.

Deep Breathing
While sitting or lying down, inhale deeply, allowing your stomach to expand. Exhale slowly for a count of five and imagine the tension leaving your body with the breath. Repeat this 10 times whenever you feel tense.

So Women, why is each of these important to your health and fitness? Because they are all connected. With a little practice you can achieve a healthy body, mind, souls and spirit for wellness to live a wonderful life.

Values are so important because they fundamentally shape our relationships, our behaviors, our choices, and who we are. So, without knowing what our values are, it is actually impossible to create the lives we want because there is no foundation to build them on. Many can't understand why they do not reach certain goals as they dream. Likewise, some reach goals yet still feel empty and unfilled. Why is that? I believe it is because they have made goals based on outer appearances, what others what from them or what they think they want or should want for themselves. The goals in essence do not match with what the heart desires.

So much emphasis is placed on making goals and reaching them, but not too much is said about values. I suggest that if one's values are not determined and in place, making goals and achieving them will prove worthless. Goals that are achieved without a core foundation will leave you feeling empty every time because the goals and achievements are not in alignment with whom you really are.

It stands to reason then that if you determine your values first to help clarify and confirm what it is that is truly important in life. Then question of values if often overlooked, too, it seems such a huge and impossible question to answer. The word "value" is so easily and loosely used, but when I ask a client, "So what are your values?" they come up tongue-tied almost every time. In fact they do not fully understand what a value is. Values and goals often get mixed up too. It is true! Where does one start?

COACHING QUESTION OF THE DAY
What do your values need to be for you to create the lifestyle of your choice?

Are you a shlumpadinka?

---

Do you run errands in your pajamas? Are your husband's sweats a staple in your wardrobe? If the answer is yes, you may be a shlumpadinka. Oprah's been using this word for years, but many people are still in the dark about shlumpadinkas.

Though this word isn't in Webster's Dictionary--yet--Oprah says she knows a shlumpadinka when she sees one. "I made this word up a long time ago," she says. "It represents, for me, a woman who dresses like she has completely given up...and it shows.

Shlumpadinkas are our main target audience here. I quote one Shlumpadinka; "I took no pride in my body, the way I looked, the way I carried myself, and most of all the way I thought about myself. I began dressing up, wearing makeup, wearing high heels, doing my nails, taking care of my face or even the way I ate. I am a completely different woman'.

Self esteem for women, especially, seems to be generally lower than it should be, and unfortunately far too often accompanied by poor body image. Why then are so many women subject to this deprecating state of mind? Perhaps it comes back to the natural laws of femininity. You see, a woman in her natural, feminine state has an in-built desire to radiate beauty. It's the very reason that we women wear make-up, shave our legs, wax our eyebrows, love to shop, etc.

If that desire for beauty extended to finding that which we already have, it would be an absolute blessing.

Self-image is important because how we think about ourselves directly affects how we feel about ourselves and how we respond to life. Self-image can determine the quality of our relationships with others. How we think and feel about ourselves influences the way we react or respond to life stressors. A positive self-image affects our physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well being.

I guess what I am trying to say is when you take pride in the way you look and really take an hour out of the day for just you and only you, it really makes a difference in the way you feel about yourself. People's perception changes about you, people talk to you more, and it can even help you in the work place. So ladies never be afraid to indulge in yourself, you're worth it, take pride in the way you look and I guarantee you will become a whole new woman, a woman you respect and take pride in. If you look your best you will instantly have more self-confidence and others will have more confidence in you.

Be mindful on purpose

Live Passionately... what else have you go to do!

What are you afraid of? 

AFRAID... of failure, rejection, intense pain, and speaking the deepest truth? Fear traps us. It takes away our power and reduces our influence. Timidity and trepidation keep us tethered. Take a leap of faith! Be strong, courageous, powerful, and influential to others...Do AMAZING things, Be of Service. 

POWER OF PRESENCE Our lives happen in the seconds and the moments, not the minutes and the stories; we create ourselves by choices in the moment. 

LET GO! "If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry." ~ Dalai Lama quotes 

Be mindful on purpose 

Live Consciously,

 The past has NO power and the future has NO presence

Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home

I imagine you can tell me at length about how tired your feet and legs get after your busy day. When is the last time you got to treat yourself to a day at the spa? Even if you had the time, it's not too often you can afford the $100 cost of a simple, relaxing, foot soak.
Doesn't that sound nice? Relaxing feet soak at a spa. So I put together this simple recipe so you can have that soothing soak with ingredients you probably already have at home, and can whip up immediately.

Step 1. Create this wonderful foaming honey foot bath at home.

Here's what you need:

• 1 tablespoon Honey
  
• 1 tablespoon Liquid Soap (I used dish soap)
  
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  
• 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil
  

The almond oil was the only things that sounded like it was tough to find, but my hubby and I found it at the chain drugstore at the corner of our street. Just take a look in the beauty/cosmetic aisle.

Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl and it's ready for your foot bath. 

Note: If you want to make this stuff in a large quantity to save for later, you can bump up all the ingredients to something like this:

• ½ cup Honey
  
• ½ cup Liquid Soap (I used dish soap)
  
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  
• 1 cup Sweet Almond Oil
  

Now you can save this in a bottle and save some time for next time.

Step 2. Find yourself a foot bath

These days you can get a fancy, space-age, foot bath for about $20. They promise they do all sorts of things like vibration, bubbles, and heat. I haven't tried one myself, but for $20 that probably isn't a bad experiment.

Step 3. Fill up your foot bath

Put your mixed up mixture from Step 1 into your foot bath and fill with warm water.
Please be real careful with the water temperature. Do this by triple checking the temperature of the water with your hands when it's done. And if you are doing this for a spouse make sure you understand their taste in temperature.

Step 4. Soak for 10 minutes

The soap is obviously cleaning all sorts of impurities from your feet. I can't even explain how many things the honey is doing. Here's a short list:

Apparently honey forms hydrogen peroxide which is a great anti bacterial agent. So there is goes cleansing your feet some more.
Honey contains antioxidants. Health news constantly revolves around us getting more antioxidants. So without me getting all biologists on us, I'll just confirm that getting more antioxidants on our skin and in our diet is really super great!
Honey is also terrific humectants. That means it makes a great moisturizer.

Live passionately... what else have you got to do!

Certified Life for Women

http://christine-livepassionately.blogspot.com/

On a hot summer day perspiration can cause your jewelry to tarnish, after you take it off, due to water speeding up the oxidation process.

A helpful hint is to place one of these silica gel packages in your jewelry box. You can find these tiny packages of silica gel inserted in food items to keep them dry.

They work great for jewelry too!

[jewelry, silver, storage]

Labels: jewelry, silver, storage