May 3, 2011
I was listening to
Hay House Radio yesterday, and the host was talking about how our happiness levels could be measured by averaging the happiness levels of our top few friends. I found this so interesting and also very eye opening.
It’s so important to surround ourselves with positive, emotionally healthy, and happy people. Because emotions and feelings are contagious (here is my previous post about this), it’s especially important and crucial for our own well being that we are cognizant of who we choose to be close to.
And I know that this isn’t always the easiest decision to make. Sometimes you’ll find that you’ve been friends with someone for years – you have a history that you would feel bad letting go of. More
May 2, 2011
While it’s great to spend most of our time in the present moment and truly be mindful of what’s happening right now, it’s also fun to have something to look forward to – something on the horizon that we are excited about – something we can think about and dream about and make plans to realize.
Spend some time today thinking about what is on your horizon.
Do you have a new project that you are excited to start?
Do you have a much-needed vacation coming up?
Do you have personal goals that you are about to reach?
Write about all of the exciting things that are about to happen in your life.
Write about all of the wonderful things you are looking forward to.
Take some time to really feel how happy you will be when these goals are realized.
This is a great list to go back to when you are feeling a bit disenchanted or down and need a little boost.
It’s also a great motivator to help you reach your goals.
I have some wonderful things on the horizon – things that I am so excited to share with you all very soon.
I’ve been letting some plans and ideas incubate in my soul for awhile now, and it’s almost time to bring them out into the world.
We all have a great idea or project or vacation or goal on the horizon.
Let’s honor them today and know that someday soon everything on the horizon will become our present reality!
May 1, 2011
It’s a beautiful spring day here in Oregon – the sun is shining and the birds are singing.
Dan and I moved to this area two years ago (wow, time sure flies!),
and I am so grateful that we did.
We were living near San Francisco at the time while he finished graduate school. Because we work from home, we really could choose anywhere to live – exciting! We both had a great feeling about southern Oregon. I had never even been here but felt a strong pull to this area. And so we moved. And I have to say that trusting my intuition and planting roots in this area has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
For the first time in my life I truly feel that I have found my forever home.
I found this writing prompt from our
Journaling Within book, which I thought was a perfect exercise for this particular day!
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Take some time and really think about where you would like to plant roots.
What about this place draws you to it?
The weather? The people? The landscape? The opportunities?
Write about what it feels like to live
More
Apr 30, 2011
This week’s Saturday selection is Oprah’s new television network:
OWN.
Like many of us, I grew up watching Oprah. I have learned so much from her show over the years and continue to be inspired by all that she does to empower each of us to live our best lives.
And while I am going to miss watching her show each day, I am so happy that she’s now able to spread her positive message and reach so many through her new network.
If you haven’t seen the shows on it yet, I would definitely recommend tuning in.
Each is handpicked by Oprah herself, and they are filled with feel good vibes that will definitely have you coming back for more.
Here is Oprah’s plan and vision for the network:
I said from the beginning that this was an opportunity for me to step out of the box and make the kind of shows that make my heart sing.
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Master Class
Oprah handpicks celebrities who are masterful at what they do. People who can help teach us what they have learned so far on their journey. I absolutely loved them all, but Oprah’s was definitely my favorite. She has so much wisdom, and I took so much away for my own life after watching her.
Enough Already with Peter Walsh
Peter Walsh is the decluttering expert, and in this show he helps hoarders get to the heart of the matter knowing that it’s not about the material things but rather about something much deeper. I love the breakthrough moments in this show – that moment when the person realizes what is really driving the clutter. That is when the change can begin.
Our America with Lisa Ling
Lisa Ling travels our country and shows us a glimpse into certain subcultures that we may not have otherwise been exposed to. She is such a compassionate reporter who truly does a wonderful job of telling their stories.
A surprise favorite:
The Judds
This chronicles Naomi and Wynonna Judd’s journey together – both through the country as they tour for their final concert together and also their personal journeys of growth and learning how to better communicate and love each other. It’s very raw and very real.
There are so many other great shows in the works that I’m very excited about.
I just love that there is an entire network built on positivity, growth, inspiration, and quality.
And I trust that Oprah will continue choosing shows that reflect this wonderful mission.
If you haven’t tuned in already, I would encourage you to do so.
A daily dose of warm fuzzies and positivity
goes a long way in helping you create a happy life.
And this network definitely does that!
Apr 29, 2011
Today’s writing prompt comes from our
Journaling Further Within book:
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This is a great exercise to do when you are feeling great about yourself, and then you can go back to it and reread it whenever you need a little self-esteem boost.
If you aren’t sure what sort of impact you make on their lives, ask them.
I’m sure they would love to share how wonderful you are, how much joy you bring them, and how happy they are to have you in their life.
This is a great way to bring you closer together, too. And positive feedback and warm fuzzies are always so good to hear and feel.
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P.S. – Thank you to everyone who has answered our weekly poll so far! It’s in the top right corner, and there is still time to answer. It’s about the things you do to relax and recharge, and reading and spending time with pets are the top two choices so far!
Apr 28, 2011
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
We are still looking for the kitty’s home.
We are working on our biggest order to date that has a hard deadline.
And my body doesn’t seem to want to cooperate and has started to rebel.
So it’s definitely time to remember to breathe.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat.
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There are many great techniques we can use to calm
ourselves down when life feels overwhelming.
Here are just a few:
Breathe.
Stay present and mindful.
Meditate.
Be grateful for everything that is working in your life.
Shift your focus.
Switch gears – do something completely different that has nothing to do with the tasks at hand. This will help you get perspective,
More
Apr 27, 2011
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to write a post about gratitude!
Feel free to click here (or below) to learn more about our Gratitude Project.
Okay – now for today’s post:
Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and you get to choose to stay open and see where it takes you.
I was planning to write a gratitude post today about a wonderful appreciation meditation that I just learned, which is very helpful in tuning in to all of the good in our lives and helpful for attracting more positive things to us.
(And I promise I will write this post very soon!)
And then life took over, which sometimes happens, doesn’t it? 🙂
The curve ball is that Dan and I found a sweet cat late last night, and we were up almost all night spending time with her. We have our fingers crossed that we will find her home – it’s very obvious that she was well taken care of and very loved.
So while I had planned on making journals, filling orders, and writing today – I will instead be putting up signs, going to the vet, and spending time with my new friend.
And while I feel exhausted and a bit frazzled, I am so grateful that we found this sweet kitty and can hopefully reunite her with her family. I am so grateful that we were in the right place at the right time. I am so grateful that she trusted me enough to let me pick her up and take her home.
I am grateful for unexpected gifts and wonderful new furry friends.
I am grateful for being able to stay flexible and continue this journey with an open heart.
And I am grateful that my intended post will come out when the time is right.
Here’s to all of us being grateful for everything in our lives (including the curve balls).
Apr 26, 2011
Today’s post contains a writing prompt from our
Journaling Within book:
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It can be an entire room devoted to journaling, reading, and going within.
It can be a small table that you put some of your favorite mementos on.
It can be a comfy chair that invites you to slow down and take time to relax.
It can be a walk in nature where you smell the fresh air and take in all of the beauty.
It can be your bookshelf that is filled with books that are meaningful to you.
It can be a vision board that encompasses all of your dreams and goals.
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Apr 25, 2011
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Sometimes we are in such a hurry to start our day that we only look into the mirror to make sure our hair is brushed, our makeup looks okay, or we don’t have anything in our teeth.
And sometimes we get so busy that we can’t even remember the last time we looked at ourselves in the mirror period.
One of my favorite exercises in self love comes from Louise Hay’s book:
The Power is Within You.
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It’s an amazingly powerful exercise.
When you first begin, you may feel silly and self conscious; but if you keep at it your world will start to shift.
At first you may notice your inner critic pointing out your flaws (both physical and emotional), but if you keep at it and continue to pour unconditional love into the image you see, that inner critic will begin to subside and quiet down.
This is where the magic begins.
This is an exercise that I have dabbled with but never really stuck with.
I’m going to commit to doing it regularly again, and I am asking each of you to join me in this journey of self awareness and self love.
All of happiness starts with you and your ability to love yourself.
And mirror work is a great way to begin your own journey.
So every single time we pass by a mirror, take a moment to look into it.
Really look into your own eyes and say (out loud if possible),
“I love you, (your name).”
If any thoughts of criticism come up, replace them with thoughts of unconditional love for yourself.
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Apr 24, 2011
In a recent
post, I talked about the fact that Dan and I were about to get a
Vitamix.
Well… I’m so happy to let you know that we bought it yesterday and have already used it several times!
Eating healthier has been on my to-do list for a long time.
One misconception many of us have about eating a cruelty-free diet is thinking that it must be healthy. It’s just not true though (which I learned firsthand).
Many years ago, Dan and I were eating all of the processed soy-based meat substitutes for basically every meal. And what happened is that the soy actually caused our thyroids to stop producing enough hormones and we became hypothyroid because of it. Scary stuff for sure. We have now been soy-free for 2.5 years and are feeling much better. (It took several months before we started feeling normal again.)
Vegetarians and vegans can be just as unhealthy as meat eaters.
If your diet consists mainly of processed foods, tons of sugar, and chemicals and dyes, chances are you aren’t going to feel that great in the long run.
I am not a big salad or raw food person, but I know how many nutrients are packed in raw, green food. This is where the Vitamix comes in. By hiding these healthy ingredients in a smoothie, I’m much more likely to eat it!
I’m going to keep a daily log of what I make in the Vitamix
here.
Please feel free to comment there and also leave your favorite recipes (if you are also a juice and smoothie lover).
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They are much more likely to stick if you are having fun and enjoying yourself. And this will lead to long-term health and a lifetime of feeling great!
What are some fun things you can do to feel healthier?
Could you add something nutritious to your diet?
What about exercise?
Is there a fun activity that you would like to do (such as tennis or dancing) that wouldn’t feel like exercise but would still get you moving?
Think about it today and see if you can start with small changes at first.
Remember that the small changes will add up to big changes, and you’ll be feeling healthier before you know it!
Here’s to our health! 🙂
P.S. – Be sure to answer this week’s poll in the top right section! It’s all about relaxing and recharging!
