The Daily 300
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Let It Rain
Have you ever purposely stood outside in a summer downpour, let the warm rain trickle down your face and cleanse your soul? It feels good, doesn’t it? Your inner-child may come to the forefront. With a childlike heart, you become a part of something that’s out of your control and it’s OK…profound simplicity. You can have moments like that all the time if you desire to. Letting go of some mental control allows you to experience the extraordinary, like a wonderful embrace with the rain. Those refreshing moments are really Divine events.
Don’t worry, it won’t take you long to either have them or recognize the ones you’re already having. You just need a little guidance and a few tools.
The first tools you’ll need for this creative project are a good notebook or journal and a pen. Maybe you heard this one before…maybe not, but listen now if you really want to make this exciting discovery. Those 15 to 20 minutes I told you to take away from all distractions? They are for writing down some key words, phrases, and sentences that mark your intentions to do something different. This exercise changes the way you think and act where your creativity is concerned.
Don’t sensor yourself. If you feel like doodling on the page, go for it! There is no right and wrong with creativity. You can put anything you’d like in this journal.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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Straight to the point today with a Power 3oo! Happiness, joy, bliss, peace, and love are all emotions that fuel a fulfilling life. But what happens when none of these show up regularly? Well, the opposite: sadness, anger, anxiety, hate, dissatisfaction – a life that lacks substance and purpose. While you can do many things to add a little joy to your day, these three things are more than quick pick-me-ups; they are lifestyle adjustments that move you and the Universe to actively change your life.
Thing #1: Regular Exercise and Stretching – I know it’s been said, and said, and said some more; however, did you pay attention? Did I pay attention? Maybe. Maybe not. Two points with this “thing”: First, regular exercise (3 + times per week) produces endorphins (feel-good hormones) that actually combat depression and melancholy. And secondly, it keeps that body in great shape! In other words, if you know you look good, your attitude is WAY more likely to be positive. Bonus Joy: find a workout that you enjoy!
Thing #2: Introspection – Taking the time to reflect on your day before you go to bed is one way to combat confusion, anxiety, and ill-feelings about another person. I find the best way to begin an introspection is to ask yourself a question that is not easily answered by “yes” or “no”. Write it down in a journal, and start spilling your guts. Don’t forget to recognize your negative emotions and even your wrongdoings. Admitting fault and taking responsibility for your actions and words WILL bring positive life change.
Thing #3: Creativity – Whether you think so or not, we are all creative beings. We are wired to see, develop, and master creative abilities within ourselves. This doesn’t mean that you have to take up oil painting or sculpturing. Creativity comes in endless forms and mediums. With the infinite possibilities available, self-expression should not be a problem.
Key: You just have to try!
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
Photo by christiandacaney
Hi all, I’ve experienced a grand scale of emotions, events, and dilemmas as a parent of six children, especially now that three of them are teens still at home, and one of them is only 2.5 years old. The sitcom, Good Luck Charlie (pictured) is one of my favorites for depicting the adventure a family has raising children with large age spans between them. It’s interesting, crazy, and horribly stressful at times. One of the strangest things is having to think about all the different things that they each of them need, like my two teen girls will likely need prom dresses here soon; my 13-year-old son needs baseball garb; and my youngest is itching for one of the outdoor playsets that make home…well, more like the park. That’s a lot to think about and plan for, even for the most experienced of moms.
The Missy Moo (toddler, almost preschool girl) has been spying on the neighbor as he builds one of those really nice wood playsets for his son. I’m sure she will be able to go over and enjoy it with him, but that hasn’t stopped her from begging for a swingset of her own. So, I’m happy to say that the search has started for the “dreamed of” playground extravaganza. I turned to one of my favorite online shopping sites called CSN that has over 200 sites with just about everything you can imagine…well, maybe not prom dresses, but enough other things to make it worth your while to check them out (see above link).
Now, for the dresses, shoes, accessories, and all that other girly stuff, that won’t be as easy. It will likely take scouring 15-20 stores, sore feet, and some serious budgeting to create not one but two perfect prom ensembles. Do you have a teen and toddler story or advice to share? We’d love to hear it, especially the nitty-gritty on coping, balancing, and keeping the peace. I need help!!!!!!
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how a woman really changes throughout her life. I watch my youngest flit around the house in her 2.5 year-old body, full of laughter and energy I only dream of in my more mature state. Then there are my teens. They are full of hope and dreams of their future, waiting for those big events to wash over them and not realizing that they pass too quickly. They don’t yet grasp the fact that they are creating their futures with every thought and action of which they presently partake.
Then there are my two older daughters who are grown and on their own. They understand more than your average twenty-somethings…IMO. It’s such a crucial stage of life…as each one is, but this decade in particular is one that really marks a woman’s life with direction and purpose if she lets it.
As we age it’s harder to reposition ourselves in new places and dreams if we have not previously visited them. I want so much for those young twenties ladies to hear and understand that they don’t have to wait until they are in their thirties, forties, or fifties to live with authentic purpose. It’s just a decision, one that can be made at any age. I say, the sooner the better.
The primary importance is to always develop and grow no matter what age you are. And as moms, we should always encourage our daughters to know themselves; to explore their inner creativity; to be all that they dream of being; and partake of all that they are passionate about.
And if you’re one of those ladies who waited until you were mature to seek purpose or you still don’t know what it is, it’s OK. It’s never too late to be who you truly are. She’s waiting for you to let her out…
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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As a part of my “Beautiful Woman” interviews I always ask “do you have any regrets?”. I believe for most women it’s easy to see the “errors of our ways” when it comes to the progression of our lives. However, having regrets means that you would likely change something if you could. I was thinking about how destructive that attitude can be to our life journey. Bottom line: if we changed one thing, we would change everything – even the blessings. I’ve learned that focusing change on the past is not productive and only creates unstable goals that can never be met. Truthfully, even the “errors” or mistakes we’ve made are useful and could even be catalysts for greatness. And though hard times are difficult and devastating, they are an important part of the amalgam that makes up our foundation.
Adding Sugar to the Lemons
You’ve all heard the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It’s a simple thing, really…
Basically, we have a responsibility to recognize potential in all of life’s situations by not labeling them as “good” or “bad”. Lemons are neither bad because they’re sour nor is sugar good because it’s sweet…
I know this is an odd thing to even consider. After all, we’ve been programed to view certain events as either good or bad; healthy or unhealthy; blissful or tragic; a success or a failure. Often we are negatively motivated to change because someone (you) laid claim to the fact that YOU did something wrong. You gained weight because YOU ate too much or didn’t exercise; you got fired because YOU didn’t perform your job well enough; you got divorced because YOU weren’t a good wife.
Do you see where I’m going with this?
We too often use our downfalls as springboards, launching pads for change. We make self-demands based on the emotional compromise from unserving choices. Reality: those so called “negative” events are not places we should be jumping from; they are merely places to note and be thankful for. On the other hand, we should not always jump from our so called “happy, good” place either. Again, it’s important to note progress and be grateful for it but not dwell there. This concept keeps us moving forward – perpetual learning, reflection, and change that’s based on the now and the future.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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As women, we naturally guide the heart-center and atmosphere of our homes. We feel more; we believe more; and we certainly create enthusiasm when we need to. And, unfortunately, we can also tear down every thing we’ve worked for with that same power when it’s influenced by negative emotions that don’t serve us. If you despair over circumstances or a difficult situation to the point of emotional compromise, your family feels it. They follow you whether you want them to or not.
More so now than ever before women need to stand up and take control of their emotions, their behavior, and start bringing joy and peace back to the home. It starts with you, with me, with us all. I coach women every week and see how feelings of defeat and self-doubt render them helpless. I’m telling you what I tell them. The buck stops here. Own it. No matter how bad things seem to be, they will change. Now how they change is up to you and me. What will you focus on? Will you be brave enough to believe in your dreams? Will you work on bettering yourself so others can benefit from the manifestation of your dreams?
There’s no greater feeling than knowing you affected someone’s life because you changed something about yourself. This is the kind of power we have, Ladies. No one blocks us from seeing every desire and purpose unfold before our eyes. It’s all there ready to be gotten. I am amazed and so very grateful each time my dreams show up. They aren’t all monumental, but they are important to me. It builds my faith, the tower to my “dream cloud”. Even writing this book was a manifestation of a goal, a vision I had for a long time. We don’t always know how long things will take to change or to manifest. With all my heart, I believe this is by design. Truly, if we knew all things in advance, we would not be able to carry the load; we would likely have some sort of emotional break down. Knowledge is given with the acceptance of responsibility and when all three parts of our being can handle it.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
***This post is an excerpt from Kellie Stone’s book, “The Butterfly Payoff“. Stay connected for upcoming information about obtaining a copy of this gold nugget-filled work!
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When a woman wears a real diamond, she markedly changes her posture, her confidence, and the way she carries herself; an interesting observation that deserves a couple of laps around our brains…you know, for the sake of understanding something about ourselves. Why do you think a stone can make such a difference in our perceived self-worth and attitude? Besides the fact that it’s all pretty, sparkly and reminds you of playing with Barbie as a child. (Yes, that bitch does have everything!)
OK, now for the real reasons. One is psychological and the other is scientific. #1- Wearing something valuable does not make us valuable. Truth is; we feel better about ourselves when we touch or possess something valuable or authentic. Put a glass rock on the same gal, and tell her it’s glass, she won’t experience the same euphoria as she does with the genuine diamond. (That last statement, a no brainer but not this next one.)
#2 – All things in the universe have unique vibrations or frequencies. (Didn’t I tell you it was scientific?) Diamonds happen to be one of those substances that live at the higher end of the vibration scale, as do most “real” gemstones and precious metals. Our energy resonates with the energy of authentic matter from nature and it in turn resonates with ours. Hmmm…where do you think I’m going with this? Yes, that’s right (you deserve a gold star); I’m talking about our state of being. Are you acting like diamonds and vibrating with your authentic frequency (all shiny and sparkly) or are you faded, lackluster, like a simply cut piece of glass?
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
***This post is an excerpt from Kellie Stone’s book, “The Butterfly Payoff“. Stay connected for upcoming information about obtaining a copy of this gold nugget-filled work!
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Hi Everyone! Today is a good day! Why? I actually got some Holiday shopping done! Understand the norm for me is rushing from store-to-store on Christmas eve searching for last minute items. Talk about procrastination…
I don’t know why I do it every year and, of course, I always tell myself I won’t ever do it again just to end up in the same predicament on December 24th. Well, not this year! I realized that I needed an easy, fast way to shop early, so I turned to one of my new favorite online shopping sites called CSN Stores. Using a promo code I already had, I was able to purchase a few items for my children….early! I did, however, have a little trouble deciding to shop for the kids as opposed to treating myself with a new espresso machine, really cute shoes or cookware that I desperately need. OK, so I don’t really NEED the “really cute shoes”…oh, wait; yes I do! Because the site is so diverse with over 200 stores that carry anything from this beautiful platform bed -to home decor- to pet supplies, you can understand my temptation. Needless to say, I went with the Christmas shopping for my babes. I now have a sense of accomplishment and an overwhelming sense that I learned a valuable life-lesson about procrastination.
So, bottom line here, ladies, just get it done! Whatever you keep putting off;whatever gets you in a rut; whatever makes you cringe to think about; do it NOW! I did! And I feel so good about myself. Oh, and just in case you want to know more about CSN, I will be doing a full blown review on their products, customer service, and shipping here soon after I receive my order. I will say this: my experience with them thus far has been fabulous!
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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Procrastination: The One Thing You Can’t Seem to Get Done
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If someone had told me, when I was eight, that I’d someday write a book and quote Mrs. Carol Brady (Florence Henderson), there surely would have been laughter…much laughter. No disrespect of her at all; I just didn’t see her as a philosopher at the time. I much preferred Alice for that sort of thing.
Let’s take a look at Mrs. B’s key phrases: “…a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and “make simple pledges to change…” Translation: Take it slowly or you’ll be sorry. Too many women experience goal-reaching burn out while striving for dreams that are important to them. Why do they give up so easily? Why do they let circumstances get in the way of being who they are or obtaining what they want? It’s fairly simple: They often take on too much all at once, eat the elephant too quickly and you get indigestion. Stick to the “one bite at a time” theory.
I know the type well…they get all excited about the end result, do everything they can to MAKE IT HAPPEN. It’s an adrenaline spike that, unfortunately, can not last the course. How do I know this? I am one of those women. I’ve had to be extremely careful about doing too much too quickly. Change is sacred and deserves to be taken seriously, enough so that we give it time to manifest and get settled before we move on to the next challenge.
***This post is an excerpt from Kellie Stone’s book, “The Butterfly Payoff“. Stay connected for upcoming information about obtaining a copy of this gold nugget-filled work!
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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A Little Passion Goes a Long Way
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Passion – a word that has so much energy and promise. It brings lovers together; it wins wars; it creates fine art and literature; it makes money; and it works miracles. Those who find it have the potential to do all of the above and more. What are you constantly drawn to do that gives you that feeling of accomplishment and joy? Though this may have nothing to do with your purpose, it’s likely that it can give you a clue – a direction in which to start seeking.
“Passion is contagious, and when you have the courage to share your passion for life with those around you, it can inspire others to find the path to their dreams!” ~Michele DeVille
Keep in mind, though, there are passions that serve you and others well – and those that don’t. Just as the honorable, passionate woman brings beauty and love to the table, her counterpart, the naughty, greedy (equally passionate) gal can ruin lives faster than you can say Desperate Housewives. Is Your Passion Honorable? In a perfect world, I could give you a perfect answer, but we all know that is not going to happen anytime soon. So, instead, I will give you the best one I know: it depends on what you believe is honorable. And in that perfect world we would all understand the legitimacy of honor. It is simple and really does fit in a nutshell: Love. If what you desire is driven by love for someone or something else other than self, it’s honorable.
Acting from a place of love and intuition will honor you as well as mankind. Secondly, it will make room for you. That means you won’t be fighting tooth and nail to express or work within your passion. Furthermore, others notice you can’t stop talking about it with a broad, natural smile on your face. It expands your world and makes your heart beat faster.
***This post is an excerpt from Kellie Stone’s book, “The Butterfly Payoff”. Stay connected for upcoming information about obtaining a copy of this gold nugget-filled work!
If you enjoyed this post, you will love this one: It’s Your Journey Whether You Like It or Not
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Have you ever met someone who whines about everything? She never accepts responsibility for her actions; it’s always the fault of someone else. It’s fair to say that this perpetual attitude is precisely why she is living a life of despair and frustration. She has never realized that it’s her Journey to own and treasure. After all, isn’t it much more fun to pass the proverbial buck on to Aunt Millie or anyone who willingly enables us to do so? For a while, perhaps, then it gets old…excruciatingly old.
A remarkable woman comes to mind; her name is Helen Keller. Though everyone has at least heard of her, the story told in most text books and biographies may not make the point that I’m about to. Helen was someone who knew how to own her circumstances and make the best of the hand she was dealt. Where so many fail and get tripped up, she succeeded. Why? I believe it was her circumstance of limited senses that gave her a unique perspective about “who she was and why she was here”.
She had no distractions (TV, radio, eye candy, Face book, fussy kids) from the powerful emotions and drive she felt inside. Some of those emotions were dark but only because she wanted to communicate so badly. Just think how many times we hesitate to speak out or be ourselves due to confusion or fear. Not Miss Keller; nothing stopped her from pushing (working) through her challenges to become one of the most renowned motivational icons of the twentieth century; an inspiration to all, not just the physically-challenged, an astounding achievement if you consider her limitations. Like Helen, I tend to believe that our “limitations” are the key to making a distinct mark on the world. It makes me believe in miracles to read about her life.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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Well, ladies (and gents), I’ve been loving my new apartment with a lake view. It has given me some true relaxing time, staring out at the reflection that somehow always looks more interesting than the real thing. I’ve been paying attention to a group of ducks that lives by the lake. They are out swimming, flying, and playing every day. I’m thankful for the fact that I get on-the-spot epiphanies from nature’s performance quite often. This week was no exception.
The ducks launch from the lake’s edge frequently. One day I noticed the white raised wake that follows them to their destination. It’s point is always at their tale. It then spreads into arrow formation that, as the duck swims, gets wider and wider. The wake points touch both sides of the lake by the time the duck reaches the upper end (see photo for reference). And, if the duck stops, it stops and fades away. If the duck changes direction, it follows him…
My initial thought prompted a nugget: The ducks, doing what they are supposed to do, create an ever-spreading effect on the lake that is totally controlled by their movement.
Application: YOU and I can live with purpose (doing what we were meant to do) and affect the world with an ever spreading message that we can control by our movements. I thought it was cool!
So, today, think about what message you want to bring to the world; how you will spread it; how far you want it to reach; and whom you want to receive it.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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Fortunate Friday: The Simple Things
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Journey to Journal and Journal to Journey
As a writer and Journey Coach, I will always advocate journaling as a way to express your innermost feelings and thoughts without fear of judgement or comments from others. There is more to it than that though. Because of our nature, we forget things…even important things that we should remember. Profound moments happen all the time. When we listen to our hearts and our ideas, we have the opportunity to take a souvenir from our Journey and continue on with it until it’s time to let it go. Here are the top reasons I tell my coaching clients to journal on a regular basis.
1. Journaling allows us continual access to thoughts and feelings from past moments that are significant.
2. When you look back at what was important to you then, you can compare to the changes or similarities you are experiencing today. I believe that true passion and purpose is revealed in seeing what doesn’t leave you over time. Those driving forces have always been there and will continue to be there until your dreams and/or purpose shifts (more on that later).
3. Journaling is a way to be accountable to yourself. Writing down your vision and goals will increase your chances of accomplishing them.
4. It is a true measure of self-growth. You will reveal your authentic self in your writing if you’re honest and journal without inhibition…that’s the point, really. Try it; it’s liberating!
5. The information you put to paper or hard drive will be invaluable to you when you decide to write a book, a song, help someone else, teach, tell your grand-kids about your life, or simply revisit your life.
Happy Journaling!
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
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Well, the topic for today is one that might make a few of you cringe or at least think about whether I have read your mail…so to speak. It’s just too big of an issue to not address here before God and everyone. So, let’s move on.
What do you think about the word “press” and all of the negative forms it seems to take? Just think about it…you have depression, oppression, suppression, pressure…
These are all barriers in some form or another. And how many of you have experienced one or more of the above?
That’s what I thought.
You’re not alone…I’ve had a few rounds with every one of those beasts myself. That’s why I type here today with confidence when I say this…
You can beat them with your hands tied behind your back. Let me explain…briefly. I only have 300 words in which to make a point. Every one of those grizzly entities are a symptom of imbalance. Sound simple? Well, it is…not always easy, but simple. The key is discovering why the teeter-totter is slamming into the ground and leaving you with a sore rear end. You’ve got to place equal weight on each end if you want to flow up and down smoothly (I went to the park with my kids this week…what can I say). It’s a good analogy though. Think about how it feels when you aren’t balanced. It sucks. It hurts. It brings about trouble and bruises.
Let’s make this simple…
♦ Locate yourself (where the &*$# are you, anyway?) What word did you put in the blank? Mine was not bad at all…
♦ Prioritize (What makes you happy?)
♦ Set Goals (What results do you want?)
♦ WEED THE GARDEN (Only you can decide what this one means.)
♦ Move some things around (It means that you might have to say no.)
♦ Enjoy your new growth and balance (Peace…ahhh)
♦ Maintain (A little follow-up goes a long way.)
OK, I blew the 300 words, but I’ll make it up with a 200-worder next time. Let me know how you do with this one.
Be Beautiful-Be Creative-Be Happy!
You may also enjoy the article on life balance from the Mayo Clinic.
The Daily 300
I promised you a part 2, so here it is. I left you with some questions to answer about various things that might have to do with chronic anger. How did you do with that? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, go here and read part 1 first. OK, now that you’ve done that, let’s move on to some ways you can recognize and overcome that persistent aggression that is likely holding you back in one or more areas of your life.
Get a Clue
The following symptoms are fairly common with anger issues. Do you have any of them?
• Inability to sleep
• Impatience
• Often raise your voice
• Feelings of sadness and despair
• Intolerance of people who are different
• Argumentative
• Sudden, boiling temper that you can’t control
Overcoming
I could go on here, but I think these basic symptoms are enough for you to recognize any issue you might be having. I used to have an anger problem. My thing was the sudden, boiling temper that usually resulted in slamming doors and breaking the first thing I could grab and throw. Definitely not a healthy way to deal with anger. Let me tell you what I did to overcome it.
First, I made peace with my past. I explored the unresolved issues and unhealed wounds that ultimately were destroying my attitude about my life at that time. This is a difficult thing for many people because it can bring unpleasant memories to the surface – ones that you swore to never think of again. This meant forgiving others, myself, and asking them to forgive me.
Photo by Blue Midnight Sky