There are those amongst us that no matter what’s going on in their lives , will see something positive to uplift and move them forward. My EXTRAordinary woman of the week, Nancy Mura, is such a person. When life gave her lemons she made sweet lemonade. Nancy is not just a survivor, she THRIVES. She is the author of a magnificent  children’s book “Willie Whistle” – A Name for Puppy.

Read her story and I dare you not to be inspired.

EXTRAordinary woman of the week Nancy Mura

I was born and raised in Rochester, New York.

My mother raised my sister and me.  She was a wonderful dedicated person who worked long hours to provide for us. She died in 2000 at the age of ninety one years old. I dearly miss her and enjoyed the last years we spent together.

She had a very difficult life, but she never let that interfere with her love for both my sister and me.  Laughter was always in our daily lives.  There was always food on the table and the doors to our home were open to friends and family.

Included in our family were several furry friends, which included three dogs and two cats. They brought much joy into our lives with their unconditional love and funny escapades.

There are so many wonderful memories that I have of my family. We spent so many happy days together and I will always cherish that love we had for each other.

All the encouragement, loving support from my husband, mother and sister over the years gave me the strength to meet all the challenges that would occur in my life.

In May of 1986 when my husband had quadruple bypass surgery I quit my job to stay home and take care of him.  Then the following January, 1987 my sister was told that her cancer had returned and it was terminal.

In February of 1987 a lump appeared on the left side of my face.  A biopsy was performed and the results showed that I had a parotid tumor and should be surgical removed.

Little did I know that this was just the beginning of a continuing re-occurrences of the tumors from 1992 thru 1996 and extensive surgeries performed on the left side of my face which would include dis-figuration.

After the last surgery in 1996 the result showed the tumors were malignant.  The diagnosis was carcinoma/explemorphic adenoma.

Radical radiation was performed twice a day to the area over an eight week period. This eventually caused me to have some loss of hearing in the left ear and loss of the saliva gland. Cataract surgery was performed on the left eye and a gold weight inserted in the left eye area so the eyelid could close.

Between 1998 and 1999 reconstruction surgery was performed on my face to make me look presentable.

From 1987 through 2000 I lost my whole family, which included my husband, mother and sister.

In 2002 after a CT scan was performed and the results showed the tumors had returned and were now living in my lungs and called carcinoma explemorphic adenoma a lung cancer which showed fifty nodules in both lungs.

Chemotherapy was performed without success.  In February 2003, I made arrangements to go to the Mayo clinic in Rochester Minnesota for a second opinion.  The oncologist assigned to me reviewed my case and said that chemotherapy would not be effective on this particular tumor.  He recommended that the medication Gleevec be taken.

Up until 2007 I was on the Gleevec medication.  After a CT scan was performed in 2007 it showed that the tumors had grown and my oncologist recommended I take another drug called Sutent which I have been taking for the last two years with success.

I have been told many times by my doctors that my disease is very rare, due to the parotid tumors metastasizing to my lungs; they do not know of any others cases like mine.

In 2007 my story was included in Preferred Care Gold, (now called MVP) Health Care Literary collection.

I have been retired since 2003. I am a volunteer for the Red Cross and was involved with “The Kids Are Us” program, which involved the use of puppets.  The puppets were a learning tool for students within the elementary schools through out the Rochester, NY area.  The puppets that were involved in this program had different disabilities; Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Learning disability and Down syndrome.  Unfortunately, due to lack of funding this program has been discontinued. But, I am still involved with the Red Cross blood drive.

I am now an author.  While I was going through chemotherapy in 2003, to keep my mind occupied, and for therapeutic value, I decided to write a story.  It would be fictional and something I hoped that children, adults and seniors would enjoy.  It involved animals who have different personalities.    So I wrote this story about a puppy named “Willie Whistle” who is abandoned at a shelter which is owned by a white Persian cat named Marta May Paws.  It tells of the many different friends he meets who live at the shelter and how they help to raise him, and of all his adventures throughout his growing up years.   People who have read the story have laughed at all the lovable characters, and enjoyed reading it.

The Willie Whistle series of books volume one and two are now available on nancymura.blogspot.com. Also, anyone can read Nancy’ story on this site.  Mindy Schwartz who is my project manager can also be contacted by e-mail mssphotography@aol.com for purchase of my books.

Right now I am in the process of co-writing a couple of children’s books. Along with Taryn Simpson who is an award-winning novelist, ghostwriter and screenwriter. The two books we are writing are called the Table and Chair and Rosie and Baby.

People have asked me over the years if I have been angry about what has happened to me.  I look at them and say, sure there are times that I feel down, but then I think of so many other people who have worst diseases then I have. There are those who are disabled, can’t see, walk or talk. I have never said “why me.”  I am very fortunate to be here.   I think of life as an adventure.  Who knows what is over the next mountain.  One should enjoy life, be happy. Be thankful for the family and wonderful friends that are part of your life and always pay forward in helping others.  Do not look backwards, and have great faith in God.

Purchase her book here

Nancy, thanks for sharing your inspirational life experiences.  – Adalia

As always, I appreciate your visit. Has life handed you any lemons and how did you deal with them. Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Are you fired up for your business and personal life?

You know you are FIRED UP if you:

1. Awaken in the morning filled with joy and enthusiasm for the day ahead.
2. Smile as you greet the morn.
3. Eat breakfast.
4. Have your daily to do list.
5. Feed your mind positive self chatter.
6. Feel passionate and purposeful.
7. Have a vision for your successful life.
8. Take action for your goals.
9. Embrace your fears.
10. Love and allow you to be loved
11. Take time to relax and unwind.
12. Pay it forward
13. Show gratitude

You know you are fired up when you:

Confidently and courageously take risks to make your dreams a reality.

Are you fired up or have you lost your enthusiasm for doing the things that will create your successful life.  Are you tired of trying? Are you ready to give up?

You know you are not FIRED UP if you:

Awaken in the morning and wish you did not have to get up

Look in the mirror and say “yuck.”

Refuse to put a smile on your face.

Are overwhelmed.

Skip breakfast.

Keep second guessing yourself.

Play the blame game.

Feed your mind negative self chatter.

Do not appreciate the small things in life.

Are angry and frustrated.

Have lost that loving feeling.

Have lost the passion for your purpose driven life.

Do you want to get FIRED UP? Do you want to re ignite your passion for your dreams?

You can get fired up by:

1. Journaling
2. Meditating
3. Joining a master mind group
4. Hiring a coach
5. Finding a mentor.
6. Exploring the self help community – there’s an endless supply of tools to assist you.

It’s time to get FIRED UP for your success.

Other resources:

Fired up for life
Fired up now
Fired up motivation

Are You Fired Up by Anne Whiting

Thought Stimulator:  Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion, you must set yourself on fire first. ~  Reggie Leach
As always, I appreciate your visit. Are you fired up? Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

You can contact me at adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

Even though the women of today are making more money, many lack the confidence to take charge of their financial health. How is your financial health? Is your financial house in order? Do you have confidence in your financial future?

Anne Naylor – Personal motivation consultant and author – wrote an empowering article that could be helpful to you.

“6 Tips For Facing Your Finances With Confidence”

Dealing with money issues is not easy. Families fall out over money. Your sense of status, place in life and well-being may have come to depend upon a certain level of income and expenditure. Expectations dashed, disappointment and financial loss can make for deep-seated misery.

I am not an economist — my sister is — but I still have to deal with money on a daily basis. We all do, unless we have chosen to renounce cash and found other methods of survival, which some have done quite successfully.

Listening to an investment counselor recently, I heard him say that the days of the “borrow to spend” mentality are no longer the workable option they had become. Sooner or later, the credit runs out. It is no fun when it does.

A mood of blaming and complaining is very understandable. You may feel like a helpless infant in a grown up world when it comes to the economy. However, blaming and complaining about the state of the economy, and those responsible for it, renders you more stuck and prepares you for nothing better, other than more complaining and blaming. This frame of mind does not help you to deal with your personal finances, fit and ready to meet the world as it now is.

The origin of the word “confidence” literally means “have full trust.” Here are some of the dictionary definitions for confidence.

• The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust

• The state of feeling certain about the truth of something

• A feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities

In times of economic uncertainty, I have noticed that there are always those who are managing their personal finances well. What is possible for some is possible for many more. Read rest of the article here

Other Resources:

Women’s Money Corner

Yes to Financial Fitness

Women & money owning the power to control your destiny

Thought Stimulator: Budget: a mathematical confirmation of your suspicions.  ~A.A. Latimer

As always, I appreciate your visit. How is your financial health? Ae you a business owner or an employee?  Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

You can contact me at adalia@claimyourconfidencenow.com

Meet Shelley Seale, writer, dreamer, child advocate and EXTRAordinary woman of the week.

1. Shamelessly plug yourself and your business /services

I’m a professional freelance writer, editor and graphic designer based out of cool and creative Austin, Texas. When not there, I am usually off vagabonding in any part of the world whenever possible. My mantra is “travel with a purpose.”

I recently completed a nonfiction book, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India which was published by Dogs Eye View Media in June, 2009. This nonfiction book is a story straight from today’s headlines – the true, written version that Slumdog Millionaire portrayed on film. It follows my journeys through India and tells the stories of some of the 25 million children living without parents in India, on the streets or in orphanages; and the inspiring people who are helping to uphold their rights, one child at a time.

2. How long have you been a writer?

I have been writing for as long as I can remember! Freelancing full time for about five years now.

3. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I think I have some sort of entrepreneurial bug in me. Maybe it stems from just being really independent and liking to do my own thing, I don’t know. I’ve always been an entrepreneur; even in my previous career incarnation, before I started writing full time, I was in real estate for 15 years and I started two different firms. I have started and owned several ventures during my lifetime.

4. What has been a defining moment in your life or an AHA moment?

Oprah Winfrey shares a defining moment in her life when she was in the third grade – the day her book report earned her teacher’s praise- it made her classmates whisper, “She thinks she is so smart.” She says for too many years after that, her biggest fear was that others would see her as arrogant. “The last thing I wanted was for my actions to make me appear conceited. Full of myself,: she remembers.

I don’t remember the exact incident, but I know it was the first time that anyone ever read something that I wrote and said, “That is good!” With writing, you really put yourself out there personally – often your thoughts, your feelings, your human experience, your soul. It’s a very vulnerable place to be sometimes, and to know that other people can relate to it, that something you wrote really resonates with someone else – that is a real a-ha moment, and something that makes it all worthwhile and keeps you going.

5. What has been your biggest challenge?

How hard it is to get work and get published sometimes, and how easy it is to constantly keep working to do so. Writing is all-consuming. Although I would be miserable in a regular 9-to-5 job, I sometimes envy those who can go home and leave their work behind at the end of the day.

6. What has been your greatest reward?

Doing what I love to do – what doesn’t feel like work to me.

From a very early age, my grandparents and parents always inspired me. I have the most wonderful, close, loving family who have always supported me unconditionally. It’s an amazing gift, which is why it breaks my heart to see other children go through life without that. While writing the book, there were so many people along the way who inspired me and have become my heroes. Caroline Boudreaux was the first one – this woman gave up a very successful television advertising career after meeting a group of orphans, by chance, on one evening – and dedicated the rest of her life to supporting them and ensuring their fundamental rights. Dr. Manjeet Pardesi, her Director of Operations in India, has a similar story – he left behind a successful accounting business in Delhi to open and run an orphanage and home for unwed mothers hundreds of miles away.

7. What limiting belief about money did you let go of-  on your entrepreneurial journey.

That money (or material things) were intrinsically entwined with happiness. Yes, money can make your life easier and reduces stress that comes from not having it, and struggling. But once you have the basics, the idea that more is always better is hugely limiting. In fact, it can have the opposite effect on happiness. I could make a lot more money if I had a corporate job – but I wouldn’t be nearly as happy. Doing what I love, day in and day out, being able to truly follow my passion and integrate who I am with what I do, is the most important aspect of happiness to me. If I can get paid enough doing that to live a simple lifestyle, to pay my bills and have a few little comforts, I am so much happier than doing something I hate, but getting paid a lot more. Often times, when we are in that vicious cycle, we NEED that extra money in order to buy things to try and make ourselves feel better about the fact that we’re miserable.

8. What do you do on a regular basis for a healthy/strong mind,body and spirit connection?

I do a lot of yoga, about 3 or 4 times a week, as well as a few dance and pilates classes as well. I also try to eat very healthy, organic and locally grown food as much as possible. It really makes a difference in how I feel.

8. Is there something you want to share that was not asked?

I would like people to know that even though the topic is serious and the stories often heartbreaking, it is not a depressing book or subject! These kids, and their stories, are incredible and awe-inspiring, hopeful and inspirational. In my journeys over the last three years into the orphanages, slums, clinics and streets of India I have become immersed in dozens of children’s lives. Their hope and resilience amazed me time and time again; the ability of their spirits to overcome crippling challenges inspired me. Even in the most deprived circumstances they are still kids – they laugh and play, they develop strong bonds and relationships to create family where none exists; and most of all they have an enormous amount of love to give. The issues are tough, what has happened to a lot of these kids makes you want to cry – but the bottom line of their stories is a very strong, hopeful voice.

You can connect with Shelley at the links below.

Facebook

Twitter

Shelley Seale

mail@shelleyseale.com

Purchase her book

Shelley, I want to thank you for sharing your heart felt  information with my readers and me.  I hope someone will be inspired to take action for their own cause.

I wish you success with your cause -  bettering the lives of  our children.

As always, I appreciate your visit. What do you think of Shelley and her cause?  Do you have a cause that you are passionate about?  Please share – my readers and I would like to get to know you. Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

After reading an article by James E Rouse, ND of optimum wellness, I had a shift in my thinking regarding resolutions.  He suggested that we should focus on what we want more of,  instead of what we want to “fix.” What a concept!

My friend, Anne,  has been living  in her new town home for approximately ten months and was always complaining about what she did not like.  Her favorite complaint – that her town home was like a cage – there was no view – there was nothing to look at except her neighbors’ front doors.

I visited Anne a few weeks ago and she showed me her beautiful home. The last stop on the tour was her bedroom. The curtains were drawn – I drew the curtains back and I was amazed to see the most beautiful moon light sky. I called Anne and showed her the night sky and she stood there in amazement – granted she had not lived very long in the town home and most nights she came home very late but Anne did what so many of us do – we become so transfixed by what we do not have, we overlook, what we already have.

Lets “resolve to evolve.” Give thanks for your triumphs, be they great or small. Don’t be like my friend Anne – looking at life through dissatisfied lens. What do you want more of in your life? Instead of losing weight, focus on being fit. Give more value to your customers/clients and more money will come. Love your self, give love and love will come to you.

Shift your thinking and make a list of the things you want more of, not the things you want to fix. Celebrate your life and resolve to evolve!!!

Other Resources:
Ezine Article
Blogher
New Pittsburg Courier Online
Find Articles

Thought Stimulator: Before you can like and love another, you must like and love yourself. ~ Eileen Lebowitz

I appreciate your visit.  What do you want more of in your life? Please share! If you like what you’ve read, please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

Mothers ( mom entrepreneurs or those working 9 to 5)  have numerous challenges as they attempt to juggle their personal and professional lives. One of the most important and critical issue – is the issue of quality childcare.  Whether it’s the occasional babysitter or the more long term relationship of a nanny – moms need someone they can trust.

Extraordinary woman of the week, Candi Wingate, a mom entrepreneur herself,  has the solution for you. Her services are not just for mothers but for anyone seeking quality care for children or the elderly.

Candi shares some inspirational and valuable information about herself and her business.

1.    Shamelessly plug yourself and your business/services.

I have been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, author of “100 Tips for Nannies & Families” plus am a wife and mother of 2.  So when it comes to the nanny industry, I am your expert.

I am the founder of Nannies4Hire,  Babysitter4hire, Care4hire and a Nanny Agency.  My nanny experience actually goes way back.  I was a nanny for a family with 5 children, which included newborn twins.  After becoming a nanny and working in a nanny agency for several years, I purchased the successful Nation-Wide Nanny Placement Agency.   After finding that we needed to expand, Nannies4hire, Babysitter4hire and Care4hire was born.

Nannies4hire is one of the largest, most successful online nanny and family database serving the United States and Canada.  As part of this database, you can conveniently search full-time, part-time, temporary, summer, babysitting, live-in and live-out nannies by zip code 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Nannies4hire database is designed to easily assist families in finding a quality nanny for their specific needs and requirements. Registered families may search by detailed characteristics to help pinpoint the perfect nanny for their family. In addition, helpful tools are available, including sample interview questions, a sample reference form and a sample contract. Nannies4hire.com also gives you advice, tips and information that will help you and your nanny connect on a social and personal level.

Babysitters4hire and Care4hire is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service.   A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Once you are a registered member, you will be given immediate access to caregiver through email and phone.

I haven’t stopped there.  Besides relationships with Dr. Phil, Supernanny, TLC, receiving the Mom’s Choice Award and a Finalist for the Stevie Award and more growth to be announced soon.  Since 1987, we have been helping wonderful families and nannies.

2.  How long have you been in business?

We have been affiliated with the nanny business since 1987.

3. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

I started my career as a nanny, working for a family with five children.  I quickly learned what families need, and applied those real-life lessons to my business.  I’ve been a nanny, owned a nanny agency, started 3 online nanny databases, and wrote “100 Tips for Nannies & Families.” Plus, I’m a wife and mother of two young boys, so I know first-hand what it’s like to balance work and a family.  I believe that women can have it all, but they need help to do so!  My company provides that necessary help and support.

Since I was young, I’ve always been a motivated, outgoing self-starter.  My parents were self-employed, which motivated and inspired me to do the same.  I had a great idea for a business, and I’ve experienced tremendous growth by meeting the needs of other families like my own – who need a little extra help at home

4. What has been a defining moment in your life or an AHA moment?

We started as a nanny placement agency and saw the need to expand to Nannies4hire.com and Care4hire.com.  We wanted to service families throughout the United States and Canada and meet all their needs including nannies, babysitters, pet care, housekeepers, elder/companion care, tutors, live-in, live-out and other misc. services.

5. What has been your biggest challenge?

Our goal is to find every family the right caregiver, not just any caregiver and offer caregivers an enjoyable experience.   We thrive our business on customer service.  A good amount of our business has been built on referrals and repeat clients.

6. What has been your greatest reward?

It was a great honor for us to be named to the Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies this year.  We were also very proud to work with TLC and their hit show Jon & Kate + 8.  We were an integral part of finding nannies for the Gosselin family’s sextuplets and twins.  And we’ve formed successful ongoing relationships with the Dr. Phil Show.  In fact, Dr. Phil has repeatedly recommended us to guests on his show.

7. When things are not going your way – what keeps you Confident?

Every thing takes longer than you expect, be patient and work hard and it will come together in the end.

8. Who or what has had the strongest positive influence in your life?

My parents really inspired me.  They were self-employed and I grew up watching their hard work, dedication, creativity and tenacity.  They were there for me, supporting me when I started my business, encouraging me to pursue my dream.

9. What do you do for fun/relaxation?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my 2 energetic boys and husband.  We enjoy going to the lake and enjoying each other.

10.  What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next  year?

Our goal is to make every family and nanny experience positive and rewarding.

11. In addition to your website, how else can my readers connect with you online?

They can follow us at these links:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Twittermoms
LinkedIn

Candi, thank you for sharing your information with my readers and providing such a valuable service for those who are in need. I wish you continued success.

Please connect with Candi Wingate at any of the links listed above.

As always, I appreciate your visit. Have you or someone you know used a nanny service?  Please share the highlights of the experience.  Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

The benefits of using the New Year, as a gauge, for assessing where you are in comparison to where you want to be, is being trivialized. A resolution in and of itself is not a bad idea; people fail to keep their resolutions because of procrastination, lack of motivation and the biggest reason of them all, lack of  FOCUS.

A resolution is a declaration to do something.

I say, embrace Resolutions.

The beginning of the New Year is an opportune time to resolve to evolve.  Here are 10, easy to weave into your life,  resolutions for the female entrepreneur, who strives  to find balance between her business and personal life.

Family

Make a decision to maintain balance between your business, family and friends. True success is having harmony between your business and your personal life. It is important to note that balance does not mean equal time – it means some time. Web MD gives some easy tips on how to make time, even with your busy schedule.

Exercise

Your body is your vehicle and like your car it needs maintenance. However, unlike a car, you cannot turn your body in for a new one. Therefore, make a conscious and unconscious decision to make it a priority to exercise. Use your imagination to turn everyday, mundane activities into exercise. Your body will love you for it. Two female entrepreneurs at squeeze it in offer some helpful tips and resources.

Diet
I am not sure who coined the phrase “you are what you eat” but it is a true statement. Your body needs proper nutrients to keep you energized,  focused and to optimize longevity.  Entrepreneurs,  love what they are do, so much so, they forget to eat and when they do decide to eat,  it may not be healthy. I implore you, to stop discounting yourself – healthy eating is as easy as 1- 2- 3.  Nuts, shakes, protein bars, fruits and  raw vegetables are some easy choices.  For a variety of choices and recipes visit here.

Goals

For your success, written goals are a must.  Write down your S.M.A.R.T goals for your business and personal life. Revisit your goals from 2009 – what are you seeing?  It is important to have short term, long term and longer term goals. You are certainly not a failure if you have to revise your goals.  I personally recommend reviewing your goals from time to time during the year.

Time Management

One of the most valuable assets you have is your time. Maximize your potential by being efficient at managing your time. You will delegate, outsource and ask for help. You will not micro manage, nor sweat the small stuff and you will refuse to wear the “I can do it all” hat. Time Management Expert Jill Morgenstern shares some valuable insights.

Education

Knowledge is power; therefore, make a commitment to educate yourself for your own personal development, as well as for your business success. Staying informed about your line of business will help you to stand out from the noisy competitive crowd. You will give more value to your customers/clients and you will become known as the go to expert.

Organize

Organize your life, your home, your office and your desk. Sounds simple but if you are anything like me you will spend valuable time trying to find where you’ve scribbled someone’s name, phone number or other important information. Spend some time organizing and you will have more time for the important stuff.

Write it down

How many times have you said to yourself, I’ll remember? Only to be frustrated a few minutes later – at your inability to remember something you thought would be an easy recall.  Start a new habit today and write it down.

Financial

Use the service of an expert such as a CPA or accountant to check your financial health. Are you commingling your personal and business accounts? What strategies do you need to put in place for reducing your business and income taxes? How is your retirement fund? What is your income to debt ratio? These are only a few of the issues you should be discussing with your financial team. The beginning of the New Year is a good time to put your financial house in order. Here’s more detailed information from Entrepreneur on line Financial Planning 101

Pamper yourself

Yes, take some time to be with you, for a stronger mind, body and spirit connection. Women, in general, think it’s selfish to have “me” time  – maybe it less of an issue today,  than it was decades ago but I have friends who feel guilty when they have alone time. You can choose to stay at home, close the door, put up your “do not disturb” sign and read a book. You can meditate or take a long, relaxing bath. How about yoga – a stroll in the park or on the beach? You may choose to go on a retreat. What ever you decide – take some time for you. You will be more confident, focused, productive and energized. Your family and friends will see a marked difference in your personality … they will appreciate you even more.

There are numerous resolutions  you can make  for balanced living in 2010. I hope you find some value in the ten I shared with you.

Other resources:

Article: Resolution for three types of female entrepreneurs
Video: A spiritual journey of knowing yourself

Thought Stimulator: One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.
John Burroughs

As always, I appreciate your visit. Do you believe in making New Year Resolutions? Please share! Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

It’s 2010! It’s time to reset your mindset! It’s time to conquer your fears!  Do with 2010 what sculptors do with their clay and mold 2010 into the vision you have for your personal and your professional life. Its time to do this and more ~ to be triumphant in 2010.

Here are ten motivational, inspirational quotes that you can use  every day of the year. They  are guaranteed to inspire and motivate you to wake up! Take action!  Make your dreams real!

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” ~  Edith Lovejoy Pierce.

“Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn’t have it in the beginning.” ~ Ghandi

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep. is this:  To rise above the little things.” ~  John Burroughs

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s languageAnd nest year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. “  ~  T.S Eliot “Little Gidding”

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ” ~  Oprah Winfrey

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ~ Jim Rohn

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” ~  Seneca

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~ Unknown

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.” ~  Buddha

“You will never win if you never begin.” ~ Helen Rowland

It’s time to stop waiting for the wind to blow you in the right direction. Now is the right time  for you get out of your head and begin living your purpose driven life.  Allow these motivational quotes to give you a jump start for the limitless possibilities of 2010.

Other Resources

Youtube Motivational Quotes for the New Year

Think Exist

Quote Garden

The Art of The Fresh Start: How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions for a Lifetime

As always, I appreciate your visit. What is you favorite motivational quote and What are you going to accomplish in 2010? Please share! Like what you’ve read? Please subscribe in the RSS feed (upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.

A few weeks ago my grand daughter convinced me to take her to the new Disney movie, the Princess and the Frog. I am not one for going to the movies because I usually fall asleep during the previews. True to form, a minute or two  into the previews and I started to fall asleep. My grand daughter  gave me a nudge and said “wake up grand ma, wake up”

I was prepared for your typical Disney  movie about a princess being rescued by the handsome prince; a prince that was going to give her  a perfect “happily-ever-after”. But I was, however, pleasantly surprised. Not only had Disney featured it’s first African American princess but  depicted a princess with a mind of her own. She had a vision for her life and was not going to allow anyone or anything to take away her focus. She was courageous and willing to take risks for her goals and ignored those who did not share her passions.

Some of the reviewers were not happy that Disney’s first African American princess was a frog for almost the entire movie and others felt that the portrayal of a young girl in the pursuit of another person’s  dream was not a positive influence for suggestible young girls. Tiana’s dad had a  dream to open a restaurant but he died before he could make his dream real. The restaurant was  was going to be called Tiana’s Place and he already had the location picked out. I am not going to address the intricate details of the movie. I will not be discussing all of the storyline or most of the characters in the movie.

My focus is on the princess called Tiana and the life lessons I took away from this character. These lessons are not new but serve as a  reminder of habits I need to keep in my toolkit for life. I invite YOU to add these habits to your toolkit for life – your success will surely multiply.

Here are the life lessons that I garnered from the character Princess Tiana.

Having a vision

Vision is the art of seeing what’s invisible to others – Jonathan Swift

It is important to have a crystal clear vision for your personal life and for your business. Not having a vision is synonymous to setting out on a hiking trip without preparation. You  having no idea where you are going. You don’t know what equipment you should take, what attire you should be wearing, what tools or resources you’ll need for surviving the elements, you will encounter on this particular trip. This spells disaster doesn’t it?

Tiana had a vision – she wanted to fulfill her dad’s dream of opening a restaurant.  She envisioned the location and look, the type of food she was going to serve, the clientele she was going to attract and the music that was going to be a back drop. She had a crystal clear vision of all the minute details of her restaurant down to the ambiance and the decor.

You too, should have a  detailed vision for your successful life. I suggest you get pen, paper, pictures and whatever you choose and like a movie director create the vision for your business and your personal life.

Lights Camera Action – You need to take action to receive your goals for your vision.

The vision must be followed by the venture.  It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs.  ~Vance Havner

Tiana focused on her intention and her vision was clear. She needed money to purchase the real estate for her restaurant.  She did not have a trust account.  She did not have any investors. Who’s going to lend money to a girl from her neck of the woods? Tiana did not focus on the lack; she focused on abundance and possibilities. She had a strategy in place and leveraged her time.  She worked and saved her money. She  gave up opportunities that were not in alignment with her goal.  She was confident and courageously took risks to manifest her money.

What goals do you need to receive to create the vision you have for your life? Take the time right now to write down your goals. If you don’t have the confidence to receive your goals – then you need to do what’s necessary to boost your confidence level and become unstoppable for your success.

Passionate purpose

Follow your passion, and success will follow you.  ~Arthur Buddhold

Tiana was passionate about dream and her purpose was to make her dads dream real. When she spoke of her restaurant her voice was filled with passion. Her passion was evident in her walk and when she talked. You couldn’t help but want for her what she desired for herself. I wanted to reach out to her and say “here Tiana, here is the money for your dream.”

If you are not passionate about your purpose – you need to re define your intention and get in touch with what you are good at. What is your brilliance? Your brilliance will make you passionate and purposeful.

Take time to smell the roses.

As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round. – Ben Hogan

Tiana had a road map for making her dream real. However, she was willing to take time out to give her attention to those in need. Even though it was not part of the plan, she allowed love to come into her life. She formed new alliances and relationships. And when her old friends needed her, she took time out to give them a hand. The map was created for Tania and not the other way around.

You should strive to have balance in your life. Balance does not mean equal time – it means some time. Take time out for your friends and family and take time out to be with you. Take time to enjoy and appreciate the scenery along your journey for success.

Stay focused

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.  ~Henry Ford

When Tiana encountered distractions, naysayers, drawbacks, set backs and the like she stayed laser focused on her vision. Even after she was turned into a frog -  Tiana remained the same at the core. She exuded kindness; she was gentle and loving but fiercely determined to have her life back. The life she had envisioned for herself as a human and a successful restaurateur.  With her determination and the support of her friends and love ones – Tiana brought her dream to life – her restaurant became a reality.

How do you handle setbacks and breakdowns along your road to success? Tiana being turned into a frog is a metaphor for life. Your goals may not happen exactly as you have envisioned. However, if you remain flexible, and you are willing to adapt, then taking a detour will not be a big deal. If you remain passionately focused and true to who you are – Like Tiana, your vision will be realized.

Other Resources:

Life Lessons for Loving the way You live

You tube Life Quotes

Article – Almost There Disney’s Princess

Thought Stimulator: Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. – Mark Twain

As always, I appreciate your visit. Have you seen The Princess and Frog? If so, what are your feelings about the movie? If not, are you planning to see it? – Please share!

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When I was growing up on the island of Antigua one of my Mother’s daily mantras was for us (there were seven children) to be grateful. Being grateful became part of my unconscious programming. So much so, that the memory only surfaced when I started to write this article.

I have two sons who were asthmatic when they were younger, one more chronically than the other and I use to tell people that I was grateful that my son had asthma. They were confused, until I told them why. Even though people have died from the complications of asthma, it was a predictable disease, it was treatable and there were specific steps to be taken to optimize lung function. Comparing asthma to so many other challenging childhood diseases made me grateful for asthma.

Being grateful creates an energy field around you.  You become a magnet for good things coming in to your life. It does not mean you will have not have challenges, losses, failures or disappointments. It does mean, however, that you will attract more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

Gratitude is the key to a successful abundant life, filled with love and contentment.

Here are four of the many benefits for showing gratitude.

Your mind

Your mind is one of the most powerful tools you have access too for your successful life. When you are grateful – it means you are focusing on what is good, what is positive and what you want in your life. On a subconscious level you are programming your mind to create more of what you want. The subconscious mind wants to please you and accepts what you focus on as your reality and it will help you to attract more of the same. Gratitude gives you a healthy mind and

Body connection

It does not matter your body type, shape or weight being grateful for the body you have NOW does not mean you are sabotaging making changes in the future. Your body is your temple and when you honor it by finding things to be grateful for – you will be rewarded with a body that makes you feel energized, more resistant to illness (my opinion). You will have a glow, a radiance that will attract love, vibrant personal relationships, as well as profitable business relationships. Your body is the vehicle for your

Spirit

Gratitude creates a peaceful and harmonious relationship between your spirit and  the universe. Have you ever given a gift to someone and he or she expresses such  joy, that it makes you want to do it again and again to experience that feeling of pleasure it ignited? I use to tell my children I gave gifts for selfish reasons. I enjoyed seeing other people being joyful.  Your spirit is filled with joy when you show gratitude. That is why

Money

Is just another tool that’s needed for your abundant life. When you are grateful for all that you have – when being grateful is a daily habit – money becomes a non issue, after all money is money, money is energy and it is no different to the other tools you need for your successful life in the physical world.

Gratitude determines your latitude.

Therefore,  be grateful for all that you have now and for that which is to come.  Make a habit of being grateful each and every day. You will be in alignment with the abundance of the Universe. You will be amazed at how motivated and energized you will be to take action to create the vision you have for your successful life.

Other resources:

Gratitude

Youtube Video

The benefits of having a grateful day
Having a grateful day

Thought Stimulator: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.  – Marcus Cicero

As always I appreciate your visit. What are you most grateful for at this moment? Please share with us. Like what you’ve read? – subscribe in the RSS feed(upper right) and each new post will be delivered to your in box.