littlemissMOJO!

WORDS OF ART!

2012-10-06T12:29:00.000-04:00

This is your special Saturday dose of SUPERFINE DESIGN!

Check out these very cool & colorful

WORDS OF ART

My motto? As with everything else...

Have fun. Get creative. Be inspired.

And surround yourself with art that inspires MOJO manifestation.

XOXO

OVERCOMING FEAR OF SUCCESS

2012-09-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

Marie TV

It's amazing how once you discover something truly powerful for yourself, the Universe drops more powerbombs in your path.

The awesome video above by one of my new superheros - empowerment master, Marie Forleo - is a perfect example.

It offers practical tips for overcoming fear of success and emphasizes the power of the subconscious mind in how our lives manifest. 100% relevant in my world... and perhaps yours too.

Like so many others, I've been faced with overcoming my fear of success. It sounds ridiculous to admit being fearful of something we all want... or at least say we do. How can we be afraid of that? Easily.

Here are just 5 reasons we fear success:
1) we're afraid we'll fail
2) we're afraid we'll threaten or alienate others
3) we're afraid we'll get what we want and it won't be satisfying
4) we're afraid we won't have time or energy for anything or anyone else once we have it (i.e., we'll have to sacrifice something major)
5) we're afraid we'll lose ourselves

Last week I acknowledged my very real desire to take this blog to the next level and ultimately make it my full-time gig. Yeah baby!

I've hesitated for a long time for many reasons - most notably that f-ing voice in my head guilting me with all the "CONCERNS & SHOULDS" about committing to another entrepreneurial venture... one that will take time and effort away from securing a "safe and stable" job.

When I put all that aside and really gave myself permission to look at my needs and wants without judgment, three things became undeniably clear...

1) For the first time ever, I'm clear and confident that this is what I want. HALLE-FRIGGIN-LUJAH!... THANK YOU GOD!!!

2) YES, I have real concerns about how I'll make it all happen... and that's ok. I know as I continue to get clearer, I'LL FIND A WAY.

3) NO, I'm not willing to put my dreams to bed just yet... not without a fight, anyway. NO GUTS, NO GLORY!

Sometimes we can't see why we're stuck. It's a shitty feeling that signals the need for deeper investigation. Uncovering the reasons I'd been holding myself back freed me up to get the hell out of my own way. How?

Consider that your mind is like an iceberg, with just a small percentage living consciously, out in the open air. The rest is hidden in your subconscious, where it can only be explored by going down deep beneath the surface.

Here at the surface, I'd been saying I wanted success for myself and I was taking action toward that end. But deep down in the depths of my subconscious, my beliefs didn't align.

I'd been afraid to really admit that I was clear about what I wanted. That would then mean I had to go for it, and let's face it, that can be terrifying.

But the biggest fear wasn't the commitment. It was that I wasn't capable or deserving. I feared I'd fail, or get overwhelmed and ultimately have to sacrifice everything else - friends, a love life, children, my sanity. Sound familiar?

At times the subconscious fears were so strong, I'd somehow sabotage my own efforts. That would leave me beyond confused and essentially hating myself. Not good.

I was either acting without clear intention, or worse, in opposition of my real intention. I was contradicting myself and sending very mixed messages to the Universe.

Conscious or not, what we give out is almost always what we get right back...

THE BOOMERANG THEORY

What do you see for yourself in this conversation? What's lurking in your subconscious that keeps you from getting what you really want up here at the surface?

Watch the video! Acknowledge what you really want and consider that your fears about getting there are the only thing standing in your way.

xoxo

PEACE, LOVE & POWERBOMBS!

TONY ROBBINS TED TALK - Beyond motivation

2012-09-12T12:05:00.000-04:00

In this TED Talks video, master performance coach Tony Robbins shares his secrets on why we do the things we do. He even schools former VP Al Gore! It's more than motivational, it's a compelling (and comical) look at our patterns of thought and behavior.

Enjoy!

xoxo

MOJO MONDAY: The secret to being happy.

2012-08-27T13:32:00.000-04:00

We've all heard the phrase "being happy comes from within."

But how do we access that when we don't yet have what we want or we have too much of something we don't want?

The secret to being happy lies in...

accepting your present situation, however imperfect it may be
taking powerful action to change what isn't working
being present as opposed to being stuck in your stories about the past or future
taking real responsibility for your actions & reactions, regardless of others
choosing to be grateful instead of resentful, loving instead of angry, generous instead of self-centered, & understanding instead of right
seeing what's possible instead of what's wrong
appreciating who you are instead of what you're not, and what you have instead what you don't

or simply put...

We all have dreams.

We all face circumstances.

We all have a choice in the way we approach both.

If you look beyond your limiting beliefs and reasons, you'll find you have so much more power than you ever thought possible.

Choose love. Choose gratitude. Choose happiness.

xoxo

Living Your Truth: 5 quotes of MOJO for your Monday!

2012-08-20T13:33:00.002-04:00

Check out these quotes about LIVING YOUR TRUTH, something we all want in theory, but don't always choose in reality.

Most people hate confrontation.

If you're human, chances are you've given in to something you were against because you were in people-pleaser-mode, wanting to fit in, or trying to avoid upsetting the balance.

Sometimes we need to pick our battles. But there's a difference between finding a healthy compromise and selling yourself out.

It takes courage to be true to yourself, especially when you know your path or opinion isn't popular. We waste SOOO much time wrapped up in what other people think.

When you live for others (in the sense that you're not being who you really are), you aren't living fully.

As much as your EGO might enjoy the superficial approval of others, you won't be grounded in your own truth and will never experience real peace and fulfillment.

We learn as kids that bullies are the ones with the insecurity problem. As adults, the negative opinions and judgments of others are often more subdued. They can slip through the cracks and into our psyche if we're not careful.

As Gandhi said...

and...

So consider the opinions, advice, and guidance of others. Hear all sides and be open-minded, but listen closely for the truth within yourself.

You're the only one who gets to live your life.

Might as well create one that's really true to who you are and what you believe.

VOTE NOW!!!

Please vote in the poll to your right. Check the topics you're into & help shape the future of littlemissMOJO!

XOXO

Have an awesome week!

THE TRUTH ABOUT YOU

2012-08-17T12:40:00.000-04:00

And that's really all there is between you and the life of your dreams.

VOTE NOW!!!

Show some love for your fave topics & help shape the future of LMM!

XOXO

COOKING UP SOME MOJO STEW!

2012-08-14T16:27:00.000-04:00

Been a busy bee lately!

Whipping up some major MOJO stew over here, including a

littlemissMOJO! MAKEOVER

& a guest blogging spot on another fun site...

so stay tuned for all that!

Looking forward to sharing it all with you as soon as possible.

In the meantime, enjoy more short and sweet posts...

... and PURDY PLEASE take a moment to VOTE
in the
POST PREFERENCE POLL
to your right!!!

Select as many as you wish.
And don't forget to...

THANK YOU!
XOXO

GRATITUDE: The ANTI-depressant

2012-08-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

LOVE this simple yet powerful quote by Karen Salmansohn.

Mondays can be rough. Getting back into the swing of things after the weekend sometimes requires more motivation than we're willing to muster up, especially on a few short hours of sleep.

I was beyond exhausted last night, but just couldn't fall asleep... overtired I guess. At 130AM, I gave in and started reading.

One of several books I'm reading (and committed to actually finishing) is called Once Beneath The Stars.

It's an incredibly moving novel from first time writer R.S. Lentin, based on the life of a star football player who gets injured and becomes paralyzed from the neck down. Heavy.

I sometimes wonder why I'm reading something so sad. It's interesting though, with every page of agonizing detail, there's also something beautiful and poetic.

Mostly what I'm getting is GRATITUDE... appreciation for the gift of simply being here, being able to move, walk, dance, sing, drive, run, hug, feel, feed/bathe/dress myself... I could go on and on.

Reading the heartbreaking words of agony and frustration even has me appreciating the mundane things I usually complain about... like traffic, bills and even the cramps I've been getting in my legs at night.

We tend to get so caught up running on the hamster wheel that we miss the big picture.

We are SO lucky.

Life is precious. It's a gift. Every single breath is a gift. Practice being thankful for that alone, and you will find peace in just being.

Wherever you are in your day, your life, your state of mind... the fastest, surefire way to get in the zone is GRATITUDE... for the big things, for the little things, and for everything in between. So here goes...

This morning I'm grateful for:

1-central AC

2-hazelnut coffee

3-the sun being out

4-my arms, legs, and internal organs working perfectly (or so they seem to be)

5-completing the 21-day meditation challenge without skipping a day!

*Check out this earlier list I posted a few months back, may spark something for you.

GRATITUDE is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Give some, get some. Get some, give some.

Simple. NO EXCUSES.

Have a GRATEful week!!!

XOXO

WORDS OF WISDOM

2012-07-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

THE HOLSTEE MANIFESTO

MOJO MONDAY: You.Are.Amazing.

2012-07-23T13:12:00.001-04:00

LOVE this little snippet I found on YourLifeYourWay, a great site full of inspiration and tips for living with more MOJO!... or as Tia Sparkles Singh calls it... SPARKLE.

Have a great week!!!

xoxo

BREAK AND REBOOT

2012-07-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

There are some situations in life that no words can comfort or explain.

I'm remembering my recent post about turning challenges into opportunities. I'm trying not to roll my eyes... at myself.

The struggle may SUCK in the moment, but it's an opportunity for change that can lead to something better. Considering that gives us permission to ease up and stop worrying.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to STOP and BREATHE... aka, BREAK & REBOOT.

Part of dealing with whatever you're dealing with is giving yourself space to deal... and reaching out for support.

So many of us are unable to do that... we're too proud to admit our imperfections, afraid of being judged, afraid of being a burden or an annoyance, afraid of disappointing those around us, afraid of being vulnerable, afraid no one will understand, afraid of facing our shit and taking responsibility for it.

Sometimes we just put ourselves last on the list. We tell ourselves we've got it. And sometimes we think it's better to pretend we do, even when we don't.

We play that game with ourselves as much as we do with everyone around us. Then we wind up feeling depleted, getting burnt out, and making those around us suffer.

Why do we associate asking for help with weakness?

Real strength is in admitting you're human, and just owning wherever you are.

No one is gonna be "on" 100% of the time... ever. Anyone pretending to be is full of shit.

Asking for help - in business, in life - is a sign of wisdom, character, and leadership.

There's nothing empowering in pretending to be strong when you're really dealing with things beyond your current capacity. And it doesn't mean you're not capable EVER.

It just means that right now, you need to break and reboot.... a day at the spa, time with/without the kids, delegating to an assistant/intern/nanny, calling a friend, therapy, the gym, or scheduling some time to do absolutely nothing.

The point is, it's more than ok to take a time out and reboot... it's necessary to your survival and your success as a human being.

Have a beautiful weekend.

xoxo

The BEST FRENEMIES: Turning challenge into opportunity

2012-07-12T16:22:00.002-04:00

We've all heard phrases like, "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" and "love your enemies."

I think the same can be said, metaphorically speaking, for challenges and setbacks. We loathe them... we avoid them... they're the f-ing devil!!!

But what if they weren't all bad? What if "challenges" were the ultimate FRENEMY? What if "setbacks" were just opportunities in disguise?

What if embracing them... even loving them a little, allowed us to live fuller and freer lives?

Most of us fear suffering, and we work incessantly to create our lives in ways that avoid it like the plague.

It doesn't feel good when we're in it, but it's just our body's way of telling us that something isn't right... something needs our attention... something needs to change.

If you think of it from an evolutionary standpoint, it's like survival mode. We sense the threat of danger and make moves to adapt.

The old "fight or flight" instincts get triggered, and we want to defend and attack or run away and hide.

So really, challenges and setbacks are there to protect, prepare, and empower us... if we do the work required to not only get through them, but to get the thing they're there to teach us.

It's not always as obvious as you'd think, so you have to really look. And in looking, you might not always like what you find. But once you identify where the work needs to be done, you can take action around that.

The beauty is that really seeing it this way is a powerful tool that allows us to accept that what's happening is a natural part of the ebb and flow of life.

Doing that allows us to then figure out a way to deal with the circumstances powerfully, instead of spending all of our energy resisting it.

Swimming with the current instead of against it allows us to evaluate and react from a place of strength and empowerment instead of fear, worry, and upset.

This is NOT an attempt to "positive think" your way out of problems.

It's actually a tool you can use to step back and address whatever needs to be dealt with so you can be better equipped for survival.

Life will never be perfect and neither will we. There will never be a space in which everything goes right all the time.

Sounds like common knowledge, but a lot of us (consciously or not) still buy into the illusion of control on some level.

That was one of the biggest challenges I faced in getting to a better place.

I used to get frustrated when, after making progress, something would happen that sent me spiraling back to the same old space. I would wonder what I did wrong.

I finally realized some very important things:

1- We can't control outside circumstances no matter how equipped we are.
2- It's not our circumstances we need to manage, it's our reaction.

3- Acceptance vs resistance, is the best way to regain strength and deal powerfully with things when they go down.

4- Acceptance doesn't mean defeat.

5- Seeing the opportunity and taking action will move you forward.

*BONUS

6- Something feeling bad in the moment doesn't necessarily mean it is.

The best personal example I can think of is my decision to move home. I was pretty devastated and depressed about it at first. I saw the move and myself as a complete failure. I judged myself as harshly as you can imagine... all day, every day. I spent every ounce of energy up in my head, in panic mode, overwhelmed by my circumstances. After a while, I had nothing left to create something new for myself. No strength, no clarity, no motivation, no life. In a nutshell, no MOJO.

I couldn't see how counterproductive it was at the time, but I was literally suffocating myself with worry. After doing some hard labor on myself (and still doing it), I learned to let go and accept that it would all be ok. And over time I saw amazing opportunities in this so-called setback.

It was an opportunity to step away from all the things distracting me and address what I really needed to work on. It was also an opportunity to discover what I really wanted, to fulfill my dream of traveling to Europe, to create a new business, to create this blog, to reconnect with old friends I grew up with, and especially, to build an amazing relationship with my mother and grandmother.

I had already been close with my mother, but there is a closeness and understanding now that never would have occurred if I hadn't moved back home. I also had next to no relationship with my grandmother. There's always been love, but never closeness. There's a language and cultural barrier that kept us from sharing anything more than superficial, almost scripted conversation.

She's come to stay with us every other weekend over the last year, and we now share a bond that was never there and would've never existed otherwise. I now know that she has a fully functioning sense of humor, she likes the Kardashians, and I even know some phrases in Arabic. She's 85 and the only grandparent I have left, so it's especially meaningful to have had this time with her at this time in my life.

I now look at the challenge of moving home as a necessary opportunity... one that has given me so many gifts, and has also strengthened and prepared me for the life I really want for myself.

Where can you see opportunities in your challenges? If you don't see any, look closer.

I've learned to love all my challenges. I make them my BEST FRENEMIES.

I expect them and I do my best to embrace them... because I know they're leading me someplace bigger and better than I am today.

xoxo

MOJO MONDAY: Give yourself a SPIRITUAL MAKEOVER in 21 days!

2012-07-09T13:32:00.000-04:00

No more excuses. Opportunity awaits...

Dr. Deepak Chopra, scholar, activist, best-selling author, and spiritual leader is offering a FREE 21-day meditation series through The Chopra Center.

Starting July 16th, The Chopra Center will be presenting a new meditation exercise each day for 21 days. You'll get the downloads emailed right to your inbox when you register.

It's the easiest way to test the waters if you've never practiced meditation before, and to commit consistently if you have.

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. This is one you want in your life.

Trust me, I wasn't always this "gung-ho" about it.

It took time, patience, and practice. But now I see significant shifts as a result, so there's no denying the impact. I want you to experience that for yourself.

I even feel the difference daily now based on whether or not I meditate.

Don't have time? MAKE SOME!

It's not about religion or subscribing to anything other than stepping up your MOJO (whatever that means for you).

It's like exercise for your mind-soul-spirit.

You go to the gym to exercise your body. Why not meditate to exercise your brain?

It's all about slowing down the inner monologue in our minds so we can process everything more clearly.

Here are just a few benefits of consistent meditation:

1- mindfulness/awareness

2- decreased stress/anxiety, increased calmness/peace

3- clarity of thought/concentration/focus

4- increased energy

5- improved physical well being

6- increased creativity

Neuroscientists have proven that meditation actually changes our brain chemistry, causing positive shifts in how we process fear and anxiety.

Check out these articles from Psychology Today and The NY Times for some interesting info on the mind-body connection and the positive implications of meditation.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

To start practicing before Monday, read my previous post on this topic and try these simple, guided mediation videos on YouTube. They just focus on relaxation and breathing, the foundation for any practice. You don't have to be a master to participate.

I'll be starting this challenge next Monday... challenge yourself!

xoxo

Have a great week!

MOJO MONDAY: LIVING WITH INTEGRITY

2012-07-02T12:25:00.000-04:00

in·teg·ri·ty

noun

adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished:

to preserve the integrity of the empire.

a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition:

theintegrity of a ship's hull.

Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what YOU believe, and not what others believe.

-Barbara De Angelis

If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.

-Mark Twain

In all things preserve integrity; and the consciousness of thine own uprightness will alleviate the toil of business, soften the hardness of ill-success and disappointments, and give thee an humble confidence before God.

-Anonymous

A little integrity is better than any career.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trust is rebuilt by focusing not on what the other person did or did not do but on critiquing one's own behavior, improving one's trustworthiness, and focusing attention not on words and promises but on actions, attitudes, and ways of being.

-Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith

When integrity is broken, the greatest consequence is the one you suffer yourself.

-LittlemissMOJO ;)

When integrity is broken, so is the trust you have with yourself.

-LittlemissMOJO

Simple, but extremely powerful. Which quote do you like better? Got one of your own? Sharing is caring.

NEWSFLASH!

In my commitment to having integrity with www.littlemissmojo.com, I put a new comments system in place using Disqus! The old one just wasn't user-friendly, so I apologize for that. Now there's no excuse! Get in the game and share your thoughts. If you're shy about sharing, challenge yourself. We're all more alike than you think.

Have a great week!

xoxo

SILENCE THE NOISE!

2012-06-26T14:55:00.001-04:00

Last week I was interviewed on SpeakSpin Internet Radio for a show on blogging basics. Check it out here.

I never did live radio or anything like it before.

I was really nervous.

I generally feel more confident in my writing vs. speaking ability.

As much as I can easily write about myself, I'm sometimes grossly uncomfortable talking about myself.

Somewhere along the way I told myself a story that I'm not a good speaker.

Until the last year, I've been living into that, avoiding anything that required me to speak in public.

I almost let it stop me from accepting the offer to do the show. I thought... I'm not an expert, I'm not good articulating my thoughts on the spot, etc.

I hate being stopped by my fears... case in point: skydiving twice despite a fear of heights.

So I decided it was time to change that story and begin mastering that skill.

How many times has this happened to you? How many times have you backed away from an opportunity or avoided a situation because you decided without question that you would suck at it?

We're all great story tellers... sadly, most of our stories are full of shit.

What stories are you telling yourself that hold you back?

What you believe about yourself is powerful. It dictates how you operate in your life and live into your experiences.

We all have our natural abilities but nothing is set in stone.

Most of the time, we acknowledge what goes on in our heads as reality when the truth is, we create our reality with what we choose to buy into.

We can't control every thought that pops into our head, but we can control which ones we choose to believe.

We act according to what we think, so choose thoughts that lead to positive beliefs and powerful actions.

I worked all week on pumping myself free of the old story and full of the new one... that I'm an authentic, articulate, kick-ass speaker.

To kick it up a notch, I visualized the scenario going exactly the way I wanted it to go. I imagined feeling confident, engaged, and at ease.

It may sound a little ra-ra for some, but trust me, it seriously works.

The show wasn't perfect, but it went really well and I was proud to have done it despite my fear.

Next time will be a cakewalk in comparison.

This week, choose one negative belief you've held about yourself and really consider spinning it around. What would be possible for you?

Watch how many "but..." and "there's no way" stories pop up. If you were to put all that BS aside, and do that thing anyway, what would open up?

The people who are successful in life weren't born with a "perfection" gene (well, David Beckham might be the exception).

Uber-successful people have fears and doubts too. They just continue moving forward in spite of them.

Don't get stopped by your fears. Choose stories that work in your favor so you can live your happy ending.

Newsflash:

Help my friends at Talking Alternative Broadcasting get a $250,000 small biz grant! VOTE NOW!!! It takes just a minute and will pay itself forward and then some for the dedicated professionals providing value-driven content to a worldwide audience.

Thanks, have a great week!!!

xoxo

FUNK THAT! Top 10 tips for an instant mood makeover...

2012-06-21T14:28:00.001-04:00

This post was inspired by the horrendously stressful morning I had yesterday, and my commitment to regain my MOJO and not let it ruin my entire day.

We all have those moments and sometimes it's easier to work our way out than others. It takes energy, focus, and motivation, which we usually lack when we're in that head space.

Surprisingly, sometimes we even find it easier to indulge our funk than put in the effort to get out. It's easy to get comfortable in a cycle of negativity. If you're prone to depression, that can be dangerous territory.

A bad mood can turn into a bad day, a bad day into a bad week, and pretty soon you're under the covers with a pint of Ben & Jerry's on a sunny summer afternoon. FUNK THAT shit!

Instead, rip off the bandaid and do what you've gotta do to get back to yourself... ASAP.

Here are my top 10 tips for an instant mood makeover... Comment below to share yours!

BAD MOOD BLASTERS
1- change your tune - Music feeds the soul. Put in your earbuds and listen to your favorite upbeat songs. You may not feel it right away, but keep listening and you'll find the switch hard to resist. Have a stash of inspiring go-to music on standby (or turn on Pandora - Bob Marley and U2 work or me.).

2- schedule a 30-minute massage - This was the turning point in my day. You can find virtually anything in Manhattan at any time. If you're at work, use your lunch hour to rejuvenate. If you can't find a massage place, try a nail salon... even a 10 minute hand/neck/foot massage can give you new life.

3- animals & babies - I can literally feel an instant physical change in my state when I pet a dog, or engage a smiling baby or playful kid. If you absolutely can't stand babies, kids, or animals, connect to something else that makes your heart happy. Otherwise, umm this blog might not be for you.

4- get outside of yourself (i.e., your head) by engaging in a focused activity. Sometimes we need to break a negative cycle of thoughts by putting our attention elsewhere. The idea is to get out of your head... just be careful not to become an escape artist who doesn't deal with their shit. It'll keep coming back up anyway.

5- go for a walk, preferably someplace serene and/or invigorating - the process of walking tends to clear the mind and gets the blood flowing. Just stay away from Times Square. Get moving, get present.

6- be nice - chances are if you're feeling shitty, you could use some compassion. The best way to get is to give. A lady complimented my sweater as we passed each other in the subway yesterday. So nice! I immediately smiled. Do the same for someone else - smile, say hello, offer a compliment (the non-creepster kind). Force yourself to engage someone else when you're feeling bleh. You'll take the attention off yourself and adopt a more positive attitude. (Ever notice how feeling shitty breeds more shitty happenings?)

7- meditate - I strapped on my headphones and did a 10-minute breathing exercise in the middle of Starbucks. No one seemed to notice and it was actually a great challenge to focus despite all the chaos around me.

8- exercise - spin class, an intense run, the batting or golf range, or even a brisk walk will get the endorphins flowing. Sweating out the stress feels great and gives you an immediate feeling of accomplishment. It also takes the focus from your racing thoughts to your body. Sex counts ;)

9- connect with nature - walk barefoot in the grass, lay under a tree, sit in the sun for a few minutes, look closely at a flower. It's impossible not to appreciate the beauty and calmness in nature.

10- phone a friend - call someone who will both support you and call you out on your shit. Good friends will listen without judgment and encourage you to dust yourself off... not allow you to go on and on with your sob story.

BONUS
11- treat yo'self - have some mac and cheese or a warm chocolate chip cookie (as I did yesterday), buy yourself some flowers or a fun magazine. Do not... I REPEAT, DO NOT indulge in irresponsible retail therapy. Sorry ladies (and gents). I'm guilty of it too, but it always comes back to bite you in the ass.

Get MOJO posts right to your inbox or web-based reader so there's no checking back for updates.
Follow me on Twitter for a daily dose of MOJO! Look out for #mojoRx to find recent quotes.

Have an amazing weekend!

xoxo

Grow dammit!

2012-06-18T12:23:00.000-04:00

AS HUMAN BEINGS, we all have the desire to do better... to be better.

For those of us who make the effort to open up, take a hard look, and gain awareness about ourselves, it's only the beginning of the process of change.

It took me ages to really get that for myself.

I used to think it was enough to be aware of the things I wanted to change.

That awareness is huge. Nothing can happen without it.

Awareness leads to great insight. But it takes more than insights to create real change.

It takes action. Not once. Not here and there. Consistent, persistent action.

That was a tough pill to swallow as someone who used to be more of a thinker than a doer.

When it comes to personal growth, we're often tempted to get impatient, especially when we see something in ourselves that needs to change.

Sometimes we pretend not to be aware so we can avoid responsibility (aka denial), even as that little voice in our heads is actively calling us out.

We want the instant gratification. Grow dammit!

But like everything else, it takes hard work. Persistent, consistent work.

It can be frustrating when a bad habit stubbornly lingers, especially after putting in the work to change it.

What you should know from the start is that certain tendencies and temptations may never go away. They'll always linger.

That's what makes us all imperfectly perfect.

The challenge is in choosing to indulge something better for yourself in those moments of temptation.

This applies to everything...

-physical habits like picking up that bag of chips

-thought habits like constantly thinking you're not good enough for XYZ

-communication habits like talking shit about co-workers, family members, etc.

If you're really committed to changing something, get ready for battle, but know that the longer you stick to your guns, the stronger you'll be in the fight.

And know the most important weapon in your arsenal is patience.

When we tend to ourselves with care and compassion, we're more equipped to put our best foot forward in whatever it is we're striving for.

It doesn't mean letting ourselves off the hook. It just means not beating ourselves up, and choosing instead to own it, recommit, and move forward.

Pretty soon you'll be looking back in wonder at how much you've outgrown that little ole pot you were planted in.

MOJO NEWSFLASH!

***Tune in today at 2PM to hear my live interview on SpeakSpin Radio! If you miss it, you'll be able to download after.

***Check out my new post about speechwriting for WORD-OLOGY!

Life Beyond The Box...

2012-06-11T15:45:00.001-04:00

Next Monday marks a great milestone for littlemissMOJO.

I'll be interviewed on internet radio show SpeakSpin Radio about the basics of blogging.

I'm a little nervous but mostly psyched. Who knows where it could lead, but if nothing else, it'll be fun!

Stay tuned for details on how to tune-in live or download the recorded session afterwards.

I've never been on the radio before (internet or otherwise) and I wasn't sure I was ready to represent the blogging community being that I still feel like such a beginner.

Just a side effect of my dysfunctional perfectionist mentality that in the past has kept me from doing things unless I could do them perfectly.

But I'm learning you've gotta start somewhere and it's ok to put yourself out there before you're an expert.

THAT's the message I'll be driving home to potential new bloggers listening in on the interview.

I'm thankfully at a point where I'm more afraid of missing opportunities than failing at them.

Taking action that forces you to do something you thought you couldn't is crazy empowering.

The feeling gets addicting and you start wondering what else you're capable of.

SO, where can you stretch your comfort zone this week?

Choose one thing you're afraid of or uncomfortable doing... then do it anyway.

TIPSTER: Telling someone else will hold you accountable and increase your rate of follow-through. And PLEASE share your mojo in the comments below!

It doesn't have to be big and it doesn't have to be perfect. The goal is to get thinking and living life beyond the box.

Why? Cause that's where all the really good shit happens.

xoxo

WORD UP!

2012-06-05T15:05:00.001-04:00

Suffering a bit of writer's block the last few days. Usually stems from some form of life block or lack of motivation and inspiration.

In lieu of crafting words, here are some images of words randomly taken by yours truly throughout NYC.

They've already provided some much needed anti-funk juice for me. Hopefully they will for you!

Be on the lookout for words and images that inspire you. When your eyes are open, you'll find them everywhere.

under the Brooklyn bridge

on the east side somewhere

Huge wall of words at a Lululemon store under construction

(think on the west side somewhere)

(same as above)

Upper East Side

xoxo

MOJO Mission: Parktivity

2012-05-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

When I first created this blog, part of the vision was to share and promote great things being done out in the world through a little thing I call The MOJO Mission.

I'm very excited and very proud to introduce Parktivity to the MOJO mission stage!

It's not just a cool name, it's a nonprofit organization created less than a year ago by my good friend Emerson Sarmiento.

Emerson and I met in a leadership program last fall. The core component of the class was for each student to create a project in their community.

"Community project" was a loose term that really meant anywhere outside of yourself and anything from cleaning your garage to creating a nonprofit from scratch.

Emerson chose the latter.

He told me all about growing up in the Philippines with no parks or recreational areas to play in.

He described a concrete landscape without basketball courts or baseball fields, or places to play without cars passing by.

There were simply no public parks where kids could run around and... well... be kids.

There were no jungle gyms where parents could sit and watch their kids climb the monkey bars or fly down the slide.

Emerson's mission was clear - to bring playgrounds to his home town, and to underprivileged areas around the world.

Several months, endless work hours, and one team of relentlessly passionate people later, Parktivity was officially born.

I literally can't imagine what life would be like if I hadn't spent my youth playing softball on countless local fields.

I can't imagine what it would be like going to elementary school without the jungle gym in the courtyard, or summer camp without fields for kickball, soccer, and colorwar.

Imagine every memory you have playing on a playground as a kid. Now imagine a life without them.

Parktivity's mission is to build neighborhood playgrounds so that kids everywhere can live out the true spirit of being young and having fun. They also want to foster creativity beyond the playground by building volunteer-based programs around sports, art, and dance. Amazing!

The goal of Parktivity parks is keep kids at the playground and off the streets by giving them a place to do what all kids are meant to do... play!

Check out Parktivity's cool video snippet below and come out next Thursday for Parktivity's official launch party!! Get your tickets here.

The event will be held at Knoll Studio in the Google Building... that's in the meatpacking district, so wear your fancy pants and be prepared to eat, drink, and be inspired!

It'll definitely be an amazing event, but if you can't make it you can also support the cause by purchasing a raffle or simply donating.

TGIF Top 5!

2012-05-25T16:16:00.000-04:00

A quick and easy way to "pump up" before the long awaited holiday weekend - and I'm not talking last minute push ups and baby oil - is to think of 5 things you're grateful for right now.

You may already be thankful, but when you actually bring your attention to that emotion, your brain chemistry, mood, and perspective align.

To practice what I preach, off the cuff, here are the top 5 things I am grateful for right now:

1- I'm grateful I averted disaster on my last trip to the bathroom when my phone fell out of my pocket and narrowly missed a drowning death in the bowl. That would've been a shi*ty start to the wknd!

2- I'm grateful for lunch at my favorite sushi spot with my best friend!

3- I'm grateful my friend leant me her car while she's away for the weekend.

4- I'm grateful a portion of the graduation commencement speech I wrote for my client was quoted in yesterday's NY Newsday.

5- I'm grateful the parking cop I found near my car didn't write me a ticket, even though my muni-meter ticket expired 5 minutes before.

6- BONUS: I'm grateful this day turned out to be ridiculously beeeeautiful out!

SAFE & HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WKND!

xoxo

Rockin' the graduation commencement speech

2012-05-23T12:08:00.000-04:00

Today is a very proud day for me.

At 7PM this evening, my client will be delivering a graduation commencement speech at Nassau Community College... a commencement speech I wrote!

He was asked to give the speech as an alumnus and entrepreneur, alongside keynote speaker Chuck Schumer.

Apparently the crowd will be upwards of 13,000... CRRRRAAZY!!!!!

After hearing me speak at my sister's wedding a few months ago, he enlisted my help in getting his ideas down on paper.

I was so thrilled and flattered. This is exactly the kind of writing I'd love to be doing more often.

It was definitely a challenge though. We met for a few hours to brainstorm and the process unfolded from there.

We went through several drafts over several weeks before finally getting it right.

Believe it or not, the initial problem was too much content. Shocker.

We had so many great ideas and only 4-7 minutes to deliver them... a little scary when we realized the first draft timed out at 14 minutes!!

It was hard to let go of some really great inspirational nuggets, but I eventually went at it with a chainsaw and hacked off anything that wasn't absolutely essential.

So excited to hear my words over the mic! I can only hope they inspire the audience as much as I was inspired writing them.

This is the reaction I envision!

I'll upload the video version of the speech asap on my WORD-OLOGY site, so stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, check out these memorable, laugh-out-loud commencement speeches below.

Humor is a common thread that's always welcome in speeches... especially during long ceremonies involving thousands of people with super short attention spans.

I wouldn't ever attempt to be that funny, but I did throw some jokes in there so hopefully we'll get some laughs.

There's always an element of research involved in writing. Watch and learn from the masters and then toss in your own spin.

Luckily in this case, the research was thoroughly entertaining!

LOVE Coco!! F-ing genius!

2000 Harvard Commencement Speech Part 1

2000 Harvard Commencement Speech Part 2

Steven Colbert... another comedic genuis!

Take a look here for a more straightforward, but amazingly poignant commencement speech delivered by Steve Jobs...

...short, sweet, and inspiring.
It's one of my favorites!

INSPIRE SOMEONE WITH YOUR WORDS TODAY!
XOXO

Natural stress relief just a click away!

2012-05-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

We've all discovered ways to blow off steam and alleviate stress, but some methods only add fuel to the fire.

With all the noise going on around us - especially in our heads - it's no wonder we're constantly longing for an escape.

In lieu of packing up and moving to the tropics, there's meditation.

I've found the best way to achieve balance and focus, relieve anxiety, and de-stress is to give my mind a micro vacation each day.

Meditation can have profound effects on your health, mental awareness, clarity of thought, and stress levels.

It's a practice that dates back thousands of years and is finally staking out territory in the landscape of our mainstream Western culture...

...with the help of respected proponents like Deepak Chopra and celebs like Howard Stern and Russell Simmons.

There are countless types of meditation, some stricter than others.

The most fundamental link between them all is the importance of relaxing your body and quieting your mind.

We all get distracted and consumed by our constant stream of thoughts.

Meditation teaches you to detach from all that noise so you can actually relax, be present, and sharpen your mind.

Like anything else, it requires practice, patience, and persistence. Your brain is a muscle and meditation is a method of strength training.

Most of us are grossly over-stimulated and out of shape when it comes to being mindful, so it can be challenging at first.

But rest assured that if you stick with it, you will see results.

KEEP IN MIND: being attached to getting it right, doing it perfectly, or seeing results will have the opposite effect.

The whole idea is to let go and just BE.

Since we live in such an instant gratification culture, I figured I'd post a few very basic meditations I found on Youtube.

You can also order CDs and download a 21-day meditation through the Chopra Center, a wellness and holistic healing center/website established by world renowned doctors Deepak Chopra and David Simon.

It's great to know that natural stress relief is just a click away.

There's a ton out there, but these guided meditations are a great place to start until you figure out a practice that's right for you.

It's pretty amazing once you get into it. Doing just 10 minutes a day will make a difference.

Try it... nothing to lose but your stress!!!

20 min

10 min

Have a stress-free week!

xoxo

Twitterville OR BUST!

2012-05-18T16:30:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time I refused to join Facebook and barely used a computer.

Now I manage 3 email addresses, 2 websites, a Linkedin profile, a vimeo profile, a Youtube account, and a professional blog... in addition to this one.

Ugh, I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

It seems I'm becoming one of "those people" - constantly connecting in an attempt to spread the love for my new business and my blog.

Love it or hate it, on this day when Facebook is likely to become the most highly valued tech IPO ever, the effect of social media on our world is undeniable.

It's no wonder I've officially quit internet dating... at least for now... but that's another post altogether.

All the upkeep can feel like a full-time job, and I'm not sure I want to be attached to my iphone like that kid on the cover of Time is attached to his mom's breast.

credit: time light box

It's a little overwhelming but I'll get the hang and so can you.

Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it. I've gone from being the least tech-savvy person I know to, well, being moderately savvy.

I'm finally biting the social media bullet and making the move to Twitterville.

I've opened two Twitter accounts... one for littlemissmojo (@alittlemissmojo) and one for WORD-OLOGY (@WORDOLOGYnyc).

You can now see my live LMM feed to the right... FOLLOW ME!!!

Sometimes I see something inspiring or want to share a quick quote without writing a whole post or over-exposing myself on Facebook. Twitter is the perfect forum for that.

I have no idea what I'm doing yet. Haven't even reached out to find followers, but I've gotta start somewhere.

I love being limited to 140 characters on Twitter... in case you haven't noticed, keeping it short isn't exactly my forte.

And considering attention spans are shrinking by the minute (including my own), I'm continually aiming for quality and consistency over quantity.

That really is the trick to promoting anything online... consistent, original content.

The beauty of all of this accessibility is that all of your questions are accessible online.

The Google gods know all... get acquainted.

If you're contemplating the move to Twitterville, check out Mashable's Twitter Guide for step-by-step instructions on becoming a Twitter master.

Or just open an account and jump right in!

The most important thing to remember in all the connecting is to be genuine.

We're all inundated with information and stimulation, so whatever you're spewing, spew from the heart.

The social media wave is incredibly powerful... use it to spread some good!!!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Pretty Great Perspective

2012-05-14T13:42:00.000-04:00

Aimee Copeland

AND

Lauren Scruggs

It's stories like these that make me incredibly grateful for my health and my life.

Of course, it's all relative. We all have good days and bad.

But consider these beautiful, brave young women the next time you feel like complaining about some trivial inconvenience like traffic, gas prices, or a pain-in-the-ass co-worker.

If you have love and health in your life, and you're not dealing with tragic circumstances, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

Every moment is precious. We're not entitled to anything. The only guarantee is that right this minute, we're still breathing.

Everything beyond that is a bonus... and a blessing.

Things can change at any moment, so enjoy all you can while you can... right now.

Have a great week!

xoxo