Make the Most of U

Be Your Own Cake

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:41:18 GMT

All the cool stuff you need to feel good about who you are rests inside of you. Time to be your own cake so that someone else's kind words are the icing. - Heart Messages We all have the amazing capacity to increase our own self worth or self-esteem, to get to a place where we are able to stand up right on our own two feet emotionally. Knowing that and actually feeling worthy or good about ourselves is a whole different kettle of fish. The fact is, as important as validation from others may be, if we don't feel good about who we are, no amount of kind words will give us that long-lasting feeling of positive self worth. Sadly, without that positive self worth, the effects of kind words, loving compliments, and positive feedback are fleeting. By now you may be asking, "So what can I do to increase my levels of self-esteem or self worth? " While the answer may take some time to appear, here are a few thoughts and suggestions to help increase the levels:1. Stop the self-deprecating talk. Negative self talk, put downs, and disparaging remarks at one's own expense does nothing more than lower self-esteem and self worth. Even when comments are made in jest, at a subconscious level they are doing a number on you as a person. Make a commitment over a period of 21 days to say nothing negative about yourself to yourself or anyone else. A great way to keep yourself accountable is to buy a rubber bracelet and place it on your wrist. The objective is to keep the bracelet on that same wrist for 21 days straight. Here's the kicker, if at any time negative self talk rears it's head, you must remove the bracelet from your one wrist and place it on the other, starting all over from Day 1 until you can reach Day 21 without moving the bracelet. 2. Get plenty of rest and recharge. It is so easy for negativity to creep in when we are feeling run down. Make sure to get a good night's sleep, schedule in some downtime for yourself to relax, or meditate for 10 minutes each day. You'll be amazed at what even 10 minutes of recharge can do for your mental well-being.3. Celebrate the wins. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day so much so that we often forget to celebrate even the smallest of victories. Capture those wins in a pocket size notebook and read them to yourself, acknowledging your efforts.4. Get a different perspective on you. Ask close friends and family to provide you with positive feedback, sharing with you positive words that they feel describe you. Capture those words in notebook and read them daily.5. Get creative and come up with some powerful affirmations. For example, "I am smart, beautiful, and loveable." Remember, in order for affirmations to be effective they MUST be in the present tense. Be sure to read your affirmations once in the morning as you are waking up and once at night as your going to sleep. Whatever strategy you develop for increasing your self-esteem or self worth, just know you truly are the cake and everyone else's positive thoughts of you are the icing!

Thorns Have A Pay Off Too

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:38:50 GMT

"Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses." Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr The older I get the more I've come to believe that from every difficult situation comes some good if we choose to look for that good. Of course it is never fun to be faced with a negative challenge. Pain and heartache aren't a thrill and great sadness does not feel good either, however, if we can look for the positive or the learning in every situation, particularly the difficult ones, we not only grow but we come out on the other side much stronger and less bruised. So my dear friends, the next time you are faced with a difficult or even painful situation try asking yourself this question, "What am I meant to learn from this?" Don't fret if the answer doesn't come right away, just have faith that it will and faith that whatever lies behind the difficulties there is some amazing jewel to be discovered. A jewel that you can hold on to and keep for future use.

Go Big or Go Home Question: What's On the Inside?

Mon, 11 May 2009 16:33:38 GMT

"I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside." Wayne Dyer Isn't it great to have the power to choose your thoughts, feelings, and actions? You even get to choose how you wish to show up each day. Do you wish to show up as a peaceful person? A happy person? Your Go Big or Go Home Question is, what do you choose to go on inside of you? The time is now to make those conscious choices. Choose the good stuff whenever possible; it's the only way to fly.

Missing YOU

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:21:58 GMT

Dear Loyal Readers, Friends, and Visitors, I sincerely wish to apologize for my absence. Please visit Walking My Own Walk (my personal blog) for an explanation as to my "missing in action" status. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!!

Getting Into the P-Squared Groove

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 21:01:31 GMT

This past weekend I was reminded that the best way to combat those "out of sorts" feelings is to play and get really present (in the here and now present). When we can cut loose, have some fun, laugh, and get silly coupled with thinking of only what's in front of us we begin to feel better. Why? Because we are taking the time to connect with ourselves, with our hearts, and better yet, with our child-side. In doing so we...regain a connected feeling get out our heads where ego resides gain more energy see the positive potential that is surrounding us start to go with the flowcreate the means to look at life, issues, situations, etc. from a different (maybe even clearer) perspectiveand quite simply relax and have fun. So when you are feeling out of sorts, give the following a try: 1) Deep breathing - four deep breathes; inhale through your nose to a count of four and exhale out your mouth to a count of four. 2) Crank up your favorite tunes and just listen (if you feel compelled to dance, all the better). 3) Grab a funny movie. 4) Read or tell some jokes. 5) Have a light and frothy (a.k.a fun conversation) with a good friend. 6) Play a game with your kids, i.e. Monopoly, cards. 7) Go to the park and swing on the swing set. Whatever helps you get into the P-Squared Groove (Play and Present) just enjoy, let go, and be YOU!

Springing Into Action

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:29:58 GMT

It's official, Spring is here; which means that flowers are blooming, trees are sprouting leaves, little baby bunnies are hopping around, and in my neck of the woods baby quail are crossing streets in a nice single file line. Spring means new beginnings, fresh starts, and beautiful color. With the lovely weather and beautiful newness of it all I would like to encourage to create some of your own beginnings and fresh starts. The time is now to let go of old hurt, limiting beliefs, and even relationships that no longer fit/serve you. Let's do some Spring cleaning by taking inventory of the people, things, and feelings that surround you. What supports and nutures your growth? What doesn't? Now is the perfect time for giving birth to new ideas, new projects, new hobbies; the things you have always wanted to do, but haven't yet. What stands in your way? What do you need to make things happen? Embrace Spring Fever! Take some time to play and embrace your child side. With your fun, child side comes renewed energy and a means to view things with a fresher eye. However you decide to acknowlegde this amazing season, the time is now to Spring into action. Enjoy! Grow! Rejuvenate! Happy Spring, Everyone!!

Go Big or Go Home Question: Embrace the Change

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:10:11 GMT

When you hear or see the word "change" what comes to mind for you? Growth? Expansion? Different direction? Adjustment? Transition?With change sometimes comes fear and a feeling of being disconnected; fear of the unknown and a disconnection from the past and what we're comfortable with. So this week's Go Big or Go Home Question(s) is during times of change what can you do to feel connected? What will help you to combat the fear?Now is the perfect time to create a toolbox filled with tools that will support you in embracing change. Fill it full and have fun trying a few things on for size during those times of change.

It's "Make Someone Smile" Week

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 17:19:24 GMT

I'm declaring it "Make Someone Smile" Week. Who am I to do that? Just a woman, but dontcha think it would be kind fun to knowingly walk around with the intention of making others smile? What a great way to raise your own positive vibe as well as the positive vibe of others. Besides, it's hard not to smile yourself when you are consciously making another smile.So here are some tips for how to bring about a few smiles...feel free to use them, tweak them, add to them or come up with you own. :)1) Share a sincere compliment2) Share a hug3) Tell a good joke4) Just smile at someone for the sake of smiling5) Make a funny face6) Break out into a song and dance7) Whistle the theme song from the Pink Panther8) Honor someone with a Remarkable Tribute Have a blast!Peace, Love and Major Smiles to you!

What Makes Your Heart Sing?

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 17:09:27 GMT

I have a request...think for just a moment about the last time you used any of the following phrases: I should do or be I need to I ought to beI am supposed to I must As you're thinking about that last time or even just reading those phrases how are you feeling? Are you feeling empowered and ready to go? OR Are you feeling a knot in the pit of your stomach or feelings of dread? If phrases like that empower you, kudos to you! (And I truly mean that.) I have to be honest and share that those phrases make my blood run cold. They make me want to run screaming for the hills. Why? It's simple really. Those phrases have always been associated with a demand or an imposed goal; something someone else said I should be, must do, supposed to, or need to, not something I want to, wish to, or desire to be. It's phrases like that that squish my spirit, stifle who I am at my core because they are usually followed by "tasks" that just don't fit me or make my heart sing. So let me ask you, what would your day, your world, and/or your life be like if you did what made your heart sing? What would it feel like if you never fell prey to those phrases ever again? Take a moment and imagine it. I challenge you starting today to do things that energize you and that truly make your heart sing. If you have always wanted to take voice lessons, but didn't because someone said you should be doing something else, then take those voice lessons. If you have always wanted to try bungee jumping, but your want was cancelled out by someone else's limiting beliefs, then I encourage you to take a chance and do that jump. If you have always wanted to explore your creative side, but instead squashed that creative side because you were told you were supposed to be doing something else, then by all means, tap into those creative juices. You don't do yourself or anyone else any favors by not allowing your heart to truly sing. There is no time like the present and I can promise you, you won't be sorry you did.

Seeing the World Through Clean or Spotted Glasses

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:36:38 GMT

Having a positive attitude is like looking at the world through clean glasses. If you have spots on those glasses, it's harder to see the good in front of you. - PTDespite all the doom and gloom surroudings us in the media, I still believe in my heart of hearts that we can create positives. We can shift our attitudes (with some effort and persistence). We can make things better and see the good. We can, I know we can. I want you to imagine for just one moment what it would be like or what it would feel like if all that surrounded you was positive; positive people, uplifting news, smiles and laughter, fun opportunities, exciting adventures, good music, love, etc. How would you feel? What would you see? My dear friends, despite what the media is telling us, despite what we may be hearing at the office or around town, there are positives to be had. There really are and now is the time to choose. Do you wish to look at the world through clean or spotted glasses? What do you choose and what will you do to support your choice?Here is what I choose to do: 1) Smile 2) Give hugs 3) Share appreciation for another person 4) Say "thank you"5) Laugh 6) Be grateful for everything I have 7) Share for as long as is needed and with no expectations.8) Steer clear of gossip and negative conversations. 9) Keep me energy levels up by listening to some fun music, recharging my battery whenever necessary, and having fun.10) Send love and positive energy out into the world. Join me, please!? Together we can create a way to see the good.