Thoughts. Stories. Life.

Parenting: Epic Fail.

2013-06-14T23:26:00.001-07:00

The worst feeling ever as a parent is to let your child down. I try so hard to limit that disappointment for my kids because so many outside sources will, and have disappointed them already. So I try at all costs to make sure that it's at least not coming from me. But life is life right? Shit happens and no one's perfect.

Today I let my baby girls down. My office is roughly 90 minutes from home/their school and their kindergarten graduation was at 2:15 today, in the middle of a work day. I left work as soon as I could slip out (three hours early) and faced the ridiculous stop and go traffic that is constant in Seattle. I sped breaking all kinds of laws whenever possible, but the ceremony was scheduled for only 30 minutes. There was just no way I could make it in time. I parked as all the other parents were streaming out of the school with their graduates, gifts in hand. The front desk ladies gave me the look of sheer disappointment, and said I could go get the girls from class, that's where the kids who's parents hadn't come to the ceremony were awaiting pickup. I ran back to the girls classes, and both of their teachers gave me that look, the one that said; how could you? Who does that? Miss their kids Kindergarten graduation?

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Long Live Love.

2013-05-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

I've always said, and it's posted on my wall at work "if you don't know what you want, how would you

recognize it when you've got it?" It's been more than a motto to me, it's been the way I've created my new life, with intention and purpose, and total deliberation. I've taken the time to examine in detail what I want in every category of my life the past few years, and I am constantly blown away by how accurately it's manifested in my life.

Love is no exception. It started with a blog entry that I posted in March of 2010, called "What I Want". I knew I needed that wish to go out into the Universe if I expected to draw it to me. So I made my wish list.

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Manifest Love.

2013-05-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

For the past year or so, I've not dated. I've taken this time to write my book, focus on my career, my

children and finding love within and for myself. It's been a difficult journey at times, and certainly lonely in the beginning. But over time, I began working through my past, as I began writing my memoir last year. With each revelation I got closer and closer to my own truth.

With each phase of my journey, I began to slowly let go of the people in my life who kept me tethered to a past I was ready to leave behind. I cut the ties that bound me, and the ones that were unhealthy, and my circle kept shrinking. But it felt good. I felt strong for turning my back on the negative drama and allowing room for positive energy.

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Oh So Random

2013-05-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

You know that moment when you can feel the earth beneath your feet start to shift? The one when you know your life is about to change?

Yeah, I'm having one of those moments. Have been for the past few weeks. It's a good thing though, a great feeling. Like that excitement you got in the bottom of your stomach when you were a kid on Christmas Eve, waiting to see what kind of magic the morning would hold. You know something epic is about to happen and it's going to change your life in a magical way, your just waiting to see what it is.

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My Seattle Red Cross Speech Video

2013-05-12T20:31:00.002-07:00

So happy to share with you guys my actual speech given to the Red Cross King County Breakfast in Seattle in April.

Click HERE to watch it. Skip to 1:12 for my portion. My speech is only about 10 minutes long.

~Written by: Sarah Centrella for Thoughts.Stories.Life. *This is an interactive blog please leave your comments and thoughts, I will respond :)

The Alchemist: The Answers I Needed.

2013-05-09T00:46:00.001-07:00

I just finished reading The Alchemist. My mind is still spinning and trying to process all it has taught me. It's the first book I've actually read cover to cover in over ten years! Yes I said ten. That's not to say I don't read, because glancing at my night stand I just counted fifteen books I'm currently reading. Some were started a few months ago, one as far back as maybe 2007. None have accomplished what this one did, in the two days I read it.

None have called to me, spoken to me, and set my spirit free the way this one has done.

I don't remember who the first person was that told me to read this book, but it was years ago. Since then it seems like everyone I know has read it. What finally prompted me to actually do so, was a little white-lie. A friend whom I greatly admire, and who thinks much like I do, asked me for like the tenth time if I'd read it yet. I lied, and said that yes I finally was. So that day I stopped at Barnes & Noble after hot yoga and picked it up. I figured that lie had a very short expiration date.

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You Always Get What You Need, When You Need it Most.

2013-04-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

There are so many times I question my mission. Times when I ask myself; what am I doing? Why am I putting myself out there, sharing such personal and private struggles with anyone who cares to tune in? Times when it seems like all the work isn't doing anything, isn't getting me anywhere.

Times like last weekend, when I hear myself tell a room full of strangers my very personal, very raw story for the very first time.... I think, have I lost my mind? It's one thing to write about it. Even one thing to make a video about it. It's a totally different thing to look total strangers in the eye after they have heard you talk about your husband cheating on you, and leaving. About you having to support your kids in the beginning with aid from the government. You feel naked and exposed.

Not that I haven't felt that way all along, because I definitely have. With each step in this journey the past three years, it has felt like that. But I've always promised myself that no mater what, I'd be real, and authentically me. That I'd share the rawness because that's what everyone's afraid of. But that's what would have spoken deepest to me, had I heard this message come from someone like me when I needed it.
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That Moment When.... You're Livin' Your Dream.

2013-04-14T09:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was that moment for me. The one where I got up in a room full of strangers and told my

Make-up by glam squad, check. Photo shoot, check.

story for the first time. Gave my first 90 minute key note speech. It felt so good.

I've obviously been super critical on myself since, picking it all apart and thinking of all the ways I could have done a better job, but the bottom line is... it was my first one like it, and it felt great. It felt like that's where I should be. And if there was one women in that audience yesterday who walked away with a renewed sense of hope, or had some type of aha moment, then that will be the best reason to keep going of all.

I have to remember that at the end of the day what an audience is going to get is me. Plain and simple. I'm not a Tony Robin's style motivational speaker, nor do I aim to be. I want my message to always be raw and personal and uniquely me... goofy, imperfect and a reflection of the person I am. I know over time I'll get more and more comfortable, but right now what matters to me is getting my message out there to people. Letting them know they can change their life the way I have done. Letting them know they are in control of their future. And if I'm accomplishing that then I know I'm on the path to fulfill my mission and live my passion.
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Believe in Magic: Mini-Film

2013-03-28T22:19:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to share with you a mini-film that shares our story. It's point is to spread the word that not only have I changed my life, and done what I at first felt was impossible, but that you can to! It is proof that this really does work, and my dream is that it will start a movement to empower people all over the world that they really can live the life they want and deserve.

Please watch it, and as a huge favor to me go to the link on YouTube and hit the thumbs up for "like" and then please share it with your network. I can't inspire the world on my own! I need your help :).

Thank you! xoxoxo

This film was made by Joey Blackburn.

~Written by: Sarah Centrella for Thoughts.Stories.Life.
*This is an interactive blog please leave your comments and thoughts, I will respond :)

Red Cross Speech

2013-03-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

I've gotten lot's of requests from readers/followers to see the video from the speech I gave yesterday

for the Red Cross's Hero's Breakfast. The video will be out shortly but for now I thought I'd post my actual speech. You can read posts on my blog about what life was like when our home flooded and see the videos. Yesterday was such a special moment for so many reasons. To me it's the ultimate proof that everything happens for a reason. Who would have thought that almost two years ago when that disaster struck that it would turn into the fulfillment of my ultimate dream. There were nearly 1,000 people at yesterdays fundraiser including executives from Costco, Boeing, Microsoft and Puget Sound Energy. To share my story in a way that helps to give back to an organization I believe so strongly in was amazing. And yes I cried at several places in the speech, and at one point the audience gave me a full round of applause during the speech! It was a pretty amazing moment. Dreams do come true. I am proof.

Speech:

I Got The Benz!!!

2013-03-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

My vision board on left (been on there 2 years) just drove it home.

If you don't believe by now.... shame on you.

First happy commute!

~Written by: Sarah Centrella for Thoughts.Stories.Life. *This is an interactive blog please leave your comments and thoughts, I will respond :)

Top Motivational Hip Hop Songs

2013-03-23T23:01:00.001-07:00

I love hip hop

So as you may know, if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I'm a Hip Hop fan. I became one right after my ex-husband left, because I needed something, anything to lift my spirits. I knew I needed all the help I could get to keep from falling into depression, so I turned on T.I.. and Fabulous, and Eminem. The music instantly put a smile on my face and made me want to dance. But more importantly I began listening to the lyrics and pulling out anything I could relate to, or draw strength from. The more I listened, the more those songs became my mantras, my anthems and my go-to's when I needed to get a lift out of a self-pity sinkhole.

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Your Dream Is Waiting.

2013-03-11T22:29:00.002-07:00

You know that place, the one where you've been working your ass off forever and it feels like your not making any progress? You know you're on the right path, and that a break has gotta be coming soon, but you feel stuck, like you are never going to break through that wall. That's kinda how the last few months have felt. I worked and worked, day and night preparing for what I know is coming. Yet it felt like I was running in place. It's the place where 98% of people quit, and 2% push through. Napoleon Hill says that the 2% who push through that last level, the one that seems like you've done all in your power and it's just never gonna happen, he says those are the ones who reach their ultimate dream. That it's right on the other side, waiting for them. But those other 98% just couldn't see it any more, couldn't believe anymore, and couldn't keep on pushing. So they quit, not knowing that right on the other side of that wall, was the success they had been working towards all along.

When I read that, I knew what percentile I wanted to be in. I made a mental commitment to myself over a year ago after reading Think and Grow Rich, that no matter how tough it got I'd never quit. I'd keep pushing, because the thought of giving up at the finish line seemed, oh so tragic.


See Below for explanation

The Law of Attraction is for Christians too.

2013-03-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

*I wanted to share this letter (with permission), because I think it does such a great job of touching on the topic of the role that God, and or religion can play in using Hustle.Believe.Receive. I think traditionally Christians have discounted the Law of Attraction or The Secret because of it's focus on The Universe and materialism. I don't focus on either of those things, and I feel that faith and belief is spiritual at it's core no matter what. I think that HBR works so well for me because it allows me to believe and have faith without religion, but it works just as well with it. I've gotten many questions on this over time, and I think that Mariah does a great job talking about how they coexist and work together.

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Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

2013-03-06T01:14:00.002-08:00

Lately I've been getting a lot of reader letters about what to do if you find yourself in a marriage where one person has made the ultimate sacrifice, and moved to a new location for the other. In some cases it's been across the world, others across the country, but the story is basically the same. They find that after a few years no one is happy. The one who wanted to move is holding firm to that decision, and the one that came to be a supportive spouse, is feeling resentful, alone and unhappy. They are constantly fighting, and the marriage is disintegrating.

I found myself in a similar situation when I was first married. I'd moved to Portland from California for my ex-husband when we got married. Secretly I'd always felt like I was the one sacrificing more. I was the one that had to leave the place I loved for him. I probably always held it over him in some way, and I'm sure I resented him for it as well. So I get it.

If there is one thing I've learned this last year living in Seattle, it's that location makes a really big difference in your happiness. If you hate where you live it's pretty darn hard to be happy. Hence the reason I'm moving back to Portland in June!

As I see it, if you find yourself in a situation like this, you have two options:

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The Secret Works... Here's Proof!

2013-03-01T11:07:00.002-08:00

I'm just going to let these pictures speak for themselves. If you'd like to know more about the stories behind them check them out on Instagram (@sarahcentrella) or follow me on Facebook. These are just a few of the big manifestations I've realized off of my vision board.... if you thought that The Secret or Law of Attraction was a bunch of crap, I hope this makes you reconsider.

A picture is worth a thousand words.....

Click here to read this amazing story...

Want Your Vision Board to Work?? Here's The Secret

2013-03-01T01:28:00.003-08:00

I've had so many amazing manifestations the last few weeks, that it has gotten me so excited about the power of my vision board. I want to tell everyone I know, and I want them to understand it the way I do, so they can use this simple, free tool to change their life. If you have been a skeptic, or if your unsatisfied with your life in any capacity.... I challenge you to make a board. Just do it! What in god's name do you have to lose? You have everything to gain. No offense, but if you don't have one yet, and you read my blog and/or follow me on any social media... you are crazy! I have way too much proof that it works for you to still be sitting there, bitching about your life and not have done these simple steps to change it.

So you ready? Let's go!

Here's the secret for getting your vision board to actually work:

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Love of My Life.

2013-03-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to meet with a very dear friend of mine last week while I was on vacation in Los Angelas. She's always been somewhat of a guru to me, since my early twenties. She is much older and wiser than me, and for some reason her words always grab me, and are exactly what I need to hear.

We talked late into the night, and through tears I told her about the one man I've loved and lost since my divorce. Told her I was sure he was the love of my life, something I've only ever said about my children. But yet, it still wasn't meant to be. I told her how hard the past year has been for me, trying to let go of that, and of him. And how unfair it has felt, to have met the one person you feel is the other half of your soul, yet have the circumstances and timing not be right. I asked her why? And this is what she said to me...

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How I Manifested Disneyland!!

2013-02-18T10:38:00.003-08:00

believe in magic

I got an email from a reader the other day asking me an interesting question about Hustle.Believe.Receive. She said she'd had a picture of a concert that she wanted to attend on her vision board, and she was so excited to learn the artist was coming to her town, so she went and got her ticket. She was sure this was her manifestation. However the artist unexpectedly canceled the show, so she wondered if this meant that HBR doesn't really work. All I could tell her is my own example of this exact scenario.

The "when" and the "how" are not up to us. But the hustle and the believe is.

In 2010 I had plans to take Kanen to Disneyland. We had been planning the trip for some time and I'd even pre-paid the hotel. When I finally had enough miles for the trip and went to book it the airline was completely blacked out. We were obviously very disappointed, but I told him that just because the trip wasn't working out that time, that it WOULD happen, and not to give up faith. That year I used miles to get him and I tickets to Hawaii instead and we had the most amazing trip together.

Fast forward to this year. I've spent the last year at my job working hard, and fighting back from a very tough economic 2011, last year was a "get back on my feet year" for sure.
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Hustle.Believe.Receive. My Take on The Law of Attraction

2013-02-08T11:43:00.001-08:00

Make it happen!

You've heard my say this phrase many times before but it really does sum up my belief around the commonly used term "The Law of Attraction". I've struggled using the LOA to describe my beliefs or to reference the concepts I use in this blog because I don't feel it's an accurate portrait of how I view/teach and apply those concepts. I feel most mainstream teachings miss the most important component to success and that is (gasp!) work. Nobody wants to talk about the fact that you need to put work in to get results. But I'm here to say you do.

The good news is that the way I teach these concepts are simple enough to teach a child, I drill them into my own every day. The concept is easy and is what successful people the world over have been applying since the beginning of time. It's what athletes and celebrities and millionaires all do. They use all these concepts TOGETHER to get results, weather they label it or not. It's NOT "New Age", it's not a replacement for faith in God, it's not wishful thinking, or positive thinking, or pie in the sky. It's a simple formula that anyone anywhere can apply immediately (as in right now) to get instant results and be on a path to the life you thought was only for "other people". Well guess what, your those "other people". This is your road map to finding your way, staying focused and seeing results.

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A Letter to My Future Husband.

2013-02-06T00:48:00.000-08:00

...

*Because I believe in the power of intention, and the power of knowing exactly what you want, I've decided to on faith write this letter... knowing that when the time is right (even if I'm 90!) this is what will manifest in my life, and this is what I'll say to him when I do.

This is a list of just some of the things that makes me know you were created for me, and I for you. It might have taken us a lifetime to find each other…but it was worth the journey.

I love the spark in your eyes. The immediate and undeniable connection. I love the kindness that radiates from them.
I love that your sole is not only generous, but truly selfless.
To you my babies are the best part of me. They are not “what came with me” they are me. The package of us, completes you. The package of us, is what you’ve been searching for, it’s what your life was lacking.
I love that you’re tall enough, that when I’m bare-foot I need to stand on my tip toes to kiss your neck.
I love the way you smell, sweet, yet manly. A musk that is distinctly you.

World Champion Ravens: A Law of Attraction Lesson.

2013-02-03T23:32:00.002-08:00

World Champions!!!

So if you follow me at all you probably know that I'm a HUGE Baltimore Raven's football fan. My son and I have been following them the past few years and have gotten to know the players and coaches, so at this point we are beyond fans... I think of them as family. And unless you're living under a rock, you might also know that tonight they won the Super Bowl, becoming the World Champions.

But the thing that I've been watching are all the stories behind the game. Working with and knowing so many athletes has really shaped my view of the Law of Attraction. To me they are the real deal. The way they apply it is second nature to them, and is probably something they would never even think of as "The Law of Attraction". It's just in their blood. This is so evident when you hear their stories, especially on a big stage like the Super Bowl.

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Does the Law of Attraction Work? Yup.

2013-01-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

Happiness....

This is gonna sound crazy. But I think the number one reason I've not been blogging much lately is because..... I didn't know quite how to say, I'm happy. Crazy right? But not only that, I feel really blessed because it feels like every day I'm getting more and more of that abundant life I've had on my vision boards for so many years, and how do you say that without sounding.... shallow? Or arrogant?

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Writers Block.

2013-01-26T22:58:00.001-08:00

Totally need to get back to this!

So you might have noticed that I'm suffering from a bit of writers block, either that or just have too much stuff going on at the moment to keep up. But regardless it's been too long since I've made a daily practice of writing, on my blog but also with my book.

I spent all last year writing and rewriting my memoir. Each time I got a rejection letter from a prospective publisher, I took their criticism to heart and changed my book. In some cases adding more of my story, in others taking chunks out, until the concept, flow and tone of it had completely changed. I know it's common to work on a book for years, constantly doing rewrites, but this process has left me pretty emotionally spent. And for the past few months I've intentionally avoided pulling out my book, reading it again and then deciding what direction to take it.

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Keep It Movin'

2013-01-11T22:46:00.002-08:00

Keep it movin'.

I feel like I'm turning over a new leaf. Like I'm finally ready to address the areas of my life that I've been putting off because I knew the work required to get them right, would be heavy. Think I'm finally ready to cut the cord of co-dependency that I've had attached to far too many people in my life, who in reality, bring no value to it. Time to keep it movin'.

I've had a few major epiphanies lately. One is a tough one, the biggest sore spot in my personal journey.... my relationship with men and dating. It's been... I'll be brutally honest here... a train wreck. I've now been divorced/separated going on four years, and what I've realized is that on some level I really, truly want to remain independent. I don't want a man. I don't want to rely on anyone. Don't want to ever find myself in a situation where I've just totally been fucked over. I think I subconsciously want to raise my kids my way, on my own.

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