I write a lot about living a happy life, but much of the joy in my life comes from moments that may seem a wee bit strange to some people.  The events of the past week are a perfect example.

The Storm That Started It All

A sudden onslaught of heavy rain and high winds rushed through town, causing power outages and making it nearly impossible to drive.  The thunder roared like crazy, lighting strikes lit the sky every few minutes and the dark clouds seemed to burst wide open.

There were even moments of large hail pounding the windows and huge trees swaying wildly back and forth. It was chilling and nerve-wrecking; but you can imagine what happened next. It stopped!

The rain reduced to mere sprinkles, tornado sirens stopped blaring, utility companies restored power to every home, no casualties were noted and everyone went back to life as usual.  But something caught my eye―and my heart―as I drove home after the storm.

Life Caught My Attention

I know the news reports said there were no casualties, but I couldn’t help but feel a tug on my heart when I saw several trees ripped out of the ground.  One of these beautiful trees lay just a few yards away from the entrance to my townhome community.

Every day since the storm, I’ve noticed that tree lying there, roots partially exposed, as everyone walks or drives by unaffected.  I said prayers and sent healing thoughts that I hoped would make a difference, but it still bothered me to look at the tree in that state.

Life, I believe, is to be nurtured, valued, respected and appreciated.  That doesn’t just apply to humans or the animals we embrace as pets.  We are not somehow more special, more alive or more deserving of love and compassion.  How arrogant to believe otherwise!

The value of life applies to everyone and everything. From the poorest human to the tiniest blade of grass; all of which is connected in ways we must awaken to understand. Hence the often repeated, rarely comprehended phrase, “we are all one.”

Love, Honor and Respect for All

Tonight, a few days after the storm, my partner mentioned to me that the tree outside our home was hurting. My initial reaction was shock because I didn’t think anyone else gave a damn about that tree.  But it didn’t take me long to decide my next move.  I gathered some healing crystals and went outside to offer my support to the beautiful life lying there uprooted from the Earth.

As I touched her trunk, her branches, her roots, her crown; I felt an indescribable connection.  This tree was indeed in pain.  But now she now had two people by her side, offering unconditional love, empathy and support.

I set my intentions on pure, healing love as I prayed for an end to any pain or suffering she may be feeling. I thanked the beautiful tree for many years of purifying the oxygen that we all breathe into our lungs.  I let her know that I honor our connection, I feel her pain and that she’s not alone.  I then called on Archangel Ariel, the nature angel, whose presence I felt almost immediately.  I called on God/Goddess, fairies and nature spirits to help me comfort my tree-friend and to bring Divine Order to the situation.

As the energy of the entire area lifted magically, it began to rain fairly heavily and a white moth flew around me incessantly as I stood there, arms outstretched, crystals in tow, speaking words of love and kindness to a Being who I believe is not really all that different from myself.

You think I’m strange, right?  Well I don’t disagree. But I’ll take strangeness over unconsciousness any day.

Doing What Feels Right Intuitively

I don’t know how much of a difference my actions made tonight, but I do know that I followed my heart.  I was moved to show this tree that I care, and doing so gave me a sense of joy and Inner Peace that I don’t get from the sources of artificial happiness that I once chased.

Opening myself up to help made tonight truly beautiful.  Of course a few neighbors gave me crazy looks as they drove by, likely wondering why I was standing in the rain talking to an uprooted tree. But that brings me to yet another reason I’m so very happy in this moment.

I’m happy because I know what doesn’t matter―and, more importantly, what does.  It doesn’t matter if people think I’m strange, if I don’t follow religious norms, or if my actions aren’t the most popular.  What matters is that I listen to *my* Inner Guidance, I follow *my* heart, I love deeply, and I do my best to choose consciousness over worldly illusions.

Wake Up – Choose Conscious Awareness

Trees play a huge role in making Earth liveable for us, yet most of us don’t even stop to notice them, let alone to thank them or help them.  Why is that?

In my last post The Ultimate Happy Life Recipe , I discussed the illusions that keep so many people from living a happy life.  These same illusions, I believe, keep people so busy “doing life” that they can’t possibly notice a fallen comrade like the beautiful tree to whom I’m still sending thoughts of love.

When we lack mindfulness (or consciousness), nature is an afterthought. But we can rely on nature to help us wake up.

There’s great freedom and joy in precious moments spent bird watching, star gazing, enjoying a sunrise, smelling a flower, or nurturing a tree.  In such moments, we lose the preoccupation with self.  We remove the blinders that once kept us from seeing the gifts that go unnoticed, the big picture that envelops us, the connections that make us one, the truths that heal the soul.

Removing those blinders is what I believe it means to live, to love, to awaken and to be happy. What more could we possibly want.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Live a Happy Life – What Does It Take?

Everyone has their own ideas about what it takes to live a happy life. The same is true for me. It is my deeply held belief that everything within and around us is a reflection of the content of our thoughts. Call it Law of Attraction, Universal Truth or positive thinking. Call it crazy talk, malarkey or New Age bullsh!t. Call it what you please, but I call it reality, so I’ll say it again. Everything within and around us is a reflection of the content of our thoughts. Do you know what that means?

It means that most of us have wasted too much time searching for answers in places they’ve never been. We all want to live a happy life, yet so many people see happiness as more of a ambition than a reality. The questions continue:

What does it take to be happy?
Why am I not happy?
Why can’t I be better looking/famous/rich so that I can be happy?
Is it really possible to be happy?
Why doesn’t happiness last?

Happiness- What’s the Answer?

Maybe most people miss the answers because they’re too busy chasing the illusions. So what’s the answer? What’s not the answer?

Money isn’t the answer to happiness. A rich and happy life is your destiny, but it’s absolutely not for sale. You choose abundance by choosing more of what feeds your Soul than what feeds your ego, more of what heals the planet than what rapes her of her resources, more of what keeps you grounded than what puts you on top, more of what connects you to others than what impresses others, more of what raises your vibration than what fits the status quo, more of what saves the world than what saves face.

It’s easy to feel like you need more “stuff” to be happy; but that’s an ego-based lie. It’s a illusory trap from which your thoughts can set you free. And freedom is oh so sweet.

The choices that make life worth living stem from deep within, a place where price tags hold no merit. This is the place where true luxuries reside—luxuries like compassion, confidence, empowerment and inner peace. When your thoughts turn in their direction, you know what it means to be truly rich and happy.

A new relationship isn’t the answer to happiness. We choose true love every time we choose kindness over judgment, trust over fear, acceptance over comparisons, understanding over lashing out. Yes, the quality of our relationships affects the quality of our lives. But the quality of our thoughts and choices make our relationships what they become.

If you’re lonely or you don’t have the healthy relationship you desire, begin healing the inner wounds that separate you from true love. Be more loving to yourself, focus on the joyful moments, nurture what’s good in your life and relationships. From this place, you choose happiness. And you’ll share that happiness with every person whose drawn in by your light—including Mr. or Mrs. Right.

Healthcare isn’t the answer to happiness. The world is full of sickness, a major source of unhappiness. But health is free. Every cell in your body responds to your thoughts. Do you know what that means? It means you have the potential to both create and heal every illness in existence.

We choose health every time we choose to respect our bodies, to quiet our racing minds, to eat from Mother Earth, to open our hearts and to follow our Inner Knowing. These choices tell our cells that we are a vibrational match to health…and so it is.

Yes, being unhealthy can make you unhappy. But you can choose the big combo: health and happiness.  The next time your body aches, look at your thoughts before looking in your medicine cabinet. You may be surprised to find that YOU are the only cure you need.

Drugs and alcohol aren’t the answer to happiness. Life, in and of itself, provides the high of all highs. We choose that natural high every time we choose to let go of the past, to accept who we are, to appreciate all we have and to believe in where we’re going.

When life gets tough and you want to be “out of your mind,” maybe that’s exactly where you need to be: out of your mind. Your egoic mind that is. But addictive substances won’t take you there; they’ll only take you deeper into the illusions you want to escape.

You’ll never find happiness in a capsule, at the bottom of a glass, in the folds of a joint or even in the center of a bowl of ice cream. So, the next time your ego tries to drive you to a quick fix, pass the keys to your heart, gut and Higher Self. As your thoughts transform, you’ll wake up, smell the roses and see the Truth. You can’t get any higher than that!

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Happy Mother’s Day

The greatest gifts on Earth, I believe, are those that are as much a gift to the giver as the receiver. That’s certainly the case with motherhood. In the spirit of this one day dedicated to moms, I’d like to share my Mother’s Day thoughts with all of you. This is deeply personal, but I hope you enjoy the sentiment.

To the woman who gave me life:

I deeply appreciate you. I appreciate you for loving me when I couldn’t even see a reason to love myself. I appreciate you for standing by me when everyone else turned their backs, for believing in me when I was consumed with doubt, for encouraging me to keep going when I was sure I’d met a mountain I couldn’t climb.

I appreciate you for laughing with me, embracing my goofy ways, and always celebrating my accomplishments. For challenging me and pushing me toward my potential; yet supporting me when I really needed a break.

I appreciate you for surviving the craziness of my youth, for convincing me of my limitlessness and for never ever giving up on me.

Most of all, I appreciate you for being you.

I’ve met far too many broken adults who didn’t have the gift of a loving mother. This has taught me to count the blessing that I have in you.

Motherhood is the most difficult job on Earth; and it’s often one that’s not fully appreciated. I want you to know that I do appreciate you.

None of us are perfect. If we were, we wouldn’t be here doing this thing called life. Yet, we are. We’re blessed with the gift of life and with the gift of each other. I appreciate that more than words can ever express. With every breath that I take, please know that I love you mom.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the woman whom I gave life:

My precious daughter, Brandye. The Creator couldn’t possibly have given me a greater gift than you. For that—for you—I am eternally grateful.

I’m grateful for your smiles, which brightened my world when it seemed the storms would never pass. I’m grateful for memories so sweet they’ll linger on my taste buds until my dying day. For movie nights, handmade cards, 30-bazillion Barney episodes, Christmas cookies and field trips. For big hugs, dance recitals, report cards and graduations. These are the gifts that filled my life with joy. But there’s so much more.

For forgiving my mistakes, overlooking my flaws and loving me despite every imperfection—I appreciate you. For trusting me to do my best to be the amazing mother you deserved—I appreciate you.

You—the gift of all gifts—wrapped in a 7 pound 11 ounce package, gave my life purpose. Because of you, I learned to speak up and make my voice heard. I wouldn’t do it for myself, but I never hesitated to do it for you. Because of you, the timid, aimless girl that was me became a strong, determined woman with boundless love as her guide. Because of you, I learned to play a little more, to forgive a lot faster, to be patient a lot longer and to treasure every single moment.

Looking at you now, at 18 years old, I sometimes want to cry out for my little girl. But that brings me to yet another great lesson you’ve taught me: the value of letting go. In order to fully embrace the beautiful woman you’ve become, I’ve had to start letting go of that little girl. It’s not easy; and something tells me that a part of me will always see you as MY BABY. Still I want you to know how proud I am to see my baby all grown-up, charting her own course and “creating” life on her own terms.

Just remember: Now and forever, you’re still my sunshine (**don’t forget the song**). You’re my Earth Angel—the precious one who made me more than a woman. You made me a mother.

No matter what life brings your way, always remember that you are beautiful, you are special, you are appreciated and you are unconditionally loved.

More Mother’s Day Posts In the Blogosphere

• Mother’s Day, Forgiveness, Celebration and A Special Offer (theboldlife.com)
• The Way of a Mother (thebridgemaker.com)

Photo credit: Stan

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Shift from “Why” to “What’s Next?”

It is not wise to ask too many whys!

“Why is he so shy?”
“Why didn’t our relationship last?”
“Why can’t I seem to get my life together?”
“Why am I so sensitive? ”
“Why does my husband act like this?”
“Why didn’t my child turn out better?”
“Why can’t I get my life together?”

Although asking yourself “why” has its place so that we can learn from the past and be more aware going forward, the obsession that many of us have with “why” leads less to insights and more to preoccupation with the past that we might never figure out.  As a therapist, I find that high on my client’s stated goals in coming into therapy starts with, “ I want to know why….”

What’s Wrong With the Why Question

Although there is nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in this burning question, all too often the “whys” in our lives become not a quest for insight but rather an obsession that leads to persistent rumination that never seems to “let up.”  The trouble is, we never really figure out definitively the “whys” in our lives since they become largely a matter of conjecture anyway.

It is all too common for many to get wrapped up in trying to make peace with past events, yet find that it can go only so far in unlocking the secrets of how to live better “today.” When we insist on finding conclusions, we end up having only more questions that start with “why?” For some who feel powerless in face of the “whys” that are left unanswered, life seems to be spinning out of control.

Perhaps there is some magical thinking that by discovering the truth will “make it all better.” Yet the past never changes, and insight into the past does not automatically help us undo the effects of learning a new first emotional language that did not make sense. A Peanuts cartoon comes to mind that I saw many years ago. Charlie Brown reasons with Linus that he keeps on thinking about the past because he’s still hoping the past can get better!

In sum, focusing too much on the “whys” in our lives keep us stuck in the past. Consider the following:

The past never changes, so we likely remain stuck in the land of “whys?”

Even if we uncover many of the our life’s “whys” it does not mean they can be fixed

Very rarely in life do we have those “aha!” moments, when the past is figured out by dissecting those burning “whys.”

Sometimes we just don’t know why things happened.  THEY JUST DID!

Focusing on “why” gives you a good reason to stay in your old comfort zone where you don’t need to change.

Some people take comfort in feeling like a victim – like life is happening to them so they are not to blame.

All too many times the focus on “whys” has to do with other people’s behavior towards us. No level of insight makes other people change, even though it is tempting to be stuck in why they “should.”

Suggested “What’s Next” Activity

Make a list of “why” questions in your life that keep you stuck.  On another sheet of paper, answer each “why” with “what’s next?”  For example, “Why am I so sensitive?” can be transformed in the “what’s next” column into “With my sensitive nature, I take things personally at times.  To help me with this tendency, I will write down my negative thoughts and work on replacing those thoughts with more rational ones.”

Furthermore, instead of being stuck on “why does he act so rude?” focus on “what’s next?” by resolving “When he acts rude, I will tell him I will continue our discussion until he addresses me more respectfully.”

So next time, instead of getting stuck in the “whys” why not “wise up” and move on to “what’s next?”

Remember, it is not wise to ask too many “whys!”

More Like This in the Blogosphere

• Is It Time to Accept What Has Happened and Move On? Here’s How You Can Do It (possibilityoftoday.com)
• The Difference Between Denial and Positive Thinking (deliberateblog.com)
• I’m Ready To Make Changes…But Where To Begin? (reflectingalife.com)

Judy Belmont

Judy Belmont, MS, LPC is a wellness author and speaker and is a member of the National Speakers Association. She is the co-author of the recently released “The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life.” Judy’s Emotional Wellness For Positive Living blog/website is www.judybelmont.com where she has Daily Positive Inspirations that are also posted on Pinterest.

  

Note: Inspirational Thoughts is a weekly self improvement series posted on Mondays with the intention of shining the light of inspiration on the start of your week.

Make Others Happy

Do you find it tough to be happy when someone you care about is unhappy? I know the feeling.  You want to make others happy and self gets sacrificed in the process.

The nurturer within us wants to fix all the pain in the world—especially that which affects those we love.  It’s a noble desire, but today’s inspirational thoughts remind you that you are not responsible for anyone’s happiness but your own.

It’s easier said than done, but you need to let yourself off the hook. Your happiness is the greatest gift you can ever give to the world, yet you cannot hold onto it while chasing something that’s not yours to capture. That something is the happiness of another person.

“Happiness is a direction, not a place.” ~Sydney J. Harris

To hold yourself responsible for someone else’s happiness is to be completely irresponsible to yourself. Moreover, it doesn’t do anyone any good.

Happiness is an inside job. You must love yourself enough to choose it, to align with it, and even to share it. But the same is true for every other human being. They must choose to be happy—to live a happy life.

Now, let me clarify that this does not mean you shouldn’t reach out to other people. As the caring, nurturing person that I’m sure you are; you likely find joy in helping and supporting others. Keep it up! Do what you can to be kind, to help, and to share your gifts with the world. However, bear no attachment to outcome.

When you’ve said all you can say within respectful boundaries, let go. When you’ve done all that you can do in good spirits, let go. When you’ve given all that you can give without emptying your own cup, let go. When you’ve helped all that you can help without hurting or enabling, let go. This applies to everyone—even your kids.

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” ~H. Jackson Brown

Cutting yourself off from happiness to make others happy is not some loving, grand gesture. It’s nonsense! You can never do, say, or give enough to choose happiness for someone else. Those whom you love so dearly are on a very individual journey. No matter how hard you try, you can’t walk it for them.

They have lessons to learn, choices to make, spiritual gifts to employ and even karmic debts to pay. More importantly, they have an Inner Guidance system and the support of the Source that makes life possible for us all. Be kind to them, be a positive force in their lives, be an example of happiness. But know when to get out of their way.

My friend, I want happiness for you and for everyone on the planet. I’ve committed myself to doing all that I can to share inspiration, love, positive energy and strategies for a happy life. However, I know that trying to make others happy is trying to defy the laws of the Universe.  The one person I have the power to make happy is me.  I hope that you, too, can find peace of mind with this reality.

Choose happiness for your life, support others in the ways you can, and always remember that happiness is an inside job.

With boundless love,

Nea

I Happily Recommend:

• Happy. Shiny. Puppy. Hugs. Enough Said. (deliberateblog.com)
• When Your Soul Speaks – Will You Listen? (poweredbyintuition.com)
• How to move from pain to bliss (brite-talk.com)
• How to Live a Happy Life, Even if You Don’t Win the Lottery (shakeoffthegrind.com)

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Healing Foods and Herbs That Do Your Body Good

I didn’t always know it, but healing begins in the kitchen- not in the doctor’s office.  That’s what this post on healing foods is all about.

Thanks to an unexpected lapse in health insurance, I learned that knowing what to eat and what natural remedies are available is the key to allowing my body to heal itself.  Healing with food is not just some fad; it’s natural, practical and even necessary.

I hope you’ll enjoy this little intro to the power foods, herbs and spices that your body will surely love.

Quinoa

I like referring to quinoa as the grain impersonator. It looks like a grain and it does a pretty good job of standing in for rice, but quinoa is actually a heart healthy seed. Go figure! It’s fiber rich and very filling, yet gluten free, full of vitamin E, low in calories and packed with as much protein as eggs or meat.

Quinoa is even rich in biotin, which is a huge plus for anyone who appreciates healthy hair and skin. Surprisingly, at least for me, quinoa is also a great source of calcium. That makes it great for building bones and maintaining the health of your teeth.

Many foods contain amino acids, but quinoa is a complete protein that contains ALL 9 of the essential amino acids that the body can’t make on its own. It’s also a complex carbohydrate, which brings me to the benefit I love the most. This grain-like seed staves off sugar cravings by preventing the blood sugar surges and drops that make weight management so difficult. You won’t catch rice or most cereals making that claim!

Cayenne Pepper

You might have heard of the crazy cleanse diet that includes drinking a mix of cayenne pepper, lemon juice and maple syrup. Yes, that’s crazy! However…cayenne pepper does have many medicinal uses that aren’t crazy at all.

One of the best known benefits of cayenne is its ability to positively effect the circulatory system, thereby naturally stabilizing blood pressure. When you consider the dire side effects of prescription remedies for high blood pressure, this is pretty remarkable. The nerves, arteries, veins and capillaries all benefit when cayenne pepper is consumed. But that’s not it.

Cayenne aids in absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste, heals stomach tissues and ulcers, soothes sore throats and helps external injuries to heal with minimal scarring. It’s a healing food that truly benefits your body from the inside out.

Garlic

Garlic gets a bad rap for it’s effect on the breath, but there’s no denying all the great things it can do for the rest of your body. A clove a day keeps the doctor away!

In addition to helping with the management of blood pressure and cholesterol, it boosts the immune system and serves as a powerful (and all natural) antibiotic. I use it as a preventative measure for pretty much everything. One of the most amazing things I’ve noticed since eating garlic on a regular basis is that flu and other “bugs” seem to spread to everyone except me—even if I’m in close contact with those who are sick. And I do NOT get flu shots.

If I’m not eating my daily clove of garlic and I start to feel the effects of a cold or bug coming on, I use garlic as my treatment rather than running to the doctor’s office. Studies show that nasty bacteria don’t develop resistance to garlic like they do to prescription drugs. Add to that the fact that you don’t need to worry about all the crazy side effects of what the doctor orders and it’s pretty hard to make a case against garlic as one of the most amazing healing foods on the planet.

Spirulina

This is a new one for me. I started adding spirulina to my diet after learning of it’s amazing nutritional benefits. Who knew an algae had so much to offer—protein, omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, chlorophyl and phytonutrients! With such a high concentration of the good stuff, it’s not surprising that spirulina offers such strong anti-viral and anti-septic benefits.

In addition to counteracting toxic metals and other toxins in the body, it helps fight viral infections, improves blood sugar issues, strengthens the nervous system and immune system, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, aids weight loss and helps to heal wounds.

Kiwi

Most people immediately think of an orange as the ultimate source of vitamin C, but oranges are no match for kiwis when it comes to this nutrient. A kiwi, which is quite small compared to other fruits, offers 120% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Why is that important? The benefits of vitamin C go on and on—from preventing or reducing the effects of heart disease, colon cancer, colds and flu to preventing free radical damage in the body.

This strange, furry green fruit also packs a mean punch of vitamin E, beta carotene, flavenoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids and fiber. As if that’s not enough to make you dive in for a bite, kiwi has the somewhat unique ability to protect DNA and prevent oxygen-related damage to the cells. Because this oxidative stress is linked to colon cancer, kiwi is one of the healing foods shown to aid in prevention of this cancer. Another factor here may be kiwi’s knack for feeding friendly intestinal bacteria and improving bowel function.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a what I call a power herb. It can be used externally to speed wound healing, disinfect cuts and burns, and treat psoriasis. However, I use it primarily for it’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting properties. Turmeric has been shown to naturally detoxify the liver, reduce the risk and spread of many cancers, prevent and treat Alzheimer’s, and strengthen heart health.

Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs (ie. Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen) work to relieve pain, but we all know the the side effects that come with extended use. For those with arthritis, chronic inflammation and pain, turmeric can be a safe alternative for relief. Oh…and it tastes good. Simply add it into whatever dish you’re cooking or sprinkle it on your soups and salads.

Cherries

I’ve never been a big fan of cherries, but the payoffs of this power food made me reconsider. Tart cherries contain a whopping dose of antioxidants, flavonoids and bioflavonoids. That makes this sweet treat beneficial for stopping cancer cells in their tracks, lowering all risks for heart disease, slowing down the aging process, and reducing the painful effects of inflammation in the body.

Thanks to the richness of melatonin, tart cherries can even improve the body’s circadian rhythms and help you get adequate sleep. For an insomniac like myself, that’s a benefit that can’t be overlooked. If you’re not likely to eat 20+ cherries a day, I’ll let you in a little secret: red tart cherry juice. It’s not really a secret, but many people don’t yet know the value of drinking this concentrated juice to give your body a mega dose of the health benefits cherries have to offer. Just make sure there’s no sugar added to mess up all that goodness.

Almonds

A tasty, high fat food that you can enjoy without guilt—that’s almonds. They prevent the damaging blood sugar surges that often come after eating; fight off free radical damage; and reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.

All nuts are a great source of protein, but almonds provide more of the nutrients that your body needs. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegetarian, you’ll surely appreciate them as a source of bone-building calcium. If you can need a mid-day brain boost, snack on a handful of almonds to enjoy the cognitive benefits of phenylalanine. It’s a brain-boosting chemical that can give you a mental reboot just when you need it.

One thing to remember when it comes to this healing food, is that a little goes a long way. One fourth cup of almonds is enough to give you over 40% of the daily recommended amount of manganese and vitamin E. You’ll also get a healthy dose of magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorus. Your heart, skin and even your brain will thank you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this intro to healing foods. If you’d like to share your own examples of using your kitchen instead of your physician, please do so in the comments section. You may also want to check out this post by blogger and speaker Victor Schueller on what’s keeping him healthy: A Glimpse Into My Cabinet

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Life Coaching Questions: Little Questions, Big Changes

If you’ve ever experienced life coaching, you know that powerful questions are one of the many tools a life coach uses to help you get unstuck. Why questions, you might wonder.

We all have a great deal of dialogue going on in our heads, but much of it needs to be renewed, refreshed or simply laid to rest. The right questions can do just that. Questions, when we’re willing to face them with honest answers, poke holes in ideas and beliefs that hold us back while shining light on opportunities for personal growth.

The questions I’ve included here are just a few that light up the room when I’m helping clients achieve greater happiness and success. Note: If you’re not working with a life coach right now, simply ask yourself these questions and dig deep into your answers.

8 Little Questions That Inspire Big Change

1. What’s next? It’s nearly impossible to get unstuck when the bulk of your attention is on what’s wrong rather than what’s next. This question implores you to look past the low point of your story, to turn the page, to start a new chapter—a chapter of moving through instead of going through.

2. Why not? This question is perfect for dealing with self-doubt and perceived limitations. When you’re surer than sure that something can’t be done, won’t happen or isn’t possible; asking why not helps you delve deep into your reasoning, often finding holes in the story that look very much like opportunity.

3. What else is possible? A life coach isn’t someone who just hears your story of what’s wrong and offers pacifying words. She or he is the person who challenges you to seize opportunities you hadn’t considered, to create opportunities where none exist and to tap every resource available to help you do so. That’s the point of this question. It compels you to lay all of your options out on the table—not just those you’re comfortable with. You are far more creative and resourceful than you know. We all are! And this question pushes you to embrace that resourcefulness, even if it means pushing through the boundaries of your comfort zone.

4. What am I proud of myself for? Success and happiness are natural byproducts of treating yourself with love and respect. For this reason, I start every coaching session by asking my client to tell me how she’s made herself proud over the last week. It’s amazing to see how this lifts a person’s spirits, increases self confidence and soothes the frustrations that come with always striving for more. If you could use a boost of self-esteem or you’d like to feel better about yourself, try asking yourself this question every single day. And always, always, always deliver an answer.

5. Am I doing all I can? This is a reality check question. If there’s a goal you’re struggling to accomplish, it’s important to take a close look at how committed you are to making it a reality. If you can’t say with 100% certainty and honesty that you are doing all that you can, that realization marks a perfect moment for deeper exploration. Maybe there’s fear, underlying commitments or a conflict of core values blocking the way. This question opens the door to dig up whatever is keeping you stuck.

6. What difference will it make? When you can visualize how an outcome will positively impact your life, it’s so easy to get motivated—and to stay that way. Visualize is the keyword here. To grasp the full effect of the question, I ask my wonderful clients to close their eyes and imagine themselves on the other side of their goal.

This process is a powerful one. It’s a way to put yourself “there” before you get there; to consider everything that will change for you when you achieve your dream. It’s about formulating a mental picture of what looks, feels, sounds, tastes, smells different in your life—and even who is there to share it with you. This mental picture is one you can turn to when you’re feeling discouraged, as a reminder of why you’re pushing through your fears and doing what it takes.

7. Am I having fun with this? I incorporate this question into life coaching to make sure that some degree of lightness and joy is a part of every plan. I respect those who spend their whole life working themselves into their ground, but I personally don’t believe in taking life so seriously. I believe that everything, even work, must have an element of fun. If you’re not having fun doing what it takes to get where you’re going, happiness and success will be short lived no matter where you end up.

8. What else is true? A shift in perspective can be just what you need to move out of a self-induced trap and into the happiness zone. That’s the power of this question. When you’ve only considered your own points-of-view, beliefs and understanding of the truth; it’s like having partial blindness. Your experience is colored by what you see, yet you’re not seeing the full picture. Rather than telling you what else may be true, a life coach knows to ask questions that help you broaden your own view.  This marks the beginning of exploration into perspectives that may open new doors for you, or at least put windows of opportunity in your path.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these not-so little questions.  Your comments, and questions, are appreciated.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Note: Inspirational Thoughts is a weekly self improvement series posted on Mondays with the intention of shining the light of inspiration on the start of your week.

A Simple Life. A Fulfilled Life. A Happy Life.

How much of your time and energy goes to the pursuit of more? More money, more praise, more technology, more stuff? In much of the modern world, this is the new way of life; but today’s inspirational thoughts encourage you to find joy in simplicity.

As sweet as the moment may be when you hold in your hand something newer, bigger, more; an honest thought reveals that it’s bittersweet at best unless you can truly appreciate the simpler gifts of life.

How long do you enjoy your new phone before you “need” one with better features? What about the home you live in, the car you drive, the people you love? Does your heart remain thrilled once the carpet is stained and the new car scent fades? Once your clothes have been washed and your beautiful date becomes the spouse you’ve seen everyday for many years? Do you spend more as you make more, need more as you get more, and never quite having enough to stop wanting? It’s a disconcerting cycle, but there’s a solution. A very simple solution.

If there’s one flavor more pleasing than that of having all you want, it is knowing what you have.

In the quest for more, what we chase is a sense of fulfillment. Yet nothing is more fulfilling than living the power of now. In the now, we make peace with what we have and who we are. We live a happy life because we are truly living rather than fretting over what’s not or what’s next. Of course, we have dreams and goals in the now, but we don’t depend on them for fulfillment and we certainly don’t let them thwart our Inner Peace.

In the now, we simplify. Instead of wanting something bigger and needing something more, we look upon the present moment with new eyes. We stop chasing “more” long enough to really see how beautiful life is today. The sun shines brighter, flowers seem more beautiful. A hug from a loved one feels like magic, transportation in every form is valued, even an old pair of shoes makes the heart smile. Everyday is worthy of celebration and we don’t need more to make that so.

All that we have is perfect for the moment, but we must live in the moment to embrace it. It is here that you’ll find the simple and satisfying joy of simplicity.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
~Hans Hofmann

Photo by: Olga Oslina

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Motivational Life Quotes

Life quotes. I don’t know about you, but I never quite get enough of them. These little snippets of inspiration, motivation and hope stick with me long after I’ve forgotten the details of a favorite book or article.

The quotes on life below are a little different that those you typically find all over the web. Yes, they are motivating, inspiring and down right amazing. But here’s the kicker…There’s not a single quote in this list from Mother Theresa, Buddha, Nelson Madela or Helen Keller. No quotes from Abraham Lincoln, Oprah Winfrey or Wayne Dyer.  I love their famous quotes as much as anyone else, but I decided to take a different route to awesomeness.

These life quotes come from amazing bloggers whose abilities to motivate and inspire will surely propel you out of your comfort zone and into the driving seat of your life.

Life Quotes – From Bloggers You Gotta Love

Empowerment, Success and Personal Growth Quotes

“Focus less on sustaining your willpower, will, motivation and might. Focus on feeding yourself the things that inspire you. The sights, the music, the conversations, the environments, the types of rest, the sources of inspiration…all of that. Take in that stuff like a daily vitamin.”
~Tara Mohr, Wise Living

“The acquisition of knowledge doesn’t mean you’re growing. Growing happens when what you know changes how you live.”
~Marc Chernoff, Marc and Angel Hack Life

“Failure is a good thing. Failure has taught me whom to trust. Failure has shown me the true colors of people. Failure has whispered to me the things I am not willing to give up for a job or a promotion or a raise. Failure brought my values to light. Failure opened doors which always led to better success. So failure has been good to me. Fear of failure on the other hand has been nothing but a waste of precious time.”
~Farnoosh Brock, Prolific Living

“When we decide to exercise the ability to choose our emotional response, we tap into a huge source of personal power. We are not victims of our circumstances unless we choose to be.”
~Jonathan Wells, Advanced Life Skills

Quotes on Life and Living Well

“This thing that has been thrust upon you may not be to your liking. You may not have caused it. You may not have had any part in its manifestation. But now that you are a part of it, you can accept it and adjust your experience in any way you like. That’s finding your own freedom.”
~Byarly Bishop, Bryarly

“We are always going to think and feel. There is no escape from the mind. Whether or not it’s a prison is entirely up to us.”
~Lori Deschene, Tiny Buddha

“When you dance your dance, when you fully immerse yourself in the energy of the moment and let your passion course through you, when let the music take you over and just feel that pure, unadulterated joy that comes from not caring what anyone else thinks of you, you inspire others – not to learn your dance moves or to follow you, but to dance their own dance.”
~Melody Fletcher, Deliberate Receiving

“You are unique. There is no one else like you on this planet. Never has been and never will be. Do not sell your self short. Do not sell the world short. This is your life – love it, live it. One life, one chance – grab it.Get the Life you Love – and live it”.
~Arvind Devalia, Make it Happen

“Knowing your values is great. However, knowing your values and doing nothing with them is a bit like knowing your arse is on fire but not wanting to sit in the bucket of water for fear of getting wet.”
~Tim Brownson, A Daring Adventure

“Being mindful is something we do one moment at a time, taking baby steps to incorporate it into various aspects of our lives. It’s a practice that more profoundly affects our lives the more we practice it.”
~Paige Burkes, Simple Mindfulness

“See the truth that there is a river of consciousness and possibility running beneath the current rigid thought system in the world and all you need to do is become aware of it to find it, and jump in. Once you do find it, this river of consciousness will carry you through life and take you on an exquisite journey to your destiny, your greatness and full potential.”
~Angela Artemis, Powered by Intuition

Self Acceptance and Self Confidence Quotes

“Make peace with who you are because there is no one else you can be but yourself. You might as well enjoy ‘you,’ flaws and all!”
~Andrea Debell, Brite Talk

“Many have found the gift of recovery. With the power of our collective voices may we begin to let go of the stigma of our past and share the truth that recovery works.”
~Cathy Taughinbaugh, Treatment Talk

“If the ‘negative committee’ in your mind starts acting up, remind yourself that everything is unfolding perfectly. Anytime you notice yourself doubting things or worrying, reel in those thoughts and remind yourself to trust the process and know that everything is unfolding just as it should.”
~Sibyl Chavis, Possibility of Today

Quotes About Relationships With Others

“A promise kept is trust coming to life. A promise kept is more powerful than a good intention, a thought or any material comfort. A promise kept tells the other person they are valued, respected and loved.”
~Alex Blackwell, The BridgeMaker

“When you can see everyone else as just another “you” – with the same joys and sorrows -  your heart softens and it is easier to see that everyone is actually deserving of your love.”
~Sandra Pawula, Always Well Within

“If you’ve had a happy childhood, no one can ever take that away. If you’ve had an unhappy childhood, you’ll search for it the rest of your life. Give your children a happy childhood. Treasure your children.”
~Betsy Henry, The Zen Mama (from her book, How to be a Zen Mama)

Miracles and Happiness Quotes

“Happiness doesn’t descend on us from above. We grow into it. We become kinder, more patient, forgiving, grateful, positive, optimistic, and loving. In other words, to be happy, to reach its full potential, we must develop those traits that produce happiness at the level we’re willing to experience it.”
~Ken Wert, Meant to be Happy

“The truth is, you don’t need to be rich, beautiful, successful, or invited to join the club to be happy and confident. You just need to empower yourself.”
~Barrie Davenport, Live Bold and Bloom

“For me, a miracle is a ‘positive shift or change in perception.’ Yes, these shifts and changes can sometimes be sudden or happen quickly, but miracles have no limitations (such as time and space) because they are pure expressions of a greater Love.”
~Zeenat Syal, Positive Provocations

“Happiness is a DIY project. People will always matter more than technology because it is love that makes the world go round. Practicing happiness and showing kindness is a potent combination that is guaranteed to work, sooner than later”

~Vidya Sury, Going A-Musing

Feeling motivated? Inspired? Ready to go out and live the awesome life you deserve? I sure hope so!

If I didn’t include your favorite blogger in the list, feel free to give him/her a shout out or mention your own favorite life quotes in the comment section.

One more thing… Before you run off to save the world, remember to share this post with someone else who could use a boost today.

Wishing you the ultimate happy life,

Nea

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.

    

Note: Inspirational Thoughts is a weekly self improvement series posted on Mondays with the intention of shining the light of inspiration on the start of your week.

Inspirational Thoughts: Happy Mondays Ahead

We hear Happy Birthday, Happy Friday, happy this, happy that. But it’s rare to hear ‘Happy Monday’ outside of the context of a joke. Why do people hate Mondays?

It’s the start of a new week, a chance to make a fresh start. Yet, it’s a day that’s often met with pessimism or dread. Sure, Monday may mean going back to a busy work week, maybe even at a job you can’t stand; but there’s so much more to see if you’ll adjust your lenses a bit.

Let the Happy Mondays Begin!!!

Monday, and every other day that you’re fortunate enough to experience, is a gift. The way you experience it isn’t the result of how busy you are, how many hours you work, or how your boss treats you. Your experience begins with your expectations. And today’s inspirational thoughts encourage you to expect nothing but the best. It’s the recipe for happy Mondays.

The moment you think about the week ahead, you create the week ahead. So what will you create?  You can get caught up in your own drama (i.e. woe is me), creating a week of resistance to all the amazing experiences that await you. Or you can create magical moments of happiness by giving your personal best and believing in the best of others.

My wish—and expectation—for you is a happy Monday and an absolutely marvelous week. I expect you and everyone around you to personify patience, understanding and eagerness to help. I expect that you’ll be gentle with yourself, remembering to allow peace of mind even in the midst of busyness. I expect you to take life a little less seriously, to laugh harder and play longer. I expect you to easily navigate the path you walk, confident that you’re loved and supported at every turn. Lastly, I expect you to quickly forgive yourself and try again when expecting and allowing the best doesn’t come as easily as you’d like. Will you share in these positive expectations with me?

It is only by expecting the best, even when the worst seems more likely, that we release all resistance to the flow of well-being. My expectations for you are indicative of my expectations for my own life and for the world at large. Inner peace, compassion, appreciation, harmony, happiness—these priceless gifts await us everyday. That includes Mondays. Let’s open our hearts to give and receive them, to expect them and to BE them.

Have a wonderful week…and many, many happy Mondays.

Image background by Jarkko Saki

Nea Justice

Nea is a Life Transformation Coach who believes happiness should never be optional.

If you’re ready to live a happier, more fulfilling life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link here to learn more about life coaching

Subscribe to the Self Improvement Saga RSS feed for inspirational updates.