Today's Topic - Making Plans

"Make a plan and make God laugh". I don't know where that quote comes from but it's absolutely true. When I think of being in my life rather than making plans for my life, I have an aha moment. It's a moment of stopping just to be and appreciate the here & now.

Whether we're having a good day or bad day, we are alive and we're learning something. We get another day to ponder all the aspects that life brings. Making plans and having goals is awesome but being flexible is key to being happy.

I have learned not to get to high or low in any situation because things always change. Staying sort of even keel seems to help keep things in perspective which, for me, takes practice. In the past, those high's & lows have taken me on a roller coaster ride.

Just for today, enjoy the moment, enjoy and relish in the life you have, enjoy being alive. Enjoy the good things in your life, family, kids, grandkids, partner, fur babies, health, whatever the good things are. Gratitude for the simple things brings happiness and peace.

Today's Topic - Being Uncomfortable

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable". When it's time for us to grow we have two choices. We can either fly from the nest on our own or we are pushed by God, The Universe, whatever it is for you.

We are meant to grow and with that comes fear which is all a part of it. Some things that I've been most afraid of; once I finally did them, were not so bad. I couldn't believe how big I had made the fear. The scary stories we tell ourselves are almost always much worse the the outcome.  I know I tend to get myself so freaked out and worked up that I cause myself anxiety and unnecessary
 suffering.

Stepping outside our comfort zones empowers us and makes us realize we're stronger then we think we are. It doesn't matter how big or small the step it, the point is having the courage to take action and then, giving yourself a pat on the back for stretching.

Today's Topic - Celebrate

Have you ever gone hiking, looked back and realized how far you've come? Same thing in celebrating the little victories we achieve. Sometimes it can feel like we're just pushing spaghetti and not moving at all. Just because we can't see the footsteps doesn't mean were not making progress.

I've journaled for years and it's a great way to track progress. I'm blown away when I look at journals from a year ago and 5 years ago. I am making progress...

Celebrating the little victories gives us the strength to keep hiking the mountain. Let's give ourselves a pat on the back for our progress and our courage!

I think we all know that stress is the number one killer. It's also something we can manage, and we must manage because it's a part of our self love self care. Why is it, that until stress really affects us we do nothing to manage it? Maybe it's something we need to learn and without a lesson in front of us, there's nothing to learn, right?

Manage your stress, don't let it have it's way with you.  It's as important as brushing your teeth every day. Find the time to take 10 minutes to do a guided mediation online, stretch your body out, whatever it is for you that centers you. Your mind & body will thank you and it starts the day off right.

I'll leave you with my favorite quote from Steven Tyler, "Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff".

Today's Topic - Gratitude

There is never a wasted day. Each day brings an opportunity to learn and grow. Some days are better than others. Some days we have more to give than others but every day is a miracle simply because we are alive.

Gratitude is key to our happiness and well being. Every time I get stuck in my shit, I remind myself of five things I'm grateful for. It never fails, I feel shift into happiness because it makes me realize that things aren't that bad.  Things can always be worse.

Gratitude for the simple things we take for granted - our sight, our legs to walk, our voice to talk, our hands to write. I have an aha moment as I write this, I'm grateful to have my hands so I can write this blog and hopefully make someone smile today.

Today's Topic - Stress

I think we all know that stress is the number one killer. It's also something we can manage, and we must manage because it's a part of our self love self care. Why is it that until stress really affects us we do nothing to manage it? Maybe it's something we need to learn and without a lesson in front of us, there's nothing to learn, right?

I was diagnosed with Auto Immune Hepatitis in 2014. I was hospitalized and very sick for 4 months. Auto Immune Diseases are very mysterious but one thing for sure, I was really stressed and in a angry space in my life at the time. Maybe that triggered it; who knows.

My point is, don't wait to manage your stress. It's as important as brushing your teeth every day. Find the time to take 10 minutes to do a guided mediation online, stretch your body out, whatever it is for you that centers you. Your mind & body will thank you and it starts the day off right.

I'll leave you with my favorite quote from Steven Tyler, "Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff".

Today's Topic - Trust

Fear can be paralyzing but our intuition can feel very inconvenient because; if we are very honest with ourselves that gut feeling that tells you to run, don't walk is always protecting us. It's like praying and asking for the answer; the answer comes and we go, "nah.. that's not what I wanted to hear". The stubbornness in us decides to do it anyway, whatever that is and therefore, suffering the consequences. Right?

Fear is a bully, it wants to keep us stuck and small.  If your working on something in your life that your afraid of, try with a small step and see how that feels. It doesn't have to be big. And once you've taken that small step, celebrate your progress.

Intuition is God's voice, our angels, our deceased loved one in heaven guiding us and protecting us. Within us are all the answers; we just have to be willing to trust them and trust God's plan for us. Learning to trust our intuition will lead us to the path we were meant to be on in our lives.

Today's Topic - Forgiveness

We've all been hurt, abandoned, or betrayed my someone at one point or another in our lives. Some of those lessons are so painful, it can feel impossible to forgive them; but to not forgive someone is like taking poison every day expecting them to die. Our resentments towards another don't torment them, they torment us. They keep us a prisoner in our lives therefore, effecting our happiness, health, and well being.

Forgiveness doesn't let them off the hook and we it doesn't mean we have to go to lunch with them. Forgiveness is letting to of the heavy backpack we carry and setting ourselves free.
The more we can forgive, the more fulfilling our relationships become whether that be with our partner, friends, family, or co-workers.

If you find yourself really stuck on a situation that's really hard to forgive you can start by just "being willing". Being willing with an open mind and open heart can start the process and when those painful thoughts come up in your mind, remind yourself that you are "willing to forgive". Eventually you will start to feel lighter.

Today's Topic - Lighten Up

When was the last time you let your inner child play? When was the last time you laughed at yourself? A part of happiness is being able to lighten up and not take adulting so seriously. We tend to try to control everything around us so much that it creates anxiety and unnecessary stress.

When I get too caught up in everything and my mind is on overload that's when I know I need to take a mental health day. A day to regroup and let everything go trusting that the day will take care of itself and the world won't fall apart if I don't show up for it for one day.

Just for today, take a big slow breath and lighten up on yourself and your life. Be willing to let go of the perfection and accept the imperfections that makes us so awesome.

Today's Topic - This Too Shall Pass

I'm always trying to remind myself not to get too high or low in any situation because that nirvana or sadness is always changing. Trying to stay sort of even keel is challenging for me simply because I have an active brain and I have sensitive serotonin levels.

Flowing with the winds of change can be challenging especially with the busy loud world we live in but finding that balance can bring peace. Whatever your going through in this moment, this too shall pass. You can trust in that.

I hope today you can breath into change and accept where you are in this moment. It will be ok, things always work out.

Today's Topic - Anxiety

Anxiety has been one of my challenges in life and this quote reminds me that I'm not alone. Maybe not everyone understands anxiety but anyone who has suffered from it get's it. It's a very real feeling but can also be a bit self inflicted.

Isn't it interesting that we don't think about breathing until we can't breathe? Breathing is one of the best way to calm down. I learned a little meditation years ago, breathe in for 4 counts, hold breath for 4 counts, let it out for 4 counts. The in & out breath needs to be slow and consistent but it works and always calms me down.

We may not ever master the art of anxiety but we can learn to manage it and not allow it to be so big. Breathing and bringing ourselves back to the present moment help. It takes practice and I still forget to breath at times but the awareness that I have the power to calm myself down gives me some peace.

Today's Topic - Don't Give Up

Do you ever wonder if your on the right path in life? If you do, your not alone. I love this quote because it reminds me that while I may not be certain if I'm on the right path I do know that I'm making progress.

Whatever your dreams and goals are, never give up. You just don't know what miracle is waiting for you around the corner. Jane Fonda said, "We are meant to be perfect, we are meant to be whole." Mistakes are part of the journey, falling on your butt is part of the journey, celebrating the victories are part of the journey.

Don't forget to celebrate the little victories because they are leading you to fulfilling your dreams. They are a reminder that your making progress.

Today's Topic - Playing Small

Playing small doesn't serve you but yet it takes courage to step into your power. At least this has been the case for me. I've done my share of playing small but it didn't make me happy. I was afraid if I stepped into my power people wouldn't like me. They would think I'm being snotty or arrogant.

Stepping into your power simply means you are owning your truth and essence. You are being the person God intended you to be and that's a good thing. At the end of our lives it won't matter who judged you for being in your power; those people are just afraid of stepping into their own.

Today's Topic - Letting Go

Thoughts become things and sometimes I don't even realize the words that come out of my mouth. I can get caught up in complaining.  It's such a constant awareness. We can't always controls the thoughts that run through our minds but we can decide which thoughts to give power to.

Today my intention is to be aware of my thoughts and where I'm putting my power. I will focus on the positive thoughts and let the negative thoughts drive through.

Today's Topic - Helping Others

Have you ever heard the phrase, "You Get What You Give"? Giving of yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. One of my favorite teachers, Wayne Dyer said that when you give an act of kindness it raises your vibration and when others witness an act of kindness, it raises their vibration.

We live in a fast world and we sometimes get so caught up in our lives and busy schedules that we forget to look around us and see who might need some help. The smallest act of kindness can change a persons life.

I recently saw a homeless man at a gas station. It was hot day here in Arizona. He didn't ask me for anything; I felt compelled to buy him a water and granola bar. Witnessing his gratitude made me feel gratitude.

It was the best part of my day.

Today's Topic - A Positive Message

I'm strong because I've been weak in having boundaries. I've been weak in my health, I've been weak in being true to myself. Those weaknesses taught me that I'm stronger than I think I am. They have taught me what I want and don't want. They have taught me to explore more material to learn.

I am fearless because I've been afraid. I've been afraid of the good opinions of others. I've been afraid of failure and success. I've been afraid to love again. I've been afraid of my own power. I've been afraid of trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone.

I am wise because I've been foolish. I've been foolish with my choices. I've been foolish in love.

We get to remind ourselves that without these things we wouldn't be the person we are today. We would never make any progress without setbacks. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate every victory- even the smallest ones because sometimes, they are the ones that matter the most.

Today's Topic - Self Care

We all tend to give until we're empty and then try to give more until we literally crash. This isn't healthy for anyone.  If we have nothing to give to ourselves we have nothing to give to others. I don't know where we've learned this but it's nonsense. It's imperative to take care of ourselves first.  Only then can we be the best version of ourselves and shine bright for others.

My life coach used to remind me that on an airplane they always tell you to put your oxygen mask on first, then your child, husband, family, work, etc. It's not selfish to take a mental health day to reset ourselves. I like to think of it as putting myself on the charger for a day.

Doing this without feeling guilt is an art that needs practice so, just for today, give to yourself first and see how much more energy you feel. When we are rested and centered we are powerful.

Today's Topic - Patience

Waiting for anything is a challenge. Waiting for test results when your health isn't up to par; waiting for that call on a new job you want so badly; waiting for that awesome guy you just met and had a first date with can be agonizing, right?

Patience has never been my strong point so this quote is a great reminder.  I'm pretty sure that patience and faith go hand in hand.  I tend to get a little down when the Universe has put me in patience mode, but I try to focus on things that I have control over and be as productive as possible. I have to remind myself that this too shall pass and have faith the Universe is mixing up something amazing for me.

If your in the "wait" period, using "The Secret" tools and visualizing a positive outcome is something in your control. Maybe it's a great time to clean out your closet or pantry- get creative, play with your dog or child, go to lunch with a friend. Leaning into patience is the best way to not get caught up in anxiety or stressing over the outcome.

Today's Topic - Setbacks

I'm recently experiencing a set back in my career which initially makes me feel like I'm failing and like giving up. I can't help but fall into a little depression but I know if I stay in that space nothing will change. So, I find myself reevaluating the situation and asking myself, "what is this situation trying to teach me?" I'm still waiting for the answer but it brings me back to my last quote about control. I can't control anything or anyone outside of myself so it's how I react to the situation. So, after a moment of self pity I'm back to the solution. It's all I have.

The solution is to walk through the doors that are open because obviously the closed doors I can't force to open. I go back to what I do best, getting outside of myself and helping others wherever I can. I've always found that service work is the best medicine to get me unstuck and out of my shit.

I feel better having this realization and that is something I do have control over. So, today I choose to look for opportunities to help others and just for today, not make it all about me.

Today's Topic - Healthy Relationships

I've been in many relationships in my life that made me feel crazy. These relationships have been with men, girlfriends, co-workers, and family. When someone makes you feel like your crazy- you not.. It simply means the relationship is not serving your highest good. It took me years to figure this out but I'm getting better at it.

People are always a mirror of ourselves so I'm always trying to look at my part first and learn what God is trying to teach me through this person. There's always a lesson to learn and it's up to us to figure out what that lesson is. Sometimes it's learning boundaries or self love or something that we need to be aware of inside ourselves.

No matter what, if anyone makes you feel crazy or brings out the worst in you, run don't walk.

Today's Topic - Stillness

I don't know many people that can calm themselves long enough to meditate including myself. The world is moving so fast and my mind is always racing that meditation always feels like torment for me actually yet, it's so vital to our well being.

There is no perfect way to meditate and it's ok if your mind races the whole time or if you fall asleep. It's always beneficial so if you can not try to control it, you will always get something out of it.

Today I'm going to trust that spending even 10 minutes in stillness will not throw my schedule off. I will trust that something good will come out of it. I will trust that God will hear me and give me guidance.

Today's Topic - Comparing ourselves to others

Have you ever just wanted someone else's life? I have but when I really think about if I would trade my issues, problems, struggles with anyone else, the answer is no! Yes, I would love my life to be a little easier at times but EVERYONE has their struggles regardless of who they are and how amazing of life it may appear they have. It's an illusion.

I've learned to have a boundary with social media and not allow it to take anything from my life. My business is such that I need social media as a tool but I only allow myself 15 minutes a day.  Sometimes I slip and do what I call "Facebook cut" and somehow find things that upset me, such as old people from my life. I'm pretty sure we've all done it but it's really detrimental to our well being, at least mine.

The only way I can be happy and at peace with my life is to stay in my life and mind my own business. I always have to remind myself that I'm progressing at my own pace and celebrate the victories I've achieved. I find that journaling helps remind me how far I've come.

God gave each of us a path to walk and our own garden to plant and watch grow. Staying focused on your my own path and nurturing the things that I'm creating brings me happiness and peace.

Today's Topic - Control

I read somewhere that life is not what happens to you, it's how you react to it.  Easier said then done, I know but true.  Reacting and not reacting takes practice, a lot of practice.  My coach used to tell me to stop, drop, and breathe. Think before I speak and although I'm aware of that things still manage to spill out to my mouth leaving me wondering, "Did I just really say that?" I'm still practicing...

When I realized that there's not much I can control other than myself and my reactions my life got a little easier because I stopped trying to control others. If you don't like people the way they are, trying to change them will always be an exhausting process. Fight the fights that are worth fighting for because in the end, most of the nonsense doesn't matter.

When you come to realize how much of life is out of our control there then comes surrender. And with surrender comes some peace.

Today's Topic - Be Yourself

Have you ever tried to sort of shape shift into someone else to either make someone happy or be accepted by others? I did that a lot in my life either trying to fit in with a certain click of people or trying to be accepted by a guy I liked. Being from Utah and feeling so judged my whole life because I'm not mormon, I've often found myself feeling like that. It made me really unhappy. I was unhappy because I felt like I couldn't just be myself, I was also unhappy because I felt I wasn't accepted for who I am. That was really hard and I felt rejected a lot of the time.

I'm really good at being me and the older I've gotten I've realized that not everyone will like me and that's ok. I'm finally comfortable in my own skin and that feels great! I have a few amazing people in my life that have my back no matter what. I've surrounded myself with a great support system that holds me high in my excellence. I am loved for who I am and who I am is perfect.

Today's Topic - Boundaries

Without boundaries, life can get exhausting.  First off, I never knew boundaries nor understood them.  I had to learn them but with that came fear.  Fear of losing someone or something.  I knew enough is enough but that was extreme for me and I was literally to the point of exhaustion and desperation before I could finally make a better choice. The thing to remember is that if someone leaves your life because you love yourself, you don't need them.

Sometimes we hold onto something or someone so tight because the fear of the unknown is terrifying.  We may not be happy with the situation we're in but it comfortable and predictable.  We know the outcome and, in some way we feel we can control that.

If boundaries are foreign to you, I invite you to practice with small boundaries and saying no. Practice saying no until you get comfortable saying it. This may sound silly but you can even start with your closet by getting rid of clothes that no longer serve you. Get rid of those jeans you wore in highschool in hopes that one day you will be able to wear them again. The reason I say this is because those jeans represent a place in your life that you no longer are and that makes it hard to grow. You can always buy new jeans and when you do, you are in a place where you've evolved and your stronger.

My point is when you clear your space with what no longer serves you, you invite better things and people that are better for you. People that treat you with kindness and respect. We all want that but it starts with having boundaries and respect for ourselves.

Today's Topic - Taking Risks

I've taken many risks in my life. Sometimes I've landed on my feet, other times I've fallen on my ass but I'm still here. A friend used to tell me, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."  The thing that scares me more is getting to the end of my life and having a regret because I was afraid of taking a risk. I would rather fall on my ass a million times and be able to say I tried then never trying at all. I can live with that.

When we are suppose to grow two things happen. We can either jump on our own or God will push us and give us our wings to fly. We are so much more than we give ourselves credit for. You can can't compare the risks you take in your own life to others, you can only walk your own path. The risk don't have to be huge either. Every small step leads to more enlightenment.

Today I will take a risk and get out of my comfort zone; and only then will I realized I'm stronger than I thought I was.

Todays Topic - Consequences

Every choice we make has either a good or bad consequence and with that; our choices effect everyone around us. It took me a long time to figure this one out. When I was stuck, especially in my addiction, I didn't care what I was doing to myself but I never wanted to hurt anyone around me. But I was. It's like throwing a pebble in a lake, it has a ripple effect. But, once we know better we do better. And, of course there is always the occasional relapse or set back when we make a choice that has a negative consequence. I think it's just to remind us to be humble and remember that we are only human.  Every day is a new day to start over and make new choices.

Today's Topic - Living in the present moment

I love this quote because the past is simply a trail we've left behind. Without my past I wouldn't be the person I am today. I didn't always like myself in the past, today I love myself wholeheartedly.  Don't get me wrong, my past has haunted me like most of us and I've made so many bad choices that, at times I've been so stuck in "what if". What if I had made a different choice, how would my life be different. I honestly believe that I might be in the same place because I needed to learn the things I've learned so either way, I could have gone left or right, the lessons would have still been there in my face to deal with and learn.

Dwelling in the past has caused me great suffering so what I do if I catch myself going there is ask myself, "What can I do today that will change my future?" You can't change yesterday, all we have is today and today is the only day that matters.

Every choice has a consequence, good or bad, positive or negative so I'm really mindful of my choices and that comes from enduring so much pain from not thinking it though. Today, my choices are purposeful and I choose the battles that are truly worth fighting. When you realize how short life really is, there's so much nonsense that, in the big picture really doesn't matter. I'll leave you with my favorite quote from Steven Tyler, "Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff."

Todays Topic- Shifting

After years of wondering if I was enough to step into my power and finish my memior, I've experienced little shifts over the years and made small progress along the way but the fear is what always seems to get in my way. I guess it's the fear of rejection, haters, or even success. Turning 49 and getting closer to 50 made me realize that if I'm going to do the things I want to do I'm going to have to have courage. My dear friend called me the other day and told me she had a premonition. She saw me speaking to people and helping people. As we talked, I wrote down all the things she said as fast as I could and felt myself getting really excited and inspired. The next day I started this blog and my facebook page. It also motivated me to keep writing my book and get it out there. My point is that people can tell you how amazing you are all day long but until you believe it yourself nothing will shift. If you keep trying to push forward and take small steps to get to make your dreams happen or even small steps to lose weight, start a new job, whatever it is- something will happen and you will eventually experience a shift and finally have the confidence to take big action. Don't give up on yourself!

Today's Topic- Change

Changs is inevitable. Resisting change is what can make us miserable, anxious, depressed, and angry. Change is a good thing. So many times in my life I wanted something or someone so bad and almost felt I was being punished for not being able to have it. But then I look at the life I have today and I thank God for change. I thank God things didn't work out the way I thougth they should and now understand with great clarity why. I guess for me, trusting the process of life and trusting that God has my back and will protect me always. I'm grateful for the life I have today!