I made an amazing discovery a few years ago about the unexpected results of saying thank you. One morning I was thinking randomly about my Husband. I was annoyed by a comment he had made and thought to myself “He really doesn’t appreciate all I do”, sound familiar? Then a voice in my head said “Why do you say that? I promptly answered “Because he doesn’t say so.” Then the voice said “Do you tell him you appreciate him?” I said “Well no.” The voice continued “Then how do you know he doesn’t appreciate you if you don’t let him know you appreciate him, maybe he just doesn’t say so?”
See where this is going? I’m having a conversation in my head, hopefully with a higher being, which is leading me to the conclusion that my relationship is not just what I perceive it to be. From that moment on, I decided to say “Thank you” a lot! I didn’t get ridiculous, but I did let my Husband know, often, how much I appreciate him. I’m blogging about this because it was life changing! My Husband started to say thank you to me, but I didn’t need him to anymore. By saying thank you to him, I began to see and appreciate how lucky I am and how much I have to be thankful for.
I began to see myself as an emotional millionaire! You know, all the things that money can’t buy like love, friendship, happiness and good health, were mine and all I had to do was say thank you for it to appear. It was always right in front of me, I just didn’t see it, and all I had to do was notice.
Today I live a life of emotional richness, my family has been affected by the current recession but I have never felt happier. I know this seems strange but I found truth in the fact that real happiness comes from within to be given away freely. So if you see me out in public you should know I will be sending you vibes of love and wishes of good fortune. Because in my heart, I believe there is enough for everyone.
To all who are reading this now, I am sending my love and hope that you will adopt my practice of saying thank you. Soon you will begin to feel the power too!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Children of the Universe
There is a lot of urgency in the growing trend to become sustainable. The truth is Sustainability is not so much about lower carbon emissions and climate change, as it is about social equity. The current economy which has effected all occupations, businesses and families serves to teach us empathy for those who have nothing. We're learning we can still survive consuming less and though our financial situation may be in the toilet, most of us still have light at the flip of a switch and water from the tap (which by the way is better in most cases than bottled water). Now is not a time for panic, it is a time for gratefulness for the gifts we have and a time to use our brains to create a better environment for all, especially those who have less.
Al Gore uses an attention getting statement in his speeches. He says that Americans use up the natural resources equivalent to five planets, but in reality we only live on one and no matter what we do, the sun still rises in the morning and sets in the evening. Life goes on no matter what we do. The Earth will take care of itself whether or not we drive ourselves into extinction is totally up to us. Mother Nature has no preference as to whether or not we inhabit the earth. She has provided all we need to survive; it’s up to us what we do with it. When we’re done the earth lives on.
The reason we have still not moved out the recession (and for many it's a depression) is that there are still many people out there who just haven’t gotten it yet. They still spend when there is no money to spend or sit by helplessly waiting for things to go back to the way they were. Unfortunately many of these people are in places of power, in large corporations and governments. People in general are holding on to the past, unwilling to embrace change for the fear of the unknown. The tighter they hold on to the past the longer it will take for the recession to end.
Instead of resisting change, try to embrace it. Look at your current situation as an opportunity to create a renewed sense of purpose. After all, it’s not money that brings you happiness; it is a sense of purpose. This is why the sustainability movement is growing so fast, because the sense of purpose is a strong driving force that brings people happiness. And people will do the things that make them happy faster than doing what is required of them.
There is a saying “When you know better, you do better”. I’m not about beating anyone up for how we have arrived to this place in time. Many decisions are made without the knowledge of what the outcome will be. But now we know better and it would be one giant step backward and possibly into extinction to continue to use up our natural resources and ignore the suffering of others. Let this time be your time to embrace a new sense of purpose. Live purposefully and open to new possibilities of prosperity for all who want it. We are the children of the universe, magnificent as the creator who created us.
Tomorrow will still come, where will you be, and what will you do with it?
Al Gore uses an attention getting statement in his speeches. He says that Americans use up the natural resources equivalent to five planets, but in reality we only live on one and no matter what we do, the sun still rises in the morning and sets in the evening. Life goes on no matter what we do. The Earth will take care of itself whether or not we drive ourselves into extinction is totally up to us. Mother Nature has no preference as to whether or not we inhabit the earth. She has provided all we need to survive; it’s up to us what we do with it. When we’re done the earth lives on.
The reason we have still not moved out the recession (and for many it's a depression) is that there are still many people out there who just haven’t gotten it yet. They still spend when there is no money to spend or sit by helplessly waiting for things to go back to the way they were. Unfortunately many of these people are in places of power, in large corporations and governments. People in general are holding on to the past, unwilling to embrace change for the fear of the unknown. The tighter they hold on to the past the longer it will take for the recession to end.
Instead of resisting change, try to embrace it. Look at your current situation as an opportunity to create a renewed sense of purpose. After all, it’s not money that brings you happiness; it is a sense of purpose. This is why the sustainability movement is growing so fast, because the sense of purpose is a strong driving force that brings people happiness. And people will do the things that make them happy faster than doing what is required of them.
There is a saying “When you know better, you do better”. I’m not about beating anyone up for how we have arrived to this place in time. Many decisions are made without the knowledge of what the outcome will be. But now we know better and it would be one giant step backward and possibly into extinction to continue to use up our natural resources and ignore the suffering of others. Let this time be your time to embrace a new sense of purpose. Live purposefully and open to new possibilities of prosperity for all who want it. We are the children of the universe, magnificent as the creator who created us.
Tomorrow will still come, where will you be, and what will you do with it?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pajama Party Ride Follow-Up
Well thanks to all involved our pajama party ride was a great success! We were able to provide 40 pairs of pajamas, $100 cash and a variety of personal care items for the local women’s shelter, which currently houses 21 women.
We had two short weeks to organize, and one weeks’advertised notice, as a result, twenty women on bikes showed up for the ride! The day was sunny and hot, 90 degrees, but that didn't deter these women from supporting our cause.
The idea was to keep it simple, incorporating giving into what I love to do. You don't have to raise thousands of dollars to make a difference in some one's life. Use this story to see where your creativity can take you. Because of the great response and excitement, we plan on making this an annual event.
See Photos on the NAEFSS Website www.naefss.org
We had two short weeks to organize, and one weeks’advertised notice, as a result, twenty women on bikes showed up for the ride! The day was sunny and hot, 90 degrees, but that didn't deter these women from supporting our cause.
The idea was to keep it simple, incorporating giving into what I love to do. You don't have to raise thousands of dollars to make a difference in some one's life. Use this story to see where your creativity can take you. Because of the great response and excitement, we plan on making this an annual event.
See Photos on the NAEFSS Website www.naefss.org
Thursday, May 6, 2010
When creativity goes beyond artistry and becomes "Just for Fun!"
Given the current economic climate, contributions to charitable causes may seem difficult. We all know how great it feels to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to give to those less fortunate than us, to reach out and help, expecting nothing in return. We may not be able to give in the manor we have become accustomed but don’t forgo the opportunity to get creative. Think beyond the salon and spa; incorporate what you love into what you can do for others.
I’d like to share with you how I turned my passion for riding a motorcycle into a “Giving Event!” This year with the help of my friend Kelly, we’ve organized an event called “The Pajama Party Ride.” The concept is simple and may not be what you think. In honor of May being Harley Davidson’s Women Rider Month and the month of Mother’s Day, we are organizing a ride that requires each participant to bring one new pair of Pajamas which will be donated to the local Women’s Shelter.
Most times Mothers will do everything they can for their children but nothing for themselves. These women probably won’t get Mother’s Day gifts and definitely won’t spend money to buy pajamas or any other personal care items. In addition to giving Pajamas, I have contacted a few salon/spa industry companies to see if they could donate any personal care items. Within an hour, John Paul Mitchell Systems donated Lavender Mint take home kits. I am very excited to see how this event unfolds and to make it better year after year.
The idea was to keep it simple, incorporating giving into what I love to do. Use this story to see where your creativity can take you. Does the staff in your salon/spa enjoy bowling? Maybe you can organize a candlelight bowl and have all participants; staff, spouses, kids, donate something that will benefit a cause that is dear to your heart.
Money may be tight these days but it seems to me that there is no shortage of imagination and creativity, especially in our field. So don’t stop giving when money gets tight, start being creative and follow our Harley Chapter’s motto “Just for Fun!”
You may be wondering, will I be riding in my PJs? Well that could be a challenge, due to the safety needs for boots, long pants and long sleeves, but I’ll see what I can do. Watch for a follow up blog about the ride, photos will be posted on NAEFSS’s website.
I’d like to share with you how I turned my passion for riding a motorcycle into a “Giving Event!” This year with the help of my friend Kelly, we’ve organized an event called “The Pajama Party Ride.” The concept is simple and may not be what you think. In honor of May being Harley Davidson’s Women Rider Month and the month of Mother’s Day, we are organizing a ride that requires each participant to bring one new pair of Pajamas which will be donated to the local Women’s Shelter.
Most times Mothers will do everything they can for their children but nothing for themselves. These women probably won’t get Mother’s Day gifts and definitely won’t spend money to buy pajamas or any other personal care items. In addition to giving Pajamas, I have contacted a few salon/spa industry companies to see if they could donate any personal care items. Within an hour, John Paul Mitchell Systems donated Lavender Mint take home kits. I am very excited to see how this event unfolds and to make it better year after year.
The idea was to keep it simple, incorporating giving into what I love to do. Use this story to see where your creativity can take you. Does the staff in your salon/spa enjoy bowling? Maybe you can organize a candlelight bowl and have all participants; staff, spouses, kids, donate something that will benefit a cause that is dear to your heart.
Money may be tight these days but it seems to me that there is no shortage of imagination and creativity, especially in our field. So don’t stop giving when money gets tight, start being creative and follow our Harley Chapter’s motto “Just for Fun!”
You may be wondering, will I be riding in my PJs? Well that could be a challenge, due to the safety needs for boots, long pants and long sleeves, but I’ll see what I can do. Watch for a follow up blog about the ride, photos will be posted on NAEFSS’s website.
Monday, March 15, 2010
WHEN
People ask when. When will the economy get better? When will the anxiety end? When will things get back to normal? The answer might not be what you want to hear.
The economy will get better when we get better. Better at living with gratefulness in our hearts. Better at seeing what we have instead of what we have not. And better at recognizing opportunities instead of roadblocks.
The anxiety will end when we realize we don’t have to live in a throughway society. We aren’t valued for the material things we possess. The things that make us wealthy, good health and loving relationships with family and friends are priceless and cannot be bought for any amount of money. Ah but that’s corny and doesn’t really ring true until you have lost the riches you took for granted.
Things will get back to normal when we adapt a new normal. How long will it take? Let’s see, how many people do you know who embrace change? My guess is not many. Change makes people feel uncomfortable. How many times have you heard “That won’t work, it’s not the way we do things” “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” The thing is, people in power recognize these attributes in others and use them to keep people from seeing the broken systems we are living in today.
I’ve been around for a while, I’ve lived through some tough economies, but never have I seen it hit all people in all walks of life. Many have lost their jobs because low sales have forced companies to downsize, which in turn leads to poor customer service, which snowballs into continued lost sales. If you are in a service industry, i.e. waitress, stylist, dentist you still suffer. People cut back on going out to eat and if they do go out they make cutbacks in tips. People still need their hair done but can space out visits to save money. And growing unemployment means loss of healthcare, the Dental and Vision are too expensive to supplement, so people do without. Even the wealthy feel pressure not to flaunt an extravagant lifestyle in the midst of so much economic suffering, which leads to low sales of luxury items.
I believe we have reached the tipping point where we have to reevaluate our place in the world and realize it IS all about you, but you are connected to everyone else, so the question becomes; when will we act with thoughtfulness for our community and the planet instead of just ourselves?
As long as you see 1.8 million dollar CEO salaries for health insurance companies, you will not have a system that can relate to the costs of health care. As long as you have billion dollar oil tycoons, you will see fights against alternative clean energy. It isn’t until the whole system fails, and money stops to flow, that powerful people begin to make changes. It’s OK to be wealthy just not at the expense of the health and welfare of other people and the planet.
So in answer to the question above, the WHEN is NOW! Live outside the Drama. Look at all you have, access to technology if you are reading this, intelligence, the ability to give if not money then time, expertise and love. You know it can be a fun game to take notice of things you take for granted. Maybe it’s worn and comfortable sheets, heat, the ability to walk without assistance, a pet that likes to cuddle on your lap, even if it weighs 80lbs!
We are all in this together. Look at the “bad times” as moments of contrast to help you see how good, good really is! See these times as challenges to be all that you are capable of being. Believe me, you are more than you think you are. You are perfection because God, the Universe or whatever you believe in, only does perfect work.
The economy will get better when we get better. Better at living with gratefulness in our hearts. Better at seeing what we have instead of what we have not. And better at recognizing opportunities instead of roadblocks.
The anxiety will end when we realize we don’t have to live in a throughway society. We aren’t valued for the material things we possess. The things that make us wealthy, good health and loving relationships with family and friends are priceless and cannot be bought for any amount of money. Ah but that’s corny and doesn’t really ring true until you have lost the riches you took for granted.
Things will get back to normal when we adapt a new normal. How long will it take? Let’s see, how many people do you know who embrace change? My guess is not many. Change makes people feel uncomfortable. How many times have you heard “That won’t work, it’s not the way we do things” “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” The thing is, people in power recognize these attributes in others and use them to keep people from seeing the broken systems we are living in today.
I’ve been around for a while, I’ve lived through some tough economies, but never have I seen it hit all people in all walks of life. Many have lost their jobs because low sales have forced companies to downsize, which in turn leads to poor customer service, which snowballs into continued lost sales. If you are in a service industry, i.e. waitress, stylist, dentist you still suffer. People cut back on going out to eat and if they do go out they make cutbacks in tips. People still need their hair done but can space out visits to save money. And growing unemployment means loss of healthcare, the Dental and Vision are too expensive to supplement, so people do without. Even the wealthy feel pressure not to flaunt an extravagant lifestyle in the midst of so much economic suffering, which leads to low sales of luxury items.
I believe we have reached the tipping point where we have to reevaluate our place in the world and realize it IS all about you, but you are connected to everyone else, so the question becomes; when will we act with thoughtfulness for our community and the planet instead of just ourselves?
As long as you see 1.8 million dollar CEO salaries for health insurance companies, you will not have a system that can relate to the costs of health care. As long as you have billion dollar oil tycoons, you will see fights against alternative clean energy. It isn’t until the whole system fails, and money stops to flow, that powerful people begin to make changes. It’s OK to be wealthy just not at the expense of the health and welfare of other people and the planet.
So in answer to the question above, the WHEN is NOW! Live outside the Drama. Look at all you have, access to technology if you are reading this, intelligence, the ability to give if not money then time, expertise and love. You know it can be a fun game to take notice of things you take for granted. Maybe it’s worn and comfortable sheets, heat, the ability to walk without assistance, a pet that likes to cuddle on your lap, even if it weighs 80lbs!
We are all in this together. Look at the “bad times” as moments of contrast to help you see how good, good really is! See these times as challenges to be all that you are capable of being. Believe me, you are more than you think you are. You are perfection because God, the Universe or whatever you believe in, only does perfect work.
Monday, January 18, 2010
What Shade of Green are YOU?
In my research, I have come across many people with various opinions about the green movement. For fun, I have selected three shades of green to describe their eco-friendly commitment.
1. Neon Green, bright and shiny -Those who are passionate about the environment and have become cheerleaders for environmental causes. They learn all they can about how to reduce their carbon footprint and help others do the same.
2. Natural Green, practical and caring -Those who may not be driven by passion for the environment but know this green movement in not something to be ignored.
3. Muddy Green, not really green, more brown- Those who think this whole green thing is just a fad. They carry on as usual and fight any mandates for change….because they hate change.
If you are Neon Green, thank you. The environment needs you to keep the green movement momentum going strong. You are the first responders to an ailing planet and though you may have been seen as radical at first, your efforts are paying off.
If you are Natural Green, thank you. It is the small steps of many that result in large impacts toward a healthier environment. It is your consistency that sustains the movement and leads, by example, others to join.
If you are Muddy Green, well truth be told, if you are muddy green you are probably not reading this. But to those of you, who know Muddy Green people, be kind and lead by example. When they say climate change or global warming is just not real, remind them to look around, see if we can improve the ways in which we use energy efficiently, conserve water and be mindful of what we put in the trash.
We can all “do better”. Start by adding one green strategy; make a habit, then add another. Step by step we will all make a difference.
What shade of Green are you?
1. Neon Green, bright and shiny -Those who are passionate about the environment and have become cheerleaders for environmental causes. They learn all they can about how to reduce their carbon footprint and help others do the same.
2. Natural Green, practical and caring -Those who may not be driven by passion for the environment but know this green movement in not something to be ignored.
3. Muddy Green, not really green, more brown- Those who think this whole green thing is just a fad. They carry on as usual and fight any mandates for change….because they hate change.
If you are Neon Green, thank you. The environment needs you to keep the green movement momentum going strong. You are the first responders to an ailing planet and though you may have been seen as radical at first, your efforts are paying off.
If you are Natural Green, thank you. It is the small steps of many that result in large impacts toward a healthier environment. It is your consistency that sustains the movement and leads, by example, others to join.
If you are Muddy Green, well truth be told, if you are muddy green you are probably not reading this. But to those of you, who know Muddy Green people, be kind and lead by example. When they say climate change or global warming is just not real, remind them to look around, see if we can improve the ways in which we use energy efficiently, conserve water and be mindful of what we put in the trash.
We can all “do better”. Start by adding one green strategy; make a habit, then add another. Step by step we will all make a difference.
What shade of Green are you?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Time to Begin
For me the New Year is always a time to look positively at opportunities that lie ahead. Most of us have experienced a rough 2009. You couldn’t help but be effected even if you had the money to shop you would have noticed the stores are not staffed with enough people to help you. Customer Service in general took a dive when companies across the board made cutbacks. People who had jobs were over worked and many people lost jobs for prolonged periods of time. People who “did everything right” lost home values, savings, credit leverage and self esteem. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by these economic times. And I’ve never seen such widespread, global affect as well.
Now more than ever is the time for a fresh look at the blessings you have. There will always be someone who has more than you and always be those with less. This is what adds contrast and interest to our lives. Chasing our dreams, accomplishing goals and declaring new ones are what gives us purpose, and a sense of purpose is the source to true happiness.
Now, in the beginning of this New Year, or at whatever date you read this is the time to begin. Begin to become aware of the blessings you have. We all experience some type of uneasiness, be it financial, or personal. Don’t let that uneasiness be the focus of your life, look to all of your blessings. They are all around you. Maybe it is the warm bed you lay in each night or the loved one who shares your life. Maybe it is the friendliness of a stranger you met today, or personal wealth and talent you have to share with others. It is the ability to give love but also to receive it. It is especially the time to love you. It doesn’t matter who you are or how much you have, each of us face the challenge of getting up every morning, looking into the mirror, and liking the person looking back.
This year I wish you moments of great passion in pursuing your life’s purpose and the blessings of all things that cost no money but are in fact priceless. I wish you great love, awareness and peace.
Happy New Year!
Now more than ever is the time for a fresh look at the blessings you have. There will always be someone who has more than you and always be those with less. This is what adds contrast and interest to our lives. Chasing our dreams, accomplishing goals and declaring new ones are what gives us purpose, and a sense of purpose is the source to true happiness.
Now, in the beginning of this New Year, or at whatever date you read this is the time to begin. Begin to become aware of the blessings you have. We all experience some type of uneasiness, be it financial, or personal. Don’t let that uneasiness be the focus of your life, look to all of your blessings. They are all around you. Maybe it is the warm bed you lay in each night or the loved one who shares your life. Maybe it is the friendliness of a stranger you met today, or personal wealth and talent you have to share with others. It is the ability to give love but also to receive it. It is especially the time to love you. It doesn’t matter who you are or how much you have, each of us face the challenge of getting up every morning, looking into the mirror, and liking the person looking back.
This year I wish you moments of great passion in pursuing your life’s purpose and the blessings of all things that cost no money but are in fact priceless. I wish you great love, awareness and peace.
Happy New Year!
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