#Trust 30 - Day 13 - How will you surprise yourself this week?

I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?

(Author: Ashley Ambirge)

Don’t just follow the truth, live it; live YOUR truth.

At one point I was afraid of what my truth might really be. I realized “ignorance is NOT bliss.” In order for me to be who I really am, I need to accept both the angels and the demons, or “The Bliss Lady and The Pissed Lady” that make up who I am.

What does that mean? That facing my fears, angers, and frustrations, sitting with them, accepting them, doesn’t’ separate me from spirit, it simply reminds me that I have a choice to live in love, and that no matter what, I will always ‘arrive safe’. I’m not sure how I will surprise myself this week – maybe it’s simply showing up!

Bliss ON!!

(Disclaimer: This post is part of the free #Trust30 - 30 day writing challenge. Check it out and jump in. What are you afraid of?)

Are you liked? 10 ways to keep the like box checked!

Catchy title isn't it? Reminded me of when I was young. Think back to elementary or middle school. Did you ever get one of those cute little notes from someone that said, "Do you like me - check yes or no?" Or maybe you gave one of those cute little notes to someone and wondered about what you would do when they checked "yes"!

Facebook is the big people form of a "do you like me note" only instead of it being dropped on the desk of that cute little boy (or girl) across the room, it's dropped on millions of desks around the world. I recently read that the average Facebook fan spends a minimum of 55 minutes per day on Facebook. So, what do you do when you are finally "liked"? How do you keep them on your page for a few of those 55 minutes?

Here are 10 suggestions for keeping that "like" box checked:

1. Get social - Facebook is "Social Networking" - you must engage in conversation
2. Update your page daily
3. Post minimally - don't barrage your followers with too many posts per day
4. Offer a complimentary gift now and then
5. Repost other valuable and reliable information
6. Add photo's and change your profile picture occasionally
7. Host a contest for fans only
8. Add short video's
9. Promote and share other fans pages
10. Create a cool landing page, with a sign up from for your newsletter/blog - keep your fans informed

There's more where those came from. Facebook is simply another tool to build relationships and keep them going strong. Once your liked, it's up to you to keep that relationship flourishing. If you don't have a Fan Page for your business, call me! I'd love to help you get one set up and share more details on how to 'get liked and keep liked!'

So...Do you like me? Please visit my Fan Page and click "LIKE" if you do!

Bliss ON!!!

Gossip, Gossip, Gossip!

Week One of My Inner Mean Cleanse with
Christine Arylo and Amy Ahlers

Gossip - Enough is Enough!

So, I'm perfectly imperfect. Yes, that has been my mantra around the house for years. Every now and then I rationalize why it's "OK" to say just this one thing about "someone" or "something" and to jump in and comment when my girls are talking trash about someone. Why? Because I'm human.

In following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh I have learned to step back and be aware of when I do fall into the "gossip" trap. However, because I do have that "Inner Mean Girl" who randomly wants to be heard, sometimes my awareness button doesn't turn on.

Does being aware that my awareness button didn't turn on count as part of the process to cleaning up that "Inner Mean Girl"?

One thing I've realized is that I am aware of when I am falling into that space and catch myself by using the tips suggested - changing the subject or finding something nice to say instead. Sometimes I even boldly state that "I am not commenting" or "I am practicing kindness and compassion". This week I added, "I'm getting rid of that 'Inner Mean Girl' and we are working on speaking with love." That really sparked a conversation, starting with "Who the heck is she?"

This week it was particularly challenging for me as I was with a friend who loves to gossip. At times I found myself rationalizing as to why it was OK to discuss this topic, even though I knew it was still gossip. In the end I literally had to walk away so I didn't get sucked further into the abyss.

The bottom line is that it's not OK to gossip. It's really just the ego's way of stepping in to control something that is of no value or use to us. Most of the time it's easy for me to say, "I don't even want to know or hear about it". Focusing on kindness and compassion is the key. Knowing that each and every one of us suffers in some way makes it easy to find something to love and cherish in others.

This week's challenge only reinforced my mission of sharing a little more bliss with the planet. Can't wait to see what's next!

P.S. I am participating in the Inner Mean Girl 40 Day Cleanse as a Self Love Ambassador. To thank me for my participation, I will receive a self-love gift from the founders of Inner Mean Girl Reform School.

Women's Equality Day - Everyday!

Women's Equality Day

August 26 is designated in the United States as Women's Equality Day. Instituted by Rep. Bella Abzug and first established in 1971, the date commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Woman Suffrage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave U.S. women full voting rights in 1920.

At that time, the vote rested in the hands of one voter, Harry Burns. Evidently, Mr. Burns voted in favor of the amendment thanks to a note from his mother reminding him, "Don't forget to be a good boy and vote for suffrage".

Bella Abzug was known for her passionate work in the peace movement, for civil liberties and for feminism. She was truly a leader in increasing public awareness that women are not to be treated unfairly in any way, shape or form.

The full text of the resolution is as follows:

'Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971 Designating August 26th of each year as
Women's Equality Day

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have been treated as second-class citizens and have not been entitled the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to all citizens equally regardless of sex;

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26th, the anniversary date of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights: and

WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as "Women's Equality Day," and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women's rights took place."

Every day, across the globe, millions of women are still treated as second class citizens, or worse. Here in the U.S. it is witnessed in our Government, in the work place and in the playing field; literally every aspect of life. We have come so far, yet still have such a long way to go.

I urge you to celebrate Women's Equality Day every day (and so does your mother!)

Time to get rid of that "Inner Mean Girl" and start talking nice to you!

You are worth it!

This afternoon is a big day for me! I am joining women all across the country to get rid of that "Inner Mean Girl". I know it's hard for some of you to believe that "The Bliss Lady" actually has that "not so special" someone nagging at her insides now and then. Well, I do and it's high time she hit the road!

Last year I was very fortunate to run across Christine Arylo and her 40 Self Love Challenge. You may remember that we hosted a "Self Luvapalooza" right here in Birmingham, Michigan. I've been following Christine ever sense and love her wit, her charm and her ability to share simple secrets on connecting with who you really are - like how to fall in love with yourself on a daily basis.

My own "Inner Mean Girl" is constantly vying for center stage. For instance, yesterday I decided to take a walk and meditate. She let me know that I "should be working on my site, my blog and my clients list" instead of out playing. Playing, wrong - me time, YES!!! Fortunately for me, she didn't win - I DID NOT take her on a walk with me.

Today is the beginning of a 40 Day Cleanse on getting rid of that nasty little girl who sometimes roars loudly to say, "You are not doing it right" or "That's not good enough". We all have heard that voice before. I am joining Christine Arylo and Amy Ahlers in a revolution ... stepping into the light of love and teaching that little girl how to be free from lack, insecurity and self hate. I hope that you will all take this opportunity to join me in letting go and living your life in BLISS!!

It's not too late - click here now and see for yourself! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!! What have you got to lose? Oh, yea, a lot!

FREE HUG DAY!

Today is Free Hug Day, a social movement created in 2004 by Juan Mann from Sydney Australia, who offered free hugs to strangers. Free Hugs is the real life controversial story about Mann, whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives. Controversy or not, The Bliss Lady thinks hugs are pretty awesome and can lift your mood in a heartbeat!


With good reason, I write a lot about my dad. He was truly an inspiration to me and many others. He was the first person I knew to celebrate hugging! Talk about a giver! He wore a button on his suit coat that said, “Everyday is a hug day” and treated his employees with compassion, honesty and integrity. His team knew they could count on him for support, no matter what, and they knew they’d get a big hug when needed!

According to an article I found in his effects after he died, “Hugging is painless, unless you are hugged by Hulk Hogan." The article ran June 11, 1986 in The Way We Live section of The Detroit Free Press and was titled, “Get Ready for the Big Squeeze” celebrating the 3rd Huggers Holiday. “Since the skin is the largest organ, it works best when it is stimulated” says Jim Johnston, organizer of National Hug Day. What better way to get your mojo on than a friendly hug.

There are some pretty basic hug styles. Below is a list of the most common types:

• The A-Frame – Shoulders are barely touching. Mostly done by members of the opposite sex
• One Sided: Moving only slightly closer, the huggers have close contact at one shoulder
• Two-Sided: There is close contact with both shoulders, but both stand with lower torsos apart. Sometimes the huggers may even step back and kiss each cheek.
• The Full On: or complete: From shoulders to the tips of your toes and every place in between!
• The Group Hug: You get it! Someone in the group yells, “Group Hug” and everyone joins in a big hug!
• The Run-and-Jump: Ever watch reunions at the airport? Those are my favorite – when two people run and jump into each-others arms, with huge smiles on their faces – sometimes even tears!

You might want to let people know ahead of time that you are celebrating Free Hug Day. Click here now to watch a few great Free Hug Day videos!! Remember, it’s all about giving – giving of you to brighten someone’s life, even if a moment! A smile is the best way to welcome anyone. Start your hug campaign with a smile and share your blissful self today!

Bliss ON!

More Spring Cleaning Tips

Watch the video or read below!

Having spent the last six months working very closely with local Balance Chic, Tamara Stone, on helping others manifest the miracles in their life, it became quite clear that I needed a little more "balance" in my own home. What better time to do that than Spring. Last week I worked on my business, this week I'm working on my house. Tamara is an Interior Designer and Certified Feng Shui Practitioner who makes "Balance House Calls". There were just a few things out of sync in my own home. Below you'll find her top five tips for balancing yours; after all, balance on the outside creates more space for balance on the inside!

Her list is very simple and includes daily practices. Of these practices, some I've been including in my daily routine for years, like minimizing clutter and listening to music. Others, I've never even thought of.

1. Take a good look at your front door and make sure it is welcoming, clean and
in good condition. A happy entrance is a good entrance!

2. Look at your space with new eyes. Identify anything for the room that will
make it feel finished. For example: window treatments, a new rug, or artwork.
Complete the room,make sure it feels good! Repair anything that is broken,
cracked, or damaged.

3. Clear ALL CLUTTER. Release all things that no longer serve you. Ask
yourself these three questions; Do I love it? Do I need it? Is it useful?
Take action and throw away, give away, or clean it!

4. Play inspiring music daily. Find something that speaks to you and
incorporate it into your day!

5. Make sure you have some plants in your home. Check the condition of them
to make sure they are healthy and thriving.

I remember a day when she walked into my office and said, "You know you have a wall cover missing on one of your outlets, it makes the space feel unfinished." I also remember the day she walked in and said, "Oh, I love the sound playing in the background, it's so relaxing - a sunny kind of feeling". It's the little things in life that we don't generally pay attention to. Those little things can make all the difference when it comes to creating a balanced space.

For those of you that need a little more balance on your road to bliss this spring, you'd do well to connect with The Balance Chic, Tamara Stone. As my co-host of Miracle Box and Self Discovery/Self Love Workshops, I've witnessed firsthand the positive effects of her Balancing Techniques. For your own "Balance House Call" connect with Tamara today at tamara@tstoneinteriors.com or call 248-591-7380. Here's to a blissfully balanced spring!

Bliss ON!!!

Blisstory Question: What do you do to honor your father?

Are you a turtle?

This week marks the 14th anniversary of my father’s death! He is one of the greatest men I will ever know. I say ‘is’ because he is alive in my mind and heart and will be till I join him on the other side.

For those of you that have not had the honor of meeting him, I’m sharing a little bit about him. He was a WWII P.O.W., captured at the Battle of the Bulge and held, initially, in the Nazi Infirmary then sent to the adjoining camp. After being liberated, he was given a Purple Heart for serving his country. He never really talked much about the experience, but shared one love he gained from his countrymen; becoming an honorary member of The Turtle Club.

Every time a friend came to visit he shared The Turtle Creed (read above) and inducted them into the club. The Turtle Creed (again, read above) starts with “Turtles are bright eyed, bushy tailed, fearless and unafraid folk with a fighter pilot attitude. They think clean, have fun a lot, and recognize the fact that you never get any place worthwhile in life unless you stick your neck out.”

Yes, at first it was quite embarrassing, as a teen, to have your friends cornered by your Dad for some stupid club! As an adult, I am reminded that those words and the gifts he gave my friends are not so stupid. In fact, it’s incredibly brilliant and probably accounts for a big reason I am “The Bliss Lady.”

Why am I sharing this with all of you? I’m here to remind you that no matter what your circumstance, no matter how downtrodden and in the dumps life seems to be, there’s always another second to turn that all around. Carry a fighter pilot attitude and start flying high! Call or email me at Teri@theBlissNetwork.com and I’ll induct you into the club, where you’ll get your own “shell” and a complete copy of the Turtle Creed.

Don’t forget to ask me if I’m a turtle… If I don’t give you the secret password, I’ll owe you the drink of your choice. (I’m sure you all know mine…Coffee!) Most importantly, you’ll have a constant reminder to go ahead and “Stick your neck out!”

A few people I know that are "sticking their necks out"

* The Pink Fund is hosting their "Turning Burdens in to Blessings" luncheonat The Glen Oaks Country Club, Sunday, October 18. They'll be fun, fashion, a ton of information and delicious food. The Pink Fund financially assists women and men afflicted with breast cancer. We all know someone affected by this terrible disease. For more information visit their website at ThePinkFund.org.


* Le Cocoa Bee Honey will be at The Farmington Farmers Market selling lots of delicious honey. You can also grab some home made Baklava and pick up my books, The Blisstory Journal and The Sisstory Journal. Proceeds from the journals support two great causes. (Read my blog from last week for more info!)


* Check out Hippie Chick Resale hosted by none other than Lisa Marie. Lisa and her lovely daughter, Jillian, will be at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Sunday, October 25 with some of the most amazing things you will ever find! They'll have only the coolest vintage clothing, retro gifts, soy candles in recycled containers, handmade items and soooo much more! Email Lisa Mare at metrochickradio@gmail.com or give her a call at 248-730-4407 for more details!

Philanthropic endeavors.....

For years, those that know me well, saw this quote, from Ben Stein, on every email I sent out, "A life lived to serve others is the only life that matters". It is the essence of my life and The Bliss Network. In fact, most of the people I surround myself with feel the same.

Since my youth I have pitched in where needed; donated time and money to an endless list of causes. I can remember my first "March of Dimes" walk on Belle Isle and the Ronald McDonald fund raising kit for backyard parties. (OK, so that one gets a little foggy). Someone help me out here....LOLOL

Back in the early spring, I sat down for breakfast with Judy Davids. We cried together about the state of the economy and the many, many families I had seen at the homeless shelter. That evening, Judy met a man named Roy Watson. Roy is as humble of a man as I will ever know. (Next to my father, of course). Roy heads up a small little non-profit with a biggggg heart, South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless Welcome Inn. What Roy and his group do is the epitome of that quote. They don't just feed "homeless men, women, and children". They help them by offering them resources to rebuild their lives: computer access, social work, food, showers, laundry, transportation, just to name a few.

Judy Davids and I have formed a company, EarthAngelsRelief, to assist organizations like Roy's. This week, (August 21 through August 27) we have arranged for MooseJaw to offer a 20% discount on the purchase of a new backpack, at their Michigan Stores, to anyone that donates a used backpack. What Crepe is also offering a 20% discount off an entree when a back pack is donated. Read more...

It's time for most of our kids to go back to school! Take that old backpack and head up to MoosJaw. According to them, it's the nicest thing they've ever done. When you read about the South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless Welcome Inn, you'll see why!

The Bliss Lady