What are your 4 Agreements?

Recently I ran across my copy of "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. For those of you that haven’t read it, in Don Miguels book he shares what he believes are the 4 characteristics of personal freedom.

~Be Impeccable with your word
~Don't take anything personally
~Don't make assumptions
~Always do your best

Pretty basic and self explanatory, right? I believe they are what every parent looks to teach their children. They’re also the foundation for creating my own Personal Agreements – adding to his list that which helps me better serve humanity in every way possible. These agreements increased my capacity for joy, love and bliss in my life.

• Live with gratitude. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is thank the universe for another breath, another day. If being grateful doesn’t come easy to you, begin practicing it slowly, like the first time you rode a bike. Something good will happen in the next 24 hours, guaranteed. Sometimes you might have to look a little harder than others.
• Practice Generosity of Spirit – Give of yourself freely, without expectation of anything in return, tangible or intangible. Generosity is a quality of the spirit that is motivated by Love. Practice Generosity of Spirit. Give your time and your talents, especially if you can’t give money. Simply give love and a smile. Sometimes that’s all we have. True generosity of Spirit is giving without expecting anything in return.
• Move your energy – Everything is energy; where and what we put our energy into expands, sometimes beyond measure. When that energy is not moving, it becomes stagnant. Tune in to what both your body and your mind need to thrive, to feel alive.
• Choose Bliss! - Yes, we have a choice. Choose to create more moments of joy and bliss in your life. What we focus on multiplies. Simply decide to focus more on what’s working, what feels good and notice the difference it makes, not just in your life, the life of those around you.
  

Try making your own personal agreements as to how you plan on allowing and continuing the process of life and love to unfold in an upward, joyful manner. Move your energy :):):)

"Our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive - the risk to be alive and express what we really are.” Don Miguel Ruiz

Peace of mind is as easy as 1, 2, 3

What exactly does that mean, Peace of Mind? Does it mean that you are never bothered by anything? Does it mean being in a seemingly super drugged out state of "Blissville"? We're human. Stuff can bother us. We get annoyed, frustrated, and well, pissed off!

Maniacal drivers, crabby cashiers, loud startling noises, double dipping, parents who don't pay attention to their children (like leaving them in a car while they run in to shop) are some of the triggers on my list of things that cause me to go from The Bliss Lady to The Pissed Lady.

Peace of Mind, to me, means recognizing when these and other actions irritate me, connecting with the emotions and feelings attached to those things and finding my way back to balance. It means living with my own actions, without regret or guilt and being comfortable with who I am. It's a feeling of calmness and serenity, even when the life around me seems off kilter, out of synch and just crazy.

How do we reconnect with that "inner bliss" when something throws us off? Just like riding a bike, it begins with practice. There are a few simple tools you can use, right now, to create more Peace of Mind in your life.

1. Breathe - When something threatens to rock your Peace of Mind, breathe. Pretty simple, right? Studies have shown that deep breathing, even for just a few minutes, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, bringing you back to a place of calmness and serenity. Learning deep breathing techniques, meditation, and/or yoga can significantly reduce your overall levels of anxiety and stress, which naturally leads to more patience and tolerance of others.

2. Smile - Smiling, even for a minute, reduces blood pressure, releases serotonin, improves the immune function, lifts the face and causes others to smile, too. It's creates a chain reaction of positive energy.

3. Laugh - One of the greatest sounds on Earth is laughter. It's infectious; one can't help but feel better when laughter is shared! A good laugh benefits us physically, emotionally and spiritually and its effects can last in the body for hours. “Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.” ~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D. Practice Laughter Yoga (I do!) and begin laughing for no reason today- you'll get the benefits both physiologically and psychologically and so will those around you.

These 3 FREE and easy to tap into techniques can be used immediately to reconnect you with your Peace of Mind, where you feel calmer and more at ease. They work for me and countless others, too! Breathe, Smile and Laugh your way to a more blissful life!

Be part of a Bliss Brigade

Many, many years ago I remember telling my dad to "Just throw your thoughts to the Universe and you'll get an answer!" For a long time he thought my notions of letting go were silly, ok, Crazy! Today, I tell my husband the same thing. No doubt sometimes, like my father did, he thinks I'm a little out there. I am...and it's ok....I'm very happy!

A few weeks ago I mentioned to a group of friends that I would like to start a monthly giving collection, choosing a new group or person each month that had specific needs we could work to fill. I was thinking that it would be great to be able to donate "extra stuff" or create a fundraiser for an organization or person that may have a strong need. Today, everybody needs something - some may need it more than others. Last week, the Universe answered in a big way. A small group of women, from all over the globe, have come together to create what I'm calling a Bliss Brigade, with many Brigadiers.

My favorite definitions of Brigade are:

1. a formation of fighting units, together with support arms (and shoulders to cry on) and services, smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier
2. a group of people organized for a certain task: a rescue brigade
3. a line of persons formed to extinguish a fire by passing on buckets of water quickly from a distant source: a bucket brigade
4. any group of persons who cooperate to help cope with an emergency.

Ten years ago my family experienced a devastating house fire. Without the help of my "sisters", friends and family, my own personal rescue bridgade, I would not have gotten through it as easily as I did. They offered ears to listen, shoulders to cry on, help digging through the wreckage, food, clothing, a place to stay and much more. During the first 48 hours many people stepped up to assist, some of them strangers. It was more than I could have ever imagined possible. You know the saying, "words cannot express...".


Words cannot express the deep sense of gratitude I feel towards those people (and the Universe) for being there when we needed help most. I'm quite sure my father, who had passed on many years before, was one of those that answered my call to the Universe. No doubt, he somehow managed to wake me up in the middle of the night to rescue my family!

Today, one of our "sisters" child needs constant medical care and a very costly treatment. In less than 72 hours a group of incredible people has come together to help a family in need. Although many of us have never met this family in person, we have stepped up to help pay for that treatment, send love and prayers, and give support to this family in any way we can. How? We are doing this through financial donations and monetary gifts, clothing, food deliveries, cleaning services, and more. We are creating our own brigade, filling our sisters' bucket and putting out her fires by stepping up and lending a hand to her and her family, in whatever way we can.

This week I am offering you a chance to help without even leaving your home! To help this sister and her family I am donating 35% of The Sisstory Journal EBOOK to this Bliss Brigade, that's $1.75 for each EBOOK sold. The Sisstory Journal contains over 365 entertaining, engaging and sometimes enlightening questions about your sister relationships and YOU! Each copy comes with complimentary gifts from some pretty amazing sisters!

Click here now to immediately become part of this powerful mission and help in the smallest of ways. For less than $5.00 your Sisstory Journal EBook will be delivered to your in box, an incredible book of discovery, and you support a "sister" who's bucket is less than half full...That's what Sisstory is all about!

For more information about this project, feel free to email me at teri@theblissentwork.com.

Come on - be a part of our Bliss Brigade!

Here's to a BLISS FULL Thanksgiving

Two of my favorite words are Thank You! It still amazes me how wonderful it feels to say and hear those words.

When I say them, I know that something wonderful has taken place. It could be as simple as someone holding a door for me or as huge as someone buying my groceries. Yes, that actually happened for me one year.

Several years ago, as a single mom, I literally lived paycheck to paycheck. Taking care of all the responsibilities was a tremendous effort. One Saturday afternoon, just before Thanksgiving, my sister and brother in law called to invite me shopping at my favorite store, Costco. They had just won a little extra cash and wanted to buy us food! After grabbing a few items, literally, my brother in law said, "What's that? That's not going to feed you all!" They joyfully went up and down each aisle until my cart was overflowing with enough food to feed the 3 of us for 4 months! What BLISS!

How many times a day do you say, "Thank you"? How many times a day do you hear those words? Pay attention. When we hear those words it means we've done something or said something to make a difference in another persons life. The gift of a thank you is free!

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
William Arthur Ward

Thank you all for being part of my blissful universe! Here's to a BLISS FULL Thanksgiving!

In gratitude....Teri

Time to take more Bliss Breaks

Photo by Jeffrey Williams

The holiday season has not even officially started and people are already feeling over stressed and burned out. What's going to happen next week when the Thanksgiving festivities begin?

"We are so busy that we've multitasked our way right out of the present moment" says Thomas Crum, author of Three Deep Breaths.

Where is the bliss in that? Reconnecting with our inner joy is essential to creating peace in our lives. You don't need a 10 day vacation in the islands to find it (okay, I admit that might be nice as the weather changes.) You can start right now creating inner harmony, making room for less stress, by taking much needed bliss breaks.

Here a 7 tips to add to your tool kit and make your life a little lighter:

1. Breathe deep at least 3 times per day - Stop whatever you are doing at least 3 times per day and take 3 deep, slow purposeful breaths - filling your lungs with oxygen and your soul with life. This brings a sense of inner tranquility and can soothe away any tension.

2. Take a 15 minute walk, preferably in nature - Simply walk at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Pay attention to the ebb and flow of the natural world. There is a sweet sensation that comes over us when we observe the synchronicity of life through animals and plants.

3. Remove one thing from your life that is non-essential - We fill our time with non-essential "stuff". Think about what you do on a daily basis, ask yourself is it really bringing you joy? Eliminate one thing that feels daunting and taxing.

4. Laugh, laughter feeds the soul - Watch your favorite comedy, write down and relive the funniest thing that ever happened to you or simply sit and laugh. Laughter helps you take things lightheartedly and is one of the best forms of medicine. Bonus...it's FREE!

5. Listen to music everyday - Turn on your favorite tunes and listen. Sing if it makes you feel good, out loud if you can. Focusing on music can reduce pain, decrease depression and bring about a sense of calm.

6. Practice gratitude - Look forward to every day and be grateful for each moment. In any given minute we can find something to be grateful for; sometimes we simply don't see it. Start a gratitude journal, share with your friends what you are thankful for, including them, practice saying, "Thank you" more often.

7. Of course, Smile! No explanation needed!

Isn't it time you took a bliss break?

Where would you be if you could be anywhere else? How about right where you are...

Monday, I had the unexpected opportunity of driving up to Alpena with my brother and my son. After my transmission blew on the way, my brother, Thom, graciously dropped his plans for the day and scooped us up for a long drive.
(The picture to the right is actually a picture of Thom as "The Jimmer" in "Escanaba in Da Moonlight". Quite a fitting picture, I thought.)

I've traveled quite extensively throughout the U.S, never out of the country. Many times I've had trips abroad planned and paid for, only to have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Most of the time I take it as the Universe's way of telling me to stay put.

Where would you be if you could be anywhere? For me, the answer to that question is pretty simple. Right here, right now. Where would I want to be other than the present moment? I am so grateful every minute to be exactly where I am, Blissville. Every day we are simply passengers on the road of life, with a choice to enjoy the view. For me, Monday was no different.

As I sat in the back seat of my brothers car I really had the opportunity to pay attention, to be mindful of the moment. What else was I going to do? Read, write, sleep or watch the view of Michigan and our beautiful Lake Huron. I chose to stay awake and enjoy the view.

I've been practicing mindfulness and awareness for quite some time. This practice constantly reminds me to be present with where I am and who I am with. I was in a vehicle traveling up the shores of Lake Huron from Detroit to Alpena. It's wonderful to see the change from summer to fall, with winter close behind. The further we traveled along the colors changed from crimson red to golden yellow; in some areas the trees were already bare. The waves were about 2' high and continuously crashed along the shoreline creating a picturesque scene. Every now and then we spotted a deer or flock of birds as they migrated south. It was truly breathtaking.

What was even more incredible was listening to my son and my brother chat, laugh and sing. Every now and then I piped up with a few comments of my own. Mainly, I simply enjoyed the sounds of the two of them loving life, laughing out loud and living in the moment. It could have been a great commercial for American Express - You know, peanut butter and jelly $4.00, ticket $40, transmission work $400 - hanging with the boys, priceless...Even listening to both of them sing Jimi Hendrix's Purple Haze over and over wasn't so bad.

Today, I encourage you to take a look around, take a walk, or take a drive with a friend, and be present to where you are and who you're with; find a little bliss. Even in the midst of a big city, there's joy - sometimes you simply need to be open...

A Bliss Challenge...when you're roaming around, pay attention to the times you see the word "bliss" on a billboard, banner, storefront, maybe even a bumper sticker. Take a picture of it and send it in to sharemybliss@theblissnetwork.com...(The one here is from my friend Alexx) We know it's out there...We want to know if you've "Got Bliss?" We will host a random drawing the first week of every month. One lucky winner will receive our custom "Got Bliss?" stickers. Thank you in advance And Many BLISSINGS to you all.

Just Connect - Share your bliss

Yesterday I had lunch with a new friend, Brent Carey. Brent has created a wonderful, inspiring Internet Radio Station called Empower Radio. Each of the hosts and guests provide something to enhance, uplift and inspire your life. As we ate fabulous Thai dishes, prepared by my friend, Nokki, owner of Sukhothai Restaurant in Oak Park, our conversation naturally led to 3 things: happiness (bliss, of course), love and connecting.

The Dalai Lama says happiness can be found in 2 words - Just Connect. That's exactly what we were doing. In fact, we met by connecting on Facebook. Facebook alone has empowered millions of people to connect more than any platform ever has. Many people have escaped loneliness simply by "friending" someone on Facebook or joining any one of the thousands and thousands of groups and pages.

Each of us yearns for happiness and love. We begin our journey in life knowing nothing less. Through time, society plugs in, bombarding us with untruths and negativity from every direction. One can't help but get caught up in that flow. We can, however, choose a "different" station, a "different" path, by connecting with others who radiate within them joy, peace and love - thus bringing us closer to living and sharing our own bliss.

The Dalia Lama Says "Life dominated by misknowledge will always be unsatisfactory, but that is not a final destination; it means that we can develop wisdom to eliminate misknowledge and then live free in bliss and share that bliss with others."

If you're feeling anything less than "empowered" in life, stop what you are doing right now, take a deep breath, and say to yourself, "I choose a different path, I choose bliss" and get connecting. Not sure where to start? Connect with me on Facebook, Linked In or Twitter! I'd be happy to share a little bliss!

Detox from negativity by counting your blissings

Photos by JAW Dropping Photography, Jeffrey Williams

What is the first thing you think of when you awake? What is the last thought you have before you go to bed? Those are 2 of the first questions to ask your clients when they are in a funk. How we begin and end each day sets the tone for our lives. Choosing to live a blissful life takes work. Start at the beginning, by counting your blissings and your work becomes a little easier. By default, gratitude makes us happier.

Abraham-Hicks said, "You have the ability to pivot under any and all conditions. But most of you are habitual in nature, and your patterns are so well entrenched that at times the fastest path to the joy you seek is for you to take your pivot as you sleep. By reaching for good-feeling thoughts before you go to sleep and then experiencing the benefit of the quiet mind that occurs while you sleep—and then upon awakening, immediately turning to good-feeling thoughts—you can accomplish the ultimate Pivoting experience."

Whether you are spiritual/religious or not, every minute gives you the opportunity to count your "blissings", those little (sometimes big) things in life that make you feel joyful, lively, and thankful.
Studies have shown that by practicing being grateful we experience lower levels of depression and stress, are more optimistic about the future, exercise more, are more likely to reach personal goals, and have more capacity for compassion and forgiveness, including forgiving ourselves.

We are creatures of habit so for the next 7 days Detox from negative thinking by beginning and ending each day with a joyful thought, one of gratitude, focusing on the abundance in your life and counting your blissings. Here's a start, "I am breathing, I am alive, I am connected to something". Easily and effortlessly begin to get rid of the harmful toxins of negativity by replacing them with light and joy.

Bliss ON!

Two Magic Words

By Guest Blogger Kate Nasser

(This, to me, seems so simple....Really felt it needed sharing...)

Two Magical Words for Best 21st Century People-Skills

Two recent experiences gave me insight to update this post (original was June 2010) to include even more value of the two magical words. Enjoy this post and the updates shown below in green.
As you read the title of this post, two magical words for the best people-skills (also known as soft skills or interpersonal skills), you might immediately think of please and thank you. While these classics are still very valuable people-skills words, they are superseded by two words that are magical even when you just think them.

Could the two words be:

Trust & respect? Admittedly crucial yet just thinking them doesn’t necessarily produce great interactions.

Intuition & connection? Some people have little intuition yet they learn great people-skills.

What are the two magical words for the best 21st century people-skills?

“What If”

What if … helps you consider other people’s views.
What if … bonds with diverse customers.
What if … delivers unique customer care.
What if … engages and empowers employees.
What if … builds bonds on teams.
What if … leads people out of the fear of the unknown.
What if … frees you of the limits of your own perspective.
What if … encourages people to think outside-the-box.
What if … allows a fresh start after poor performance.
What if … opens people’s minds to constructive criticism.

What else does this magical two word phrase do? Or do you have another favorite two word phrase for the best 21st century people-skills?

Kate Nasser is The People-Skills Coach and brings her insights to your organization in workshops, webinars, and dvds on profitable people-skills for teamwork and customer care. See her in action at Kate Nasser video footage.

What if you choose bliss? Imagine...

30 Days of Smiling

We found the following challenge posted on Facebook and can't seem to locate where it came from, to give credit to the person that first mentioned it. We think it may be from an article written by Reggie Odum, and intuitive consultant. We are offering it up here, at The Bliss Network! If you know where it originated, please let us know!

Today we challenge you to go out and make one person smile a day, for 30 days. It's that simple. Take notes and at the end of those 30 days see how you feel. See how others feel around you. Please share your tips on how you made someone smile, even if it's a simple as smiling at someone else!

It's so simple and can be so enormous! Here are a few ways to make a smile happen:

• Give flowers to a stranger
• Send flowers to someone you love
• Help someone
• Let someone in front of you at the store, coffee shop, etc
• Cook a meal and donate
  
• Cook a meal for a neighbor
• Bake cookies and donate them
  
• Bake cookies for a neighbor
• Fill up your kids gas tank
• Fix lunch unexpectedly for your husband, wife, mother, friend
• Take a friends dog for a walk so they don't have to
• Pick up your mom/dad and take her/him someplace they haven't been
• Tell someone how much you really care about them

Need more? E-mail me at teri@theblissnetwork.com. I've got a list of ideas; at lease a few will make someone smile.

Bliss ON! Teri Williams, Bliss Ambassador

P.S. Here's a great article on "more smiling" by Reggie Odom. She talks shares info on one of my favorite inspirational leaders, Thich Nhat Hanh.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=3087946

What is your dream job? Are you doing it?

Many people have asked me, "What is my dream job?". I do my dream job every day. Usually, I like to ask them, "aren't you living your dream job?" and if they're not, I tell them there's no better time than now to make it happen. Isn't it time you gave your life a J.O.L.T?

I love my jobs, all of them. Besides wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend, I have several:

* I built a few websites and took a Dreamweaver class - I help people build their websites and then teach them how to do the updates on their own! No more waiting for your web developer to do it for you. (Just ask Brenda Strausz at Brenda Strausz.com - she loves that she can work on her own site) So EMPOWERING!

* I wrote a couple books - I assist people in getting their message out by helping them publish an ebook or a printed book- or BOTH! Just ask Tamara Stone, The Balance Chic - Tamara and I co -created a new book called Girlavanting...coming to a store near you! (The book and the girls!)

* I promote myself and I can promote you, too. Better yet, I can teach you how to promote yourself through tools like Facebook and Linked IN.

* I co-created a business networking group, Cooperative Networks to help YOU get your message out. A no cost, high energy event that is focused on YOU! We leave our egos at the door and know that we are to make a difference for at least one person in the room!

* I love natural skin care, meditation and alternative healing - now I empower others through energy healing, essential oils and aromatherapy - everyone NEEDS to relax a little more!

* I created a huge network through "Social Networking" and now I've co-created Joy Of Living Training - 21 days to J.O.L.T. your business. A really cool interactive online workshop that gives you the tools you need to spark your business. This workshop is based upon our successes - and will give you the J.O.L.T. you need, in only 21 minutes a day! (You can register now by clicking HERE.)

Every day I empower at least one person by sparking their creativity and igniting their passion. What do I do? When someone asks me that question, I like to ask, "What do you need? " Or "What does your business need to grow?" Practice putting your ego aside for a minute and listen to what the person really needs. When I do that, I can then decide how best to serve you and your business needs.

20 years ago, as a single mom, I bought my first computer and never looked back. Behind me were 10 years of Corporate Management, endless hours of accounting and marketing courses, as well as a crash course on the new "internet". I started a business out of my home, called the Administrative Assistant. My first client was a D.J. from WDET. I transcribed his shows for him and learned a whole lot about Jazz at the same time! Since then, my entrepreneurial spirit has lead me down many paths. As a perpetual student, I love to learn. The more I learn, the more I am able to empower my clients to live the life of their dreams.

What about you? What do you do? Are you living the life of your dreams? Have you made a list lately of what you really want to do; a list of what you LOVE? Grab a pen, a piece of paper and start writing down what makes you feel passionate! Oh, and if you're not loving the drive to the office, call me! I'd be happy to share a little bliss! Teri

Another Blisstory Question

Blisstory Question:

Where have you always wanted to live?

Ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to live in Pleasant Ridge. I've lived in a lot of places; none have drawn me back like this vibrant little community. While driving down the tree lined streets, it was like driving under a canopy of green "heaven"; birds were singing and people waved as we drove by, with smiles on their faces, every time!

Each summer, my friends from "PR" spent the day at the pool and swim team practice - families would gather to cheer their kids on and barbecue at the pool park. The community continuously had something going on that each family could participate in. Most homes were beautifully decorated with amazing landscapes full of flowers and lush greenery. Even in the winter, during the holiday season, the streets were lined with luminaries to light the way.

At the end of this month, my dream is coming true. My family will be moving to Pleasant Ridge. I'll be posting a sign on my door that says, "Welcome to Blissville". We are all so excited! Pleasant Ridge is still such an incredible community. When we were "house hunting", we noticed the streets are still canopied with beautiful trees, people wave with smiles on their faces and the community spirit is living larger than ever! Talk about landscapes! The Home and Garden Tour just passed and the yards on the route are breathtaking!

Is there someplace you have always wanted to live? Are you there now? If not, what's holding you back? Start looking around, checking out options, and talking to people. Take it from me, it's never to late to live your dream and follow your bliss!

Bliss ON!

P.S. The Blisstory Journal is the perfect gift for any dad! Click here now and grabs your today!

A Positive Attitude Is No Accident

Last night Jeff and I did our semi weekly visit to Costco. Before we could even get through the door a stranger yelled from across the entrance, “Hey, did you see what was on Fox 2 this morning regarding politics?”

We looked around to see who she was talking to. Among the 10 to 15 people around us, she was talking to us. Why she singled us out is for my friend Lori Lipten to answer, not me. (That’s another blog.)

Anyway, for whatever reason she needed to chat with us. And boy did we chat! After briefly answering her question, she changed the subject completely and started to share her story - that she LOVED LIFE and people; how her will to live and appreciate life was more important than ever; that life, every minute, was to be celebrated. (My kind of woman, for sure – party at Costco!)

Digging through her wallet while chatting she whipped out a card that had a picture of this crazy apparatus. It was a titanium cage inside a chest cavity, her chest cavity. Not only that, her neck and spine had similar implants. Why? Because a couple of years ago she was involved in a nearly fatal accident that left her lying in a ditch on the side of the road. The driver of the other vehicle was talking on her cell phone when she lost control of her car and hit my new friend head on. (Wonder why we have the “no cell phone laws”? Wonder no more. Pay attention to your driving folks!)

To make a long story short, as the saying goes, what got her through and why she believes she is here today is more than a positive attitude. It was her “will to live, love of life, power of faith and a whole lot of energy!” Boy did she have great energy! Once again I am reminded of the incredible power of life! At 67 years young this woman had more enthusiasm and joy than many young people I know. She was determined to be “here” on her terms, living her bliss no matter what it took!

I am so thankful that out of the many, many people in that parking lot she chose to share her story with Jeff and me! Her spark reaffirms the power of life and choosing to live your bliss. As I stood in that parking lot, laughing and crying with her, I could feel love pouring into each word she spoke.

Today my message is pretty simple. Like my new friend, choose to love where you are now and be in your bliss. There’s no better time to be alive than this moment…forget the past and let go of the future, "A Positive Attitude Is No Accident."

Oh, and when you jump in your car, TURN YOUR PHONES OFF.
Be protective of your way of life and those around you. We all deserve it!

The Business of Blissness

Let’s face it, in today’s economy one may be overwhelmed by the projected outlook our media portrays. As the unemployment and foreclosure rates increase, so do feelings of fear and inadequacy in many people. Although we may have had a strong business plan, we didn’t account for the ineptness of the “economists” on Wall Street that encouraged Americans to get in over their heads, without a life preserver. What do you do to stay afloat? Change your attitude and follow your Blissness Plan, instead of your business plan.

What’s a Blissness Plan? It’s your blueprint for creating more joy in your life, including your business, defined as:

1. Lifelong plan for bliss: path to happiness
2. The “who, what, when, where, why and how” to achieve more bliss in your life.

The Blissness Plan includes 12 action steps to take, most of which we already know, yet don’t think to include in our daily practice. These steps are easily and effortlessly applied to your business. If you haven’t downloaded your free copy, visit TheBlissNetwork.com, click the Blissness Plan link and get yours today.

I grew up in an average, middle class family. My mom’s job was raising six children. She was the Project Manager, CFO, Hospitality Team Leader, Food and Beverage Manager, Travel Coordinator and so much more. My father, on the other hand, was the “bread winner.” He left the house most mornings at 6:00 a.m., car pooling with colleagues, to save money and get to his office by 7:30. Because he was very active with the UAW, some days he didn’t get home until well after bedtime. Like many Americans, he believed in “The Dream”, he believed in our right to “Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness.” Isn’t that what we all work for? I know I do.

The Blissness Plan is a practice designed to help everyone in their “Pursuit of Happiness.” Each step can easily be incorporated into your business. For example, Month 5 is creating a Gratitude Journal. This month not only did I write in my gratitude journal, I practiced a gratitude meditation every morning for five minutes, as soon as I sat in my office chair. Before I even looked at my Planner (My Blissness Planner) or turned on my laptop,I practiced with these steps:

Closed my eyes
Took three deep breaths
Thanked everything and everyone I could think of, associated with my
business, and more
Visualized what prosperity and abundance feel like
Took three more deep breaths and moved on!

Sounds pretty basic, right? You’ve heard it before, “practice gratitude and your life expands in more ways than you can possibly imagine.” Mine has! I’ve added two new workshops, two new clients, and two new E Books to my business this month! The Bliss Network is thankfully being visited by over 30,000 people in 53 different countries! Woo Hoo…So, join me in the “What’s Your Blissness?” Group on the CremeMagnolia.net’s Business Networking site this week and I’ll share a few more strategies on how I move from Business to Blissness by incorporating these steps in my own business!

Bliss ON!!

Living Debt Free

A few years ago my husband and I made a huge decision. We decided to "live debt free"; pay cash for everything and be more focused on our environment. We donated most of the things we didn't need to our favorite charities, set the thermostats way below the average and canceled the memberships we really didn't use that often, including Blockbuster. We sold our new vehicles, opted to car share and buy used, American made vehicles (well, as much as can be - that's another blog). We bought slightly used Fords, for cash, wanting to keep it as much a Michigan product as possible. NO MORE MONTHLY CAR PAYMENTS. Bonus - our insurance rates have dropped drastically.

It's not easy, especially for me. When I get cold, I want to crank up the heat - not put my winter coat back on, but I don't. When I want something, I don't necessarily want to take the time to see if it's on sale somewhere first, but I do. When I want to go somewhere, I don't always want to see which car is available first, I just want to get going, but I do see what car is available first and if I have to I walk or ride a bike! Well, at 40 something, I think I got it and the words, "Patience; good things come to those who wait" are finally sinking in. I started to breathe and meditate instead of constantly spinning and spending! We have become more mindful of our budget, our family, our pets and our environment. We take the time and pay attention to what matters.

Besides taking time to breathe and meditate, here are some great tips from Stacey W. Johnson's new book, "Life or Debt 2010." He fully supports eliminating debt by finding extra cash in your own budget, without depriving yourself! The first thing he says to do - stop wasting money! Try some of these and you'll not only reduce your debt, you'll put a few bucks in your pocket, too.

1. Buy Generic
2. Stop over paying on insurance
3. Don't use disposable plastic water bottles
4. Borrow books at the library or from friends
5. Use internet coupons
6. Stop paying 20% on credit cards while earning only 2% on your savings
7. Split the cost of rarely used items - like lawn mowers and snow blowers
8. Stop buying everything new - visit resale shops, Craigslist and more
9. Cook from scratch - not only does it save money in the long run, it's healthier
10. Bargain and barter - most companies will give you a discount if you ask
11. Stop being a trendsetter-buy used or outdated
12. Stop paying for things you don't use - Fitness clubs, etc...

You can read the full text of these tips and more at Readers Digest. His descriptions and advice are certainly worth the few minutes of your time to put more money where it counts - your bank account, not someone else's. It's working for us - it can work for you, too!

Here's to having more money and time to focus on what counts...
YOUR BLISS!

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!!!

Guest Blogger!

Every couple of weeks The Bliss Network will host a guest blogger. This week our special guest is Roxanne Weber of CremeMagnolia.net! CremeMagnolia.net is your Pay It Forward, on line community! Look for more great stuff from Roxanne!

Replicating Spring
by Roxanne Weber
Editor in Chief, CremeMagnolia.net
Email: roxanne@crememagnolia.net

Every Spring I look forward to the snow melting, the sun starting to shine regularly and the grass turning a deep green. I break out my cleaning supplies, dust off the curtains and deep clean my carpets, and let the breeze flow through the open windows which have been shuttered all winter.

All these efforts, though hard work, make me feel alive and ready for whatever comes during what will eventually be a long hot summer. I don't have to worry about "when" I'm going to start all these efforts. Nature tells me by the changes in temperature and spring flowers growing in my backyard. These seasonal changes in fact are nature's biological cues; they are ways of reminding us that we need variety and change.

It is just too bad that there isn't a similar natural cue for businesses each year. If there was a nudge to clean out the files in my documents folder, or spruce up the content on my website, or clean out old customer files in the cabinet perhaps business wouldn't be so sluggish year after year.

What I'd like to see is a computer programmed to change with the seasons, like in nature. In the spring perhaps some flowers could start growing out of the top of my monitor, to signal that it is time to water some new, creative ideas. Or maybe the screen could show signs of dust build up, making me think about all those extra files cramping up my harddrive and slowing down productivity. Better yet the computer itself might be designed to change colors slowly over a 3-4 month period, indicating the change in seasons. Each color could be a "cue" to tackle new projects, dust off old ideas with fresh content, and throw some sunshine into my work day.

While these developments may be a bit far-fetched, the concept of business spring cleaning shouldn't be something we throw out the window too quickly. Every business could use a fresh perspective, and what better time to fertilize those ideas than in the Spring, when everything around us is budding and growing as if it were all brand new. The fact is, one of the keys to creative and new ideas is to truly marvel at, and enjoy, our natural surroundings. When we forget about the beauty around us our whole lives suffer. A work-a-holic may be materialistically successful, but how much fun are they to be around? And, how creative are their solutions to business and personal problems.

When we allow ourselves to take in what nature so joyously and selflessly provides each and every Spring we can use that energy to help develop our own personal and professional needs. That flower you stopped to smell along the road can become the energy you use later to visualize a new idea. The heat of sunshine you allow to soak into your body can later become a moment of calm and relaxation during a trying business project. A beautifully blooming meadow may become the impetus for your next big idea, project, or business adventure.

While we may not be able to replicate the beauty of seasonal changes through our computers or offices, what we can do is use that beauty to bring out the best in our personal and professional lives. After all, life without beauty is really no life at all.

Thanks, Roxanne! I'm ready for a new color on my computer...I'm thinking sunshine yellow will do the trick! Bliss ON!!!

Spring Cleaning for your business!

According to my friend Laura Renton's husband, spring started March 1st. Right now, I believe him. I've been totally preoccupied with the beautiful weather and doing a little spring cleaning, particularly in my business! Yeap, I'm getting rid of what no longer works and am focusing on what does! You'll see some amazing changes over the coming weeks!!

How am I doing most of it? Last week I had the privilege of participating in Lisa Mininni's Entrepreneurial Edge Systems Three Day Intensive. Yes, folks, it was intense and worth every minute!

Without giving away her secrets, Lisa provides ALL of the tools necessary to move your business full speed ahead. She gives you the complete success strategies and specific systems to implement NOW! Not only that, she does so in an entertaining, engaging format that keeps you totally locked in. Really, it's the first time in years that I didn't fall asleep at a seminar! LOL

I will say that the number one place I started was defining my mission and my vision. Thanks to the complete resources in Lisa’s 3 day and in her book, “Me, Myself and Why – The Secrets to Navigating Change” I have my vision complete, not just my business vision – my life’s vision. Do you have one? Have you looked at yours lately? Does it still resonate as strong with you today as the day you created it? Is it working? If not, get a hold of Lisa – she’s got the “right stuff” to get you going.

I'm getting my systems "turned on" and "plugged in". Keep your eyes and ears open for exciting changes. Be sure to visit our site, TheBlissNetwork.com and check it out! Watch for some great info to come on how you, too, can do a little Spring Cleaning in your business!

Bliss ON!

Smile, even when you don't want to!

On January 23, I posted a link from Steve Martile, 10 Tips To Feel Good Instantly by Smiling - I smile most of the time, unless I'm stuffing my face - even then, I'm probably smiling, mainly because I really am a food freak!

Today I'm going to share an experience that reinforces the importance of smiling, even when you don't feel like it.

Most of you may not know that Jeff and I meditate, a lot~in many different ways and unique styles. Recently we've been attending the Detroit Lotus Sangha in Ferndale, MI. The Sangha is following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and not only practices with a weekly meditation, they follow one of his books and share it in a group discussion every week. We love this group; it's an incredible community.

When one of the guests came in, I smiled brightly at her. She smiled back and when she asked how I was, I said, "Fabulous". She giggled and I thought to myself, "Wow, how lucky for me to hear such a beautiful sound." Whether she thought I was crazy or simply felt happier didn't matter, she smiled with a giggle, and my smile grew bigger!

Minutes later, another guest mentioned to me that he had been thinking of me. He said when he saw me for the first time I was smiling brightly and he thought to himself that "She must be having a good moment". Then he saw me the next week and I smiled equally as bright. He said, "I realized you are a smile and you make others want to smile, too." He finished with, "Today as I walked with mindfulness on the way in, I thought of you, and smiled!"

Ok, that was really one of the nicest compliments I have ever received. Yes, Molly,(that's my daughter) I am crying; tears of bliss, of course.

Thich Nhat Hanh said, "Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful."

Bliss On my friends!javascript:void(0)

Optimist Creed!

What a wonderful group Optimist International is! Of course, any group that is on a mission to make a positive difference in the world is pretty darn awesome to me!

Quite a number of years ago I printed out the Optimist Creed, in large font and posted it just above my desk. It's amazing how many times a day I look at it for inspiration. My hope today is that you, too, will find a little bliss in these words!

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Here's to a truly bliss FULL weekend!

Bliss ON!!