#Trust30 - jumping in

As a writer, one of my biggest challenges has been allowing myself the time to simply write. Thanks to my Facebook Friend, Gina Rafkind, I am making a commitment to write for 30 days straight with the #Trust30 writers challenge offered at ralphwaldoemerson.me/ Self Reliance. Emerson is one of my favorites - truly an inspiration.

For the next 22 days I will respond to the #Trust30 promptings here on my blog. Since I started late, I'm going to go back and read the first 7 promptings and comment on them, as well.

I encourage you to read, respond and even join the challenge if you are SPARKED to do so!
As always, many BLISSINGS to you all!

Day 8

There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What would you say to the person you were five years ago?

To the Teri of 5 years ago I say, “Choose Bliss!” That’s right, sister. You have chosen to live your bliss – making a commitment to live in joy. No matter what is happening externally, what happens internally will continually make a difference for you. Breathe, simplify, and be mindful of each moment. Don't just follow your bliss and everyone else’s; choose to live YOUR bliss.

What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?

You are a light, shining brightly in this universe. It doesn’t matter whether your SPARK ignites one life or 10,000 lives simply keep the flame burning. The law of the universe dictates that positive energy is contagious. Bliss ON, sister!

A turtle’s perspective – In memory of my father

Are you a turtle? My father used to ask everyone he met that question. As a young military man he was inducted in to The Turtle Club. Up until the day he died he lived the Turtle Creed!

“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.”

He was a POW in World WAR II. This Memorial Day (and everyday) I honor him by giving you 5 tips for living a slower, more complete life – consider the turtle!

1. Take it Slow – that’s right. Slow down and enjoy the view. Be present in the moment. Don’t let life move so fast that you miss what’s right in front of you.
2. Play A LOT and nap often - My dad literally danced through life. Although he worked hard, he danced when he could, played cards and games with his family and friends, and went fishing several times a year. He also rested when his body told him it needed to. Do something fun everyday and give yourself permission to take a siesta!!
3. Eat when you’re hungry – Listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry. Be sure to eat nutritious foods that fuel your mind and your spirit. Turtles tend to eat a natural diet, one that consists of proteins and vegetables.
4. Celebrate your accomplishments – It’s important that we recognize our accomplishments, especially the small ones. This creates a positive response that propels us into a bright future. (Remember, turtles are bright eyed and bushy tailed for a reason!)
5. Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out – Make mistakes; they’re life changing. Help someone in need; it’s worth the effort for everyone, including you. Speak up; let your inner voice be heard, someone really needs to hear your message. Show the world who you really are and be proud of yourself.

Yes, this was my father’s creed. He believed that life, to be lived fully, meant slowing down and enjoying the view. He helped as many people as he could, napped a lot and ate when he was hungry. I’m following in his footsteps and am off to take a nap!

“You will find that life is more fun and takes on new meaning when you are a Turtle!”

Blissings…Teri

P.S. If you’d like to become a turtle, simply email me and I’ll send you the 4 questions every member must answer for initiation.

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!

Blisstory question: What are the things you love, honor, cherish and admire most about your mom?

(This is an edited version of a post from May, 2009)
First things first, above all else, I cherish the life she gave me. That's why everyday is Mother's Day in our house. She provided a strong foundation and house of love for all of her family. Today, that foundation is as strong as ever. At 79 years old, she still has that spunky, defiant, never give up attitude. Yeap, that’s where I get it from. She is the original Bliss Networker!

I truly admire her ability to pick herself up when she’s hit with a blow; she’s had more blows than I can count. She’s suffered the loss of a child, the loss of her lifetime partner, 3 heart attacks, 2 strokes, breast cancer, lung cancer and lives with COPD and arthritis; nothing diminishes her love of life (or her love of gambling and Tim Horton's coffee!) LOL

My mom is my first real friend. She is the person I call for everything: good, bad or indifferent. A day doesn't go by that we don't chat, even if for just a minute.

Along with being my friend and mother, she has 5 other children who love and adore her as equally as I do. She is a friend and mother to countless others and is always taking in strays. Today, her youngest grandson (my "baby" boy) occupies a room at the "Grambo Inn". You just never know who might be taking up space in one of her rooms. She is a mother in law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, great, great aunt, and so much more. When I think about the many people that have crossed her path, I know that each one of them was impacted in a positive way by her presence and smile.

Today and every day I honor Janet Rose Griffin, the woman that brought me into this world. I love her enthusiasm, excitement, stubbornness, fortitude, graciousness, and her capacity to love, especially her family. Here’s to you mom!

I'm also honoring Susan Williams, where ever her spirit may be. You were a remarkable woman and your light shines bright in our family. THANK YOU for bringing my husband into this world. You are a shining star, Susan!

OK, so here's a gift for all of you! Simply click Sisstory Now for a complimentary E-Book copy of "The Sisstory Journal" - dedicated to my mom, my daughter, my sister and all of you - Rockin women around the world! (Offer good through May, 8, 2011) Sisstory provides over 365 delightful questions, actions, and more for celebrating the feminine spirit!

And a little self promotion:
Pick your mom up one of our delightful other E-books, Girlavanting, The Girls Guide to Balance, Bliss and Fun or Blisstory Journal today. Share her life, share her legacy, have a whole lot of fun celebrating her!

Happy Mother's Day, every day, to all!

How do you make decisions? The flip of a coin?

Some of my family members find it very difficult to make a decision. Seemingly easy decisions become a grueling process. I often find myself saying, "Flip a coin!" In fact, I've used that technique on many occasions. Isn't not making a decision - making a decision? Choosing to stay indecisive is saying you're staying exactly where you are or that you accept what's going on.

There was a time when I would make decisions rather quickly, which wasn't always a good thing, especially when it came to business decisions. I've learned to go within more, trusting my intuition and listening to the inner whispers of my soul or as my friend Lori Lipten puts it, "Listening to my inner GPS". When that doesn't "feel right" I seek the advice of a trusted colleague, friend or family member. Sometimes I revert to one of the many oracle decks I've acquired over the years.

Oracle cards are an ancient method of receiving guidance and messages. An oracle deck generally consists of 44 cards. Each card has a picture or drawing and contains a word or sentence. Generally the decks come with a guide book, giving some insight on the cards. (I'm in the process of creating a Bliss Deck now - you're going to love it!)

One of my favorite decks is Dr. Steven J. Farmers "Power Animal Oracle Cards". Many of you may already realize that ancient and indigenous peoples across the globe believe Power Animal Spirit Guides help in their everyday lives by providing guidance. The theory is that we all have Power Animal Spirits. Stevens deck contains 44 cards and a guide book. When I'm having difficulty making a decision sometimes I visit the decks, think about my decision or dilemma and choose a card. The message is usually very appropriate to my situation and extremely helpful; sometimes even leaving me in awe of the power behind the message.

If you don't have a deck, I suggest you grab one or call or email me. I'd be happy to pull a card for you and share the description. It's a little more fun than flipping a coin. Guess what card I just pulled - The Antelope - who is all about decisiveness! Pretty cool, huh!

Blissings...

But Mom those are my friends....

The love of Facebook

5 years ago I literally banned my daughter from being on Facebook, the online social networking community that is EVERYWHERE! She was connecting with people all over the world that she didn't even know; the goal being to collect as many "friends" as she possibly could. She would adamantly say, "But Mom, those are my friends!" With that goal in mind, most of her peers announced the same thing to their parents.

From a parents perspective it was a dangerous trap - it scared the heck out of me. I felt there was too much information being shared and too many people had access to that information. I remember telling her, "Those people are not your friends, they're simply names and faces".

Well, today, I've changed my tune completely. In fact, part of the professional service I offer my clients is how to get on Facebook and how to effectively use it for your business. I've seen my clients businesses grow by 30% simply by creating a Fanpage and interacting with their fans. I've also made some wonderful friends, yes friends! Not just names and faces.

In taking the time to get social with the people I'm connected with, I've built friendships with many that I would NEVER have had the opportunity to meet in the past, both new and old. Those connections run from California to Georgia, from Illinois to Florida and across the globe to Europe, Australia, South America and New Zealand. (You all know who you are.) These people and their friendships have enhanced my life as powerfully as the friends I connect with in person and who are in my local community, bringing inspiration and joy to my life on a daily basis. Facebook also offers us the chance to keep in touch with those who have moved away/relocated, who are house bound or simply too shy to chat in person.

There is still a lot of controversy about Facebook and the information being shared. I do encourage my clients to be somewhat discreet and cautious about what they post and who they accept into their Facebook Circle. There are those that will take advantage of you no matter what you do or say, on line and off line.

Gratitude rocks and I am thankful for Facebook and the many opportunities it has provided me both personally and professionally. Especially those I call my friends. Thank you for adding a little more bliss to my life! And a GINORMOUS thank you to those of you who shared in my birthday bliss, sending wishes of love, light, peace, prosperity and again, bliss.
That's what friends are for!!

Are you a Virtual First Responder?

Do you know what a first responder is?

I like this definition: Person who, in the early stages of an emergency event, works to protect and preserve life, property, evidence, and the environment. First responders may include personnel from federal, state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental organizations. Yeap...It might include you.

Very powerful, right? Guess what - We all have the capacity to be a first responder and here's a little info from a wonderful site called "Intentions Flashmob", explaining how you can become a Virtual First Responder.

Would it surprise you to know

how powerful we can be?

A disaster happens. The TV is filled with repetitive images and video of destruction, which creates more fear and depletes our energy. Some people become overwhelmed and shut down. Others become anxious and depressed, even if the event is not in their local area. Is there another way to respond? Just ask the Intentions Flashmob networks forming across the country. We are a free community of Virtual First Responders using our social networks to send positive healing intentions toward any stressful event.

Can we actually impact our world? Back in 1987, Physicist Robert Jahn and Clinical Psychologist Brenda Dunne offered definitive research at Princeton University. Their research cited "accumulated unequivocal evidence that the mind can physically interact with physical reality". Using the power of our intentions can do just that.

Giving moves us past the place of fear. As Virtual First Responders not directly involved in a stressful event, we can offer quick virtual relief through our positive intentions for balance and peace. We can also help dissolve an event before it grows, as in the case of a threatening storm, flood, or fire in our local community. It's simple--just send a positive intention and pass it on to your social network to do the same. There is no leader; you are the leader.

Wouldn't it be great to practice and experience the power we have? If you are curious, go to Intentions Flashmob for more information and please consider starting an Intentions flashmob in your social network. If you are on Facebook, click here and "LIKE" the Intentions Flashmob fan page.

*We don't have to meet anywhere, we're all connected.* By Intentions Flashmob

Bliss on!!!