What we focus on multiplies

My friend and colleague, Ron Marshall of RonMarshallJr.com has launched a new feature in his blog.

He's calling it a "Professional Showcase" and is highlighting what he considers to be today's thought leaders who are remaking tomorrow.

It is my great honor to be featured as his opening act! Please take a few minutes to read Ron's Blog, both Part I and Part II and suggest anyone that you think should be featured! Ron is an incredible young man, striving to make a difference in peoples lives, both locally here in Michigan and around the globe!

Here's a little snip it of what you'll read:

Part I - The practical side

"I knew taking care of my two children as a single, working mom was not going to be an easy task. I wasn't going to let corporate America decide whether I would be home with my sick child or be a room mom in their classroom. I wanted to make those decisions myself. I had two things going for me (besides my beautiful children): I had a business and accounting background, and I loved to clean! Ok, I loved computers, too.

I bought my first computer and started two businesses: The Administrative Assistant and Snap Services; they have long since been replaced. My dad lent me the money, even though he thought computers were glorified typewriters. At that time, for me, they were, but I believed that the 'new thing called the Internet' was the wave of the future! (I think I was right on that one!)"

Part II - The spiritual side

'What we focus on multiplies. Since we are made up of energy (everything is), why not focus on positive energy, what's working, what's joyful and what's beautiful: Life! It isn't always easy, I know. I've been in some pretty low places myself - abuse, rape, divorces (notice plural there), job loss, a house fire, death of loved ones, and so on and so on. You get the picture - a lot of personal loss and what could have been defeat.

Thankfully, I was raised to always have hope and always see the silver lining."

Read the rest here....

P.S. And book mark Ron's page - you'll want to see some of the great guests he has lined up in his Showcase of thought leaders and those making a difference in our community.

"What we focus on multiplies - focus on your bliss!"

Teri Williams

#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?)

#Trust30 - Choose Bliss

Day 10

(Photo by JawDroppingPhotography.com)

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?

Choose BLISS! Simple, isn’t it. Choose to do that which brings you the most happiness and fulfillment, for the highest good of all. If it’s too challenging, if you are experiencing too many road blocks, maybe it’s not the best path for you. Take a new one. It's that easy.

Blissings...Teri

Always do what you are afraid to do!

Day 9 - #Trust30

The other terror that scares us from self-trust is our consistency; a reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson says: “Always do what you are afraid to do.”

What is ‘too scary’ to write about? Try doing it now.

“A reverence for our past act or word, because the eyes of others have no other data for computing our orbit than our past acts, and we are loath to disappoint them.”

This is such a powerful statement. As a writer and speaker, I still get that “knots in my stomach” feeling every time I post or am in front of an audience. There was a time when no amount of money or act of kindness could put me in front of people. To some that may be shocking. But I was afraid of what people would think of me, what they may think of my actions and what they may ask or say to me, during and after. Those fears are, and were, simply an illusion.

What’s the worst that can happen – a booger on my face or a stain on my shirt; maybe I’ll trip over my words or fall on my face? Nobody’s really going to remember any of those 10 years from now. Ok, maybe they will remember the booger, I probably would. I know at least one person benefits from my facing my fears and delivering words in print or live, ME! After it’s done, my fears are erased - until the next time.

“Thoughts are just thoughts! I don’t have to allow them to overwhelm me” from Daily OM. Instead, I know they exist in me and I consistently move with, through and past them.

Blissings to all!

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

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!!!

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!!!

A decade of growth, change and love

This year I did something completely out of sync for me - I spent the better part of the month of December "playing". It was an amazing ending to the decade of growth and change I've experienced. It was also the beginning of a wonderful new decade, one that will bring even greater joy.

Oh, I worked a little, if that's what you call interviewing amazing people who shared the best of themselves with all of us. If you haven't tuned in yet, visit Empoweradio.com and listen to the interviews. Each guest shares incredible insight on the road to bliss. More work - if that's what you call writing my next book, cooking, baking, and shopping for my family. Mostly I took time to hang out with my family, my friends, my pets and my husband.

At the beginning of 2010 one of the intentions I posted on my Bliss Board was that I wanted to strengthen the bonds of the relationships that brought me the greatest joy. Over the course of the year, I focused on creating more opportunities to love, to be compassionate, to share kindness and to celebrate with awareness. Those 4 words have made an incredible difference in my life, especially in this last decade, and I am so grateful for every moment.

As I wrote the story of my year, thanks to the great advice of Lori Lipten, I realized that the story really began 10 years ago. January 1, 2011 was the 10 year anniversary of a devastating house fire my family and I experienced. Many of you have heard my story or read my blogs. My family and I were fortunate to have literally escaped death on New Year's Day. The Fire Marshal said, "Lady, someone up there is watching out for you. 99% of all people that experience the type of fire you did, don't make it out alive." I believed him then. I believe him now. Of course, I write this with tears of bliss streaming down my face. So grateful to be alive; even more grateful that my family is all here with me.

Shortly after that fire, I ended my 2nd marriage. I remember sitting on the bathroom floor one morning, before the fire, praying for a miracle, praying for the strength to move on. That fire was my miracle and changed the course of my life. Never again would I settle for anything less than love, kindness, and compassion. From that day on I choose to live by practicing being mindful and aware, living in the moment, honoring the past and looking forward to the future.

For almost 8 years now, I have been married to my best friend and partner. When we first married, I said, "As long as you are addicted to me, we'll do just fine!" You may laugh at that statement, but it has proven to be the foundation of our relationship. Most of you know how damaging living with someone that is addicted to anything can be for everyone involved. We turned it around and honor each other and our space, holding our relationship and our family, as something sacred, something worth cherishing.As I began this new decade, I set the intention to again create more opportunities for love, compassion, kindness and awareness, shining a bright light on my blissful path. Anyone wishing to do the same can download an official "Bliss Certificate" on my website at TheBlissNetwork.com or this link http://theblissnetwork.com/Bliss_Certificate.html

Your "Bliss Certificate" is a gentle reminder that you choose bliss! Yes the road can be bumpy. Yes, sometimes I'm the Pissed Lady instead of The Bliss Lady. It's OK - it's just an excuse for more bliss breaks!

Here's to living your bliss and celebrating your life. Bliss on!

Merry Blissmas - Everyday happiness

Yes, that's right Blissmas - An everyday celebration of happiness, joy and love = Blissmas!

Over the course of the year we tend to wait until this time of year to celebrate the abundance of joy and happiness in our lives. Why is that? We celebrate with lavish gifts and too much food. Why not break it all down over the course of the year and feel joy and abundance daily?

To be aware of the effects of celebrating “Blissmas” every day begin sharing more of your own happiness and passion with others. Quite possibly you will increase the happiness level of the people in your life, even in the lives of people you don't know - the Bliss Effect!

Not sure how to begin? Take baby steps. Start learning the habits of happy people, then incorporate some of those habits into your own life. Studies have shown that it takes a minimum of 21 days to make "something" a habit and that those habits take practice. Star athletes, musicians, and dancers, practice, practice, practice. Be the star of your own team and practice being happy.

Below is a list of 6 common habits of happy people.

- Be grateful - We ALL have something to be grateful for; like food, clothing, heat, children, snow days, smiles, music, partners, lovers. You get the point. Write a gratitude journal and say thank you more often.

- Savor simple pleasures - When was the last time you sat in a park and watched the birds or listened to children playing on the play ground? Stop for a few minutes a day to enjoy and savor the simple pleasures of life, nature is full of wonder and amazement.

- Join in - Be a part of "something", engage yourself in a cause, a club, a city council, a religious group. Participate in something you believe in.

- Love yourself - It's essential for being a happy person. To truly love anyone, we must love ourselves first. Create a self-love appreciation list and look at it often.

- Surround yourself with happy, supportive people - Choose like minded people to connect with. Positive energy is contagious. Your happiness level will increase simply by being around happy people.

- Ease up - Don't beat yourself up on the off days. We all have them. Give yourself permission to feel crabby, angry, frustrated. Simply allow it to move through you and reconnect with those moments of joy, happiness, and gratitude.

Live your bliss. We were born to be happy and are here to dream big and make those dreams a reality. Enjoy the trip by being as happy as possible and share that joy with those whose lives you touch.

Merry Blissmas to all!

Time to listen

Rick Schaefer, M.D. posted this quote by Al Guyant on his blog, "The top three rules of effective communication are listen, listen, listen." It is a powerful blog and he offers the top ten ideas that Mr. Guyant suggests using for better listening. I've added some of my own, below.

Jeff (my husband) and I have been practicing mindfulness, meditation and deep listening at the Detroit Lotus Sangha in Ferndale. Detroit Lotus follows the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who offers a simple yet profound way of being present in the world. When we began the process we realized that we really didn't listen deeply. Most of us get so caught up in what's happening in our own minds that we pretend to be listening, with simple responses like, "oh, wow, and uh-huh". I know - I do it.

Listening is a skill that we can learn, and "good-listening" will enhance the quality of every relationship, whether personal or professional; your loved ones will realize that you really care and your clients/customers will appreciate that you actually pay attention to their wants and needs. Think about how you like to be treated and you'll know that this feels true.

Here are 8 tips to begin practicing being a better listener. Don't forget to take time to listen to yourself.

1. Be sure to allow enough time for the conversations you share - remember it's a conversation and allow ample time for BOTH parties to converse

2. Be present - keep yourself tuned in to the moment

3. Minimize outside distractions

4. Focus on what they are saying

5. Don't think about what YOU want to say

6. Ask questions, the basics: who, what, where, why, when and how

7. When you ask a question, be patient for the response. Don’t anticipate what you think the response will be

8. Don't give advice unless you are asked

Every day I catch myself not practicing these suggestions (a few years ago, I wouldn't have) especially number 8, particularly when I'm talking with my children. It's my nature to want to solve their problems and see them shine. Simply being aware of the moment that you really need to "be present" in a conversation is a great way to begin.

Here's to sharing your bliss and being heard!

Top 10 reasons to write a book

Blisstory Question: Have you ever wanted to write a book?

Currently I have published 3 books, with many more on the way, including 2 manuscripts. Simply completing that first one was such an incredible feeling. Even more amazing was when I actually began to sell a few, then a few more, then a few more.

With each one I've gained more and more insight as to why everyone, especially a business owner, needs to write a book of their own. When I meet with clients, one of the best tools I can give them is The Blisstory Journal. Filled with over 365 questions of the past, present and future, the book immediately gives them insight into themselves. Whether they share the answers with me or not, the process helps me get to know them better because they begin to look at themselves with more joy. It also reaffirms my message - helping them love and accept themselves as they are right now.

Here are my top 10 reasons to get started on yours today:

1. Everyone Has a Story - Simply being alive gives you a basis for a story. We all have a story, sometimes we just don't know where to start. If you are a business owner, you have a lot of information to share. Think about how you started - what is your why? Share your passion, share your success story.
2. Expertise - When you are write about your industry, you automatically become an expert in your field.
3. Elevated Status - Generally speaking, authors are respected by the community. This will put you on a whole new playing field.
4. It's Easy! - Once you get started. For some, it's just getting started. Try writing in a journal for 21 days. The Blisstory Journal is a great tool for getting started, with over 365 questions for you to answer.
5. Increases Your Visibility - You can reach a global audience faster - radio and TV people love to interview authors.
6. Competitive Edge - Being an author or expert in your field gives you a bonus over your competition.
7. Income Stream - The obvious is that they become part of your product list on your website. At any event you participate in, whether it's a networking event, trade show or speaking engagement, you will always have books available for sale.
8. Spin Off Products - You can create additional products from your book - such as workshops and journals.
9. Books Change Lives - When you share your passion and a powerful topic, you have the capacity to change lives, especially your own.
10. Leave a Legacy/Become Immortal - Books seldom go in the garbage. Your children will keep yours long after you are gone, to be shared with family and friends. Most people either donate books to charity, sell them at garage sales or cash them in at used book stores. Your book will continuously cycle.

What are you waiting for? Grab a pen and paper - start writing your story today!

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?

Share your blissings

“What you give is what you get so be sure to give the best of what you imagine, of what you have, of what you are.” From Awakening to the Spirit World
Photo's by Jeffrey Williams

Sharing love and happiness, pure blissings, comes naturally to me. It can begin with a simple smile or hello to a stranger and go on to include helping out a friend or neighbor. We all have “stuff” that holds our attention, that keeps us stuck in being “selfish instead of selfless”. Sometimes the best way to get over it is to pitch in and help someone else, turning on the light and giving a spark of joy.

Last week, while at the grocery store, I witnessed a lone mother spill her bags next to her car. She was clearly in distress juggling a baby on one hip and a small child at her side. Naturally, I walked over and helped her, as many others just watched. She was a little apprehensive at first. People aren’t used to the kindness of strangers

When we were just about finished, an employee stopped to help. The cute little mom offered him a tip and he politely refused, saying he was happy to be of help. One simple gesture of kindness lifted her spirits and changed the course of her afternoon. What did it take for us to do that; minutes, seconds? Time really meant nothing.

How do you share your bliss? Are you stuck standing on the side of the parking lot wondering what to do? Do you offer a friendly hello to a stranger? What’s holding you back from being a light? Here are ten easy ideas to get you started.

1. Smile and say hello to strangers
2. Drop dinner /dessert off to a friend just because
3. Open a door for someone
4. Hold the elevator
5. Give genuine compliments
6. Let someone in line ahead of you
7. Buy coffee (or lunch) for the person in line behind you
8. Send a card or flowers to someone for no reason
9. Volunteer at a shelter for children, unwed mothers or the homeless
10. Listen, really listen, as someone tells their story

Spreading your blissings is quite rewarding; once you get started it’s hard to stop. Like the Allstate Commercial, it’s amazingly contagious. Imagine, what the world would be like if every one of us took just a few seconds a day to do something spontaneously nice…I can see it now!

Need more ideas, E-mail me… I love sharing a little bliss!

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!