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.

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!

Blisstory Question – What does integrity mean to you?

Integrity? What’s that my daughter asked? The definition, according to her favorite source, Dictionary.com, is:

1. Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. The state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

Ok, so what does that mean to a kid? It means, “be kind, be truthful, and be the person you would want to be your best friend.”

To preserve the integrity of my empire, that being my family, I look to lead by example. It’s really not that difficult when you think about it. First and foremost I tell my children to be true to yourself and then everything else will fall in to place. You’ll always know if it’s the right thing to do when it feels good. When that uneasy feeling begins in the pit of your stomach, you better run! I then tell them that when you live your life with integrity, you never really have to question whether it’s the right thing to do.

Over the years, I have experienced many who do not value the word, integrity. Sometimes I didn’t heed my own advice. I stayed in a situation, maybe a work environment, surrounded by people who had no ethics or values, people who were mean spirited. I stayed way beyond the point when I felt that knot in the pit of my stomach, hoping to make a difference. We’ve all been there. I’ve learned to listen to myself, to trust my instincts and to act on them. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A little integrity is better than any career.”

Make it a blissful week!