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

Connecting Around The Globe

Over the months you may have read the post I shared, "10 Tips to Feel Good Instantly" by
Steve Martile. The tips are pretty simple and include a lot of smiling! Steve is from Canada. We connected through a motivation group on Linked In. I love the web. It has brought so many wonderful people in to my life, Steve is one of them. Here's a little intro Steve wrote:

"My name is Stephen Martile. I'm an ordinary person just like you. I get up and go to work in the morning like everyone else. I want to do great things and meet great people and I love teaching about the powers of the mind.

My message for you is simple. I want you to realize that you're not who you think you are. You're not your thoughts and you're not your results. You're not that suit you call your skin and bones of your body.

You're much more than that. I want you to realize that you ARE infinite potential and I want to show you how true that is.

Wouldn't it be nice to...

- attract new business and opportunities

- meet the right people under the right circumstances

- feel more confident and know without a doubt that you will succeed

- take bigger risks

- achieve more than you have ever imagined

You can!! Download my free video training at:

www.freedomeducation.ca/resultsfastandeasy/

Live life in Joy.. Steve"

Notice how he ended his intro. Now you know why we are connected. Steve is all about creating more joy in your business, in your life. He loves to share his tips on how we can embrace and live our lives celebrating our uniqueness.

Visit his site, www.freedomeducation.ca/resultsfastandeasy and see for yourself!

Bliss ON!!!!

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!

What is the Cooperation Factor?

I recently read something about the Cooperation Factor, as applied to the new economy. Not much out there on the subject. What I found, according to Wikipedia, is that cooperation factor originally has to do with a facsimile machines scanning length and density, both in compatible units. That really meant nothing to me, since I am not that technical. It did occur to me though, that to fully embrace this new economy, and the challenges our world continually faces, we need to focus more on the global cooperation factor, where our leaders release the focus on “me” and “mine” and begin to truly embrace the concept of we. Yes, it sounds a lot like working together for the same goal, doesn’t it? We can start embracing the Cooperation Factor with small steps, in our own life, especially in our businesses.

Some time ago I made a commitment to myself to ONLY work with those individuals and organizations that supported my belief system, my values. In essence, that supported me helping my fellow man in whatever capacity I can. Today, I work with some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known; my husband and partner, Jeff Williams, Judy Davids,  Joan Feldman, Leah Arnold, Anne Keeble, Jill Jack, and Self Love Diva - Christine Arylo, just to name a few. I also have the great honor of working with Linda Joy of Aspire Magazine. Linda Joy is on a mission to “Inspire 100,000 women” by gifting free subscriptions to her magazine as well as some pretty incredible bonus gifts. You’ll even get a gift from me. Of course, you have to get the free subscription to see what your gift from me is!

We all have a mission, a platform, a purpose. In order to have our voices heard, our businesses succeed, our purpose fulfilled we need to let go of our ego’s need to be on top. Instead, we need to start rebuilding our community with cooperation at the forefront. The businesses and individuals I work with support that mission and truly work together to create The Cooperation Factor. "When we commit to cooperating with each other, conflict is dissolved and opportunities are created to combine energies and focus on manifesting better circumstances for all." In my world, it creates the Bliss Effect – a community working together with joy, where everyone can learn, live, and build from our unique platform of support.

I urge each and every one of you to let go of the need to constantly be in control. The truth is, as most of you know, we control very little. Begin a mindset of cooperation. Ask yourself and your colleagues, “How can we effectively build our businesses, our lives, through cooperating with those that support our mission?” My mission is very simple, to create a more blissful environment and remind people that “Bliss is a choice.” There are many tools available to create happiness in your life. First you need to make the choice to be happy then fully commit to that choice.

Please visit my newly created Events page and see what’s happening around town that can empower your life. If you have an event that you’d like posted, send it on. Send me your logo’s and links, too, and I’ll post them on my Bliss Networkers page. I’m looking forward to the future success of Michigan, and the globe, through our cooperative efforts. We have what it takes, we’ve done it before and we will thrive!

Bliss ON!

Blisstory Journal Question of the week!

List a few of the things in life that make you smile.

No doubt we all have an endless list of things that make us smile. My list changes by the nanosecond. Looking around there are literally hundreds of things that have me grinning from ear to ear.

OK, let me just tell you what’s in plain sight – dogs laying at my feet, fresh, hot, delicious coffee on my desk, a lovely scented candle burning brightly, an empty bowl of yummy groats, an email from my husband, letting me know he made it to work safe and sound, and my computer screen flashing that my daughter is awake and ready to roll out of bed to visit OCC. She’s “a big girl now” and is starting her first day at OCC tomorrow. THAT WARMS MY HEART BEYOND WORDS! A GREAT BIG SMILE IS ON MY FACE!. Knowing that I created this bright, beautiful, sweet girl who has remarkably reached adulthood is an incredible feat in itself. I know many of you can feel my joy!

Most people think I live a Pollyanna life. Guess what, I do. I can’t remember a time that I couldn’t find something to smile about. How can I preach “choose bliss” if I can’t find something in each moment to bring me to a place of joy? Oh yea, I have moments of frustration, anger and downright bitchiness – I know how to pull myself out, quickly. For me it takes looking for beauty in each moment, having a sense of humor – laughing at myself, a lot, taking chances and having faith, hope and trust.

Today, send me one thing or 20 things that make you smile. Give me permission and I’ll post it on the ShareYourBliss page at TheBlissNetwork.com. Give others something to smile about!

The Bliss Lady

Loose Change

Whoever said the only thing in life we can count on is change didn’t mean loose change, at least not in my household! Yesterday we had Friday night football at two different high schools and I forgot to go to the bank. (They don’t take your debit card or a check at the football field!) As if on a scavenger hunt, I dug through laundry, winter coats and the backseat of my car and found 10 cents short of what I actually needed. Thank God for pennies! While going through everything, I found a few items I needed for the game; a blanket, a pad and gloves. Fortunately, it was a beautiful night and the gloves are still tucked away in my jacket until next week.

This will be my last season of football games, cheerleading events and school parties. I thought that my emotions were riding high due to the fact that my son recently joined the military. Well, he’s home and I still cried at the end of the game. I’m really going to miss these nights of bonding with the community and yelling with the cheer leaders, encouraging the boys to victory. I’m filling every minute of baking and planning, with sheer “Bliss”; making the most of this year. Change is a good thing! Yee Haaa….the final scores, 54 to 0 and 46 to 6. GO TROJANS, GO KNIGHTS!

Lunafest 2008/2009 and ONE OF US FILMS

For the past two years, I've had the great pleasure of being involved with One of Us Films Carrie LeZotte and Lora Probert as they bring Lunafest to Metro Detroit. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. Not to mention that 100% of all the proceeds go to support worthy causes. It's a great way to share a little 'sisterhood' and see incredible films created by women all over the world.

'LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. We are continually inspired by the individual and collective efforts of women – and we are awed by the results. To date, LUNAFEST has raised ver $250,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

This year, for those that wish to support Lunafest and One Of Us Films, they are pulling together an additional insert to the program. For $50.00 you can sponsor a business card size ad on the insert and receive a complimentary VIP ticket to the event being held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Emagine Theatre, in Novi. The VIP Reception starts at 6:00 pm and ShowTime is at 7 PM. What a great opportunity to offer a group of women a discount or special offer, knowing that you are supporting worthy causes.

For more information and to resrve your spce on the insert, please contact:

Lora Probert Producer, One of Us Films 248-303-0537 Email: lprobert@oneofusfilms.org Website: www.oneofusfilms.org/

Thanks to ladies of Oneofusfilms, for your efforts and support. We are all faced with something, sometime, somewhere, that effects our lives so deeply we reach for help.

Pretty Good Shape for the Shape I'm In

Pretty Good Shape for the Shape I'm in

Growing up, when asked "How ya doing?", my dad would reply, "Pretty good shape for the shape I'm in".

Until recently, I never really thought too much about that statement. I'd like to hear the people of Michigan start saying, "Pretty good shape for the shape we're in". A cheerful continence, a bliss-full attitude, has everything to do with the way we grow, prosper, live.

I challenge each and every one of you to make, "Pretty good shape for the shape I'm in" your morning mantra for 21 days. Statistics show that's how long it takes for a habit to form. I can almost guarantee that when you repeat that several times a day, your life will become significantly more "bliss-full".

Here's to you dad, where ever your spirit is!