Day 23: Trust your heart...AND mind!

The time is NOW! Now is the time to lift the weight off of your shoulders, lovelies! Stop blaming, pointing, questioning and so on. You no longer have to be MacGyver!


Just be you! You are more than enough. Actually, you are amazing!

When we see a red flag, it’s as if we feel the need to fix it. If the red flag is a deal breaker, why not wish the person love and happiness, cut the cord and continue on our journey. Why do we sit and marinate in our own self-guilt? 

Put the duck tape away and unplug your energy. You are worth it. This can be easier said than done, so let’s come up with an plan of action for these situations. Keep it simple, my friends and pull out your AAR (after action review). If you need to cry, feel free to let it out, but then get back to your plan of action. 

* Note to my Army folks: this is a modified version of the AAR, so bear with me.

There are two scenarios, just to give you a better idea of how you can use this AAR. Feel free to develop your own questions on yours.

So, your challenge today is to come up with your own plan of action. Something that will help you bring your heart and head together. Using logic will not reduce the pain, but it will help you to stop playing the blame game and get back to infusing your life with love!

Keep smiling. Learn how to trust your heart and your mind! We are in this together and you are not alone!

Day 22: Are your expectations limiting your love?

Whenever I feel deflated about a relationship woe, I’ve found that talking it out with a male helps center me and give me a fresh outlook on the situation. They give you this insight and just seem to simplify everything. 

I found myself having a love/less love relationship with somebody recently. A male friend shared his light and help me illuminate the situation. The solution was so simple that I had to share!

In your journal today, ask yourself what your expectations are of the people in your life? Are YOUR expectations holding you back? Have you communicated your needs to that person? Could you release some of the expectations and just let the love live?

Simplify it, loves! Go forward with a smile and knowing that love has different forms. 

Imagine it like jello. It starts out fluid, filling in every crack. But after that, the variables increase. You could have a jello fruit salad, jello jigglers, jello shots, cinnamon applesauce jello (YUM!) and the list goes on. They all start as jello, but don’t freak out if you expected somebody to bring jello jigglers and they decided to bring plain strawberry jello!

Keep smiling! You’re loved and you know it!

Day 21: What do you do with space fillers?

I’m always working to spread light and love. We all have bad days when the light and love can SEEM more like a challenge. We control our reactions though. We manifest our reality. But, what do you do when you being drained by a negative Nancy and a Debbie downer. 

Everyday we come in contact with randoms that I like to call ‘space fillers.’ They are the people between you see while you’re out and about. You may feel like you really have no connection in them, but we are all connected on some level or another. I find myself becoming annoyed and drained. How could people be so unconscious about their surrounds. I sometimes feel like I’m either invisible or people just don’t care.

It’s not up to us, nor is it possible, to control anyone’s mind or heart. You can try and shine your light bright. Just remember that living by example and keeping an open heart can sometimes be more powerful than preaching or lecturing.

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue 

will naturally come to him. 

-Buddha

I went on with my crazy mall experience and enjoyed my day with my son! How could I let the hustle and bustle take away from these amazing moments?

In the end everyone is their own person, but that doesn’t prevent you from complimenting or flashing a smile to a stranger.

“To approach the stranger is to invite the unexpected, release a new force, let the genie out of the bottle. It is to start a new train of events that is beyond your control...”

- T.S. Eliot

In your journal, write about how you can lead by example. How can you keep your mind and heart straight while you’re out in the chaos of this world? How do you keep focused? What’s an example of how a space filler has thrown you off course? How can you prevent that in the future?

You are all so amazing. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me. We are a community devoted to loving life, sharing light and smiling along the way! 

Day 20: Wish I may, wish I might

Well, quite frankly, if you wish you upon a star, you might be disappointed. Behind each wish, there needs to be intent and action. You can wish for a slimmer figure, but that star isn’t going to work out for you. 

“Vision without action is a daydream. 

Action without vision is a nightmare.”

- Japanese Proverb

I was inspired by a post on Pen n' Paper Flowers' blog. They posted a fun idea that mingles vision with action.

Here's an exerpt from the awesome post. Make sure to visit thier blog to see their tutorial on how to make this cute jar.

Photos, quote and banner credit: Pen n' Paper Flowers Studio & Design

What an amazing idea! I liked the idea of having a jar for wishes. Things you would like to accomplish. Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle, that when you get free time, you may just watch a movie or something that you don't have to think about. You have more time than you think. It’s just a matter of organizing it. 

Today, in your journal, just write freely. Write about whatever you want. Your dreams, thoughts, what you love...truly, just let your mind be free.

After you're nice and relaxed, take some time to walk through your house and write down some small projects. Have you been meaning to go through your garage and organize it? Break it down into 15-30 minute projects. Remember, you can always add to the jar as things pop up, so don't stress about capturing every little project.

Is your closet out of control? Break it down. Start with 15 minutes of going through and pulling things out that can be donated. You could even have a goodwill bin in your garage. As you come across things, toss them in!

Planning on having a garage sale. Have a bin already designated. Price things as you put them in the bin. Or have $1 bin, $5 bin and so on. When the garage sale comes, you can just set up your $1 table and pull things out of the $1 bin. 

It might sound a little OCD, but think about the time it could save you. You’re folding laundry and there’s a pair of jeans that no longer fit your daughter. Throw ‘em in the appropriate bin and they’re ready. 

Simplify your life, by using your time wisely. You’re smart and amazing. You got this!

As always...keep smiling!

Day 19: How do you want to be remembered?

Prec·e·dent [n. pres-i-duh nt] 

1. any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations.

What precedent are you setting? How would people describe you? Not just your friends and family, but strangers in the grocery store, the people you see daily at your gym or daycare. What would they say? How is your light shining?

The good thing about these questions is that it’s never too late to change! Don’t get yourself down. Just make a plan and drive on!

In your journal, write down a plan of action. What are some things you could do at work to leave a positive trail of smiles? Imagine yourself as a light bulb that spreads smiles throughout your day. It could be saying more than “I’m alright” when someone asks how you’re doing. Try saying, “I’m great! How are you today? Anything fun happen to you?”

You might be thinking that I sound crazy, but you’re almost guarantee to, at the very least, get a smile out of the other person. Possibly because they are wondering why you’re asking them if anything fun happened to them, but a smile is a smile and you, my friend, are the giver of them!

“Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. 
It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.”
-Quoted in P.S. I Love You
Compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Plus, you’ve just planted a smile seed. You might have changed that person’s paradigm. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll keep spreading smiles. Remember, smiles are contagious! Even seeing someone else smiling can lift your spirits.

See what I’m talking about? 

In your plan of action, write down some specific things that you would like somebody to say to you. Start there and then develop your own ‘talking points’ that you can have ready. Ways you can spread smiles that will help others to ‘positive up’ and get over the non-essential stuff that stresses us out.

You are totally awesome and it’s time for you to own it. Stop beating yourself up over that extra weight or maybe you wish you had a different car. Who cares (unless your car isn’t functioning, than you might care)? You are all that is necessary. You were created with everything you need. You are here at the perfect time and you are loved!

Day 18: Love yourself...all of you!

I hate to go the cliché route, but whenever I’m being hard on myself I think of the song ‘Beautiful’ by Christina:

You are beautiful no matter what they say,

Words can’t bring you down.

Unfortunately, sometimes, we are the ones that are saying the words that bring us down. So, how do we stop this negative self-talk? If you catch yourself using negative words, just stop. Delete the thoughts. Delete the words. Flip the script.

For example, let’s say you were thinking, “I hate my thighs. They are so gross.” Stop! Cancel that thought. Change it to a positive one and say, “I consciously choose what I put into my body. I am strong and I am fit.” Now, this is where you act. Change your behavior.

Do some squats or lunge it out. Try to incorporate toning exercises into your daily routine. It doesn’t always have to be a 5-mile run. 

I just started CrossFit. I’m a little intimidated, because I’m a runner. I’m so used to just putting on my shoes and challenging myself. If I have a lazy run day, it’s a-o.k. If I don’t run, nobody knows. With CrossFit, there is more accountability and I love it! Challenge yourself. Find a friend that will help hold you accountable. You’ll love the results, so just do it!

Even if it takes a while to get where you want, each step you take is a step closer to a healthier and happier you. Try it, you’ll like it! And, please remember:

We are beautiful in every single way!

Keep wearing that beautiful smile, you! It’s lovely and contagious!

Day 17: Take your visions to new heights!

If we manifest our reality, wouldn’t it be helpful to take our visions to everywhere with us? I’m a very visual person. I wanted to find a way to make affirmations from my vision board, that I could take everywhere with me. That way if I’m waiting in the doctor’s office or want to take some time during my lunch break, all I have to do is pull out my cues and visualize away.

You can make this step a craft project or simply write out your vision board affirmations on cardstock. It’s your show. Do what works for you. Just make sure that you write each affirmation with intention. 

Secondly, please, please, please make sure that you use them! Set the alarm on your phone, put up a sticky note on your mirror...do whatever it takes to remind yourself to take time for your dreams, your visions, your life! 

In the picture below, I took two sheets of 12x12-inch scrapbook paper and cut 3x3-inch squares. I was able to get 32 squares for less than $2! You can throw these in one of those plastic travel soap bar containers (Thank you for the idea, Courtney!), a snack bag, or you could be super crafty and decorate a mason jar.

One example of something I did to visualize my future, was this weekend as I was apartment shopping. I found the place I wanted. Not only was it the perfect location, size and had all the amenities I wanted, plus some. I took a copy of the floor plan home. I planned out each room. 

Where would MY couch go? How would I situate the bedroom? Where would my son’s bed go? Which painting would look great in the entryway? I applied on Saturday and the leasing agent told me that it usually takes a while for the approval and verification to go through. Less than two days later, I was locked in and ready to rock. I got the place!!!

So, let’s get manifesting, lovelies! In your journal today, write down five words to describe yourself and who you want to become. Peaceful, educated, brave, courageous, strong. What are your words?

If you’re looking for a fun class, check out the Soul or Body Restoration classes at the Brave Girls Club! You can also sign up for their daily emails. They are short and sweet and packed with inspiration!

Also, check out Louise Hay's Wisdom Cards! They are great when you need a prompt or just enjoy a daily fuzzy to meditate on.

Keep smiling, beautiful! You’re amazing!

Day 13: What's in your heart?

Need an instant pick me up? Sing a song, loud and proud. I’ve found that Logan’s sunday school CD has done the trick for me. There’s nothing like belting out the following: 

“I've got the peace that passes understanding 

down in my heart."

It just automatically brings a sense of peace over you. I’ve mentioned the power of song before, but now I want you to make a CD or playlist. Have a go-to song. Something that you can hum, whistle, sing, yell or think inside your head. Make up your own. 

Ok, so I made a fool of myself. But, you’re smiling, right? Did it work?

In your journal, write down some mantras. Some things you can say to yourself. Write them on sticky notes. Before you speak in anger, think them, feel them, love them. 

Logan’s song goes like this: “I’m happy, happy, happy. I’m happy, happy, happy.”

In order to become the person you want to become, you need to put together your own rules of engagement (RoE) or standard operating procedures. The more you practice, the easier these ROEs become!


Smile with your heart!

Day 14: What goes in, must come out

How many of you could improve your eating habits? Me, me, me!

Does it seem overwhelming? Do you ever start out great and then lose your way within a week or two?

I have two words for you; moderation and preparation!

It’s ok to have some chocolate, just do your research. Look for a good quality chocolate. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a good idea to “choose dark chocolate with cocoa content of 65 percent or higher.”

When somebody brings chocolate-covered donuts to work, just reach in your drawer and indulge in some gourmet chocolate!

The next step is preparation!

I also make a trail mix that is super yummy. I buy a bag of the following: dried cherries, nuts (walnuts, almonds or pecans), and yogurt-covered raisins. I mix them all together and divide the mixture into snack-size containers or bags. And as Logan would say, “TA-DAAAAA!” Too easy.

I also grill up some chicken breasts and cook up some ground turkey. I always have a good selection of fruit and veggies that are already washed and ready-to-eat. Sauté up some veggies and freeze them. You can add them into spaghetti sauce for an easy veggie boost!

If I need a snack, I can reach in and grab a handful of cucumber slices. For dinner, I can come home, whip up a salad, then throw on some chicken and trail mix. 

I still enjoy my fair share of non-rabbit food, but as you replace the chips and dip with healthy options, you’ll start noticing how much better you feel. When you splurge on that McDonald’s, you’ll notice how crappy you feel. Start by replacing one thing at a time. Make smart substitutions. 

Anybody who is friends with me on Facebook knows how much I love food! Food can be fun! Don’t make it the enemy.

In your journal, write down some steps that you can take to prepare and moderate. What works for you? What will you stick with and enjoy?

Keep that smile healthy, dear friend! You are beautiful, inside and out!

Day 15: Release roadblocks, anyone?

Release roadblocks, anyone?

We all have our own issues. It can be hard to balance it all. Work, family, world’s issues, politics, more work, more family. Then there are the subcategories: laundry, cooking dinner, paying the bills. All of this chaos can sometimes hide other really important issues, such as communication problems with your partner, quality time with your children, dead-end job issues and so on. 

I’ve found that I’ve been using all of the space filler stuff to avoid some issues in my life. So, when it came time to release the negativity in my life, I hit a few roadblocks. Was I really ready to release it all? Was I ready to do the hard work? It can be painful, ya know?

Trying to release my mother was more difficult than I had ever imagined. How do we handle these roadblocks?

I know that I probably sound like a broken record. Love, love, love. Right? But, it truly does work. It gets you out of the “woe is me” record and onto one with a higher purpose. 

In your journal, describe what your bubble of love looks like. What color is it? Does it sparkle? How does it make you feel? 

Photo Credit: Piccsy.com

Remember this feeling. Go back to it...often. Take five minutes and leave your desk, get off the couch or release whatever is tethering you down. Take a walk. Imagine this love. Visualize it. Feel it!

I’m sending love to all of you! Take care and keep loving life! 

Day 16: Light and love lead the way

Today I’m remembering and celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Since I can remember, I’ve known of his outstanding knowledge and compassion, but every January I’m reminded and equally amazed by it. 

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is a good reminder for me. I have been working really hard to emit love to all who surround me. That includes my family and friends, but it also includes the register guy at the gas station. The register guy? I don’t even know his name and I speak to him more often than most of the people in my life.

Let’s challenge ourselves to become more concerned with the broader picture. Of course, you need to keep working on yourself, because to somebody else, you are a part of the broader picture. We all need to be responsible for ourselves and our happiness.

But, try learning the names of those people that are in your daily life. When’s the last time that I’ve whole-heartedly thanked the people who take care of my son every day? I’m kind and friendly to them, but I haven’t really thanked them. They see my son more than I do.

The foundation is love! That’s what we’ve been working on. Love and light!!! So, please take some time to think about and meditate on the words of Martin! 

Let your light shine bright, my friends. Let your love be fluid. Let it embrace everything and everyone around you, seeping through the broken cracks.

In your journal, right about what these words mean to you. How can you translate that meaning into your daily life?

Are you smiling? 

Photo Credit: Arts-Wallpapers.com

Now you're smiling, right?