Archive for the ‘Authentic Self’ Category

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Choose To Live YOUR Optimal Life

March 26, 2012

 Have you ever thought your time here on Earth is limited? It is and so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t get trapped into the “shoulds” society and the media can put upon us which can lead to living with the results of other people’s thinking. Everyone has their own opinions, don’t allow their opinions to smother your own beliefs, values and most of all that inner voice, your intuition. Your intuition is what keeps you aligned on your true path and by following your true path you will find your life purpose. Once you have found your life purpose begin to live it with passion. This will take a huge amount of courage to follow your passion, your hearts true desires.

Your heart and your intuition somehow already know what you truly want to become. It just requires that you can be silent and listen. This will empower you to always be true to yourself and keep following your dreams. Remember to keep passion and faith as your guide and never stop believing in yourself. Stay inspired by choosing lifestyle choices that fully support you to become your best self. Take great care in your Whole Self through healthy lifestyle choices in nutrition, creative movement each day, quiet time/solitude and most of all enjoying your work. When we take the best care of our whole self we feel our best self. This empowers us to follow our intuition and live our life purpose with passion. It is time to discover and become your optimal self!

 What are the consequences of when we do not live our life purpose? Often that is when we are feeling frustrated and that day to day life is a major struggle. What are the signs and messages that are trying so hard to get our attention and tell us we are not on our life path? Situations such as the break-up of a relationship that was toxic anyway? Or maybe getting fired from a stressful or frustrating job. Or maybe a physical ailment keeps showing up such as headaches and this could be your body’s way of trying to tell you that you are not in the right situation, you are not living your life purpose. We all have an inner knowing of when we are not in alignment with our true self and we all have been blessed with a strong inner knowing of when we are in alignment with our true self. We feel this rightness with the World when we seem to be “in the flow of life”. Many times this can happen when being fully present with the task at hand or caught up in the present moment. Or feeling uplifted after helping someone who was dealing with what appeared to be a crisis. This feeling of being in the flow of life should be present in our careers as well, showing us confirmation that we are on our true path and living our life purpose.

Our time here on Earth is short and fast. You are here for a reason. Find that purpose and live it with passion. Believe in yourself and the world will, too.

© 2009 Nancy Hovde Read more Inspiration in Nancy Hovde’s Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Authentic Self, Empowerment, Inner Awareness, Inspiration, Intuition, Life Purpose, Optimal Life | Leave a Comment »

Who’s Behind Your Mask?

November 15, 2011

Whether they’re literal or figurative, masks can’t hide our true character. Here’s how to strengthen positive character traits.

I was walking past Ribbons Boutique, Village Runner and Salon Riviera in Redondo Beach when it occurred to me that during the days before Halloween, you feel this mysterious energy in the air. This magical, mysterious feeling often brings out a hidden side in us—a side often seen in our choice of costume.

Halloween is a fun time when we may attend costume parties, decorate a scary front yard or visit homes on All Hollow’s Eve and get a bit spooked. Halloween is also a great time to try out a new character. Our new identity can even protect us from judgment and criticism.

Let’s face it, many of us spend day after day trying to maintain a certain image and behave in socially acceptable ways, and we will seize the opportunity to express our feelings and desires without worrying about someone condemning us. The great thing about wearing a disguise at a costume party is that we can find comfort in being conspicuous. Wearing a mask or creatively applied make-up can transform us into a character that will keep people wondering in awe all evening—or at least for awhile. We can choose a costume that fits our personality or one that is the total opposite! Either way, we will surly find comfort beneath the mask.

Sometimes in real life, we try to wear a mask that shows the world a different face, and we hide behind it for as long as possible. But no mask can ever hide a person’s true character.

Have you ever thought about the importance of how a person’s character can affect each day of our life? Our true character is revealed by the clarity of our convictions, the choices we make and the promises we keep. What we do defines who we are, so we should feel empowered to hold strongly to our principles!

You may have heard the phrase, “Your true character is who you are around others and when no one is watching.” Perhaps you prefer character traits such as responsibility, perseverance, citizenship, caring, honesty, courage, fairness, respect, integrity and patriotism.

How does character affect our lives? Here are a few tips to strengthen specific positive traits that can improve our overall character:

  • Character is the true foundation for all true success. Keep in mind that a person could have money and power but unless they have character they are not considered to be truly successful. What are some quality traits you admire in others whom you view as a true success?
  • A friend of mine has a son who was struggling with math. He overcame this struggle by being diligent about studying and solving math problems every day. He persevered when he was tired and would have liked to quit. These character traits will encourage him to succeed in many other areas of life. When in your life have you felt like you wanted to quit, but no matter what you diligently focused and conquered your issue?
  • If you really want to achieve a specific goal in life, such as becoming a better runner, develop your skills in part by practicing every day or several times a week. By doing this, you demonstrate determination and persistence. Many of us may have been practicing determination and persistence in our favorite sport or activity from a very young age. Have you noticed how determination and persistence has helped you succeed in other areas of your life?
  • Lastly, make a list of five to 10 character qualities that you would like to either improve on or add to your life. Choose one to focus on each week; make it become a true part of you. During that time, seek to understand as much as possible about the character trait—what it really is, and how it has been illustrated in a positive or negative way in your life. How does this character trait apply to your life situations? Attempt to live your life as if you fully possess the character quality upon which you are focusing. Becoming aware of how the quality—or the lack thereof—is demonstrated in the lives of those around you and evaluate the results and consequences you see in their lives.

We can recognize the vital importance of character to the success of our lives, our businesses and the groups to which we belong. We can seek to influence those areas in our lives that we touch and become more involved in developing better character traits.

Read more Inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Authentic Self, Character, Goals, Learning, Sunshine, Values | Leave a Comment »

Adjusting to Life’s Changes

October 31, 2011

As I relaxed and enjoyed my smoothie at St. Honore Bistro Caffe in Lunada Bay Plaza, I reflected on how the fall season can be so enlightening. Ever notice how the trees do not seem to hang on to their leaves but embrace the cycle of change? It is as if the trees know that newer leaves can only come about if they are first willing to let go of the old leaves. Trees simply grow; they go through one cycle after another without any resistance.

When we’re in a happy situation and life is going along smoothly, it is important to appreciate that time of joy. While we shouldn’t live in anxiety, fearing that our happiness will be pulled out from under us, knowing that everything changes will keep us from being caught off-guard. A completely unexpected change may throw us for a short time, but we soon recover because we know we can eventually adapt.

When Plan A doesn’t seem to be happening or working out right, how fast do we adapt to Plan B? I’m not referring to huge, sweeping and life-encompassing situations, but those small changes that we can learn to cope with easily.

Some people are able to organize their thoughts in ways that generate appropriate and positive actions. Adaptive abilities are necessary as changes occur within our circumstances and us. Adaptive behavior includes skills that allow us to be flexible when change occurs in our personal lives.

When we are adaptive, we react to unexpected events in creative or constructive ways. We can learn to be adaptive and refocus our mind in new directions and make choices based on the desired outcome. When we are open to change, we know it is the set of the sail that matters—not the direction of the wind.

Here are a few tips on how to adapt to change:

  • Look beneath the surface. Welcoming challenges allows you the opportunity to grow wiser and more skillful. Perhaps someone you know has successfully dealt with the same situation? Seek out a conversation with someone you trust. Even circumstances that seem most frustrating carry within them a new blessing, and when you search for the blessing, you will usually find it. This can be very enlightening.
  • Staying in the present moment can help you conquer any fear. It’s far too easy for your mind to get caught up with regrets about the past or worries about the future. I have found that when I have moments of self-doubt, I focus only on whatever I am doing at the moment. I realize this moment is all I have right now—I may as well enjoy it!
  • Try to reflect on some of the past changes you’ve gone through in your life. Include both the positive outcomes and the negative ones. Regardless of your past, it’s likely that you’ve learned an important life lesson. You may actually want to seek change. I have found that when I keep my life stagnant, I seem to lose out on many important life experiences that offer valuable life lessons.
  • Did you know that writing down your innermost thoughts provides a similar release as confiding with a close friend? Change can be scary, but if you provide yourself with a way to conquer the fear, you can find the courage within you.
  • With a willingness to find positive solutions or outcomes, try to compromise and find ways around problems or situations brought about by change. But, never just give up without proactively trying to manage the situation to your advantage.
  • When you move forward with a change in your life, think it through in a positive way. Instead of thinking about what could go wrong, picture it all going right.

Recognizing that everything eventually changes also provides some evenness to our lives. We’re not riding an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows—everything averages out in the end. We’re grateful for and appreciate the good times, but we don’t let the bad times drag us too far down. Change seems to find us one way or another, and we can learn how to go with the flow and how to let go. It may seem challenging at first, but learning how to better adapt to change can improve all aspects of our lives.

Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Achievements, Authentic Self, Change, Empowerment, Independence, Inner Wisdom, Inspiration, Intuition, Learning, Mind-Set, Success, Values | 1 Comment »

Remember These Memory Tips

October 26, 2011

Do you ever have difficulty remembering something?  I often catch myself saying, “Don’t forget to…” Recently, I am practicing saying, “Remember to…” instead—as in, “Remember to pick up eggs on the way home.” The positive reinforcement helps my memory.

Speaking of memory, many of us keep a to-do list, which can be a great help—but what about those times when we want to recall someone’s name next time our paths cross?

I recently saw an acquaintance at Ralphs in Rancho Palos Verdes. It had been quite some time since we had seen each other. She remembered my name, but even though I rarely forget a name, I couldn’t remember hers. As we stood in line and chatted, I was hoping her name would come to mind. As luck would have it, I asked her what was new in her life, and she told me she had accepted a new job.

As we were leaving, she handed me her business card. I took advantage of the opportunity to glance down at her card as we were saying good-bye and said, “It was a pleasure to see you again, Cindy.”

As I was driving home I told myself that I would remember her name. I recalled a game I used while growing up to remember names. I have always loved music, so I would often tag a person’s name with either a catchy pop song, a famous rock star’s name or even an actress or actor. For example—when I meet someone named Jane, I recall the song “Sweet Jane.” I won’t confuse Jane with June next time I meet her.

It can help to have a visual tag with a person’s business card; the logo or seeing the person’s name spelled out can help cement a memory.

When I don’t have a business card or see the name written out and I’m meeting someone new, I will often ask how she spells her name. Cindy could spell her name a few different ways by using an I or a Y—Cyndi, Cindy or even Cindi. Once I am informed, I can mentally hold the image of her name spelled out in my mind.

The brain’s incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. We can enhance our ability to learn new information and improve our memory. Here are some tips:

  • The physical act of rewriting information can help imprint it onto your brain. Even if you’re a visual learner, read what you want to remember out loud. If you can recite it rhythmically, even better.
  • Focus on the new information you are hearing or reading for the first time. You can’t remember something if you never learned it, and you can’t learn something if you don’t pay enough attention to it. Some people are easily distracted. If you’re one of those people, I suggest choosing a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
  • Relate new information to what you already know. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether it’s new material that builds on previous knowledge or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know someone. For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas and practice explaining the ideas to someone else in your own words.
  • Review what you’ve learned the same day you learned it and in intervals thereafter. This helps retain what you’ve learned.
  • Treating your body well can enhance your ability to process and recall information. Just as an athlete relies on sleep and a nutrition-packed diet to perform his or her best, your ability to remember increases when you nurture your brain with a good diet and other healthy habits.
  • When you’re sleep deprived, your brain can’t operate at optimal levels. Creativity, problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills are compromised. Whether you’re studying, working, or trying to juggle life’s many demands, make sleep a priority.

Whether we’re a student studying for final exams, a working professional interested in doing all we can to stay mentally sharp, or a senior looking to preserve and enhance our mind as we age, a good memory helps.

Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

 

Posted in Achievements, Aging, Authentic Self, Empowerment, Mind-Set | Leave a Comment »

Learn to Live, Age Joyfully

October 14, 2011

Happiness is good for your health—so how do you keep a positive self image even as you age?

I was searching for the perfect birthday card for my 93-year-old grandma at Card De A in Redondo Beach, and it reminded me of what’s become an annual tradition. Each year I ask her what words of wisdom she acquired from the year before. This year, the focus was on maintaining her level of happiness through humor. She makes fun of her memory lapses.

Her inner strength takes my breath away, especially when I notice her small, frail frame. I’m grateful that my loving and supportive parents surround her. Optimism, laughter, being around supportive family members and positive emotions can counteract many harmful effects at any age, especially in our sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond.

We don’t need to wait until we reach a certain age to acquire wisdom and humor; even as we age, we can begin to practice what can help us develop an optimistic outlook on life. Aside from eating right and exercising, it is awareness and knowledge of life experiences, changes in our expectations of life and remembering our sense of humor that contributes to aging gracefully and joyfully.

Many of us would speculate that positive emotions may directly affect health by altering the chemical balance of the body. We can start today, and as we age, we can learn to live more in the moment, appreciate life and experience a sense of satisfaction and well being. Our ability to maintain happiness and peace of mind depends on our attitude.

Here are some tips you can begin using today to ensure a positive attitude about life and aging:

  • Listen carefully to yourself. If you have put yourself down for as long as you can remember—perhaps even since childhood—a lifetime of negative subliminal messages can take their toll by turning you into a pessimist. I encourage you to try to spend one to three days writing down the phrases you use in your “self talk.” Chances are you will find that you repeat several phrases over and over again that reinforce your negative image of yourself. Once you are aware of these phrases, you can change them.
  • If an issue is not resolved, it will continue to fester—you will relive the negative emotions tied to that issue over and over again. Write about what you feel in your journal for about 15 minutes a day for three days. Once you begin to write, don’t stop until the time is up. This exercise will help you organize your thoughts and get negative ones out of your system. Notice how much better you feel about yourself at the end of three days.
  • Seek out new opportunities. Discover new challenges each month. You can feel optimistic when you always have a goal to achieve that’s just over the horizon. When you begin to get close to reaching that goal, set a new one. This allows you to keep moving consistently ahead.
  • Keep fun in your life by eliminating monotony, a sure killer of optimism. Try to do one new thing every week or month. Try a new coffee shop or restaurant, visit a museum, try a new activity or sport, or go to a book signing, lecture or community event. A friend and I enjoyed dinner atTurquoise in Redondo Beach. This was her first time eating there. It was fun to see her enthusiasm and delight when she discovered a new favorite restaurant.
  • Look for a new wonder of nature each day. I marvel each time I am on Portuguese Bend Trail and see the views of Palos Verdes. It’s a tranquil escape.
  • Learn to laugh at yourself. Yes, sad events and situations will come up in life, so allow yourself to experience grief—just don’t let it control you.
  • Lend a hand to someone worse off than yourself by volunteering at a hospital or visiting a shelter.
  • Try meditating for five minutes each day. During that time, make a mental list of at least three great things that happened to you that day.

Simply recalling one episode of anger can depress the immune system; however, remembering a time when you compassionate or caring can enhance your immune system. So laugh a lot! You’ll heal your body and your mind—and feel joyful at any age.

Read more Inspiration in my Uber Empowerment books.

Posted in Aging, Authentic Self, Change, Empowerment, Goals, Inner Wisdom, Mind-Set, Values | 2 Comments »

Discover What Resonates Within You

October 4, 2011

Do you know when a word, a song, a painting, a phrase or something else really resonates within you?

As we left Marmalade Cafe in Rolling Hills Estates, my friend said she was recently reminded of a quote by Napoleon Hill: “Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought.”

This quote fully resonated within me.

Something resonates when it reflects back upon us—a certain feeling or emotion arises or a past situation or experience is remembered. For example, many of us have a favorite song that we’ve listened to for many months and many years, and often, the song reminds us of a memory connected with it. Music has a repetitive pattern, and if a song resonates within us, it harmoniously strikes a chord of sadness, longing or happiness—among other feelings—and touches our core.

A quote or poem may have a message that resonates with us. Perhaps when we see a painting of a landscape, we are reminded of a vacation we took, and we feel a tug to go visit that place again.  Sometimes certain words in a song or quote resonate within us, allowing us to connect in a deeper way with our heart. We may feel enlightened and recognize the essence of who we really are. This is where we find our true strength, joy and well-being.

We can become more connected to who we truly are through listening to the voice of our heart.

Our true self always resonates within us. Here are is a exercise to recognize what really resonates within you:

  • First, find a quiet place with no distractions, where you’re by yourself. Then think of all the people you admire—real or fictional, though preferably real, and as many as you can think of. Take time to write them down.
  • Write a quality or adjective next to each of the names, and the reason you admire them. Write as many words as you can think of. For example:
    • Mother Teresa: Selfless
    • Napoleon Hill: Inspirational, Successful, Positive Mental Attitude
    • Winston Churchill: Courage, Boldness, Leadership
    • Student leader: Attractive, Intelligent, Popular
    • A parent: Loving, Dedicated, Decisive, Puts Family First
  • Once you have your list of people you admire and why you admire them, combine all the qualities so each unique quality appears only once. You would have a list of all the qualities that you admire.
  • Ask yourself why these qualities are important to you. Reflect on them.

Usually, this is a list of qualities that resonate with who you really are and what you want, and many of these will align with your core values. These qualities can include love, justice, fairness, forgiveness, gratitude, doing good to others who cannot return the favor, or faith.

Knowing what resonates within ourselves helps us know who we are, which allows us to feel more confident when we stand up for our beliefs.

Discover more about your Authentic Self in my book Uber Empowerment.

Posted in Authentic Self, Empowerment, Inner Wisdom, Inspiration, Intuition, Values | Leave a Comment »

What Did You Learn Today?

September 27, 2011

Whether it’s a physical lesson or a mental one, it’s easy to learn something new every day. Each day offers an opportunity for you to learn something new about yourself. Reflecting on what new thing you’ve learned each day creates more awareness about yourself, someone close to you, your environment or your community.

Learning deepens our character and makes us more intriguing to those around us. We become more confident. Learning provides an understanding of the historical, social and natural processes that impact and limit our lives.

Each day you can ask yourself if there was new information you learned. Perhaps there was a lesson you learned about yourself or someone else? We should ask ourselves what we learned at the end of each day, and by doing so, we will grow and develop. If we’re aware of what we’ve learned, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes and continue to practice what works.

My curiosity inspired me to ask some friends what new thing they learned today. I found their answers helped open up a deeper awareness and appreciation for learning something new in what can seem like just another simple, ordinary day. Maybe you will, too. This is what I heard and learned about them:

  • Digging nails out of a deck to replace them with deck screws gives you blisters!
  • I like to challenge myself daily in one of my favorite subjects: History. I also love spelling, grammar and literature, so I also try to learn something new every day in this area as well.
  • Don’t stand in direct sunlight when it’s 106 degrees out.
  • I learned again what amazing animals horses are, and how they can make my heart soar when I share my time with them! My daughter and I went on a trail ride with her horses, and it was amazing.
  • To challenge myself is better than to challenge others.
  • The more you surround yourself with like-minded people, the stronger you will become.
  • I am unique. There is no one like me, and I should embrace my uniqueness and difference in thoughts, feelings and opinions instead of trying to blend into the crowd.

Try to really listen to a lecture, a spouse or even the lyrics of a song. Active listening promotes learning every single time we practice it. Great public speakers are engaging because they listen to the feedback they get from the audience, and they respond to it accordingly. Active listening to music or nature will help you tune in and teach you something new about the sights and sounds we often take for granted.

What did I learn today? As I ate my sushi at Asaka, I was reminded that one of the most enjoyable ways to learn new things is by taste. It can be as simple as sampling a new type of coffee or espresso. Taste and texture generate long-lasting memories.

You just might be surprised how much you learn each day. Begin to take the ordinary events of a day and extract the most valuable learning experiences from them. Keep a journal documenting daydreams, thoughts, experiences and stressful times and you will become more aware of the knowledge you gained from each.

Want more Empowerment & Inspiration? Read my Uber Empowerment Books available on Amazon.

Posted in Achievements, Authentic Self, Empowerment, Independence, Inner Wisdom, Inspiration, Intuition, Learning, Mind-Set, Success | 1 Comment »

Use Your Imagination to Solve Problems

September 18, 2011

Our imaginations may give us the ability to temporarily escape reality, but they can also help us work through thorny issues.

We all use our imagination, whether consciously or unconsciously. We use our imagination whenever we plan a home improvement project, a vacation or a project at work. Have you noticed how you use your imagination when you describe an event, give directions, write or cook? Everything that has been achieved has been brought into existence is the result of the human imagination.

Imagination is much more than simple daydreaming; in fact, it can be of great value in our lives. A developed imagination does not make you a daydreamer or procrastinator. A strong imagination strengthens your creative abilities, and is a great tool for recreating the circumstances and events you would like to see in your life.

Imagination is a creative power that is necessary for inventing and designing a dress or a building. When I was at Dion Gallery in Redondo Beach, I realized how powerful the imagination could be for many artists. An author myself, I know the imagination provides an infinite source for imaginative thoughts when writing a book. The creative power of imagination can be an important part in the achievement of success in any field. What we imagine with trust, faith and feelings comes into being.

Imagination can help us acquire knowledge through the mental formation of concepts, images and sensations. It can help us with creativity and can be a tool to serve as a response to our personal intentions. Use creative thinking to help you decide how to put together the pieces of a project. This can be especially helpful during business meetings.

On the other hand, imagination can serve as a means of escape, transporting ourselves into a special realm where we might feel very comfortable and relaxed. Children use their imagination like this when they play dress up, portray characters and mimic various scenes that they have read in fairy tales or have seen on television.

Everyone has the potential to develop a powerful, creative imagination. For some of us, it may be highly developed, and in others, it may manifest in a weaker form. Here are some tips to put into practice and grow your imagination:

  • It might be easier for some of us to see mental pictures; however, Imagination does not need to be limited to just seeing pictures in the mind. You can include all the five senses. Try to imagine a sound, taste, smell, a physical sensation, a feeling or an emotion. Training your imagination gives the ability to combine all the senses. This can be very enlightening.
  • Start thinking about writing a story or music. Keep your mind open for opportunities—new angles, plots, characters or melodies and take notes to expand the story/song over a period of time. Refine the story if you want to. When you allow yourself to take your time, new ideas will pop out of your subconscious as you think about it. Remember, this is your creation; you can do anything you want with it.
  • Look deep into any problem you face and imagine different solutions. Try new paths—don’t accept the status quo. If you fail at one task try another approach.
  • Don’t brush aside inspirational thoughts and ideas that pop into your mind. Try visualizing these ideas and plan how you will bring them into existence. Let your mind go—the sky is the limit. Always carry a small notebook or write a note into your iPhone when you have these creative, inspirational random thoughts.
  • Be curious about everything—the world is full of amazing wonders for you to learn about. Enjoy the scenery. I find that sometimes a nice run, walk or even a drive along Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes helps me to relax, enjoy the view and opens my mind to creative solutions and new ideas. These wonders will become your source for memories and ideas that you can use when needed. Keep developing your natural interests and unique talents. Learn as much as you can about these personal interests and improvise.
  • Build upon and refine the ideas of other people. Always be on the lookout for new innovations that you can improve upon. When a new product or device is invented, consider how it might be improved. Technology becomes more user-friendly, faster and effective. This goes for any product—there is always room for improvement. Even if you’re idea seems like a crazy solution, write it down anyway. It may turn out to be a good idea.

Imagination makes it possible to experience a whole world inside the mind. You can use your imagination to look at any situation from a different point of view, even the past and the future. With your imagination, you can travel anywhere without any obstacles. It can make you feel free from difficulties and unpleasant circumstances. Understanding how to use your imagination effectively and putting this knowledge into practice can help you reach success, fulfillment and happiness.

Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books available on Amazon.

Posted in Achievements, Authentic Self, Empowerment, Imagination, Inner Wisdom, Inspiration, Intuition, Mind-Set, Success, Values | Leave a Comment »

Turn Frustration into Faith

September 10, 2011

On days when life gets rough, use these tips to overcome frustration and move back on track.

It is easy to get frustrated when you have a day filled with things that are not going right. Yesterday, my air condition stopped working in my car. Today, my laptop decided to take a rest or have a sick day and now refuses to boot up. A document I wrote didn’t get saved, and I had to retype it. Perhaps for you, you find yourself getting frustrated when you are stuck on the 405 Freeway or you can’t get your newborn baby to stop crying.

I decided to take a break from the chaos and spend some time in nature. I took a walk on The Esplanade. Smelling the ocean, feeling the sun on my skin and moving my body seemed to have a fast effect, shifting my perspective—or maybe in this case, my attitude—to a more positive place. I realized I had a choice: I could continue my day feeling overwhelmed with frustrations, or I could allow the frustrations to strengthen my faith that all would be well.

I’m not saying this was easy, but it certainly felt more empowering. Frustration happens when we feel we need something, and we can’t seem to find a way to fulfill that need. We want things to go smoothly; when things don’t, we become discouraged and frustrated.

Here are some tips to help turn your frustrations into faith and empower you during life’s challenges:

  • Try using fresh optimism, which can help revitalize your energy. This is the type of fantastic energy that gets you motivated, makes you focus forward and reminds you about the limitless potential and possibilities that lie within you. You can gain fresh optimism on your own or by talking to a variety of positive people in your life—be it a mentor, sibling or friend.
  • Recognize if your frustration is coming from a place of fear. Realize you always have a choice. You are empowered to accept, reject or redirect whatever comes your way.
  • You can feel calmer and more peaceful when you recognize that you are feeling frustrated because something isn’t moving as fast as you would like. Know that everything happens for a reason and in the right time.
  • When you find yourself in a situation or with a challenge that just seems too big for you to climb, know that you have support. Reach out to positive people in your life and share your concern. How many times have you been there for someone who felt they were not going to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but your encouragement helped your friend to go above and beyond?
  • Take a break. Take time out. I did. Take a walk. Get out in nature. Be by yourself. This will help clear your head and put things into perspective. Shake off the frustrations by going for a run, walk or any other type of physical movement.
  • A coffee break with a friend can help, too. Talk it out and hear a fresh perspective. This can shed some light on a new approach for you to try or help you view things from a different perspective.
  • Write down your frustrations in your journal. (You knew this one was coming; I’ve suggested it before.) Writing out your disappointments, challenges and frustrations allows you to express your true feelings and emotions in a healthy way. Writing about the circumstances you are dealing with also allows you to look outside yourself and gain a fresh view and possibly create a new solution.
  • Whatever the frustration you are dealing with, give up the victim mentality. It is easy to want to throw in the towel and quit. Don’t. Frustration often occurs because things seem too difficult for us to handle. Perhaps it is because we feel we don’t have the skills, knowledge, or techniques necessary to have what we want. This can be the perfect opportunity to view what frustration can provide: new opportunities to grow and to gain self-empowerment. Remember that life happens to everyone; others have gone through similar situations; and somehow you will get through this, too.
  • Tap into your creative side. Tinker or dabble with some of your projects such as painting, home improvement projects, gardening, cleaning or listening to music. Focusing on something creative will help you feel better almost instantly and will allow you to reconnect with your core self.
  • Change your mindset. Believe that you can handle all your frustrations with empowerment and in a positive way. Imagine yourself achieving your desired outcome. Picture yourself handling the situation with calm and ease. You might not know all the steps of exactly how you will solve the situation, but don’t let that stop you. You can still take the time to visualize and feel yourself being successful.

A positive mindset will inspire you to keep moving forward with empowerment and faith. You can keep moving forward with empowerment in my book Uber Empowerment.

Posted in Achievements, Authentic Self, Change, Empowerment, Failure, Goals, Healing, Holistic, Independence, Inspiration, Mind-Set, Success | Leave a Comment »

Sunshine: A Natural Mood Booster

September 1, 2011

How often have you found yourself catching a glimpse of sunshine and felt ten times better? Basking in the sunshine for just 10-15 minutes a day can have a positive effect on the mind, body and soul.

Sunshine is a natural mood booster and tends to raise my energy level. The warm light feels good on my skin, and I feel relaxed yet energized. Even when I have been feeling under the weather with a seasonal cold, I have found that some time in the sunlight helps to strengthen my immune system.

I often find complete contentment just sitting in the sun. Contentment is an emotional state when we are not bored but also not highly interested in anything other than where we are right now. While goals are important, feeling content with your life, who you are and what you have are just as important. That isn’t to say you should stop trying to improve—that would mean that we have stopped growing. No matter how happy we are in life, we should continue to improve; however, contentment is necessary as well.

Summer can offer the perfect time to unwind and appreciate all you’ve worked for and achieved so far this year. Making soaking up the sun a daily priority isn’t too difficult on most days in the South Bay. Soaking up our natural mood booster can be a simple abundance of pleasure nearly every day—and just a few minutes are necessary for the highly beneficial effects.

To find some sun-induced contentment try the following:

  • Bathing in the sun on Redondo Beach and feeling the warm light on your skin, as well as lounging with your eyes closed
  • Watching the sunset and feeling the cool night ocean breeze
  • Taking a drive up the coast while listening to your favorite music or enjoying quality conversation with a companion
  • Walking through the Farmers Market on a Sunday in Palos Verdes and feeling the warmth of the sun while enjoying the scent of fresh-cut flowers, tasting fresh strawberries and looking at the colorful produce
  • Enjoying a hobby outdoors, whether it is gardening or home improvement projects

Writing in a park while enjoying the sunlight streaming through the trees can also provide a peaceful state of mind. Write down all your blessings. Focusing on all the things that are going right in your life and not only on what is wrong can help you feel content.

While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Be “sun wise” and take precaution if you plan to spend more than 10-15 minutes in the sun.

Inspiration and Empowerment can be explored more deeply in my Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Authentic Self, Change, Empowerment, Holistic, Inspiration, Mind-Set, Natural Mood Booster, Physical Illness, Sunshine | Leave a Comment »

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