Archive for the ‘Authentic’ Category

Include Power Words to Create an Empowering Life

April 1, 2012

Sometimes we long to try something new or a different approach than we’ve used in the past but we hesitate in taking action. We come up with a lot of reasons why we shouldn’t try a new approach or explore something new.

The most crippling failure disease is excuses. Instead of always making up excuses, focus on using the two most power-filled words “I Can”. The mind loves to hear empowerment words. Your self-esteem loves to hear “I Am” statements such as “I am successful”, “I am happy”.

It isn’t always easy to stop making excuses and courageously take action on something new. Here are a few tips I have shared with clients when they want to discover something new or explore a different approach:

  • Avoid thinking “I can’t” or “I won’t”. “I Am” statements manifest in your life faster than “I Wish” or “I Want” statements.
  • Remove the thought “I can’t do this because…” Instead, ask yourself “What if I COULD do this…..” Imagine yourself living your dram…NOW. Create all that you see in your mind.
  • If you are feeling despair, know that despair can rob us of all hope, when there is no hope, there is no light and the soul gives up. Choose to live without despair, we are what we think; allow your positive thoughts to override any despair.
  • There may be roadblocks along the way, allow them to provide feedback to you, observe, keep going and view the roadblocks as tools for your growth.
  • View any obstacles on your paths as personal growth opportunities and keep moving forward even when you don’t know the outcome, this can allow your faith to grow.
  • Difficulties and challenges allow us the opportunity to experience courage. You can find your courage within yourself, rely on your inner strength and guidance.
  • You want to use empowering words that help you feel strong, uplifted, positive, inspired and optimistic.

Using power-filled words over time can allow your attitude, actions and behavior to inspire and empower you in the pursuit of your dreams. Do you have favorite power-filled words? Feel free to share!

© 2011 Nancy Hovde Read more Inspiration in Nancy Hovde’s Uber Empowerment Books.

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

Holiday Traditions Bring Comfort & Joy!

December 31, 2011

Holiday rituals can strengthen the bonds of family and friendship and create a connection between past and present.

As we were walking out of Regal Cinemas in Palos Verdes, a friend and I were discussing the local traditional festivities. Perhaps you enjoy Christmas movies, the holiday stroll through Riviera Village, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and menorah in Redondo Beach or the King Harbor Boat Parade.

Cherished customs allow us to delightfully create happy memories with our family and friends. Rituals keep us grounded and bring us reassurance, comfort and joy. Have you ever noticed when you hear an old carol, see a treasured tree ornament or smell gingerbread cookies baking, your mind instantly transports you to that time and place helping you to recall memories held in your heart?

Whether you are creating beloved festive traditions or repeating sacred ones, keeping family traditions is especially important during the holidays. Here are some of the benefits of holiday traditions, as well as a little advice about how to pass them on:

  • It doesn’t really matter what your tradition is—simply having holiday traditions helps create a strong, close family. Developing rituals creates a sense of belonging among family members and can help build a family history.
  • Holiday traditions generally reflect our deeper beliefs and values, such as the importance of spending quality time with family and friends. Christmas dinner isn’t just a get-together; it is a way of showing we treasure our time with those close to us. If you hold spiritual beliefs, attending church on Christmas Eve may be a deeply held tradition for you each year.
  • You may have many memories—whether tender or funny—of favorite traditions, like a beloved holiday recipe. You might enjoy holding a small gathering to trim and decorate the Christmas tree or getting together with family to light the menorah. These types of traditional rituals help create warm memories for years to come and strengthen the bonds with friends and family.
  • What’s your favorite holiday song? Maybe you have heard Bob Hope and Bing Crosby sing “Silver Bells” on a holiday special. Sharing a special holiday movie or song with your children allows the tradition to be passed on and kept in the family.
  • Traditions help connect family members who may be separated by distance or busy with jobs and school. Holiday rituals encourage us to remain close to friends and family creating a connection between our past and our future.

My family has a special Christmas Eve dinner each year. We still open stockings, and on Christmas morning, we have a special sausage dish that is to die for. That breakfast is followed by another exceptionally planned Christmas day dinner. Nevertheless, it is the company, laughter and memories we share that is cherished most.

This holiday season, reflect on how your family traditions have helped strengthen the ties that bind. Consider creating some new family traditions that help set the tone for your own unique celebration.

Warmest wishes to you this holiday season!

Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Authentic, Family, Gratefulness, Inspiration, Thankfulness, Traditions, Values | Leave a Comment »

Find Fulfillment in Gift Giving

December 28, 2011

I’ve always loved Christmastime for a few reasons. I’ve noticed how the season is filled with the infectious excitement of positive energy and the joy that comes from sharing it with people I am close to. I also have noticed how the holiday season inspires people to focus on everything that’s important in life.

I find great fulfillment in giving meaningful gifts—really thoughtful gifts that are actually useful and appreciated. Perhaps you have received or given some meaningful gifts that have cost little to nothing. I know I have.

But sometimes, after years of mutual gift giving, your enthusiasm begins to wear a little thin. You can become re-inspired with some creative ideas that will help you give your family and friends meaningful presents that speak to them personally.

Begin by reconsidering each person’s interests, hobbies and activities; focus on finding a present using these tips for guidance:

  • Give your time. Giving your time and attention is a great way to give people what they truly want from us. A present like a book of intentions that has gift certificates or coupons for use in the near future—including an offer to walk their dog or baby sit for a night out—allows joy to be shared with the gift. Instead of purchasing a physical item for a friend or family member, buy him or her a great day out.
  • Return their kindness. Reminding people of their own kindness can strengthen the bond. Invite your aunt who showed you how to cook the family chili recipe to dinner at your house. The next time she visits, I plan to take my mom—who influenced my love of flowers, plants and nature—to visit the South Coast Botanical Gardens on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, followed with lunch at an outdoor cafe with a garden-type atmosphere such as The Green Temple in Redondo Beach.
  • Find something useful. Think about the recipient’s skills, hobbies and activities. One of the best suggestions I’ve ever heard came from my grandma, who gives the best gifts. She always carries a small notebook in her purse and jots down notes anytime someone mentions something like, “I really need a new drill.” When it’s time to open gifts, the home-improvement enthusiast is excited to start the next project with his next power tool. Another person might remark, “My favorite skillet I use for making omelets has worn out.” Come Christmas, the chef is happy and can hardly wait to use the new cooking utensils. Alternatively, you could consider giving that person on your list something a little out of the ordinary. Line up some cooking lessons for someone who enjoys using their creativity in the kitchen. Chez Melange in Redondo Beach offers the 1800 PCH Cooking Class. You could also give guitar lessons to the one you know who always wanted to play an instrument. Amuse in Rolling Hills Estates welcomes those new to music.

Giving your friends and family unique, individual gifts, even after years of back and forth exchanges, brings happiness and fulfillment. A little creative thought creates a large amount of joy.

Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

Posted in Authentic, Giving, Meaningful Gifts | Leave a Comment »

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