A Bold, Bright & Happy Summer

by Tess on July 1, 2009

Warning! My blog will challenge you to be more, give more, live fearlessly, take more chances and show up in the world unstoppable, daring and bold.

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A couple of weeks ago I went back home for my father’s funeral. It was wonderful to be with our large family: mom, brothers, sisters,  aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

All four of my daughters and their families were with us. A rare ocassion considering we live in various places, spread out across the United States.

We also spent time at our cottage in Northern Michigan. That’s my husband, daughter and new grandson (in the stroller). 

We enjoyed perfect summer weather and enjoyed strolling downtown, visiting the local ice cream shop and catching up on our lives. 

Prosperity is often associated with money, yet it comes in many forms. Imagine my surprise when my daughter decided to quit teaching school and become a flight attendant. As parents we were immediate showered with free flights anywhere in the U.S.A., any time. Unexpected abundance! 

 I’m blessed to have a daughter working for South West. I fly often to visit my grandchildren and  cherish the time I spend with them enjoying every second. img_08191

I do believe parenting is the most difficult job one can have. I once saw a poster that had a picture of a baby that read, “becoming pregnant is like grounding yourself for the next 18 years.” Pretty clear, eh?

That was me! I became a mom at 18 and gave birth to all four girls by the age of 22. 
I was not only grounded, I was a little crazy! And here they are years later, being and bringing blessings and prosperity to my husband and I…that just don’t quit! 

My 4 daughters, my grandson,, AJ front and center, and granddaughter Mackenzie 2nd from the left, in the back row. 

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I encourage you to create time this summer to spend with your family and/or  friends. Get away from your computer, Twitter and Facebook…make memories that last forever! You’ll be happy you did…life is good! 

 Henri and I wearing our “Life is Good” hats.

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    Magic Monday Freebie with Steve Pavlina

    by Tess on June 28, 2009

                                             Today is Magic Mondays - 1/7 of Your Life!

    I forgot who I chose as the winner for the starbuck’s gift card on June 15.
    If it’s you please contact me and give me your mailing address. I’m so emabarassed!

    Attention readers!

    Personal Development for Smart PeoplePersonal development expert, Steve Pavlina is giving away an autographed copy of his book to the person who leaves the best comment today!I promise I’ll remember today’s winner:) 

    Steve Pavlina is widely recognized as one of the most successful personal development bloggers on the Internet, attracting more than two million monthly readers to his website.

    Steven’s book gives 7 universal growth principles to achieve major breakthroughs in your habits, career, finances, relationships, health, and spiritual development.

    He will be offering a workshop October 2-4 in Las Vegas based on the principles in the book.

    This is a great time to step up the spiritual beliefs and principles you believe in. Doing this keeps you from falling into the negativity of the media and keeps you sane and peaceful during our current difficult times.

    Steve’s purpose in life is:
    to live consciously and courageously;
    to enjoy, increase, and share peace, energy, passion, and abundance;
    to resonate with love and compassion;
    to awaken the great spirits within others;
    and to fully embrace this present moment.

    Can it get any better than that?  Sign up for the FREE Personal Development Insights newsletter to achieve new breakthroughs. 
    __________________________________________________________________________

                                                             There is Joy in Being Wrong

    I believe one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life thus far is to know I don’t have to be right to be happy. I also believe this has contributed greatly to the success of our marriage. I learned this lesson when I was 35.

    There isn’t an argument when one of two people doesn’t have to prove themselves right. There isn’t an argument when one doesn’t have to have the last word. There isn’t an argument when one doesn’t have to win. There isn’t an argument when one doesn’t have to make “it” mean so much.

    If you want more peace in your relationships learn to find joy in being wrong. It allows you to lighten up and best of all it sets you free.

    The person who leaves the best comment below wins Steve’s autographed book!
    Thanks for allowing me to make your Monday meaningful!

    What tools do you use to create happy and loving relationships?

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      51 Tips for Living The Good Life

      by Tess on June 25, 2009

      ...says it all
      Creative Commons License photo credit: markus941


      A couple of weeks ago I bought a new baseball cap from the “Life is good” store for running in the hot arizona sun. I love the products and have always thought those guys were brilliant for coming up with this happy stuff.

      It makes me smile just looking at it. I started to wonder why my life was so good and how it got that way. I believe most of it comes from the following life lessons or core beliefs I believe in and live.

      Learn to want what you have

      Before making a decision ask and listen for guidance

      Refuse to waste anything

      Be original and authentic

      Pay yourself first and put it in your savings account

      Life is too short to be mad at anyone about anything

      Create personal boundaries

      Learn how to calm yourself

      You have a right to be different and think differently than others

      Be generous. You can’t out give God.

      What others think of me is none of my business

      Use deep breathing to reduce anxiety and worry

      Believe in yourself

      Treat yourself like your own best friend

      Exercise & eating right will keep you healthy

      Accept and love the size and shape of your body

      Heal your past

      Tell others you love them often

      Give up being a victim

      You can love difficult people from a distance

      Don’t wait to be rescued and don’t rescue others

      Take 100 % responsibility for your life

      Give up entitlement

      The world doesn’t owe you

      Less is more

      Changing your thoughts will change your mood

      Always have big fat dreams for yourself

      Learn to lighten up and enjoy life

      One expensive piece of chocolate is better than an entire box

      Don’t be afraid to ask for and receive help

      Simplify your life

      Eliminate clutter

      You learn more by listening than talking

      Everyone has a story

      Nature will heal you

      Lower your expectations of others and you won’t be disappointed

      Comparing yourself to others creates suffering

      Your thoughts, words and actions will come back to you

      Never stop reading, learning or growing

      Having an affair won’t solve your problems

      Feel your emotions and allow others to feel theirs

      Love your children enough to allow them to hate you

      When you reveal a secret you can count on someone telling three others

      Choose happiness over being right

      What you judge others for today you will find yourself doing tomorrow

      Always leave a generous tip

      Make others feel important

      Everyone wants to know they matter

      We are all here learning how to love and be loved

      Difficult people teach us how to love unconditionally

      It’s all about love…tell everyone

      What would you add to the list that makes your life work?

      If I asked you why your life is good how would you respond?

      I’m going to put my new hat on and go for a run now! Life is good…

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