Success

 

Marc and Angel, a beautiful husband and wife team began their blog Marc and Angel Hack Life in 2006. Ever since they have been inspiring, teaching and coaching thousands of readers with stories of success, love, life and relationships! 

I had dinner with Marc and Angel last summer and found them as inspiring and authentic as they come across on their blog. I love following them on social media. 

They continuously post fabulous and fun photos of themselves enjoying life. They never fail to make me smile and wish that they were my next door neighbors!

They have 100 thousand raving fans, 1000 – 100 thousand subscribers, 100 million page views, and growing! 

Their first book, “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently“ is a focused collection of short, concise tips and reflections on the little things that make a huge difference in our daily lives.  It’s available online on Amazon.

Note: And then there were three! From Angel’s Facebook page last Thursday: “It wasn’t easy… It was amazing. It was magical. It was worth it. Introducing Mac Austin Chernoff. Born Thursday, July 10 at 9:25 pm, 6 lbs 14 oz, 21 inches. We are in LOVE. 

Here are a collection of 16 inspirational Marc and Angel quotes that will inspire you to get over your fear and on with your dream! Don’t forget to share them with your friends.

Marc and Angel Quotes

1. Your biggest fears are completely dependent on you for their survival. ~ Marc and Angel 

2. Regardless of fear or actual real world barriers, whenever you want to achieve something, you have to envision it and declare it. You have to keep your eyes open and focused specifically on what you want. It’s simply impossible to hit a target you haven’t declared, or get anywhere worthwhile with your eyes closed and your vision blurred. ~ Marc and Angel

3. Don’t be afraid of facing your fears. They’re not as scary as you think, and they’re not here to stop you. They’re here to let you know that what you want is worth fighting for. ~ Marc and Angel

4. So get up, get out in the stormy weather of the real world, and kick fear as hard as you can right in the teeth.  Do so by staring at it dead in the eyes and then walking right through it into the storm. Let the rain kiss your skin. That’s the first step. Because once you’re wet, you won’t fear the rain anymore. ~ Marc and Angel

5. Failure is not falling down; failure is staying down when you have the choice to get back up. Ultimately, what you need to remember is that you are in competition with one person and one person only – yourself. Your toughest competitor is simply the voices in your head. ~ Marc and Angel

6. You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds – struggles and all.  You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be. ~ Marc and Angel

7. You want to be stretched to the edge of your ability sometimes. It needs to be hard and uncomfortable. That’s how your brain grows. We learn when we’re in our discomfort zone. ~ Marc and Angel

8. Breath by breath, let go of fear, expectation, anger, regret and frustration. Let go of the need for approval too. You don’t need any of it. The world is as we are inside. What we think, we see, and we ultimately become. ~ Marc and Angel 

9. There’s no use in wallowing in negativity. You simply can’t expect victory while planning for defeat. ~ Marc and Angel

10. You need to take small chances every day. It’s the best way to face any problem, crush every fear and overcome life’s greatest challenges. And you get just about as many chances in life as you’re willing to take. So never let your fear decide your future. ~ Marc and Angel

12. Because your obstacles are your opportunities. Obstacles are put in your way to help you determine if what you want is really worth fighting for. ~ Marc and Angel

13. Move forward with gusto. Remember that the extent to which we sometimes allow fear to rule our lives is truly startling and unnecessary. Especially when you consider one very important fact about fear: It’s a total figment of your imagination. ~ Marc and Angel

14. Great challenges make life interesting; overcoming them makes life meaningful. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. In its place will be something that you have left behind. Let it be something worthwhile – something you are thankful for. ~ Marc and Angel

15. When your efforts are met with failure, you know you are on to something; because on the flip-side of that failure is a real, substantial accomplishment that doesn’t come easy. Your failed attempt is simply evidence that you are reaching higher. And “higher” is always the best direction to travel in. ~ Marc and Angel  

16. If you only remember two words from this whole article, let them be: “Stretch” and “Observe.”

Stretch:  As in… stretch yourself. Always push yourself to the edge of your ability, so you can expand it and grow. 

Observe:  As in… observe your mentors and those who are more skilled than you, so you can take notes and emulate them. ~ Marc and Angel

17. Believe that the answers are out there waiting.  Believe that life will surprise you again and again.  Believe that the journey is the destination.  Believe that it’s all worth your while.

 

An ordinary life doesn’t equate to a meaningless life. And an extraordinary life doesn’t equate to a successful life, even though we’ve been taught that it does.

An accomplished life in the United States is associated with having a lot of money, fame and power. Used in the right way, they could be, but they aren’t necessary in order to leave a mark on the world. 

The external validation, achievement, power and status that we’re lured into never leads to joy.

Our acute need to be or feel exceptional or special only intensifies the need to compare, compete and impress others. It only causes us to feel rushed, ashamed and isolated.

Magic happens when we are present and aware of what we have: a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, an early morning walk, a cool breeze on a hot summer day. 

Extraordinary relationships don’t come from physical beauty, exotic trips, big houses, fancy clothes and cars. I’m not against these things; I just don’t like being fooled by them.

Ordinary relationships are transformed to extraordinary through simple acts of kindness, compassion and love. They are mined through the fire of hard work, tragedy, and disappointment.

I’m on a mission to celebrate my ordinary and magical life. It’s easy to do when I pay attention and take in the wonder and joy that I find in simple things, everyday activities and experiences.

The significant and unusual events, the highest achievements and biggest accolades all eventually seem familiar and ordinary after a little time has passed.  But beauty and magic lie in the ordinary moments that fill the space in-between. We only need to be present to discover, savor and take them in.

These are not trivial or mundane moments. These are moments that define your life! Your actions reveal your character and values. These are the times that shape who you are and the legacy you leave behind.

7 Steps to Make Your Life Meaningful and Worthy of Celebration

1. Love who you are and where you are. Appreciate the person you have become and your life exactly as it is in the moment.

2. Treat the taxi cab driver, the barista and the bathroom attendant as sacred people. Make these interactions meaningful. Show them interest, make eye contact, small talk and add a smile.

3. Make others feel special. Help low-paid workers feel visible. Give a larger than normal tip. Make them feel that life is on their side. Help them believe the world is a generous place.

4. Choose to see everything with amazement and wonder: a new blade of grass, the shape of a cloud on a sunny day, the wrinkled hands of a grandparent and aroma of dinner cooking on the stove.

5. Notice and appreciate the most ordinary things: running water, sand between your toes, the color of your eyes, the coziness and comfort of your bed.

6. Slow down. Turn off your electronics. Reflect, pause and breathe deeply. Be still. Pray. Meditate. Love.

7. Don’t miss an opportunity to be of service. Be a giver. Come from your heart.  Help heal the world. Make it a better place. 

I have found that when I celebrate the ordinary, my life feels extraordinary. Happiness doesn’t elude me and all is well with my world.

photo credit: dno1967

Being frugal is in. Due to economic times many people are being forced to live on less. Let’s look at how we can feel empowered by shifting our attitudes about spending and buying less.

Instead of feeling like a victim, poor me, I can’t have this, I can’t have that…I tell myself I’m learning a new way to live that will enrich my relationships, my savings account and myself. We are taking back our freedom. This is our chance to get creative and make it as much fun as we possibly can.

Some of the methods I suggest may have been said before. But have we put them into practice?
Some are  new ideas or a twist on an old one. Hopefully what you read will inspire you to act and create even more ways to save.

1. Grocery shopping. Limit your time in the store. Plan your meals. Bring a list and stick to it. Do not bring your children with you and don’t shop when you’re hungry.  Shop for food once per week. If you run out of something put it on your list for the following week. Learn to improvise. Also check your reciept to make sure you haven’t been over charged for anything.

2. Purchase generic store brands. Buy in bulk. Join a food co-op. Stock up on ceral, rice, beans pasta, soda, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, bathroom tissue.

3. Use coupons. go to www.coupons.com and www.couponmom.com. Purchase what is on sale for the week. Choose apples on sale and purchase the full-priced when they go on sale.

Teach your children to be frugal. Challenge them to find coupons for things you need.

4. Brew your own coffee and tea. At the same time give yourself permission to treat yourself once in a while. Get a large jar and put your change in it that you’d normally spend on coffee or other fancy drinks. Label the jar “Money I Didn’t Waste.” When the jar is full deposit it in a special account. If your latte costs between $3-$6 each time, imagine the savings over 10 years.

5. Pack a lunch for work. Gather a group of coworkers that want to do the same. Each person can take a day to make sandwiches for everyone. Then you only have to do this one time per week. Make it fun. Ingredients for sandwiches should become a household staple.

es and bring them along when you are on any road trip over one hour. Always be prepared.

6. Avoid all vending machines. End of story.

7. Be prepared with snacks.  Carry healthy snacks in your purse and car at all times especially if you have children. Buy in bulk if you can, then divide into servings and put in ziplock baggies. Get the kids involved. Always have drinks in the car as well. Then you don’t have to stop and shop at convenience stores.

8. Cook at home. If you don’t know how to cook, learn. Prepare meals together on the weekends. Make large batches and freeze what’s left over. You can also purchase a crock pot so your meal is ready when you return home.

9. Go out to eat during happy hour. Happy hour usually has appetizers half price. Order soda and you can get free refills. If alcohol is your choice that is discounted as well. You can also find deals at www.restaurant.com.

10. Purchase gifts for your children on birthdays and holidays only. You are teaching them to live on less. They will grow up without a sense of entitlement.

11. Go to the matinee.If you go prior to 6 pm tickets are discounted. Treat yourself to ice cream prior to going and avoid spending money at the consession stand.

12. Purchase less music. Listen to your old stuff.

13. Watch less TV and you and your children will view less commercials.

14. Cut your cable bill, look at basic options.

15. Avoid late fees by paying your bills on time. Pay your bills on the same day and at the same time so it becomes a habit.

16.  Practice gratitude when you pay your bills. Be grateful for every service and product you purchase. You will change your attitude and energy. It doesn’t have to be an unpleasant task.

17. Examine your credit card bills to make sure you aren’t charged for something you didn’t purchase. Do the same for bank and phone statements. It’s amazing how often we find errors.

18. Eliminate your land line if possible. Hook your internet via cable.

19. Seek out and get your hair done at an education beauty institute or learn to do your own,

20. Do your own manicures and pedicures.

21. Purchase used books, discounted books or go the librabry. Teach your children to do this as well.

22. Buy pre-owned cars that have low milage and are only a few years old. Find a knowlegable person to help you make the purchase if needed. A new one depreciates the minute it’s off the lot. Always negotiate the price, always. Be willing to walk away.
 
23. Care for your car and keep it as long as possible. When you are finished paying for it put it put the monthly payment in your savings account.

24. Purchase an online DVD membership. Netflix is cheaper than renting or buying videos. You can also get them at the library.

25. Purchase appliances that are dented or scratched.Sears put theirs on sale. We have purchased them for our cottage and havesaved a significant amount of money.

26. Do your own landscaping.

27. Grow your own food if possible. Get your famiily involved.

28. Do your own house cleaning. Involve your entire family in the process. Choose the same day and time weekly.

29. Unplug electric apliances instead of just turning them off. Turn off lights and fans if you aren’t in the room. Lower your thermostat in the winter and wear a sweater.

30. Carpool and/or use public transportation. If you did this regularly you could save a lot over the years.

31. Ride your bike if possible to work or to run errands.

32. Travel closer to home. Learn to camp and enjoy the outdoors. You can take more trips that are less extravagant. Check for online bargains and discounts.

33. Entertain at home. Invite everyone to bring a dish to pass and play games or cards.

34. Purchase gently used clothing. Go to thrift shops and garage sales. Grab a friend or two and make it fun.

35. Partner and share babysitting services with family and friends. 

36. Stop all memberships. Exercise at home instead of joining a gym. Give up online memberships as well. Give up your country club.

37. Don’t allow emotions to control your money. Never shop when you’re bored, sad, cranky, angry or in a bad mood. Find other ways to uplift yourself.

38. Shop thrift stores, flea markets, and garage/yard sales to decorate your home.

39. Avoid purchasing brand name shampoo, conditioner and body wash and other products

40. Barter services. Organizing, painting, cleaning, automobile repairs and other talents and jobs can be bartered with friends, neighbors and families.

Bonus: 41. Quit smoking. Get help with addictions. They rob you of more than your money.

Please leave a comment and tell us how you are being frugal or in 2009!

 
photo credit: zaxl4

It’s tempting to make New Year Resolutions without reflecting on 2008. I invite you to think about the past year and acknowledge your accomplishments. It will get you excited and increase your faith in your goals for the future.

It is also important to look at the impact you have had on others and the world this year. How have you made life better for yourself and others? Whose life has improved because you were there? Take the time needed to really appreciate and honor yourself.

Do you acknowledge and appreciate small daily accomplishments? Have you given yourself a pat-on-the-back for the kindness you’ve shown or the relationships you’ve healed? Do you appreciate yourself for taking time to help a neighbor, to care for aging parents, for being a good parent or for learning something new?

Learn to offer yourself praise and appreciation. Learn to celebrate your successes. Give yourself the love and recognition you want from others. Take the feelings of accomplishment and success into 2009 and remember life is waiting for you. Make it a great new year!

My friend Colleen gave me this tool called, “The Year Review.” She has allowed me to share it with you. There is one set of questions. Answer the questions for 2008. Then take the same questions and answer them how you want 2009 to unfold. It’s a great method that will help you review the past and ring in the New Year.

Year Review-Preview

Review: Today’s Date_________________
Preveiw: One Year from Today’s Date_________________

1. If you could give 2008 a name what would it be?
2. If there is a symbol that represents 2008 that would capture its essence, what would it be?
3. If you could give yourself a name that symbolizes you in 2008 what name would you give yourself?
4. Name the people who made a difference in your life. Whom do you appreciate and why?
5. What gifts have you received this year? (This could be tangible like your income, a favor or emotional support.)
6. What gifts have you given others this year? (tangible or not)
7. How did your relationships grow, change or end? What did you learn?
8. What journeys have you taken? (inner and outer experiences i.e. a new baby, a vacation, a new job)
9. Where did you derive your sense of well-being, health  and knowledge? What helped you feel good about yourself?
10. What goals did you achieve and what do you need to celebrate?
11. For Review-What and who did you grieve this year and where are you in the process? Preview-What empowers your mission and enhances your dream?
12. Passages, changes and initiations: What has changed? What is new? What happened? How are you different because of it?
13. Where did you find joy?
14. What would be the sound track/song that represents your life in 2008?
15. In what context did you feel more authentically alive?
16. Free-To-Be the change you wish to see in the world: summarize from the inside out how are you “being” with yourself, and others in the relationship to the world?

Next take the same questions and answer them with how you would like 2009 to unfold. Your life is what you make it, with this exercise you will have a better idea of what you want to make of the brand new 365 days ahead. I hope this exercise helps you live the dream that resides in your heart.  You can find Colleen Snow at www.BeTheChangeWorld.com.