"Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
~ Dr. Stephen R. Covey

When we communicate, we usually try to have our point of view understood first. 

When I heard this quote many years ago, I loved it. It made a lot of sense to me. I felt that it took the pressure off of my need to speak and explain myself.

Empathic listening is listening with the intent to understand. It is powerful because you no longer make assumptions but instead start with an open frame of mind.  It does take some time and practice, but not as much time as it takes to correct misunderstandings.

Try it this week when in conversation- “Seek to understand, then to be understood.”

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Our lives are made up of many, many moments, and they add up to create experiences. I have recently been privileged to experience the feelings of being a grandma. These feelings are like nothing I have ever experienced!

I have observed this week how my robust gratitude and mindfulness mindset has added joy to my experience and my ability to be there to enjoy my beautiful granddaughter. 

I share this with you- not to gloat, but with the hope that you will allow yourself to consider whether you are living consciously present to the moments of your life?

Living with a mindset of gratitude and awareness of the present moment (without judgment) will most definitely set you up to experience more joy in the moments of your life- Have a grateful, mindful week!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Everyday we are faced with so many choices…

Everything is a choice, and every choice has its consequences (whether positive or negative).  Some choices offer the opportunity to take the time to think about them, and others need to be made in the moment. Ask yourself if this choice will add to your best life.

Clarity of mind combined with a sense of agency (I can do this, I’ve got what it takes) is what can help you feel more confident and comfortable with whatever choice you make.

Having the mindset that you will learn from whatever you choose and that the decision you make is part of YOUR journey is also part of feeling empowered.

Be careful not to get someone else’s beliefs and thoughts about what you “should” do stuck in your head. Instead,  trust yourself and do what YOU need to do.

P.S. My colleagues and I will be hosting our  “Meditation, Mindfulness & More” class this fall. Date TBD- stay tuned!!!!!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Invest time in the relationships that are important to you!  
It is time VERY well spent. We all get so distracted by cell phones, Netflix, social media, and various other things.

If we STOP and put a little more effort into spending quality time with the people that make us feel good, nurtured and bring out our best- our lives will be filled with a lot more joy.

Pick up the phone or text someone that you may not have recently seen or connected with and make a plan. And…..when you're with those nourishing friends or family, put away your cell phone and fully enjoy the time together. 

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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We all feel angry, envious, sad, guilty, and embarrassed at times. Experiencing these "negative" emotions are all part of being human.
 
Unfortunately, we can't avoid experiencing these feelings. However, they are actually gifts! They can help us learn about ourselves, our triggers, and ways to express our feelings in an appropriate way.

Waiting for a full-blown outburst and then feeling guilty is not the way to manage our emotions. Practice on a simpler situation, when you are feeling a little bit agitated or sad, etc. It will be easier to thoughtfully choose your response, instead of overreacting.

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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A little self-care leads to more self-care. Once you start doing things that care for your mind and body, you then begin to realize the benefits of putting yourself on your "to do" list.
 
Many of us believe that productivity will make us happier at the end of the day, but in reality, self-love is what makes our life more joyful.
 
When we care for and love (or even like) ourselves, we wind up feeling more worthy than any productivity can ever make us feel.
 
To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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Keep your eye on the prize. When you are in a situation that could be stressful- don’t lose sight of what is most important. 
 
It’s easy to get caught up in the details and the minutia (especially if that’s been the way you have been doing things)- But… remembering that you have the choice of what you focus on can be EXTREMELY empowering!!!!!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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I am filled with a tremendous feeling of love and gratitude, as I close out my birthday “week.”
 
So much love from my family and friends!  As I reflect on my blessings, I always try to find a way to inspire and share some ways you can add more joy to your own life.
 
One thing that contributed to my precious moments this week is my ability to be present in what I am doing. My meditation practice has strengthened my ability to focus on where I am and what I am doing. 
 
The other thing that added to my enjoyment is my consistent gratitude practice. I am often savoring my joy out loud, bringing the people that I am with into the beauty of the moment.
 
This week- maybe you want to give it a try.... 

1) Create the intention and practice of giving your full attention to an activity. Notice the difference- when you are not being distracted! 
 2) Stop and notice the beauty around you- say it out loud. 
 
Have a consciously more wonderful week!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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As I approach my 62nd birthday (this week) – I realize a few things that I wish my younger self knew……
 
 1. I wish I knew…….that 3/4 of the things that I thought mattered....really don’t!
 
2. I wish I knew……that the people I choose to spend my time with definitely affect my mood…… so choose wisely.  
 
3. I wish I knew….to give everyone the benefit of the doubt… until they don’t deserve it.
 
4. I wish I knew….to trust myself and to follow my intuition more.
 
 5. I wish I knew….that gratitude was like medicine for my soul. 
 
And most importantly,
6. I wish I knew….to value myself more instead of seeking validation from others.
 
But no regrets- I am so grateful to feel so grounded and comfortable in my skin as I enter my 62nd year of life! 
 
Thank you for being on this journey with me – It is an honor and a pleasure!
 
To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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I had the “opportunity” to practice not over-reacting and appreciating the help of my community in a VERY scary unexpected situation yesterday. 
 
I took my little Zoe- my 4 lb. Pomeranian, with me to do some errands. Somehow the door locked with my keys, my phone, AND Zoe in the car. It was a very hot day, and the windows were closed. 
 
Needless to say- I immediately called the police and enlisted the help of anyone around to support me in figuring out how to get Zoe out. It turned out my neighbors, a young man that worked in a nearby store, an older woman, and her homicide detective life partner were all there to help.
 
We wound up having to break the window of my car before the police had arrived. Zoe was amazing and happy to be back in my arms, and everyone there said how they actually shared in the joy of being able to help someone in need. 
 
I am truly grateful that I have trained my brain to react appropriately and to not “lose it”, and, to ask for help when I need it. Two very big life lessons!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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We often hear the saying "Time goes by so quickly." 
 
I don't know if you feel the same, but the month of June has flown by the quickest ever for me! 
 
Just a reminder to really stop and appreciate the moments in your day! 
 
When you wake up, set the intention to notice all of the good that happens. Before you go to sleep - go through your day and re-think all of the positive things that happened. Watch how while time does fly…you live with a much more present and grateful mindset!

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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If you are feeling a bit stressed or angsty lately  - stop- and just notice if you are holding on to some thoughts that may not be serving you. 

For example: I should be making more $, or, I should be living somewhere else, or, my partner should be nicer to me. 

Pay attention to the "shoulds" and either do something to make a positive change or accept your situation and let go.  

To learn more about the ingredients for happiness, you can purchase my book: The Recipe for Real Happiness, on Amazon!!! Click here.

Sending you so much love!

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