Think of an important person in your life. What qualities do they have that impact you in a positive way? Maybe it’s your partner, your child, your friend….  Perhaps you appreciate their loyalty, honesty, kindness, thoughtfulness.

Think about it and find a way to let them know. Maybe give them a call, write a note or even a text just telling them how you are grateful and why.

Notice how you feel when you are sharing these meaningful words with someone. Expressing gratitude increases the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, leading to improved mood and happiness! And then you can share your gratitude with others as well! Have a grateful 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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TO MY MOTHER

33 years as your daughter, I’ve learned so many important lessons from you. Here are 10 of my favorites:

1. Diffuse the drama.

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

3. Make a list every damn day. No detail is too small. Get it out of your brain and on paper. Then, cross that shit out!

4. Seriously, making a list will do more to manage anxiety than anything else.

5. Well, maybe meditation. Meditate every day.

6. Be friendly to EVERYONE. you never know what a smile or compliment can do for someone else.

7. There is always a lesson to be learned.

8. Be grateful. Instead of focusing on the annoying and upsetting moments during your day, notice all the good things that happen to you and write them down at night (you’ll start to notice that you are constantly looking for the good and it will shift your mindset).

9. Be present. Mom did a TedX talk on the importance of mindfulness. (Google “In the moment in under a minute TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool” to see it).

10. You’re never too old to do something new and completely different. (The same weekend I graduated college, my mom graduated with her masters in positive psychology at UPenn. She is a life coach and published author of “The Recipe for Real Happiness: Four Simple Ingredients.)

Happy birthday mom! Thank you for being my teacher, giving me roots and giving me wings!

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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Mindful is a way of living. You can look at various aspects of your life and choose one at a time to practice your mindfulness. 

For example. You can decide to be mindful about what you eat, when you go to bed or even what you think about . The list is endless. But practice is essential for any kind of habit change. 
 
This week practice being mindful about what you focus on. Notice your repetitive thoughts. Do you keep reliving an upsetting encounter or a challenge you may be facing?
 
Pick a time to think about it (if you need to) but…. change the repetitive thoughts to more positive and self-loving ones. 
Adopt a mantra - “I’m doing my best and I’m doing great” or whatever will encourage and support you!

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 was recently with a woman that was saying how her significant other is so chill and laid back and unphased by what other people think of him (in a healthy way).
 
I asked her how she thinks he got this way. She immediately said- he told her that his mom told him when he was a little boy- to remember the saying “sticks and stones”.
 
I never really thought about it……. but what a way to live. Yes, sticks and stones may break your bones- but not to allow names to hurt you…. is a very empowered way to live with greater inner peace.
 
Not so easy- but with practice- remember that when people hurt you with words- it’s up to you to know that they are just words- (if there is value in their words- then take heed and do something about it) – if not then remember they are just words... not sticks or stones!!
 
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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Schedule time in your day to relax. It is so important for your mental and physical health. Block off time in your calendar (as silly as that sounds) and have a list of a few things that help you to unwind. 
 
It could be doing some deep breathing (inhaling deeply to help clear your mind), meditating, reading, listening to some calming music, or even just lying on the couch for a little bit.
 
Treat this time as non-negotiable and communicate that with others around you.
 
This week look at your list of relaxing activities and schedule some “down, me time!”

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 love Mel Robbins. She is a popular podcast host and author. I recently heard her say- DON’T say “I have Anxiety” or “My anxiety” because then it becomes your identity.
 
Instead- you should say “I feel anxious about…”.  Then you can label the feeling and address the real issue.
 
Whether it’s applying for a job, asking someone on a date or opening bills. Your anxiety alarm can go off.
 
Anxiety is a crisis in your belief in self, your feeling of not being able to handle the situation.
 
Next time the alarm goes off- remember to say “I feel anxious about….” You will wind up feeling way better and more powerful in your life!!!


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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It’s not what you look like, what you wear, or the possessions you have….. inner peace and happiness lies in your head.

It’s what you think about, how you treat yourself and the way you treat others.

Pay attention to your thoughts – ask yourself “Is this helping or hurting me? Is it even true? How would I feel without that thought?

Pay attention to your self-care - am I sabotaging myself? Am I adding to my sense of self-worth?

Pay attention to the way you treat others - look for the good in everyone- you can always find something.

This week: practice taking control of your happiness and inner peace. Have a 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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Sending you so much love!

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Show your appreciation to everyone and anyone! It not only makes the other person feel good, but it also releases the happy hormone dopamine and makes you feel good too!
 
A little appreciation goes a long way. I know for me- when I feel appreciated, I can’t do enough for someone. It feels good. As soon as I feel even a little bit as though my kindness or generosity is expected or not appreciated, I feel that too.
 
This week, consciously show your gratitude and appreciation whenever you can. Notice how you feel and how others treat you back. Have a GRATEFUL 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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Wow! I can’t believe it’s been a quarter of a century since it turned 2000. Time really does go by so quickly.
 
The other day I had the pleasure of talking to a very young spirited 81 year old woman. When I told her my age, 63, she said “Ooh you’re so young.”  Everything is relative :). 
 
“Honey, life is so short, and it just flies by, do whatever it is you want to do now!” “Enjoy your life- don’t get caught up in nonsense.” 
 
I loved that conversation. That is how I try to live every day.
 
Don’t wait! Do what you want to do NOW! As we enter 2025- be proud, be appreciative and be brave.  Do what you have been thinking about doing for a long time! The universe has your back!

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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One of the quickest ways to live more peacefully is to accept that not everyone thinks like you!
 
It’s as simple as that. Don’t be angry with those that don’t see things your way, and don’t try to convert them. They have come to their views and feelings their own way. You can (as lovingly as possible) share your views and feelings but do it without an agenda.
 
The pressure dissipates when you “let them be them”. Have a great peaceful loving holiday season!

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 often recommend the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is life changing.
The main premise is that a person’s life is determined by the agreements they make with themselves, with others, with G-d, and with society.

Here they are : 
     1.  Do not take anything personally
     2.  Be impeccable with your word
     3.  Do not make assumptions
     4.  Always do your best
 
The key is to remember and practice them.
 
Take one agreement and be intentional about doing it for a week. Put sticky notes around your home to remind yourself. Then, the next week perform the next agreement, and so on…
 
The practices that I share can add so much inner peace, joy, and love to your life. The most important part is remembering to practice them.
Have a great 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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