Mari Suggs's Blog, page 13

Answering the Call of Inspiration

What is inspiration? Is it something that only applies to those in the creative field? Or is inspiration something we all have access to?

Inspiration iskind-of-a tricky thing. It doesn’t warn us when it’s coming. Or how it’s coming. Or even what topic it will lay upon our heart. The only promise it makes is that it will come to all of us. So, what will you do with it when it comes? Will you even recognize it when it’s upon you--begging you to help it take form? And if you do recognize it, will you put it off till later? Or will you do something about it? This is exactly what I want to talk to you about. Adhering to the call of inspiration. Inspiration can hit any of us at any time. It can whisper in our ear as we sleep. Or it can shout at us while we drive. It will swirl around us for days, months, sometimes even years. But with each passing hour that we don’t answer, we take the chance of inspiration leaving us. This is not to say that it won’t come back again, but more than likely not with the same inspiration.

How many times have you had a great idea, one that won’t leave you alone? You think about it all the time and get goose-bumps at the thought of “it” coming to fruition. But because you did nothing about it, later you see someone else “took” your idea.  Well, that idea wasn’t taken from you. You gave it away.  Inspiration occurs for a reason, it wants to be created. It must find its way into the world and it has come to you to make it happen. But you can be sure of this; if you don’t answer its call, it will find a new host. We all get those bursts of inspiration, it’s up to us to listen and take action.

So this, is this week’s call to action. The next time inspiration comes knocking at your door, whispering things like, I should write down this recipe, you should do it. Or I think having a store selling “____” is a great idea. You should do it. Or I really like writing, or singingor acting, or being a coach or a teacher or a mechanic. You should do it. Get the point? Inspiration will come to each of us in different ways, and it is our duty to obey for the advancement of the world. Think about all the amazing things we would be missing out on if others had ignored their inspiration like sometimes we ignore ours. People like Walt Disney and JK Rowling have made amazing contributions to the entertainment world because they listened.  This goes for all industries--all inspiration matters. So go ahead, listen closely to what inspiration is trying to have you do and DO IT.  
Till Next Time!
 

Morning Rituals: Successful People Swear By Them, Shouldn’t You?

Morning rituals… what’s that all about?

For starters, some of the most successful people of our time swear by morning rituals: such as Tony Robins, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs to name a few.  Their morning rituals, is partly what sets them apart from the rest. Morning rituals are a way to get your day started on the right foot. Rituals such as exercising, meditating and tackling your hardest task first are essential in creating the day AND life you desire. Steve Jobs once said that the first thing he did each morning was to look in the mirror and ask himself, "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" He said, "And whenever the answer had been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." Because I know how powerful morning rituals are, I did them, and what transpired was pretty remarkable.  I began to see great progress in my life. However, because I’ve been a little busy lately, I started to neglect my morning rituals and I have noticed a huge change in my attitude—as far as the way I tackle the day ahead. I’m not as optimistic or relaxed or happy. Needless to say, tomorrow I go back to my routine.

Your morning ritual can be anything that makes you feel good. It shouldn’t be forced. For example, if the thought of meditating freaks you out, then don’t push yourself to it. Though, I recommend you try to slowly incorporate meditation as part of your routine. Meditation is a way to center yourself. It’s a reset of sorts. Most of the time, if not always, you will come out of meditation with a new and clear mindset.  But until you are able to make your way there, do other things that will help start your day right. Go for a short walk, 10 or 15 minutes and watch the sun come up. Or listen to something positive, even 10 minutes of something motivational can get you AND keep you pumped the entire day. Stay away from your phone, computer and television. All those things will only interrupt the process.

Try it for one week. I am confident that you will start to notice great changes in your days and life. Plus, you will be better equipped to handle the tough things that may come your way each day. Till Next Time!
 

Top Reason Why You Hate Working-Out

Have you ever decided to start working out only to quit before the first day? If so, you probably experienced the same problem as me.
I have been on a health journey for the last three years, one that includes eating superfoods, practicing yoga and meditation. Through this journey I learned a very valuable lesson that I want to share with you. Prior to starting this journey I was drawn to yoga and the people who practiced it. I placed yogis into this holistic-peace-loving category of people, and I desperately wanted to be like them. However, not having an athletic bone in my body and being extremely challenged—as far as flexibility goes, I didn’t see how I could ever do yoga. Still, the desire to practice yoga wouldn’t leave me alone and so I decided to just go for it. Fast forward to three years later, and I am happy to report that I can do yoga and I love it. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to get fit. Yet, even knowing this, I started to dabble into other areas of fitness, like weight lifting and cardio, and this is what happened. I went from practicing yoga every day to not exercising at all. Why, you ask? The reason is simple. I started to dread my workouts. So instead of going back to yoga (most logical choice) I decided to “stick” with the new exercise program I had committed to.

This is where the lesson lies; many of us don’t get past the first day of our workout because we are dreading what we’ve signed up for. Knowing what I know now, I can say with certainty that if you want to reach your fitness goals, you must be in love with the program you select. Sure, it may take you some time to find out just what that program is, but once you do, you will realize that exercising is not as bad as you thought it was. Through this journey I realized that I don’t like cardio, in fact, I hate it. However, knowing that cardio is vital to my health, I found a way to fit cardio into my life that doesn’t totally tear me apart. I enjoy going for walks in the afternoons with my husband; so, when I get home from work, we walk to a plaza near our home, we typically walk 3.5 miles a day, more than I ever would if I were on a treadmill.

So I suggest this:  dedicate yourself to finding the right fitness program for you, because once you do, it will change your fitness life forever.  
 
 

Self Love - Vital Step in Getting Along with Others

 So let’s call February the month of love, but not just because of Valentine’s Day, but because after applying some of the techniques I provided in January, the next valuable step is the practice of LOVE.
What do I mean by practicing love? Well, I mean showing yourself some love!

Do you ever find yourself trying to have a good day, yet every single person you come into contact with ends up annoying you? I think this has little to do with them, and everything to do with you. Hear me out.I am of the belief that anything you want reflected on the outside, must begin on the inside. So, if you find yourself wishing others were kinder to you, then start by being kinder to yourself. This means speaking only in the highest terms about yourself. You may be thinking, well, this doesn’t apply to me, I’m super confident and I totally love myself. And if you feel that way, that’s good, but I would ask that you make certain that is true.

A great way to test if you are showing yourself the kind of love that you want to see in others is by listening to some of the self-talk you may be engaging in without realizing so, as in, “I’ll never get that promotion, if I’d only….; Or “I need to lose 10lbs I’m so….; Or “if only I had done ___ I would have…”

Believe it or not, this type of dialogue is precisely the thing you must cut from your life if you want to see a change in the “love” category (aka other people annoying you, other people’s faults, other people’s attitude). Negative self-talk  is often a domino affect that trickles down to others around you, thereby making you see the worse in them, instead of the good.  To give you a little boost on getting started, I recommend a great read, Jane Sincero’s “You are a Badass”.
http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699 I hope this  book helps get you started on the best trend of your life, practicing self-love.

Till Next Time!
 
 

Planning and Dreaming and Visualizing the Year Ahead!

I don’t know about you, but for me, visualizing all the things I want is a fun step in the creation process. So, to assist in this step, I create visions boards.
In case you don’t know what that is, it is simply a collection of pictures that match up with the goals you have already written down. This is a fun step in setting up your year ahead. After you’ve completed the steps mentioned in previous post, this last step should be easy and fun.

Begin by either searching the internet for photos that match your goals, or dig out those old magazines that you will never read and start cutting out things that catch your eye.

Things to lookout for: When I first did my vision board, I did it on a white poster board. I went through all my magazines, cut out letters to make words that inspired me and pictures that did the same. Then I hung it up in my bedroom where I could see it daily. The only problem was that it wasn’t very pretty, as far a décor went. So the following year, I decided to get a binder and construction paper and do my vision board that way. I found all the pictures that inspired me, glued them on the construction paper, placed the construction paper inside plastic sheets, then inside the binder, and I was done. The problem was that I put the binder away and didn’t look at again. That’s a no-no.

So finally, I found what worked for me. I went Jo Ann’s and bought a picture frame that I fell in love with. Then, I found craft paper that spoke to me to use as a background (pictures of maps since I really want to travel).  First, I glued the craft paper down. Then, I glued all the pictures and words in a way that inspired me on top of it. Then, I hung the picture-frame/vision board in my home office, over my desk where I could see it daily and be reminded of all the things I was working for. Creating a vision board is a great step in getting you to start visualizing. Visualizing will get you excited for what’s ahead. That feeling is the key to obtaining your goals. Being content NOW, will attract the things that you want. So have fun with this step and if you do a vision board and would like to share it with us I would love to see your master piece.
 Till Next Time
 

Why Knowing Your Why is Important

In honor of January, I’m going to stick with the theme of setting goals to ensure that you successfully set up your year.
If you’re anything like most people, chances are that you have already defaulted on your new year’s resolutions. If you have, don’t’ worry, I’m here to offer some tips on how to get you back on board.

First, let’s eliminate the word resolution and let us call it goals, I think this is a better way to look at  it. Then, let’s try to understand why you have defaulted so soon.

The reason could be because you don’t know your why. Setting goals and setting a plan are both great ways to get the year started; however, equally as important is knowing your why. If you have already set your goals and have decided upon a plan of action, now it’s time to do one more step. Know your why! This powerful step will provide you with the fuel you need that will get you back on board and/or keep you going until your goal is achieved.

Let us say that you have a financial goal of doubling your annual income by the end of the year (goal). And,  you have already written down what you’re going to do daily to achieve this goal (action). Now, on a brand new page of your 2016 journal, write the goal as your heading and write down your why. Maybe your why is so that you can buy a house. Or maybe it is so that you can finally take that vacation you’ve always wanted. Or maybe, you want to get out of debt . Whatever it is, putting a reason behind your goal gives it a deeper meaning and understanding as to why achieving this goal is so important, thus reminding you why you must get back on board, and/or keep going until you have successfully reached it.  Be colorful in your description. I recommend that you add several things to your description of why: What is my Why:   I want to double my income so that I can finally take that month long vacation to Europe.Write a story about what you want:    I can’t wait to take my vacation next Spring. Upon earning the money, I will decide on which countries I will visit, then, I  will book my flight and hotel,. Finally, I will go shopping for… etc.How will I feel once I achieve my goal:   I will feel like anything is possible. I will feel happy that I reached a goal that I set only 12 short months ago. Don't feel bad if you have defaulted, or never even started, or feel lost in taking your goals to the next level. It is never too late to get a plan together.  The important thing is that you have a desire to make this year different than all the others. That desire WILL eventually get you on track to success. Next week I will provide another vital step in getting you all set up for a successful year.
Till Next Time.

How to Solve Any Problem

Have you ever wondered why something is “happening” to you? If you have, then this post was written just for you.

The first thing I would like you to do is to open your mind to the possibility that what I’m about to tell you is true. Then, envision your current “problem” with this new point of view.
So now that you’re ready to accept what I’m about to tell you without any resistance, here it is. What if your current problem is not happening to you, but instead it is responding to you? I’ll wait while it sinks in…Jeopardy Theme SongOne of the most important steps in solving any problem is accepting responsibility for our part in it. By taking ownership of our “problem” we have suddenly shifted things in our favor, making it possible to find a solution. One of the worse things we as human beings can feel is that feeling of hopelessness, that feeling that says we are not in control, or that life is out of control. But nothing could be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that life is not happening to you, it is responding to you. Your life is made up of the thoughts that you hold, because those thoughts guide your feelings, your feelings guide your actions, your actions lead to your life.

Taking ownership of our “problems” doesn’t excuse others from whatever part they played in it; it simply gives us the power, the control to change it without expecting others to do it for us. If you want to test this theory, it’s simple. Take one of your major problems, then push away any thoughts that blame others for your current condition, and own it. If you do it correctly, you will start to see the role you played in it, which created that problem. Good news is, now that you can see how you created the problem, you can also see how to solve this and any other “problem” you may be having.

It all starts with taking control of your life and knowing that it is up to you to change it. With faith in yourself, a plan and action you can solve any problem and avoid most others.  Till Next Time!

What Now, Another Year Over, A New One Just Begun

So another year has come and gone, and although for some of you it hasn’t been a perfect year, the one thing you should take away is that despite everything, YOU ARE STILL HERE. As far as I’m concerned this means you had a great year.
I for one, found 2015 to be one of the most successful year’s to date, as far as setting goals and achieving them is concerned. Many of you have heard this before, especially from me, but I can’t stress enough the importance of writing down your goals so that you have a clear idea of what it is that you want. Once you set the goal, then it’s time to plan, plan, plan.

The idea of writing down your New Year’s resolution didn’t just come as a way to make just another tradition. The reason it is so popular on January 1st is because it feels like a clean start, the old is behind and the new is ahead. So, if this feeling of starting with a clean canvas inspires you, then take advantage of the energy you’re feeling about it and once and for all GO FOR IT.

A tip on getting started: I’m all about ambiance, so I think it’s important to set the right mood when writing your goals and setting up your plan. Do whatever makes you happy. Turn down the lights, pour a glass a wine, buy a new journal, and pick out your favorite pen. Then, begin to brain storm. Write down all the things that in the past year you have said wouldn’t it be nice. Once you write them down, then, decide what you’re going to do each day to get you there. After January 1st, don’t just put the journal away—not to be seen again until January 1st of the following year, keep it by your bedside. Read it each night before falling asleep, and in the morning upon rising. And most of all don’t worry if results don’t show up within 24 of writing your goals (though some may). The thing to remember is that life IS A JOURNEY, not trying to sound cliché, but it is true, a fact. You, living your daily life, is a journey. Now, you are in control of where you steer the wheel of your life; will you steer it toward your goals, or will you continue to leave it on auto pilot steering you nowhere?

I hope that this upcoming year all of your dreams come true or at the very least you get closer than you’ve ever had before. But most of all that love, peace, and happiness is the driving force behind every one of your desires! Till Next Time!

If Not Now, When!

I watched a clip of Oprah Winfrey announcing that she is joining Weight Watchers, further declaring that every moment of her life has not been wasted and that each time she tried and failed has led her to this moment in her life where she is asking; if not now, when?
So dear readers, as another year comes to a close, I ask that you take stock of your life. Take with you all the great memories you’ve made, and leave behind those that don’t serve you. But most of all, have a full understanding that if you tried to make a change this year in any area of your life, but you didn’t succeed (by your standards) all is not lost. Whether you can see it or not, progress was made. A seed was planted. Now it is time to cultivate. Reassess your goals, set deadlines and make an action plan that will lunge you straight into seeing results. Because if not now, then when?

In my own life I have accomplished things this year that at one point I thought I never would:
I got one of my degrees (something I started over 20 years ago)I started my own business Being healthy and active is now a regular part of my life, not something I wish forI completed my 2nd novel, and got feedback from literary agents (this one, I’m especially proud of. I’ve only been writing since 2009 and when I send my queries out my heart is my throat. So when I finally get feedback, when they actually request my manuscript, words cannot express the relief and joy I feel at knowing that I am growing. I am changing. I am progressing.)The constant thing I have done throughout this entire year is that I look for ways to get inspired daily. I have to learn, to listen to others advise, to their thoughts, to their own journey in this life. I am constantly learning and getting motivated. So I hope that this year, and years to come, my blog is that place for you. A place where you can come get inspired and get a fire under your butt that will get you to live YOUR VERY BEST LIFE.  As I usually do, I will ask you to take the challenge of taking your life into your own hands, and take whatever steps necessary to reach your goals, because if not now, then when?
Till Next Time.
 

BE WHO YOU ARE: Accept no substitutes!!!

A thought has been swirling in my head for some time now. Typically, it pops in my head when I see someone doing what they love to do.
I used to sit back in complete awe when watching people doing what they love. Wondering over and over how they got to be so successful… or, thinking wow, look how lucky THEY are... But now, the thought has been replaced with this. When I see someone doing what they “want” to do professionally—whether it is singing, dancing, writing, acting, (can you tell what my interests’ are?) I know that the reason they have achieved success is because they are just being who they are! “What?” You say…

Think about it this way. Who are you? Are you that nine to fiver that sits at her cubicle all day just watching time pass by? Or, are you this vibrant being, one that IS a writer, a chef, a teacher? The easiest and fastest way to start being thatperson is to simply BE WHO YOU ARE. Accept no substitutes!!!
Often times, this is referred to as “fake it till you make it.” But the truth is you don’t have to fake it. Just be! Just believe you are that person, and then you are! As an example, I’ll provide this: let us say you want to be a pastry chef, but you barely have time to bake because you are stuck at your job all day, then you get home and have to take care of your family. Overtime, you begin to take on the identity of an employee with a stable job and benefits, with weekends and holidays off. This is now your life and worse of all, who you identify yourself as being. HOWEVER, if you decide that this is not who you are. That this is not the life you came to live. Then you will soon discover NEW ways to start doing the things you love. A note to remember: just because you’re not getting paid, it does not mean that you are not that person.  Money is not the approval stamp that determines who you are.  However, in continuing with the above example, if someone were to ask you, so what do you do? Your answer should ALWAYS be “I’m a pastry chef.” Because once you believe it, miracles will start heading your way. That very person that asked what you do, can connect you with someone that will meet your financial needs. This is something that would have NEVER happened had you said, “I work for so and so.” Yuk!! Get those words out of your mouth and start being WHO YOU ARE. There is no other person you should be.

 Till Next Time!