Mari Suggs's Blog, page 9

Positive Thinking is Bullshit, According to Tony Robbins

I enjoy Tony Robbins a lot. I think he’s a powerful speaker and smart businessman; however, I disagree with one of his most popular selling points when addressing his audience. More than once, I’ve heard Robbins say, “I don’t believe in positive thinking, I believe in results. I don’t believe you can stand over your garden and say ‘there are no weeds’ over and over again. Bullshit! There are weeds and you need to pull them out.”

It’s very surprising to me that he would deliver this message because everyone knows that in order to do anything, you must first have a thought. A thought about the state of your weeds can be anything from, I don’t care about those damn weeds (negative thought) to, I should probably clean up my yard (positive thought). Which of the two do you think will actually get you to physically move? You got it, the one that actually stimulated your brain to get into action: the positive thought one.

I believe that Robbins message could deter certain people from addressing their thoughts. The point of positive thinking and affirmations is to get you thinking in a new way. By changing the way you speak and think, you can begin to see changes that otherwise you wouldn't see. It’s not about standing over your weeds and magically willing it to fix itself, it’s about standing over your weeds with a willing attitude to do whatever it takes to make you clean-up your act. But, it starts with your thinking. If your thinking continues to be the same as the previous day, hour or minute then the same results will follow. A change in attitude is a must. A change in attitude begins with your thoughts.

So, it’s my humble opinion that if you have weeds, you should “think” about how you’re going to make it beautiful. This, without a doubt will start to make you feel better and eventually it will get you off your couch doing whatever needs to be done.

Till Next Time!

How to Keep Going When Your Goal Seems Too Big

Could you get yourself to a place where achieving the ‘goal’ is less important than who you become in the process?

In my own life I’ve had to do this and it’s been one of my greatest discoveries. You see, I want to become a New York Times Bestselling author. I want my novels to be turned into movies and I want everyone to fall in love with my stories. However, if I never reach these goals I'm okay with that because I know that who I became in the process is far more important. If at the end of my days I come away with the knowing that I dedicated my life to writing, and that because of it I had a happy and productive life while doing so, then, it would have all been worth it.

For years I lived in a negative state of mind, I constantly put myself down and I even thought I wasn’t very smart. When I decided that I was a writer and that I would write no matter what—even if I wasn’t ready, something started happening to me, I transformed. Suddenly, I had a voice, I started inspiring others, I wrote three, four, five books and I now earn income by having done so. I did it without having certainty that my final goal would materialize.

These are my questions to you: Are you holding back? Are you afraid to go for your dreams because you think you may not make it? What if from this moment on, you worry less about the ultimate goal, and each day you do what makes you happy? How would this change your life? For example, do you want to be a yoga instructor, but don’t see how because you’re not as flexible as Tiffany in your yoga class? Should you then give up on yoga forever or is there a better option? The better option is to practice yoga every day and see who you become in the process. In the end this will be much more important than the goal you sought to obtain.

Oftentimes, we are paralyzed by the self-imposed pressures of our goals. But there’s a better way. If you are struggling with this, my suggestion is to just take it one day at a time. Don’t give up on your goal just yet. Instead, chunk it down to bite-size actions. Working your goals in this manner will not only prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the what ifs, but it will keep you motivated and working toward a better you.

I am not suggesting that goals aren't important. I am only suggesting that we don't get too hung up on the timing in which our goals arrive. If we let go of worry and of when we will reach our goals our lives becomes much more pleasant. We can work happily toward our goals without having any reservations about the outcome. Often, it is our own fear about the outcome that prevent us from even starting.

Remember, who you become while working toward your goals is a goal in itself.

Till Next Time!

5 Films That Remind You Anything Is Possible

Nothing gets me more pumped than watching a movie with a message! I have a huge list of movies that I love and use as inspiration whenever I need a little pick-me-up. So, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites with you.

Little Boy was released in 2015 and lucky for us, it’s now available on Netflix. This movie is the epitome of what I stand for: BELIEF. The movie is based around a little boy and his bold faith to bring his father back from War. His journey takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster that continues until the final credits roll. Overall, this movie serves as a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how lost they may appear, belief will ultimately get you through. After watching this movie, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, or talking about it, and, I found myself constantly recommending it to my friends and family. So, it comes as no surprise that this films is my top pick.

Eddie the Eagle was released in 2016 and stars who is slowly becoming one of my favorite actors. This movie teaches us about perseverance and the determination that one must have if we want to not only reach our goals, but exceed them. Eddie didn’t allow others to dictate his life, or change his goals based on their belief about what he could or couldn’t do. He held steady to his goal and went for them. In return, he beat the odds and surprised everyone. This is the perfect film for anyone that feels like they can’t do “it” because of certain limitations they may have. Oh, let us not forget that this movie is based on a true story!

Yep, an-oldie-but-a-goodie is The Pursuit of Happyness which was released in 2006 and stars . Smith plays a father who ends up homeless but through sheer determination works his way to the top. For me, this film reminds me that where there’s a will, there’s a way. This is a staple in the industry as far as motivation is concerned, not only because it is an incredible and touching story, but because it is also based on a true story.

Okay, another oldie here but it’s literally my favorite movie in this genre. Bruce Almighty stars and through his typical humor delivers a lesson about gratitude and what it means to truly love. Carey resents God for all of his recent misfortunes, like being passed up for a promotion, or his dog refusing to use the bathroom outdoors. His begrudging attitude finally takes a turn when he realizes what is truly important in life. If you’re looking to get motivated in a light-hearted way, this one’s for you.

As far as animated films goes, Trolls is at the top of my list for motivation. This movie has so many lessons, but the one that stuck with me the most was the one about Poppy. Poppy is happy, optimistic and brave. But even she, is brought down by circumstances way beyond her control. Her behavior, both when happy and sad, majorly affects those who surround her and look up to her. This film teaches us the value of friendship and the importance of staying-the-course, because we never know who we might be inspiring along the way. Not to mention, they have the best soundtrack!

Have some motivational films of your own? Share them in the comment. I’m always looking for inspiring films to add to my collection.

Till Next Time!

You may also like:

7 Songs To Give Yourself a Little Love & Inspiration Each Day

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on May 18, 2017 05:11

How to Let Inspired Thought Live

Are you struggling with finding the motivation you need to fulfill your dreams? If so, I have three simple tips that will help rocket-launch you toward success.

So this is what usually happens to me: I have a thought—better yet—an inspired thought or idea that makes me feel amazing, then, immediately after, another thought enters, one cloaked in fear, then another and another, until the inspired idea is killed. Then, instead of following through with my inspired idea, I allow the thoughts that followed to convince me of why I shouldn’t pursue my inspired thought. This game of inspired thought vs. self-doubt and negativity goes on in my head all day long, and I fear, I’m not alone.

What’s worst of all is that we are so used to living with this habit of “thought attacking thought” that we think it’s normal. We allow the excuses to enter—excuses that make us feel bad about ourselves—excuses that keep us stuck and prevent us from living the life we came to live. We have convinced ourselves that somehow the thoughts that follow are there to protect us in some way. However, if we are not careful, we can live our entire lives protecting ourselves from our heart, the one thing that has our best interest.

So, if you’re like me and you’ve had enough and you’re tired of living with this habit that plays on loop, then apply these three simple tips and see how your true life begins to unfold.

Let Thought Live

The first thing that you must do is to listen to your heart—after all this is where your inspired thought comes from. Let it come out of you with giddy excitement and don’t turn it away.

Move

Then, don’t overthink it, immediately after you’ve had the inspired thought or idea, take action. By taking action you’re shocking your mind and disrupting the pattern of thought. By taking action, even when you don’t “feel” like it, you are creating change in your life.

Repeat

It is imperative that you repeat the above two tips. Listen, take action, repeat. For example, inspired thought enters like this: I want to live in Europe of 1 year of my life. This time, instead of allowing all the “what ifs” to take you hostage, take action: Research, figure out exactly what it will take for you to do this, and allow all possibilities to live and do not allow the lingering thoughts to overtake your desire. Those thoughts that followed are grounded in fear and lack, a place where you no longer live.

If you do this each and every time, your life will start to look very differently, guaranteed!

Till Next Time!

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on May 16, 2017 07:35

How Chasing This One Thing Can Help You Find Your Calling

Sometimes, the talk of following your calling is overwhelming for some. Others feel frustrated over not knowing what their calling is, or they feel as though they don’t have one, I promise you, you do. It has been my experience that when we are unaware of what we came to do, that a sense of hopelessness often follows. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There's an easy way to reveal your calling, and I have one tip to get you there.

Chase it:

I’m talking about feeling good. This may sound strange to you, or maybe it sounds obvious, but how often are you actually actively chasing that “good feeling” feeling. How many times during your day are you talking about, thinking about or dwelling on something that actually makes you feel awful instead of good?

If you really think about it, I’m sure you'll find more often than not, you are not chasing that “good feeling” feeling, but rather, you are chasing people to agree with you about why you are right in feeling so badly.

But what if you choose to do things differently? For example, let us say that you’re upset with your coworker, however, this time, instead of going from person to person talking about how said co-worker wronged you, you decide to stay quiet, walk away and water that plant. You have no idea why doing this will make you feel better—perhaps it’s just a distraction—and that’s okay, but still, you follow your instinct anyway and water that plant. As time goes on, this becomes your new thing-to-do. Before you'll know it, two things will have happened. That coworker that used to upset you suddenly doesn’t upset you anymore (either because they no longer work there or they’ve moved to annoy someone else) and, you realize that you have a passion for plants.

If you decide that no matter what you will remove yourself from anything that makes you feel bad, and you start moving toward what makes you feel good, soon after, you’ll discover your calling, guaranteed. Know this; your calling is hidden underneath negativity, doubt, disappointment and fear. Once there is more joy in your life than limiting emotions, your calling will become visible.

Chasing the “good feeling” feeling is another way of saying, follow your bliss. If you follow your bliss at all times, only good things can come from it.

Till Next Time!

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on May 09, 2017 06:34

Thursday Words: Never Too Late Edition

Today, I bring you these simple, yet powerful quotes, as a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind to. Today, I graduate from college. A dream I've had for a very long time, but often felt it slipping from me as years passed by. Today, I will be joined by my husband of 25 years, my daughter (24), with her husband and son and my son (21), and his expecting wife, as I proudly take the stage after having dedicated the first part of my life to raising a beautiful family.

Till Next Time!

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on May 04, 2017 03:31

How to Create the Perfect Outcome For Your Day

If you’re anything like me, your day gets more complicated as it goes on. For this reason, I try to set my intentions for the day from the moment I open my eyes. I have found that my days are far more productive, and I get to accomplish more goals when I take control of my day, rather than just letting the day unfold as it would. The following are five tips that will help you create the day and life you want.

Meditate: I like to begin my mornings in mediation. I like to do it right when I wake up because my mind is not yet busy or distracted. I also like to do meditate when I wake up because it is during these times that we get inspiration from God/Universe. Some of my creative ideas have come while in meditation, or, as I'm coming out. So if you're looking for some clarity, try meditation, I'm certain you will get the answers you seek.

Exercise: I don’t know about you, but if I don’t exercise in the morning, chances are, it’s not going to happen. As my day progresses, things “come up” and I end up putting exercising off until tomorrow. Though I understand the importance of working out, and I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s not always easy, or something I ‘feel’ like doing. For this reason, I choose to do it early, before I can allow a million distractions to prevent me from tackling that frog.

Get motivated: Not a day goes by that I don’t listen to motivational material. All day long, I listen to lectures or audio books from the self-development community. I love learning about topics that help awaken the person I came to be: anything from learning about how to become rich to how to be a kinder a person, I inhale it with immense passion. Therefore, this is an imperative part of my morning routing, one that I do not skip. I suggest finding material on YouTube or a podcast or buy an audiobook of your favorite author and listen, listen, listen. It will transform your life.

Be grateful: Nothing pumps me up more than acknowledging all the blessing in my life. Each day, I write down five things that I am grateful for (you can do more, of course). Doing this helps me feel better, which helps me think better thoughts, which then helps bring even better things into my day.

Get Clear: Now that I’ve done the inside work, it’s time to do some outside work. For clarification purposes, each morning, I review my monthly goals and then I make a list of the things I will do that day to help me reach my overall objectives.

So there you have it, five tips to start creating a day you can feel better about. Do you have a morning routine? If so, please leave your methods in a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Till Next Time

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on May 02, 2017 05:50

Thursday Words: Travel Light Edition

"Don't listen to what they say, go see."

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Published on April 27, 2017 11:06

Key Largo's Snappers: Casual Stay with Excellent Food and Entertainment

Is there a better place to kick back than the Keys? I think not. One of my favorite islands to visit, without having to go to the southernmost point, is Key Largo. But, what is there to do in Key Largo? Well, in my last trips to the island I’ve dined and stayed at Snappers: a cute island style restaurant and hotel with waterfront views.

Snappers is located at Mile marker 94.5 at 139 Seaside Ave, in Key Largo, Florida and you can get there by land or sea!

Their accommodations consist of four rooms above the restaurant, which are small—but comfortable, and priced reasonably. All rooms have perfect ocean views with large private balconies for sunbathing.

Snappers has two restaurants: Oceanfront Restaurant and Turtle Club. Oceanfront is a fine dining style restaurant with inside and outside dinning, but to fully experience island life, outside dinning is the way to go. Turtle Club is casual style dining with only outdoor sitting. I recommend having lunch at Turtle Club, then dinner at Oceanfront (outdoors).

The full island experience wouldn’t be complete without music, thus, Snappers immerses their guests in the full island experience by offering live musical entertainment.

There you have it. If you are visiting Key Largo and are looking for a casual stay, with excellent food and entertainment, then you should check out Snappers.

Till Next Time, Travel Light!

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Published on April 26, 2017 07:44

Three Top Spots to Visit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Visiting Fort Lauderdale, Florida and have no idea what to do. Well here are my top three spots to visit while in town.

1. Shopping

Put on your sneakers and get ready to walk! Located in Sunrise, Florida, Sawgrass Mills Mall is the largest retail shopping destination in the United State and is only minutes from Fort Lauderdale. With more than 350 stores, there is something for every single member of your family to indulge in. High fashion stores like Burberry and Gucci to T.J. Max and Target can be found in this indoor/outdoor mall. This is an all-day event, so come early and stay through dinner where you can choose from a variety of must-have bites.

2. Sun-Basking Time

I’ve been to many beaches in my life, and I must say, Fort Lauderdale beach is one of the best beaches I’ve been to, so much so that it inspired my two novels. This beach is what used to be known as “The Strip” and it was the backlot to movies like Spring Break and Something About Mary to name a couple. In recent years the beach has transformed from a teenage-hang-out space to a chic destination. You can dine, shop, swim, bike, roller blade or walk down the strip, all while taking in the best view the city has to offer. Bask in the sun or sit and people-watch at any one of their waterfront restaurants, but either way, it will be an unforgettable experience.

3. Slots and Dancing, Anyone?

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located in Hollywood, FL and is it a short 10 minute ride from anywhere in Fort Laudable. You can play, stay, rock, dine, relax and party, and you’ll never have to leave the premises. But, if you’re not staying at their luxury hotel, and you just want to visit, don’t fret, there’s plenty for you to do. If gambling is your thing, they have over 2,000 slots, over 100 table games, and over 40 tables of high stakes poker tables, to name a few. If you want to dance, then dancing you shall do at any one of their music venues nightclub music or bars. Just a different dining experience is what you’re after, well, then this too you shall have. Thanks to the talented culinary team at Hard Rock, they will leave you craving for more of their delicious dishes.

There you have it, three must see destinations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Do you have a favorite spot in the city? Let us know with a comment below.

Till Next Time!

As a side note, in case you didn’t know, I am also the author of two novels: More Than Words Can Say and Falling For You. You can visit the “book” tab for more information or visit Amazon, they are both available on paperback and kindle!

NEW TO THE SITE: SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST FOR THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, GIVEAWAYS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AND:

I'VE TEAMED WITH UP AUDIBLE.COM TO HELP GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE. Visit Audible.com for 30 days of membership free, plus two free audiobooks that are yours forever.

If you haven’t done so already, follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like my Facebook page. Through my social sites I share daily inspiration and motivation of all kinds—like fitness, wellness, health and positive thinking.

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Published on April 21, 2017 13:28