THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO A NEW PERMANENT LOCATION

PLEASE BE ADVISED -- THIS BLOG HAS PERMANENTLY MOVED TO ITS NEW FANCY LOCATION:

http://AmyScottGrant.com

Updates are posted several times per week. See you there!

I'm No Saint...

Today is a monumental day for the entire city of New Orleans. Hell, for the whole STATE of Louisiana.

For the first time in 42 years, the New Orleans Saints will play in the Superbowl.

And I must say that whatever the turnout, I have never been more proud to be from New Orleans.



To be completely honest....

After Katrina, a part of me was glad to get away. New Orleans has a strange and interesting energy about it...always an underlying heartache and sorrow underlying the surface revelry.

Lots of alcohol (LOTS. I predict the city of Miami runs out of alcohol before we even hit halftime). Alcohol is practically a part of life in New Orleans. We drink it by the gallon, cook with it, heck, we even put it in candy and dessert.

Do I miss seeing my family whenever I want? Of course I do. Do I miss the amazing food -- seafood, fried food, fresh food, Italian delights, Creole concoctions, fun bars, countless hole-in-the-wall restaurants just waiting for you to discover and fall in love with, and truly unique people. Yeah, I miss ALL of that, especially here in Castle Rock where there are exactly TWO fabulous restaurants and neither one of them will serve me a po-boy, give me a go-cup, ask me about my mom'n'dem, or let me out of there without spending at least $40 a person.

But for me, Colorado is home now. And I love love love it so. I love that it's OK if I forget to lock my doors, that I don't have to worry about walking alone anywhere (even at night), and that I live in a very clean, very friendly, very safe community where I know my kids can roam free. I miss the beach but adore the mountains. I miss my friends, but love that there's Facebook. I love that our friends here think I make the best food they've ever tasted (even if it's only because they've been eating Colorado food which frankly, sucks!)

I mean hey, if I'd never moved outside of New Orleans, I probably would have never had the motivation to teach myself to cook like a rock star. Who needs to in New Orleans? When you can go out (or order in) and spend $30-40 to feed your family food that tastes amazing and has HUGE portions to ensure you've got leftovers, there's almost no need to cook at home!

And of course I wouldn't be such a good skier if I had stayed in New Orleans. And I probably wouldn't know what a farmer's market was, or how good fresh, raw produce could really taste.

And I'd never know the thrill and excitement of waking up in the morning to find a fresh white blanket of snow, just waiting for me to run and jump and play in.

And I'm quite sure I'd have a much, MUCH smaller house if I lived in New Orleans. The real estate market there is just a whole different ball game than a growing town in Colorado.

Yet despite all these reasons I love Colorado, on a monumental day like today, I miss New Orleans terribly.

We're headed to a Superbowl Party today at a friend's house here in Castle Rock. While I'm sure there will be great food and plenty of alcohol, I'm also certain nobody will have brought a king cake or a sack of oysters, no one will have mixed up an ice chest (or a big black garbage can) of Jungle Juice, and my family and I will most certainly be the loudest ones there.

(We will likely also be the only ones to cry at the end of the game.)

There's no place like home, and even though home is where you make it, today I am missing NOLA big-time.

So friends, I implore you -- send some love and winning energy to the Big Easy today, on behalf of me.

And if you're lucky enough to be IN New Orleans today, toast a glass for your ol' pal Amy and gimme a WHO DAT and eat something tasty from ya mama'n'dem's or Brocato's or sumptin.

And listen for me...'cuz I'll be yelling all the way over in Colorado...

Geaux Saints!!

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2010

Happy New Year!

My friend Suzanne Bundy sent me this and I wanted to share it with you:

HANDBOOK for 2010


Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change…
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come…
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Yes, You DO Love the Drama

I always silently crack up (OK, sometimes not so silently) whenever people tell me "oh, I'm just so tired of the drama!"

Because the truth is:

No, you're not tired of it. You secretly love it. (and I'm talking to you, too -- not just to the drama queens)

How do I know? Because "A Christmas Carol" is the #1 movie at the box office right now -- and Dickens was all about drama, wasn't he?

In fact, the highest grossing movies of all time weren't comedies -- they were ALL dramas.



Yes, we love the drama. When things get too quiet, we seek it out. And have you noticed how many of the supremely popular television shows these days are dramas? Good grief, I can't even count how many "CSI" versions are out there.

Drama, drama, drama.

Say you're sick of it all you want, but consider that maybe -- just maybe -- you're not.

What I'm pondering these days is...what would life look like -- REALLY -- without the drama? Without struggle? Without conflict?

Hmmmm, it's hard to picture, isn't it? I know for me, there's a fear of boredom that lurks around the concept of a drama-free life.

But I wonder -- could I possibly just watch a movie, or play a video game, or read a novel if I felt my life was too perfect to be interesting?

Or maybe it's just hard to grasp the idea of interesting perfection.

Or maybe it's perfect just the way it is.

Or maybe all of the above.

Or maybe none of the above.

Yeah, that's the space I'm hanging out in lately. It's quite a conundrum, and I'm digging the complexity of the questions that arise.

(Hey, I said you could AskAmyAnything -- I never said I had ALL the answers ALL the time).

Besides, doesn't it just make sense to Know for Yourself, anyway?

Has Gratitude Been "Done to Death" ?

Seems like every time I turn around, somebody is talking about the benefits of gratitude.

And yet, how come so many people are acting grateful, yet still broke?

The recent "gratitude movement" may have started with the movie "TheSecret" but it certainly isn't a new concept.

Yet like so many other good ideas in that movie, most folks just aren't applying it in the most optimal way to produce tangible results.

If you ever feel like you're "so over" the whole gratitude thing, you've likely approached it from a less-than-optimal angle.



Now you can check me (that's not me in the pic, BTW) on all this of course (if you don't have a Truth Testing method you can rely on, RUN -- don't walk -- to this site and grab the how-to course for free) but here's what I get about this topic:

1 - Gratitude is a BE, not a DO.

If your gratitude journal, letters of gratitude and top-3-list-of-things-to-be-grateful-for-today become items on your to-do list, you're missing a key element here. Gratitude is a state of BEing...it is a BE item, NOT a "do" item. Now, in being grateful -- really living into gratitude -- you may find that you are naturally inspired to DO certain acts (such as writing a heartfelt thank you note, or journaling, praying, etc.). But it does not work the other way around. DOing gratitude does not cause you to BE more grateful. Gratitude is a state of being, not a chore. Think about that.


2 - Be specific in your gratitude.

Using gratitude as a tool to raise y our vibration? Then be very specific in your appreciation. Instead of just being grateful for nature, be grateful for the tree that stands in your front yard, providing shade in summer and beauty in other seasons. Be
grateful for every penny you receive, no matter how small. Be grateful for the wonderful way you feel when you are with someone you love, instead of just being grateful that you know them. Be specific in your gratitude -- hone it down to the teeniest, tiniest detail, and revel in that -- and then just watch what happens!



3 - Be grateful for the sake of being grateful.

Let's face it -- BEing grateful (as opposed to DOing gratitude) just feels good. Do it because it feels good, because it lightens your load and makes you happy. Do not DO gratitude in an effort to get more things to be grateful for. This is one system that you just can't "work." Can't fake-it-till- you-make-it with gratitude. But it does feel WONDERFUL and that may be inspiration enough to be grateful.

And of course, as a result of being grateful, you will likely attract more good to you -- but doing it without attachment to a specific outcome (or any outcome at all, other than feeling good) is the key point here.

Write me or post a comment! I look forward to hearing about your experience with this alternative perspective on gratitude.

It's Not About Negotiation

Awhile back, I wrote a blog post that many people have referenced (including me). In this post, I explained how to conduct negotiations with your ego in order to get it to do what you want.

But alas, I have evolved yet again.

During a private client session a couple of weeks ago, I realized that the information I put into that blog post no longer applies.

See, once we stop looking at our ego as a force to be reckoned with...or a contrarian who's constantly tripping us up...then we can begin to see the truth.

That our ego is serving us perfectly, in every moment.

Our ego is keeping us safe and protected. And doing a damn near perfect job, without getting an ounce of appreciation or credit for it.

But the truth is that our EGO is a part of us -- a very vital, very beautiful, very important, very necessary part of us.

and when we can begin to embrace that -- to love that -- then we know we are on the path of true self-love.

So why would we negotiate with ourselves? Do you negotiate with your feet in order to walk across the room? Do you negotiate with your eyes to get them to close when it's time for bed? No, of course not.



You would only negotiate with someone that appeared to be separate from you. Who appeared to have an agenda that's very different from yours.

(Which may explain why some of us find ourselves negotiating with our stomachs or taste buds when we are trying to avoid certain foods!)

A united front doesn't require negotiation -- it requires partnership.

And partnership means aligning agenda and intentions for the highest possible good.

Your ego would surrender everything in order to fulfill its duty, which is to protect you and keep you safe. And it does that all day, every day, without a smidge of gratitude or appreciation from you.

In most cases, people are internally fighting with their ego.

But what if you took the perspective of unity?

What if you saw your ego as a vital and hardworking part of you?

And what if you realized that it really is a part of you -- and it's serving you perfectly in every moment?

And what if instead of negotiating, you focused on connecting with your ego?

And in connecting, you asked questions and you learned things. You learned about what's important to your ego, and what it stands for, and what it needs in order to feel safe and secure.

And from THAT perspective, you can create a Win-Win scenario. I personally am a HUGE fan of those.

And as you build this partnership, keeping up your end of the bargain, your ego will learn to trust you, to let down its defenses, and to become more open to your suggestions (because it feels safe, and doesn't feel as though it has to fight against you in order to keep you safe).

This is the new evolution.

Welcome! And oh what fun we shall all have playing together!

Stacey Mayo will PAY YOU to be Quiet??!?!?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stillness Experiment Creator Stacey Mayo to Appear on BlogTalkRadio.com

On August 27, 2009, at 12 Noon Eastern time, renowned coach and author Stacey Mayo will appear as the featured guest on the BlogTalkRadio show entitled “A Little LightWork with Jen & Amy.” Show co-hosts Amy Scott Grant and Jennifer Ripa-Edson will interview Mayo about her recent launch of the “One Minute Meditation” in conjunction with the Stillness Experiment.

In promotion of the Stillness Experiment, Mayo boasts, “I’ll pay you to be quiet.” Apparently, she’s completely serious – one winner will be awarded $1000 in cash for sharing the results of their participation in the experiment.

Participants in the experiment are asked to use the free One Minute Meditation tool (“OMM” for short) once a day for 30 days. The purpose of the experiment is to demonstrate that greater peace of mind, clarity and focus can arise from regular, daily meditation, and that meditation can be fast, simple, and effective for most anyone.



Mayo is conducting the Stillness Experiment in tandem with her newest coaching program, “The Peaceful Entrepreneur™”. Stillness and balance are tantamount to a person’s success, according to Mayo.

“We provide a holistic approach,” comments Mayo. “We work with you as a whole person to create a great career and a great life. In so doing, the rest of your life supports your career and your career fits with the rest of your life.”

Why a “stillness experiment”?

“I am conducting this experiment for 30 days because I know that even though it is simple, the structure would help me and others to practice stillness in our daily lives,” remarks Mayo. “And also because I think it would be interesting to see what impact it could have on both an individual as well as a more global level if thousands of us took one minute each hour to be still.”

In Thursday’s radio show, Grant and Edson will be delving into the experiment in more detail, asking Mayo to cite specific benefits reported by participants, as well as asking for live demonstrations of the method. Callers can participate live by dialing (646) 595-2777 during the live show, and once the show has ended, the recording will be available in the show archives for an indefinite period of time.

To participate in the Stillness Experiment, register here for free.

The BlogTalkRadio.com format is utilized by more than 500,000 listeners, who can access a variety of programming ranging from self-help and how-to shows to celebrity interviews, news and more. Grant and Edson will accept live calls and questions during Thursday’s show. To access the show, call in with a question, or listen to archives, visit the LightWorks site.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Stacey Mayo

Stacey Mayo is founder of the Center for Balanced Living, the author of the award-winning, "I Can't Believe I Get Paid To Do This! Remarkable People Reveal 26 Proven Strategies for Making Your Dreams a Reality" and "Is Your Ladder Leaning Against the Wrong Wall?" She is creator of the innovative “Life Transformation Tools and More” Program. Learn more about Stacey, her services and her work at http://BalancedLiving.com

About Amy Scott Grant

Since the tender age of thirteen, Amy has captivated audiences of all ages and demographics with her razor-sharp wit, contagious enthusiasm and bold authenticity. Amy’s writing has been published in bestselling books including Zero Limits by Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Ihaleakela Hew Len, Inspired Marketing by Dr. Joe Vitale and Craig Perrine, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction. Learn more about Amy, her products and her work at http://AskAmyAnything.com

About Jennifer Ripa-Edson

Jennifer Ripa-Edson draws from her training in yoga, meditation, sustainable living and healthy eating to support clients in a process of self-discovery and personal healing. Alternative Healing Coaching utilizes a systematic method to break through limiting beliefs, thought patterns, habits, and ultimately emotional stress to allow for consistent progress toward your life goal. Learn more about Jennifer, her coaching and her work at http://AlternativeHealingCoach.com


CONTACT: Amy Scott Grant
AskAmyAnything.com
amy @ newsuccess . org

###

Gotta "Play to Prosper"

Today I did a one-off teleclass that I promoted in a totally unique way.

Instead of selling the class, I gave it away as a bonus to everyone who purchased something from me during a 2-week period.

I was excited about the class because it was largely unplanned, and I was looking forward to finding out what info I was going to receive and share during the class.

But holy crap!! I did NOT see this stuff coming!!

Here -- check in using your preferred Truth Testing method and get your answer to this:

All things considered, if I increased my level of play by 10%, would my income increase as well?

And if you get YES, then ask by how much (the answer might just knock you out!)

For example, I found out that if I increase my level of play to 20% total, my income would triple.

If my husband triples his level of play -- from just under 3% to 10% -- his income will DOUBLE.

Am I excited? You betcha!

(And of course, in the teleclass I explained exactly how to increase your level of play without spending any ADDITIONAL time doing anything.)

I tell ya, it was a real firecracker of a class.

At some point soon, I'm sure I'll make it available for purchase. But maybe for now, I'll pull something quick together and give away the recording to folks who make a purchase in the next 2 weeks, something like that....get on my newsletter if you're not already and you'll be among the first to know.

Should be fun!



OK, gotta go -- there's playin' to be done now! Mwah hah hah hah hah hah hah

Summer Recipe from Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg

As you may know, we'll be bringing out Bravo TV's Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg on this Thursday's LightWorks radio show.




Just to amuse your taste buds between now and then...here is a summer recipe from Chef Hosea himself. We asked for a "intuitively inspired creation" and this is the yummy-ness that ensued...Enjoy!

Chef Hosea Rosenberg's Peaches and Grilled Brie Sandwich

For two sandwiches:
4 slices of rustic sourdough bread
2 T Butter
6 oz Brie
1 Very Ripe Colorado Peach, sliced

Lay brie and peaches on one slice bread and top with the other. Spread butter on outside of both slices of bread. Place in cast iron pan pre-warmed at medium heat until browned on each side. Slice and eat!

Avoid This Major Marketing Faux Pas!

All I can say today is "Bad, bad Crate & Barrel!"

I finally got around to thumbing through my current issue of Better Homes & Gardens (taking time to leaf through a magazine, oblivious to all that surrounds me is a luxurious indulgence for me) and I saw something I simply HAD to have.

It was called "Melamine Tiffin Box" and it's a neat stack of food containers with a metal locking strap that doubles as a carrying mechanism. Alton Brown would love it (actually, he probably already has at least one of the stainless steel kinds...apparently the idea originated in India, where workers could bring their hot lunch with them to the jobsite and the hot stuff stayed hot and the cold stuff stayed cold.)

How delightful! I thought. This will be perfect for picnics, camping, festivals and more. I think I was even envisioning one to easily transport my various beadworking supplies to and fro the bead store when I go on one of my pendulum-making rampages.

And the good folks at Better Homes & Gardens (like most good magazines) always tell you the MFRP and where to buy such delights. I literally tore the page from the magazine and walked it over to my computer to purchase such a nifty contraption.

But alas, "no items match that description" according to the Crate & Barrel website.

Hmmm, maybe it's an in-store only item, I thought (despite the fact that BH&G even listed "crateandbarrel.com" as the place to buy the item.

And then I noticed there on the Crate & Barrel website, where it says "all of our in-store items are available online."

So much for that theory.

I tried every possible combination...I spelled it differently, searched "tiffin" "melamine" and "stacking" all separately, but to no avail.

Then I turned to my trusty friend Google. I found an image of the exact same item with a glowing customer review. I used that link to go straight to (so I thought) the item on Crateandbarrel.com but alas, I got the dreaded "item not found" message again.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with these people? BH&G distributes more than 7.6 million copies of its magazine each month, and it's the 3rd largest magazine in paid circulation in the U.S.

Now, I'm not knocking them for NOT having the item. This magazine arrived in my mailbox weeks ago and I just got around to looking at it today. So I couldn't really bark at anyone except myself if they were SOLD OUT of it.

But what's got me steamed is that there is absolutely ZERO information about it on crateandbarrel.com

Not, sorry that item is "no longer" available -- not "backordered" -- not nuthin. It's like it never existed at all.

And a magazine is no small feat to produce, I'm sure. I couldn't even blame the folks at BH&G if they had made a typo and the item was just available elsewhere.

But I googled this thing and I can only find similar items (at much higher prices, btw...which isn't a dealbreaker IMHO, but I'd much prefer to order online from someone I've heard of -- i.e., CrateAndBarrel.com -- vs. someone called "India Imports Inc" or some such thing.)

I think this is a major marketing faux pas (and a HUGE missed opportunity) on the part of C&B.

So there's my rant for the day. And do yourself a favor -- DON'T make the same mistake. If you get major publicity that you simply can't handle, can't deliver on, or can't keep the supply up with the demand for -- then for pete's sake, tell your customers what happened (here's a hint, start with "Due to the overwhelming demand for...") and OFFER THEM A SUBSTITUTION TO BUY.

If you go search crateandbarrel.com (at least, as of today's date), you won't find anything even remotely similar to the item I was looking for.

Not only are they leaving me disgruntled and in the dark, but they are leaving me NO CHOICE to buy from them.

And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Too bad so sad Crate & Barrel. OK, now I'm off to fill out a comment on the BH&G site, I'll bet they can find me a replacement from a reputable vendor...

Top Chef Winner Hosea Rosenberg to Appear on BlogTalkRadio.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


On July 9, 2009, at 12 Noon Eastern time, Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” Winner Hosea Rosenberg will appear as the featured guest on the BlogTalkRadio show entitled “A Little LightWork with Jen & Amy.” Show co-hosts Amy Scott Grant and Jennifer Ripa-Edson plan to showcase Rosenberg’s spiritual side by exploring the connection between cooking and intuition.

“Hosea exhibited remarkable focus and a calm confidence during last season’s ‘Top Chef,’” remarks Grant. “He was such a pleasure to watch that I was excited to see him win. Meeting him in person was like meeting an old friend – he seems very much the same as he appeared on television.”


Rosenberg is currently the Executive Chef at Jax Fish House in Boulder, Colorado, and besides the title of “Top Chef,” he has claimed numerous awards, including: Best Chef of Denver International Wine Festival (2006, 2007); seven-time, undefeated winner of the Flatiron Chef Competition; and Guest Chef at the James Beard House (2007). Jax Fish House has also been named Best Seafood Restaurant in the Denver/Boulder area since opening in 1994.

Throughout the “Top Chef” season, judges made numerous mentions of intuition, referring to a chef’s natural ability to sense what flavors and ingredients would marry well together.

“Intuition is a natural part of great cooking,” comments Grant. “Anyone can follow a recipe, but it is only through intuition that new flavor combinations can be created.”

Despite dreams of becoming an astronomer, Rosenberg followed his intuition to pursue a career as a chef. While working in various kitchens to put himself through college, he discovered both his natural talent and genuine affinity for cooking. After graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Hosea began working for Wolfgang Puck and quickly worked his way up the culinary ranks.

Rosenberg’s years of hard work appear to have paid off – as “Top Chef” winner, he received a cash prize of $100,000 as well as a showcase at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. He now participates in the Top Chef Tour, is a regular guest on various radio and television shows, and is often recognized on the street. On the July 9th radio show, Grant and Edson plan to interview Rosenberg about his overnight stardom, his fairly surprising win, and his use of intuition in crafting new and spontaneous dishes.

The BlogTalkRadio.com format is utilized by more than 500,000 listeners, who can access a variety of programming ranging from self-help and how-to shows to celebrity interviews, news and more. Grant and Edson will accept live calls during next Thursday’s show. To access the show, call in with a question, or listen to archives, visit http://BlogTalkRadio.com/LightWorks

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Hosea Rosenberg

Hosea has served as the Executive Chef at Jax Fish House in Boulder since 2004. During his tenure at Jax, he has won numerous, including: Best Chef of Denver International Wine Festival (2006, 2007); seven-time, undefeated winner of the Flatiron Chef Competition; and Guest Chef at the James Beard House (2007). With dreams of being an astronomer, he worked at various kitchens to put himself through college, and after graduating in 1997, realized his true calling was to become a chef. Learn more about Hosea by visiting his website at http://ChefHosea.com

About Amy Scott Grant

Since the tender age of thirteen, Amy has captivated audiences of all ages and demographics with her razor-sharp wit, contagious enthusiasm and bold authenticity. Amy’s writing has been published in bestselling books including Zero Limits by Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Ihaleakela Hew Len, Inspired Marketing by Dr. Joe Vitale and Craig Perrine, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction. Learn more about Amy, her products and her work at http://AskAmyAnything.com

About Jennifer Ripa-Edson

Jennifer Ripa-Edson draws from her training in yoga, meditation, sustainable living and healthy eating to support clients in a process of self-discovery and personal healing. Alternative Healing Coaching utilizes a systematic method to break through limiting beliefs, thought patterns, habits, and ultimately emotional stress to allow for consistent progress toward your life goal. Learn more about Jennifer, her coaching and her work at http://AlternativeHealingCoach.com

###

LightWorks | Blog Talk Radio Feed

LightWorks | Blog Talk Radio Feed

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Money CAN Make You Happy

Seems like every time I turn around, someone is tweeting or blasting out a message to the world that says "money can't make you happy" or "money won't make you happy" but I'm not so sure that's true.

Have you ever seen the look on a teenager's face when they open a birthday or Christmas card and there's money or a check inside?

What about a lottery winner's face when they find out they've won.....even a small amount, like $1000 or $5000.

Ever been to a casino and seen someone hit the jackpot?

What about an employee's face when they find out they just got a big raise or a bonus?

No, I actually think money CAN make you happy.



The trouble is, it doesn't last. When you get some money, it really does make you happy -- but only for a little while. And it's not the sole source of happiness (because, yes, there are at least a few very wealthy people who are unhappy much of the time).

Pursuing money because you're really wanting happiness is like chasing a chicken because you want a steak for dinner. It makes no sense.

But let's take a look at what's REALLY happening when we keep telling ourselves that "money doesn't make you happy."

1. You want money.

2. You like to be happy.

But there's a part of you rationalizing thus: if money doesn't make you happy, then why actually attract it? Maybe it will really just make me UNhappy if I get too much, so I'd better not.

3. Then you're unhappy AND have no money.

See why this doesn't work?

So MAYBE -- just MAYBE -- instead of going around thinking, reading, talking, and believing "money can't make you happy" you could just FOCUS your energy and attention on what really DOES make you happy.

And just let MONEY be MONEY. Stop making it mean happiness or unhappiness. Just let it be what it is: money.

Technorati: 9ie6cnsgrx

The Trouble with Delayed Decisiveness

What are you postponing?

I had an interesting encounter the other day.

I received an email from someone who, well, kind of sounded desperate.

The email basically said, "Please - I will do anything to be successful."

But yet, when we contacted this person, they didn't want to speak just then, because they were leaving (later that day) for a 3-week trip.

Even though the purpose of the phone call was a 5-minute interview to see if they've got what it takes to be successful with our systems and methods.

In fact, the person seemed rather exasperated that we would call on a day when they were leaving for a long trip. (Seriously, you ask?!?! Yes. Like I was supposed to know that.)

So they asked if they could call us in 3 weeks when they get back.

Now let me ask you -- do you think this person is REALLY serious and would actually do ANYTHING it takes to be successful?

Nah, I doubt it. Someone who truly meant what they said would have taken the 5 minute phone call, even if it meant paying $4.50 a minute to talk ON the plane to wherever they were going.

But this is not an uncommon scenario. Many people are using something I like to call "delayed decisiveness" and then they wonder why things in their life don't shift fast enough.

I define "delayed decisiveness" as postponing any decision that wants to be made RIGHT NOW.

When people ask me what 1 thing I attribute my success to thus far, my answer is quick: "I take immediate action."

The Universe loves SPEED and when we postpone a decision that COULD move us forward, we are in no uncertain terms telling the Universe "this whole thing can wait."

So while that person was clearly sending a message to the Universe that said "My success can wait. I don't need it right now. It's not a priority," I am wondering what messages YOU are sending to the Universe about what YOU want.

What are you putting off, postponing or procrastinating over? What decision are you delaying? What is asking for your attention, yet you are dismissing it for later?

NOW is the time to take action. Don't fall prey to delayed decisiveness -- make that decision NOW. Get started NOW. Take some sort of action RIGHT NOW.

Otherwise, you'll just find yourself at some point down the road, in the SAME situation, wondering why nothing ever changes.

If you're ready RIGHT NOW to change careers, find your passion, empower people, make truckloads of money, and take control of YOUR time and YOUR life, then click here (right now!)

2-For-1: Get Your Goals Set & Support A Good Cause

My friend Kathleen Gage has the most brilliant idea, and I just had to share it with you.

She's running (possibly walking) a full marathon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) -- but I'm not writing today to ask you for a donation. At least, not a donation just for the sake of donating. Wait till you see what you'll get for just a teeny-tiny donation to a powerfully good cause....



Kathleen is a brilliant teacher (possibly one of the best I've personally had) and she is putting together a kick-ass teleclass TOMORROW with 2 other brilliant women.

The class is about one of my favorite topics: GOALS: How to set 'em and get 'em (that's not the title, I just made that up. Wait, I'm calling dibs...dibs!!! I'll send you to this website for more info about the actual class).

And what's it gonna cost you to participate in this extraordinary teleclass?

Just a small donation -- $10 or more will do the trick -- to Kathleen's noble cause.

You can just click here for the full scoop + to make your qualifying donation. (Did I mention that's tax-deductible?)

Or, if you like details -- here's the whole email she sent me:

Dear Amy,

I've been working from home for 15 years and I love it.

However, something I noticed, not only for me, but for lots
of people who find it very "convenient" to pop their head in
the fridge whenever they want is the unwanted weight gain
that comes with the luxury of working from home.
Truth be told, unwanted weight can creep up little by
little until one day we say, "Enough is enough."

Or maybe we find that by having access to outside
distractions such as television (for some), working in the
yard, playing with the kids, grandchildren or pets, or
whatever, we let precious time in our day slip by.
Frustrated that we are off track with the life we choose to
create, we are ready for massive change. Or so we say.

The solution seems so simple. We set goals to get back on
track. The trouble is, many of us soon get off track and
promise ourselves we will make the much needed changes
someday.

Well, someday may never happen. The secret to setting and
attaining goals, whether personally or professionally is to
aim for things that will literally transform our thinking,
beliefs and actions.

Here's a "someday" for me that finally became a "today". I
have been talking about participating in a marathon for
years. I also wanted to give back more to those who may
need help. It's not that I don't give back; I simply want
to do more.

The opportunity to do both was presented to me about one
month ago. I heard a commercial on the radio about a
marathon taking place in October in Portland. Anyone who
joined the marathon through what is called Team in Training
would receive ongoing training by certified coaches.

And, we would be doing something really good for the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) by committing to raise
funds in order to participate.
Upon going to an information meeting I made the commitment
to both the marathon and raising money for LLS.

I knew I wasn't going to go from never having been in a
marathon before to going the distance of 26.2 miles in one
step. It would take commitment, focus and reminders of why
I chose to do this in the first place.

The decision to participate in the marathon was the
catalyst for setting some very transformational goals.
Goals that are impacting me personally and professionally.

Personally, I am training 6 days a week by power walking,
bicycling and weight training; dropping unwanted (and
unhealthy) weight, eating very healthy and feeling great.

Professionally I am more focused, able to accomplish more
in less time, and feeling a very high level of passion for
what I do.

Will I stick to every goal I have set down? I will if I use
the tools I have learned over the years on how to set truly
transformational goals. Tools that have created some
amazing outcomes over the years.

Would you like to learn about setting and achieving
transformational goals? If so, please join me and two of my
good friends, Lorraine Cohen and Denise Wakeman, on
Thursday, June 18th at 3 p.m. PST for an insightful
teleseminar.

This teleseminar is open to the public and all we ask is
for a donation as little as $10 (ten dollars) to join in.
Your donation is tax deductible.

Even if you can't be there, don't worry. We will record
it and if you are registered you will receive a link to the
recording.

This is a one time call. We will not be offering this topic again.

Check it out
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/Fundraiser.htm

Will you join the three of us and do something really good
for those who are impacted by blood cancers? 100% of ALL money raised from this call is deductible and goes directly to LLS. None of us are taking anything for our time. All of us have had family members and/or friends who have had (or currently have) blood cancer.

In success,
Kathleen

How to Send Cookies to Soldiers

My mother-in-law's son has been sent overseas to join the troops there, and we recently got an email from her with the address to send him letters, care packages, etc.

She found some excellent info about how to bake/pack/ship cookies to send overseas, and it looks so very helpful, I thought I would include it here.

The part in italics was written by my mother-in-law, and the rest is from The Cookie Lady (I'm honestly not sure whether the very last line is a joke, or not).

If you feel motivated to bake, below are tips from The Cookie Lady, who has sent 1.6 million cookies to service personnel in the Middle East. She has “crumbs” who help with the baking. (Brett’s personal favorite is choco chip.) During summer, M&Ms should be used instead of chips – and avoid sending other choco products, as they won’t survive the 115 degree daytime temps.

Baking:

I use the recipes off the packages of chocolate chips and oats. If you do not have time to bake from scratch, "extra moist" or cake mix that contains pudding makes a very good cookie. The basic recipe is 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 large eggs per box. You can be creative by adding Rice Krispies, raisins, white chocolate chips, M&M's, etc. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes (but underbake at least one minute).
If you send peanut butter cookies or any cookies that contain nuts, please label each bag "contains nuts."

Underbake the cookies about one minute to preserve the freshness.

In humid environments, add 1/2-1 tsp. of baking powder per batch.

Chocolate chip (substitute with M&M's May-October), oatmeal-raisin, peanut butter and snickerdoodles are the most popular cookies.

Freeze the cookies until you are ready to ship them.

Avoid sending moist breads (such as banana bread) during humid summer months--they mold quickly.

Packing:

I use regular fold-top sandwich bags, no zip-locks. Put 6 cookies front to back in the bags and twist-tie them. It will look something like a "tube." (see photo). Be generous with your packing material which can be Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, or shredded paper. Nest the cookies in the packing material. With careful packing, you can get 5 dozen cookies, individual packets of drink mix, i.e., cocoa, tea bags, Kool-Aid, etc., hard candy and your letter in each box.
Any toiletries should be packed in separate boxes from the cookies.

Include notes to the soldiers thanking them for their service to the country. Ask them for names and addresses of other soldiers, especially those who get little/no mail.

Due to the large number of boxes we send and the increase in postage, for individual requests we are using the new Flat Rate Box #1 which measures 12x12x5 1/2. Effective January 18, 2009,shipping costs for the Large Flat Rate boxes for Military are $11.95. The Small Flat Rate boxes are $10.35. These "Priority Mail" boxes, the customs forms (I use 2976-A) and pre-printed return address labels come in units of 25 and are available at no charge. Simply go to the USPS website or call 1-800-222-1811. These supplies will be delivered to you at no charge. For only a few boxes and customs forms, visit your local Post Office.

Once the box is full, shake it to ensure that nothing is moving. Add more packing if necessary, especially in the corners.

Make sure that all boxes are securely taped. Seal all edges of the box.

Shipping:


You must have the name and address of a specific soldier.

A customs form is required. On form 2976-A there is a space asking what you want to happen to the box if your soldier is not available. I check "abandon." Also write in, "Do not return." Your postal employees will assist you in filling out the form if necessary. I suggest you have your box ready for shipment before you get to the Post Office. It is not necessary to leave the box unsealed for inspection by the postal employees.

Some restrictions: No alcohol, no pornographic or suggestive materials, no pork, no bulk shipments of religious material. If in doubt, check with your Post Office.

If the cookies are too hard by the time of arrival overseas, the soldiers can use them as weapons.

UPDATE ON THIS STORY from my mother-in-law:

One caution -- folks in general should NOT send homemade treats to
soldiers they don't know. Soldiers have been instructed to throw away
homemade items from strangers. For their own safety, I guess. It helps
prevent food-related allergic reactions, illness from unsanitary
preparations, and outright tampering with the food. Store-bought goodies
only -- and NO choco at this time of year. The Girl Scout cookies will
remain in the freezer until winter!

My Care Kit arrived on my doorstep yesterday. Six boxes: 2 med, 2
medium-document shape (like a shirt box) and 2 large boxes, special
packing tape, mailing labels and customs forms. Very nice for the P.O.
to do that for our service personnel.

Yes, it IS supposed to be easy

Am I always telling you this, or what?

Look what I got in the (e)mail today from tut.com (totally unique thoughts -- they put out "Thoughts from the Universe"):


Amy, it's supposed to be easy. Everything is supposed to be easy. Everything is easy. You live in a dream world. You're surrounded by illusions. And the illusions change when you change your thinking!

Tell yourself it's easy. Tell yourself often. Make it a mantra. Eat, sleep, and breathe it. And your life shall be transformed.

It's supposed to be easy,
---The Universe

Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! ®
© www.tut.com ®

Success Story: Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg

Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Top Chef Hosea Rosenberg (Top Chef Winner, Season 5). And you might say it was quite timely, since tonight is the premiere of the new series "Top Chef Masters" on Bravo.

The restaurant where Hosea is the Executive Chef is called Jax Fish House in Boulder, Colorado.

Yes, I really did drive > 1.5 hours each way just for dinner last night.

But oh! What a dinner it was!

Some Houston friends of ours are in Denver on business this week, and they mentioned how much they'd like to eat at Hosea's restaurant. Why not? We made reservations with high hopes that Hosea would be there, and so he was.

OK, you probably know why I wanted to go --- I'm a HUGE fan of food and eating is most definitely one of my favorite things to do (it's right up there with "talking").

But why were our friends so gung-ho about it? Because their son Daniel is finishing up culinary school -- and watching Top Chef was a huge inspiration for him to even start culinary school in the first place. So his mom was hell-bent on getting a good pic of Hosea for her son.


We arrived at the restaurant right on time (at 10 till 6, they cancel out ALL reservations and the place becomes standing room only, with a line around the block -- and keep in mind, this is on a Tuesday night in Boulder, CO!)

But when we got there, our friends told us sadly that Hosea wasn't here -- he was flying out the next morning for a Top Chef tour in honor of the start of the Top Chef Masters show.

Wah. I was bummed. Did I really put makeup on for nothing? What about my brilliant idea to have him out on my radio show? This wasn't what I had envisioned. Ah well, I figured I would leave him some kind of note and could still convince him to appear as a guest on the show. Might as well see if his food was worth the drive plus the $40 we'd spend on babysitting for the evening.

The restaurant was tiny -- even smaller than I expected and very crowded. Decor reminded me a bit of Jacque-Imo's in New Orleans, that kind of colorful artsy hodge-podge theme that you see in the some of the best dive restaurants in the Big Easy.

Our waitress greeted us promptly and informed us that since the menu had just changed tonight, there were no specials.

Interesting, I thought. Hosea would bug out of work on a night when a new menu was being introduced? That doesn't seem like the die-hard dedicated chef we saw on TV.

Anne and I hit the drinks with enthusiasm -- they had some interesting flavors of house infused vodkas (horseradish was the most intriguing, but I was afraid it would kill my palate for what was sure to be a delectable evening, so I settled on an orange mango martini instead). I forgot what Anne ordered, but it musta been good because she was sucking down a 2nd one before I knew it.

This is the quote on their menu:

"Fish is held out to be one of the greatest luxuries of the table and not only necessary, but even indispensable at all dinners where there is any pretence of excellence or fashion."

--Isabella Beeton (1836-1865)

As we placed our drink & first course, we told our waitress we were bummed over missing Hosea.

"Oh no, he's here," she said matter-of-factly.

Our whole table brightened. "Really? The hostess station told us he wasn't."


"Oh yes. He's been in and out all day, you know, picking up his dry cleaning and the like, but he'll be back tonight. And when he does come back, I'll make sure he comes over to say 'hello.'"

Ah! the excitement! We were seated close to the kitchen (the place is kind of shotgun-style, so you're either close to the kitchen, or close to the front door, and the bar is sort of in the middle) so I kept a watchful eye.

And just as our first course arrived, I spied him.

Yep, I know it sounds trite but I was totally thinking: "He looks just like he did on TV!" Don't worry, I refrained from saying that out loud. Whew.

I started with the Local Organic Greens (almonds & green apple slices over manchego and elderflower...the oddest looking greens I've personally consumed, but quite tasty. Some even looked like clover.) I admit, I was a little giddy...I kept asking Andy if I had anything in my teeth, lest Chef Hosea should come by while I was mid-chew.

Anne and Duncan split the Maryland Blue Crab Cakes...I didn't taste them, but they said they were amazing. Andy started with a bowl of black mussel steamers -- a healthy portion indeed, and the broth was absolutely mystifying. Lemongrass, ginger, chiffonade of basil and lord only knows what else. Andy ordered extra bread for dippin and it was out of this world good.

More drinks and conversation as our hubbies pretended to be embarrassed when Anne kept taking pix of the back of Hosea's head in the kitchen. He was helping expedite, since there was a new menu being introduced that night.

I think Anne and I both had to pee, but we didn't dare leave the table and potentially miss out on meeting this extraordinary Top Chef.

Our waitress must have sensed our anticipation, because she came over a couple of times to let us know that Hosea would DEFINITELY come by before we left, she just wasn't sure when as he was very busy (which we could well see). At that news, we relaxed just a tad.

Then, the main courses were delivered.

All I can say is, HOLY CRAP.

And if you know me, I think you know that is probably the HIGHEST compliment I can bestow on anything, meals included.

Holy crap.

Anne got the Cedar Wrapped Alaskan King Salmon -- what's cedar wrapped? Well, instead of cooking the cedar on a plank, apparently, Hosea had discovered some cedar paper, so they wrapped up the salmon in the paper and grilled it that way. With warm farro salad, hazel dell mushrooms, pine nuts & basil.

Anne gave me a taste and I don't even like cooked salmon (just the sushi for me) but I would definitely order that on a future visit.

Duncan ordered the Mississippi catfish (fried, not blackened) and we were all kind of like, seriously? You're from New Orleans and you're ordering the Mississippi catfish? But O.M.G. You cannot believe this catfish. First off, it was HUGE -- the single biggest piece of catfish I've ever seen (and growing up in the Crescent City, I've had my share of catfish). Deep fried to a nut brown color and ridiculously light crispness, this fish was perfectly cooked and topped with pepper jelly (a divine combination in my opinion) and served with butter bean puree, fresh garbanzos, and andouille sausage chunks.

We were all kind of grateful Duncan couldn't finish his...because that way, we each got 2 or 3 tastes of his melt-in-your-mouth meal.

Andy ordered the New Bedford Sea Scallops, served over black rice, with two purees -- not sure what was in which but one was sage green in color and the other was a mellow yellow and the menu said "fennel, sweet corn, edamame and bacon." These scallops were HUGE and I don't know where you get black rice (not wild rice -- like regular rice, but black) but I'm thinkin' I gotta get some for my pantry. Absolutely extraordinary.

But the best dish of all (in my opinion) was what I ordered. Spicy Colossal Shrimp. Oh. Mah. Gawd. Yes, they were spicy. Yes, they were colossal (really bordering on "prawns" and not so much "shrimp") but spicy and colossal were least interesting qualities of my dish.

First off, the plate is dressed in this "seaweed butter sauce" which I cannot describe adequately except to say if it had been on the drink menu, I would have ordered one. Let's just say, this sauce would be a GREAT way to get Paula Deen to eat some veggies from time to time. It was, quite simply, "Like buttah."

And that's just the garnish on the plate. These 3 ginormous shrimp were resting on a bed of "sesame sticky rice" which was topped with some kind of heavenly creation of sweet/sticky/spicy julienned stuff that according to the menu included hearts of palm. (Oh, THAT'S what that was...I've only ever eaten those on a salad, out of a can.) I also recall seeing julienned red pepper and fresh snap pea pods, all glazed in this fabulous sauce that the shrimp had also been glazed in.

I am NOT kidding...this was the best meal I've eaten since I moved away from New Orleans. Every bite was worth savoring. Every mouthful was like a symphony for my taste buds. Oh, seriously, so so good.

Hosea arrived at our table just as dessert was being served and nobody even picked up a spoon until our chat was over. I'd say we monopolized his time for about 10-15 minutes, and we enjoyed every minute.

Yes, he seems to be JUST like he was on the show. Very focused, very personable, very straightforward. Just a great all-around guy. We didn't ask him anything cheesy or personal (like "so, you talk to Leah anymore?" or "What'd you spend the $100k on?").

We found out from the waitress that he's mad about New Orleans, so we all played up that topic. How he liked New Orleans, how the people there LIVE for their food, how there are so many great restaurants there, how he wants to go back there again.

He was very friendly, very gracious, he happily posed for our pictures and listened to Anne's story about Daniel and was quick with a "sure! sounds great" when I talked to him about being on our radio show (I had my business card all ready to go with "radio show -- I'll be contacting you to appear as our special guest" handwritten on the back) and gave me his personal business card in exchange.

He talked about his favorite New Orleans chefs and his upcoming trip and it was positively delightful. It doesn't appear to me that his outrageous success has gone to his head at all. Which is really, really great to see. I'm sure he gets lots of compliments on his food all the time, and yet he seemed to clearly understand how HUGE our compliments truly were, since we were all from New Orleans where we are oh-so-serious about our food!

We finally let Chef Hosea go so he could chat up other patrons, and we dug into a sumptuous array of desserts. Andy ordered vanilla bean cheesecake (of course), Duncan got key lime pie, and Anne and I split some chocolate trio of sorts...a tiny molten lava cake, chocolate caramel ice cream and...what was the other thing? Who cares!!! We got to meet Chef Hosea! lol. I seriously don't remember. The molten lava cake was my favorite on that trio anyway.

I do believe Andy and I will be back to visit Jax Fish House again.

And I'll keep you posted as to when Chef Hosea Rosenberg will be appearing as a special guest on my LightWorks radio show.

*****FUNNY FOOTNOTE*******
When the check arrived along with a pen, Andy was the only one at the table who noticed what was written on the pen. Ready for this? www.PaulaDeen.com

Yep, that one came home with me, allright. What a hoot!

Would you like to know why we haven't had a female U.S. President yet?

I got some REALLY interesting information the other day during a client call, and I'd like to share it with you.

(And as always remember -- you don't need to take MY word for anything -- use your own Truth Testing method to find out what's true for YOU. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, get thee over to my YouTube channel to find out what's what.) Sorry about the "thee" there -- just gearing up for the Colorado Renaissance Fest later this month.

Apparently, MOST of us are harboring some pretty nasty limiting beliefs about women in power.




Check these out (you can check for yourself whether or not you believe this -- remember, it may be at the subconscious level and you may have resistance to acknowledging that you believe any or all of these):

- Women don't belong in business
- A woman in power is a dangerous beast
- Women buckle under pressure
- Women can't be trusted
- Women can't handle pressure
- Never send a woman to do a man's job
- A woman's place is in the home

Yes, I know that most of these sound extremely antiquated (as in, 1950's and earlier) and some are downright horrifying -- but do you really think that the women's liberation movement could just reverse deeply ingrained limiting beliefs that have been around for centuries -- for generations and generations since our early time as humans?

I think not. There is PLENTY more shifting work to be done.

Perhaps this explains much more than why we haven't yet had a female U.S. president. (Maybe we're getting closer, but we're still not there yet.)

I think it also explains why:

- women are STILL paid less than men
- women are expected to do it ALL -- work, make money, take care of the home AND raise a family
- women have so many remaining self-love and self-nurturing issue
- many women have a hard time earning what they are truly worth
- many women have a hard time asking for what they want and need (and getting it)
- so many of my clients are women

So what is there for YOU to do?

Well, you could start by checking to see if you are currently holding any of these beliefs in your field, and then CLEAR them.

Then watch what happens...

And remember, don't shoot the messenger....I'm here to raise awareness, not to bristle feathers. Check for yourself! And let's shift whatever needs to be shifted!

The Antidote for Paranoia

The following is an excerpt from the book “PRONOIA Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings” by Rob Brezsny


Thousands of things go right for you every day, beginning the moment you wake up. Through some magic you don’t fully understand, you’re still breathing and your heart is beating, even though you’ve been unconscious for many hours. The air is a mix of gases that’s just right for your body’s needs, as it was before you fell asleep.

You can see! Light of many colors floods into your eyes, registered by nerves that took God or evolution or some process millions of years to perfect. The interesting gift of these vivid hues comes to you courtesy of an unimaginably immense globe of fire, the sun, which continually detonates nuclear reactions in order to convert its body into light and heat and energy for your personal use.

On this day, like almost every other, you have awoken inside a temperature-controlled shelter. You have a home! Your bed and pillow are soft and you’re covered by comfortable blankets. The electricity is turned on, as usual. Somehow, in ways you’re barely aware of, a massive power plant at an unknown distance from your home is transforming fuel into currents of electricity that reach you through mostly hidden conduits in the exact amounts you need, and all you have to do to control the flow is flick small switches with your fingers.

You can walk! Your legs work wonderfully well. Your heart circulates your blood all the way down to replenish the energy of the muscles in your feet and calves and thighs, and when the blood is depleted it finds its way back to your heart to be refreshed. This blessing recurs over and over again without stopping every hour of your life.

Your home is perhaps not a million-dollar palace, but it’s sturdy and gigantic compared to the typical domicile in every culture that has preceded you. The floors aren’t crumbling, and the walls and ceilings are holding up well, too. Doors open and close without trouble, and so do the windows. What skillful geniuses built this sanctuary for you? How and where did they learn their craft?

In your bathroom, the toilet is functioning perfectly, as are several other convenient devices. You have at your disposal soaps, creams, razors, clippers, tooth-cleaning accessories: a host of products that enhance your hygiene and appearance. You trust that unidentified scientists somewhere tested them to be sure they’re safe for you to use.

Amazingly, the water you need so much of comes out of your faucets in an even flow, with the volume you want, and either cold or hot as you desire. It’s pure and clean; you’re confident no parasites are lurking in it. There is someone somewhere making sure these boons will continue to arrive for you without interruption for as long as you require them.

In your closet are many clothes you like to wear. Who gathered the materials to make the fabrics they’re made of? Who imbued them with colors, and how did they do it? Who sewed them for you?

In your kitchen, appetizing food in secure packaging is waiting for you. Many people you’ve never met worked hard to grow it, process it, and get it to the store where you bought it. The bounty of tasty nourishment you get to choose from is unprecedented in the history of the world.

Your many appliances are working flawlessly. Despite the fact that they feed on electricity, which could kill you instantly if you touched it directly, you feel no fear that you’re in danger. Why? Your faith in the people who invented, designed, and produced these machines is impressive.



It’s as if there’s a benevolent conspiracy of unknown people that is tirelessly creating hundreds of useful things you like and need.

By some improbable series of coincidences or long-term divine plan, language has come into existence. Millions of people have collaborated for many centuries to cultivate a system for communication that you understand well. Speaking and reading give you great pleasure and a tremendous sense of power.

Do you want to go someplace that’s at a distance? You have a number of choices about what machines to use in order to get there. Whatever you decide—car, plane, bus, train, subway, ship, helicopter, or bike—you have confidence that it will work efficiently. Multitudes of people who are now dead devoted themselves to perfecting these modes of travel. Multitudes who are still alive devote themselves to ensuring that these benefits keep serving you.

Maybe you’re one of the hundreds of millions of people in the world who has the extraordinary privilege of owning a car. It’s a brilliant invention made by highly competent workers. Other skilled laborers put in long hours to extract oil from the ground or sea and turn it into fuel so you can use your car conveniently. The roads are drivable. Who paved them for you? The bridges you cross are potent feats of engineering. Do you realize how hard it was to fabricate them from scratch?

Let’s say its 9:30 a.m. You’ve been awake for two hours, and a hundred things have already gone right for you. If three of those hundred things had not gone right—your toaster was broken, the hot water wasn’t hot enough, there was a stain on the pants you wanted to wear—you might feel that today the universe is against you, that your luck is bad, that nothing’s going right. And yet the fact is that the vast majority of everything is working with breathtaking efficiency and consistency. You would clearly be deluded to imagine that life is primarily an ordeal.



The Experiment:

DEFINITION: Pronoia is the antidote for paranoia. It’s the understanding that the universe is fundamentally friendly. It’s a mode of training your senses and intellect so you’re able to perceive the fact that life always gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

HYPOTHESES: Evil is boring. Cynicism is idiotic. Fear is a bad habit. Despair is lazy. Joy is fascinating. Love is an act of heroic genius. Pleasure is our birthright.

PROCEDURE: Act as if the universe is a prodigious miracle created for your amusement and illumination. Assume that secret helpers are working behind the scenes to assist you in turning into the gorgeous masterpiece you were born to be. Join the conspiracy to shower all of creation with blessings.

DISCLAIMER: The material in PRONOIA may be too intense and controversial for some readers. It contains graphic scenes of peace, love, joy, passion, reverence, splendor, and understanding. You should therefore proceed with caution if you are a jaded hipster who is suspicious of feeling healthy and happy. Ask yourself: “Am I ready to stop equating cynicism with insight? Do I dare take the risk that exposing myself to uplifting entertainment might dull my intelligence?” If you doubt your ability to handle relaxing breakthroughs, you should stop reading now.

Are You Making This Crucial Misspeak?

Yes, I meant to type "misspeak" and not "mistake."

I wanted to be sure I had your attention, because THIS is important.

A local business here in my town just closed up. Sure, I know what you're thinking. That's not unusual in this day and age, but here's the unusual part: they were open less than 6 months.



I was itching to know what happened. Who opens a business and then closes up shop 6 months later? What happened?

What causes folks to give up so soon?

In this case, I had a conversation with the owners, a lovely husband-and-wife team who seem remarkably nonchalant about closing.

When I asked what happened this is what they told me:

1. The economy. (But c'mon, it wasn't looking too bright 6 months ago, when they 1st opened)

2. People don't read books anymore. (The Twitter syndrome -- if it's longer than a Twitter post, forget it.)

3. People don't spend money on books. The owner told me he's seen countless people come in, pick up a book or two (priced low -- under $5), walk around the store, then put the books down and walk next door and buy a $5 coffee. Hmmm, somehow I don't think that's it because I have to stand in line to check out every time I go to Borders, so some people are definitely buying books.

4. Troublesome marketing. (I won't bore you with the details here, but let's just say based on what I learned from talking to them, it sounds like they really did give this part the ol' college try)

5. Location. Other shops in the shopping area had recently closed, which meant less foot traffic in and around their store.

Now, when I asked them why they opened the store to begin with, what drew them to this idea, this is what they told me:

1. They like books.

2. They thought it would be fun to own a book shop.

3. The town didn't already have a used bookstore (but what they didn't know, is that the 20+ year old used+new bookstore in town had closed up about 3 years ago AND the Borders Outlet at the outlet mall in town had also recently closed its doors)

Then this is the part of the conversation that still haunts me -- the whole reason why I had to share this story with you.

The wife said, "We knew we wouldn't get rich -- but we figured we'd make a couple of bucks."


See anything wrong with this scenario?

Setting aside the obvious question (who goes into business to make a couple of bucks??) look at how low the bar was set.

And look at the motivation for going into business in the first place.

I'm not feeling any passion, any drive, any intuition, not much planning, and very little risk/investment.

Where's the factors pointing toward their certain success? I don't see any.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time I've seen this sort of thing. I've seen folks close up shop in less than three months in my husband's business -- and that has a MUCH lower overhead than a retail storefront! Sure, there are certainly folks who produce "microwave" results in his industry, but talk to many of the top earners in his company (including him!) and most of them will tell you how many times they ALMOST gave up -- but didn't. And they'll also tell you how grateful they are that they stuck with it.

Many of the self-help books today will tell you that tenacity and stick-to-it-iveness are critical for success.

But is that just a collective belief? Do we really have to persist, persist, persist before we can grab that brass ring?

Yes. If that's what you believe.

And if you believe it has to be hard, or you "most likely won't get rich" then you can bet your boots that's what you'll see show up.

If you're an entrepreneur, or an aspiring entrepreneur, ask yourself this: what do you believe about business, work, your ability to succeed and whether or not you need to "earn your stripes." You just might find some beliefs that surprise you.

And if I can be of assistance to you in clearing your limiting beliefs, let me know.

(And if you want to be an entrepreneur who doesn't have to go it alone -- who gets to be mentored by people who are actually producing results, then visit this website.)

BTW, if it seems like I'm blogging less these days, I AM. After all, I've now got 3 audio programs going -- 1 recorded radio show, 1 recorded podcast, and 1 live radio show. Plus all the YouTube videos I've put out lately. I've still got plenty to say, I'm just doing most of it via audio and video, and less of it via typing.

Colorado-Based Spiritual Healer Launches New Radio Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colorado-Based Spiritual Healer Launches New Radio Show

On May 7, 2009, Colorado-based spiritual healer Amy Scott Grant launched a new radio show via BlogTalkRadio.com. The weekly show, entitled “A Little LightWork with Jen & Amy” is co-hosted by Grant and Jennifer Ripa-Edson, the alternative healing coach based out of Connecticut.

“Internet radio is a rapidly growing market, and I love how it enables us to reach a global audience,” remarks Grant. “We’ve got listeners from all over the world who can either catch the show live or listen to archives at their leisure.”

The BlogTalkRadio.com format is utilized by more than 500,000 listeners, who can access a variety of programming ranging from self-help and how-to shows to celebrity interviews, news and more. The online network was launched in August of 2006 and now hosts hundreds of shows each day.

“A Little LightWork with Jen and Amy” is categorized among a diverse group of spirituality shows, which seems only fitting since Grant and Edson both specialize in clearing limiting beliefs. Both healers subscribe to the viewpoint that a person’s actions, decisions and circumstances are driven by the beliefs held by that person. According to Grant and Edson, shift the beliefs, and a person can shift anything in their life.

“People are thirsty for this kind of information,” says Grant. “Which is part of what makes it so much fun for us to teach. Think about it – if all you had to do to shift anything in your life was get to the root of any challenge and pluck that weed – wouldn’t you want to know how to do it?”

Callers who participate in the live show typically ask for intuitive advice around decision-making and direction. Prior callers have asked for guidance in the next step toward changing a career, relationship advice, and assistance in shifting their limiting beliefs.

“I’ve been coaching in one form or another nearly my entire life. The radio show allows me to reach a much larger audience than my one-on-one coaching practice,” says Grant. “Plus, it opens up a free venue for those who could not afford the expense of private coaching.”

In addition to countless successful audio programs and teleclasses, Grant has created a number of free instructional videos on YouTube.com, designed to teach people how to test for themselves to determine what is true and what is not. This is the method she uses with private clients to discover what beliefs a person is holding, and whether or not a belief shifting process has in fact been successful.

“A Little LightWork with Jen & Amy” airs each Thursday at 12 Noon Eastern time. To access the show, call in with a question, or listen to archives, visit http://BlogTalkRadio.com/LightWorks

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About Amy Scott Grant

Since the tender age of thirteen, Amy has captivated audiences of all ages and demographics with her razor-sharp wit, contagious enthusiasm and bold authenticity. Blessed with a gift for reaching people at their core, Amy has grown and cultivated this talent to pursue what she is most passionate about: assisting people in transforming their lives from “ordinary” to extraordinary. Amy’s writing has been published in bestselling books including Zero Limits by Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Ihaleakela Hew Len, Inspired Marketing by Dr. Joe Vitale and Craig Perrine, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons for Mastering the Law of Attraction. Learn more about Amy, her products and her work at http://AskAmyAnything.com

About Jennifer Ripa-Edson

Jennifer Ripa-Edson draws from her training in yoga, meditation, sustainable living and healthy eating to support clients in a process of self-discovery and personal healing. Alternative Healing Coaching utilizes a systematic method to break through limiting beliefs, thought patterns, habits, and ultimately emotional stress to allow for consistent progress toward your life goal. Learn more about Jennifer, her coaching and her work at http://AlternativeHealingCoach.com


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Looking to Reverse the Aging Process?

My friend Jen Ripa-Edson and I were talking the other day. Jen is an expert on alternative healing stuff, and she was asking me to check (with Truth Testing) something she had recently heard.

Jen had heard that we can never really FULLY rid ourselves of any virus, bacteria, parasites, illness, etc., that comes into our system; that a tiny part of it will always remain.

As soon as she asked me that, I got an immediate 'download' about aging.

(Check this for yourself of course, using your own Truth Testing method!)

YES, we carry bits of ALL the incompletions in our field. That includes debris from times when we got sick or injured, and then got better, but we never dealt with the emotional impetus that caused the illness/injury in the first place. That includes words left unsaid, wounds left untended, old hurts, traumas, past life incidents, abuse, pain, disappointment, sadness, frustration, loneliness, abandonment, and more.

We may only carry a tiny shard each time, but over time, this really adds up.

How many times in your life, beginning as a baby, have people hurt your feelings? 1000? 10,000? 100,000? 1,000,000? You are carrying a tiny shard of stuck energy from each incident. Now consider how many prior lifetimes you may have had -- how many times altogether have you had your feelings hurt? And this is just 1 example of a type of wound where we would carry around pain.

You might be thinking "But I'm not walking around thinking about what happened when I was 5 and a kid kicked me on the playground" and I would agree with that. You'd probably be in a mental institution (or maybe a serial killer) if those thoughts were always swimming around in your conscious mind.

I'm not saying you're AWARE of all these pain shards.

I'm saying you're carrying them (mostly unconsciously) in your field.

And our body always reacts to the energy we're holding -- it is a mirror of what we are holding in our energetic fields. So as long as you're carrying around AAAALLLLLLLLL this crap from the past, it's like your body has no choice but to age.


Look, the only reason we age is because:

1 - we carry old stuff in our field, which weighs us down energetically and keeps us from appearing radiant and youthful

2 - we have a TON of beliefs that say aging is part of life, everyone grows old, it beats the alternative, you can do that when you're older, etc.

So if you could complete those old wounds -- dissolve tons of those old pain shards -- and then clear whatever beliefs you have about aging being a necessity -- then doesn't it stand to reason that you could slow, stop, or even reverse the aging process?

Where's the proof, you ask?

I don't have any.

Jen and I just got this info a couple of days ago. But I'm thinking there may be some experimentation coming up. I know Jen's up for it.

Maybe even a teleclass in the works. We shall see.

In the mean time, why don't YOU check in and see if there's any Truth in all of this??

I've just posted a new Truth Testing video I think you're going to like.

AND -- if clearing all those old blocks and beliefs just sounds like too much damn work to bother with, then here's a different approach to reversing the aging process.

My colleague, Susan Schenck, has something very special to offer...

What if you could stop (or reduce) one habit—that of eating cooked food—and reverse/prevent disease, become more beautiful, slow the aging process, enhance your creativity and increase your IQ by as much as 40%? According to authors Susan Schenck, LAc & Victoria BidWell, PhD, that is exactly what happens to many people who eat a diet rich in raw foods.

A diet of at least 80% raw foods is surprisingly easy to do with the tips & tools in The Live Food Factor, and it helps you

➢ Reach and maintain your ideal weight

➢ Get the competitive edge at work

➢ Regain the energy of your youth

➢ Prevent degenerative disease

➢ Increase positive thinking & heighten spiritual awareness

➢ Attain your highest health potential

The first edition of The Live Food Factor, The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet won the IPPY award of “Most Progressive Health Book of the Year” (2007) and the newly released second edition, with Victoria BidWell, won a Reader Views award (2009).

The Live Food Factor contains useful tips for incorporating more raw foods into your life, as well as inspirational testimonials, 10 reasons to stop cooking, 120 delicious recipes, and scientific proof of the benefits of eating more raw foods. It warns you against potential pitfalls on your journey toward super health, and discusses frequently asked questions.

This book has earned the reputation as the "raw foods bible" or encyclopedia.

Susan & Victoria are being joined by dozens of health and self-improvement experts to bring you a very exciting package of over 70 valuable bonus gifts with the purchase of one copy of The Live Food Factor. Click here for details

When Did We Stop Telling Children "No" ?

NOTE: THIS IS LIKELY TO BE A HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL POST. BUT I NEVER LET THAT STOP ME BEFORE...

I'm noticing an interesting phenomenon lately amidst parents and children.

It seems that it has become highly unfashionable for parents to tell children "no."

Hmmm.

I do believe it's true that using the words don't, not and no tend to have the reverse effect in communication. For example, because your brain cannot process the words don't, not or no, when you say things like "don't run in the house!" the message that often speaks loudest is "run" and if you don't believe me, just visit your local swimming pool and watch how long it actually takes a kid to slow down when the lifeguard yells "no running!" as opposed to "walk please!"

But in this post, I'm not referring to forward-thinking parents who are taking the time to rephrase their words in order to get what they want.

I'm not talking about the parents who use phrases like "please speak softly" instead of "stop yelling!" because they know the 1st phrase works better than the 2nd phrase when it comes to producing the desired result.

I don't know about you, but the more I look around, the more whiny brats I see.

Kids who are so lacking in discipline that they are hanging from the rafters with nary a parent in sight.

Now answer this question honestly:

If you saw your child climbing on top of your car -- walking and jumping on top of the family vehicle -- which response would it elicit from you:

a) shouting: "Get down from there RIGHT NOW!"

b) softly requesting: "Sweetie, I would prefer that you come down from atop the car."

c) it would never happen because my kid knows I would beat his ass if he did that

I'll be the first to admit, my answer is "a." I'm not saying any one of these answers is better than any other, and I'm not particularly proud of being a yeller, I'm just telling you what I would do.

My own parents' answer would definitely be "c" and I would say that is true. It would never have occurred to me to climb up and walk on top of our car and had I done that, a spanking would surely have ensued.

I'm not necessarily condoning spanking either. It's hard to teach a kid not to hit his sister when the punishment is a spanking. Although I can tell you that when my now-5-year-old was younger and she wouldn't stop biting, I bit her back once. It so surprised and shocked her, and I explained "THAT is what it feels like when you bite someone else." I don't think she ever bit anyone after that.

Not exactly a textbook approach, I know. But it worked.

So what happens when a parent uses response "b" (the soft-spoken request) and nothing happens?

These parents seem to be the anti-yelling, anti-spanking parents, and when the first line of defense doesn't work, what do they resort to next?

In my experience, it appears to be a second gentle request. Something along the lines of (in JUST as sweet a tone as the first request) "darling, I've already asked you once to please come down from there. I would appreciate if you would listen."

Seriously.

If your parents had talked to you like this, would you have one ounce of respect for them? Would you have listened or heeded their request?

Nope, me either.

And when the 2nd request doesn't work (keep in mind, it's already given the child plenty of opportunity to fall, get injured, or set a dreadful example for other children nearby, who are watching and waiting to see what the parent will do), reasoning seems to be the next line of defense.

Only challenge is, I rarely see these subdued parents follow through on their threats to take away a beloved toy.

So what does the child learn from this experience?

Apparently that it's OK to climb on cars. And if it's OK to climb on the family car, wouldn't that mean it's OK to climb on other people's cars? And the highest risk of continuing to do it is the slim possibility of losing a cherished toy for a few minutes.

Hmmm. Interesting.

I'm always looking for parental examples that I admire -- so that I have role models to emulate.

My friend Jen is one such example.

Jen's approach to parenting is similar to mine. Only I think I yell considerably more. But if you met me, and you met Jen, you would know why. :-) I think it's at least partly a personality thing.

Like Jen, I try to find ways to say yes, without giving in to every outrageous whim. Because kids are kids, and they will always push the boundaries to see where the limits are.

"Mom, can I go outside?"

"Not right now, honey - it's night time. But you can go out in the morning before school."

or maybe:

"Mom, can I have some candy?"

"Right after dinner, if you eat all your veggies."

and then:

"Mom, can I ride my sled down the foyer stairs?"

"No sweetie, that's far too dangerous. Why don't you play with your trains instead?"

Giving children options is different from giving children overwhelming decisions to make.

"What would you like to eat?" is a question that puts far too much pressure on any small child (including some 7-year-olds I've met).

What appears to work much better is "Would you like a banana or an orange?"

But seriously, what is wrong with (at least sometimes) telling a child:

"This is what's for dinner. We're all eating together tonight, and this is what we're having."

And if the child refuses to eat (assuming it's not something icky, like liver & onions with brussel sprouts or gluten-free turkey meatloaf with steamed spinach) then there's nothing more to eat.

One of my favorite sayings (and my kids' faves, too) came from a preschool schoolteacher last fall.

"You git whatcha git and you don't throw a fit."

That about sums it up sometimes.

I agree that this new batch of babies requires a new and not-yet-seen-before style of parenting, but I have checked in and I DO NOT get that telling them "Yes" to whatever they want is the answer.

Our children are still looking to us to provide boundaries, guidance, structure. Certainly, too much structure can stifle creativity and cause frustration and angry outbursts. But too little structure makes it impossible for the child to socialize appropriately, accept that they may have to wait to get what they want (or not get it at all), and it can cause kids to become whiny and have meltdowns when they don't get what they want (which must inevitably happen at some point).

We are not serving our children by saying YES to everything they want.

And if you don't believe me (and I'm not actually asking you to!), just use your truth testing method to check in.

In fact, this is the BEST way we can serve our children -- to check in, use our intuition and universal guidance and see what they TRULY need. Then give them that.

Maybe it doesn't take a village to raise a child...just an enlightened parent or two.