You Can Never Go Home

Today I wept for my city. Well, by the time you read this, the day I am referring to is yesterday.

You know I don't normally dwell on gloom adn doom, but today was just a little bit sad. It will be the last night I spent as a native New Orleanian. My hubby and I will sleep in our bare house (read about teh amazing movers in tomorrow's post) and we can hear a pin drop in the silent, empty house.

I loved this house, but I am ready to let her go.

Tonite we also visited my parents for the very last "We're just gonna stop by and visit for a few minutes" ever. From now on, all visits will be well-planned and anticipated. No more weekly granddaughter visits. No more spontaneous trips to teh mall with my mother. Of course, the malls here are totally out of commission from Katrina anyway, so...

Yes, I got a little emotional. As much as I travel, I've never lived more than 10 minutes from my folks, until now. I will miss seeing them weekly. And I know they will miss me too.

And I will miss my beloved city. Born and raised in New Orleans, I've never lived anywhere else (unless you count the past 6 weeks). While I am excited and ready to mvoe to Colorado, nothing can replace my beloved New Orleans.

Of course, New Orleans will never be what it was. Yes, it will be rebuilt, but it will never be the same. There's a saying that goes "you can never go home," and it rings true for no one more than those from New ORleans. Our memories of New Orleans are only that. Right now, we are left with fallen trees, stinky standing water and wrecked houses and businesses. It will take years to clean up the city and rebuild, adn yet it will never be teh same as the vision we hold in our minds. That vision is now a permanent memory.

I admire those who will stay. They harbor a certain passion, and I admire passion. All successful people have shared a passion to persistently follow their vision. But my passion takes me far from New Orleans. I have my reasons for leaving, but I admire those with teh heart adn the gusto to stay and rebuild. You have my respect and my prayers.

Of course, I shall return. Just tonight, we discussed the possibility of returning for Thanksgiving. It's only a couple of hour flight and we're back in teh land of Mardi Gras and crawfish (well, it will be oyster season for Thanksgiving, but somehow I doubt we'll get any good oysters this year). Lots of people are going to miss their oyster dressing to complement their thanksgiving bird.

If home is truly where the heart is, than you CAN go home as long as you follow your heart. Hats off to those who follow their heart right back to New Orleans to make her bigger, better and stronger than she has ever been. Me, I'll be following my heart clear acorss the country to a new, fresh start. I know I am not alone in that. But success is not about being part of the crowd anyway--it's about following the beat of your OWN drum. Which my parents have ALWAYS encouraged me to do. Which is why they can't blame me for leaving town, even though they'll miss me.

So my question for you today is this:

What area of your life deserves some adjustment to allow you to truly follow your heart instead of following the herd?

Thank You Again, My Loyal Fans...

Once again, I find myself thanking you for the umpteenth time in the past 7 weeks as I thank you for being a loyal reader. Our Alexa ranking has jumped again, with our 3-month average rank now a staggering 173,020. Not too bad for a site that didn't even exist two months ago (well, except in my mind....)

I know I promised you that I would soon be releasing a product that would amaze and delight you--a product that would revolutionize the way you think about success. I have not forgotten that promise, and although I had expected to have it ready for you by now, alas it isn't so.

Hurricane Katrina has really put a cramp in my style (and my release schedule) and the packing of my home is going a little slower than anticipated (we are still here in Metairie, LA!) It's tough to get contractors out with so few workers here and such high demand, so teh minor home repairs are taking a little longer than anticipated. However, we currently plan to leave tomorrow morning, or Saturday at the latest. We will spend a week in Houston (long, boring story "why"-- trust me you don't care) and then we fly to Denver.

However, I am dedicated to diligently working to put the finishing touches on the product and the launch site while in Houston, so we plan to launch the product within the next few weeks.

I know you're anxious to see what it is, because I'm getting emails all the time asking when it will be available!

Here's a hint - if you sign up for my weekly ezine, you will be among the FIRST to know when the product is ready (I may even do a pre-launch!) So sign up for the ezine, it's free and we don't sell your info or do any of that amateur spamming crap. We are all about your success, not your personal information!

So thanks again for all the traffic, and we promise to keep delivering high quality content related to success, stress management, time management, balance and more.

Here's your question for the day:

Who do you know that deserves to read this blog? Email them and let them know what they're missing out on! The link is http://www.newsuccess.org/success/success_blog/ or just search Blogger.com for Success Secrets for Spectacular Living!

Thanks for your continued support!

How Do YOU Deal With a Chronic Complainer?

We all come across these people once in a while...and you know the ones I'm talking about. The ones who think their contribution in life is to be the one who spreads the most misery. Nothing is good enough for these people--I call them Chronic Complainers. These people can be extremely frustrating to deal with (if you let them get to you).

Here's the 2 things to remember about chronic complainers:

1. They will NEVER, NEVER be happy or satisfied.
2. They will NEVER run out of things to complain about.

You could bake them a cake and they'd say, "what, it's not chocolate?" They could win a car and gripe about paying taxes on their new FREE car. You could give them a bag full of money and they'd tell you the burlap sack itches their hand. You know the type.

Do you come across Chronic Complainers in your life?

Are these people causing you stress? Wasting your time? Zapping your energy?

Have you always wondered how to deal with these people?

Finally, here's your answer.

All you have to do is SHAKE THEM UP a bit.

That's it! Amazingly simple, and yet it works wonders. Just shake them up a bit. OK, some of you look puzzled, so I'll explain. But first let's look at how you probably alreayd cope with these people when you encounter them (some of you may be unfortunate enough to have to encoutner a Chronic Complainer every day, so listen up!)

When your Chronic Complainer starts griping, which is your coping method of choice:

a) ignore it / allow them to "vent" without responding
b) try to point out the bright side of whatever they'r complaining about (e.g., "Well, at least you're not pregnant!")
c) change the subject
d) join in to make them feel better (misery loves company)
e) avoid the person at all costs and when you must interact, avoiding asking "So, how's it going?"

Here's the trouble with each of these responses (keep in mind rule #1 and rule #2 with Chronic Complainers - they'll never be happy/satisfied and they'll never run out of things to complain about).

a) ignore it/allow it. This only encourages the behavior to continue. Your silence is perceived as permission, and they will continue to complain to you as long as you allow it.
b) illuminating the bright side. See rule #1 (to them, there is no bright side); see also rule #2 (the bright side opens the door for more things to complain about). This doesn't work because you've indicated that you're willing to engage in converation, so now they waste TWICE as much of your time. Bad idea.
c) change the subject. OK, what subject do you really think you can bring up that they will NOT complain about? Remember rule #2, which means every subject is a potential pitfall. These people are like professional complainers, so the subject change will only work with amateurs, and not Chronic Complainers.
d) join in the misery. Does this really make you feel better? Trust me, you're not helping. Plus, guess who they're gonna call when everyone else starts ignoring them and changing the subject...YOU. Don't drag yourself down to their level, you're bigger than that.
e) avoidance/denial. Not always a practical option, especially if it's someone you work with, live with, or are (gulp) related to. Not exactly the mature option, either. Hey, I'm not saying I've never done it, I'm just saying it's not always the best course of action.

OK, so we've covered what NOT to do, now let's get back to that SHAKE THEM UP a bit suggestion.

Here's the million-dollar question:

Are you genuinely interested in helping the person to change (thereby helping not only that person adn yourself, but everyone else in that person's life!) or do you just want to pretend you never met this person?

Because if your motivation for reading this posting is all about YOU, you're not going to like my answer. On the other hand, if you're genuinely interested in helping the other person, read on Brave One.

To shake them up, you have to respond in a way that's different from what they'll expect. You've heard the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over adn expecting different results. How do you think I know about possible repsonses a though e? Becuse I've TRIED THEM ALL. That's how I know they don't work! So I finally had to try something DIFFERENT to find out what will work.

The interesting thing is that there are literally thousands of ways to respond DIFFERENTLY to get a differnet response, and to shake them up a bit. What works for one person may just tick off another person. You've got to go with your gut on this one.

I know what you're thinking...can you have an example? Sure, I'll give you a few.

YOU: How's it going this morning?

THEM: Terrible! I overslept, then my eggs were runny and my bacon was burnt, then we ran out of salt so I had to eat runny eggs that were bland, etc etc etc.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #1): Surely one good thing happened this morning. Can you think of at least one good thing to tell me?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #2): Man, you are CRANKY today! Maybe we should talk later after a happier version of you shows up.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #3): Why don't you just end it all and put yourself out of your misery before things get any worse. (This only works with someone who can potentially realize how dramatic they're being...you obviously wouldn't want to use this with someone who is frantic or on the edge!)

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #4): C'mon, I refuse to believe it's really that terrible. Tell me something positive that happened to you in the past 24 hours.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #5): Sounds like somebody needs a nap!

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #6): (with KINDness and GENUINE concern) Bob, are you aware that you complain a lot? Sometimes it's hard for me to be around you because you complain so much.

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #7): I've found that when I focus on what's wrong, I get more of what I don't want. When I am able to let go of little annoyances like the things you've just mentioned, it creates a space for me to count my blessings. Have you ever thought about that?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #8): Have you ever stopped to think what you're doing to attract all this into your life?

YOU (POTENTIAL RESPONSE #9): How does it make you feel when you tell me all this? If it doesn't feel good, stop doing it, and talk about something that makes you feel good! Because to be totally honest, it doesn't feel very good to listen to what you're telling me, so I'm thinking it probably doesnt' feel good for you to re-live all that frustration while you're telling me about it.

These are just a few suggestions you can use. They key to remember (if indeed you truly are attempting to ASSIST this person in thinking differently) is to use KINDNESS. People who are hyper-sensitive are not going to react well to #2, 3, 5 and 6. Someone who is an impatient, "get to the point" kind of person probably won't respond well to #7. Your boss probably won't respond in a way you'll like if you say #2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. That's why you have to make it fit the person and the situation. These aren't "zingers" they are just ways to get the person's attention adn encourage them to change their thinking. That's the point, right?

If you have frequent, unavoidable contact with a Chronic Complainer, you can pre-plan some repsonses or openers for authentic conversations so that you're prepared instead of coming up with something on the fly or potentially chickening out and resorting to the old, ineffective methods (see a thru e above).

I'd love to hear your suggestions if you have other "reponses" to Chronic Complainers. Email them to me at support@newsuccess.org or post a comment here.

Meanwhile, here is your question for today:

Do you have hte guts to respond differently to the Chronic Complainer in your life?

Engineering Simplified?

Click here to view Engineering/Political Cartoon

(Courtesy of New Success )

Memories....Like the Corners of My Mind....

Packing is such a weird thing. It really makes you stop and take stock (I've been using that phrase a lot lately, I know it) of your life. Look at all the stuff you've accumulated, and all the crap you can afford to pitch.

Have you ever noticed the mind shift that happens whenever you pack your belongings to move into a new home? Suddenly, the things you just couldn't bear to part with for years become too much hassle to pack and unpack, so they get pitched. It kind of forces you to prioritize.

The last time we moved was from an apartment into a house, a little more than five years ago. That was different - we had a GARAGE and an ATTIC, so we figured we'd bring our crap and we could go through it later. HUGE mistake. No one ever does that (OK, almost no one. I actually know 1 person who did it. But they're kind of fussy, so I don't count this person.) Plus we were moving into more space, so we could "afford" to spread out some. Hah! more space just creates a vacuum for more stuff. and if you're not careful, it could mean too much more stuff.

But this time is different. We are moving all the way across the country - from Louisiana to Colorado (specifically, from Metairie to Castle Rock). Can't afford to be so forgiving with a move that far, costing that much. So we're getting pretty picky about what comes to Colorado and what gets dumped or donated.

It's kind of a metaphor for life I suppose.

It often takes a major event (death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, birth of a child, etc.) to make us stop and take a look at what is crowding the deep recesses of our mind. It can force us to shine a light in dark corners and clear out some cobwebs.

But change is good, right? Sure it is, I've always believed that.

Here is my qeustion for you:

What dark corners in YOUR mind could use a good cleaning, and what steps can you take today to clear out some clutter in your head?

Long Time No See

I had an interesting experience today, and I'm wondering whether you have ever been through this.

There is a person in my life who is hard to be around. (Yes, I realize you probably have that too, but keep reading because I get a little more specific.)

This person is so hard to be around, and he complains so much about every little thing, that I have found myself not wanting to be aroudn him. In fact, I don't call or visit because I don't like the way I feel around him. But I love him, and he is a necessary part of my life, but I haven't really liked him in many, many years.

The person I'm talking about is my brother.

Today I called him because it's his birthday. It's nice to call someone you love on their birthday, right? So that's what I did. What happened totally shocked me.

He's like a different person.

He has changed a lot, and you know it's a major change when you can hear it in a person's voice. He has a certain spark, a certain sound of hope that I haven't heard in a long time. He mentioned my upcoming move to Colorado (leave it to Mom to spread that news for me) adn he even commenbted that he has always wanted to visit colorado. I happily extended an invitation and mentioned the spacious guest suite we'll have in our new home. He perked up even more and mentiond that they may come for a visit.

Then I talked to his wife (my sister-in-law) and we had a great conversation. Because he was different, she was different too. I think we were all on the phone for nearly an hour, which is probably a record between us.

The itneresting part is what I realized about the encounter.

What if I had remained convinced that he was the same person, and instead of calling him on his b-day, decided "why bother?"

What if I had refused to see him as he now is, and remained stuck in my old perception of what he's like?

What if he hadn't changed?

Did I change? Were any of these observed changes due to the fact that perhaps I've grown a bit since our last conversation (which was probably last Christmas, to thank them for the gifts they sent).

I don't have all the answers (surprise!) but I'm sure glad I picked up the phone and called today. And something tells me I won't be waiting until Christmas to call again. Plus, I found out he's been talking to my brother almost daily since Hurricane Katrina struck. See, we really can find something good in the midst of something as terrible as this natural disaster.

My question for you today is this:

Who have you been avoiding calling, and are you willing to be open to the fact that this person may not be the same person you remember? Are you willing to create a space for the possibility of a differnt relationship with this person? Will you call them today?

A Unique Family Reunion (well, sort of)

Finally got to see our 3 kitties today - Blackjack, Malibu and Tabasco. My daughter was so excited, she kept yelling "kitties!" all the way back home. She must have missed them terribly--we all did.

In other news, we survived Hurricane Rita just fine. The tarp did blow off hte roof once, and my husband had to go out in the storm to re-attach it. The insurance adjuster came today - he said he's giving us extra allowance for roofing shingles "because you really got that tarp on there good." Meaning my hubby got a little over-zealous with the screwdriver and made SURE that tarp wouldn't come off. We did get a little more water damage from teh tarp blowing off, but possessionsa re all still intact.

We've certainly got our work cut out for us now. In order to put the hoouse up for sale, thjere's a lot we need to do, adn the new owners will get most of our insurance money as an "allowance" for what reparis we didn't finish.

It's so weird here - the military presence is strong, and every couple of miles, you can find a station where supplies are handed out. Water, tarps (to cover your roof, keep the rain out) and MRE ("meals-ready to eat" a.k.a. military rations) are distributed. Couldn't find anyone giving out diapers, but fortunately a couple of drug stores are open for business. You'd be surprised at the quality of an MRE. Nutritious and balanced meals, in a self-contained pouch, complete with heating apparatus. All you need is water (doesn't even have to be potable water!) and you have a hot meal.

For example, I'm about to have pork ribs, clam chowder, crackers with cheese spread, dried cranberries, a lemon-lime electrolyte drink (OK, you need potable water for that, but not to heat the meal) and a raspberry cookie. OK, I probably won't eat all that at one sitting, but you get the idea of what's included in one of these MREs. If you're like me, and you've never been in the military, the whole idea is kinda cool. Like camping, in your own house. EAch MRE also includes a hot drink mix (cocoa, cider or coffee), camoflage brown spoon, napkin, wet wipe, salt, pepper and a mint or piece of gum.

On top of all that, they don't taste half bad, either. Certainly not soemthing you'd order out, but under the circumstances, I'd say we're eating pretty good. Also, it seems like there are about 30 different kinds of meals, so you're not eating hte same thing all the time. Although if you were in the military, or on assignment, I do think you'd tire of the selection.

Either way, it beats the hell out of what's in my pantry--cans of tuna and goldfish crackers.

Speaking of tuna, we treated our kitties to a nice can of tuna, which they certainly deserve. Teh lady who was taking care of them was very nice (did I mention they were in a foster home? All 3 of them lived in someone's bathroom for the past few weeks) and we gave her a little cash as a thank-you. She was very nice, and very appreciative--but of course we were the ones who were thankful!

The kitties definitely seem glad to be home. Malibu keeps meowing like she's trying to tell us all about her adventures. I expected teh cold shoulderfrom Tabasco (alpha cat) but she is adapting well. Blackjack is siting next to the litter box, a little on edge (but that's pretty normal for him).

Such a strange situation to be in. Yet look how adaptable we can be -- and by we, I mean adults, children and kitties.

My question for you today is:

How adaptable are you to change? Have you ever considered that your ability to adapt is inversely proportionate to your stress level?

Hurricane Rita

Although Hurricane Rita is set to hit Texas soon, New Orleans is definitely feeling the effects. The torrential rain adn powerful winds are pounding us in waves.

The temporary fix has already flown off hte roof once, so my hubby got up there in the pouring rain and reapplied a tarp. Hopefully that will hold until morning. We've had some "indoor drippage" as a result of hte hole in teh roof.

We expect the worst of the storm to have passed over New Orleans by morning. Tomorrow we'll have some heavy-duty cleanup to do in our front and back yard. Today, I'm cleaning up some paperwork issues while hubby is working on home repairs adn making necessary phone calls.

Rita is just pounding away. I'm looking through the window and watching the rain come down in sheets. My citrus trees are being wracked by teh wind and what's left of my windchimes are horizontal from the gusts of wind.

Right now, I'm pretty glad I'm not in Texas.

But now, back to my fridge cleanup. Yuck!

In the meantime, stay dry. I'll continue to post unless power goes out.

Cleaned Out YOUR Fridge Lately?

This was a task I definitely wasn't looking forward to. I mean, I don't even like cleaning out my fridge on a regular basis, much less AFTER I've been gone a month because of a stupid hurricane. Unfortunately, I had bags of chicken breasts in teh freezer, which leaked chicken juice....YUCK

Let me back up a bit - we are back at our home in Metairie, LA...cleaning up stuff and attempting to make it liveable for the next few days so we can get our stuff packed up and ready to move. I am recounting what happened after our refrigerators were turned off for over a week, and since we've been gone since mid-August, all the food has been in htere for about 6 weeks or so. EWWWW!

the smell was indescribably horrible. We donned gloves (had no masks) and said 1...2...3 GO! and it was a mad dash to dumpas much as we could into the trash can. It took us longer to get our refrigerator out the door (we have no dolly) than it did to empty it. The flies began swarming almost immediately. Plus, we were on a short timeline before the first rainbands of Hurricane Rita hit our town.

Since I have the stronger stomach between my husband and me, I got hte task of actually cleaning hte fridge.

It was nauseating. Absolutely the worst smell you can imagine. We removed things that were unrecognizeable. It was so bad, we even threw away some of our REAL Tupperware - there was no way in hell I was going to attempt to clean that.

As you drive through our neighborhood, you see a lot of refrigerators and freezers just sitting by the roadside. No, isnurance does not pay to replace these items. We're discovering that there is a LOT that insurance doesn't pay. And yet, our rates seem to increase every year. But I really shouldn't get started on THAT topic.

Anyway, I'm particualrly attached to my refrigerator. Of course, if my isruance company was going to replace it (it's a $1500 fridge), I would walk away from it in a heartbeat and buy a new one for our new home. It's NOT a side-by-side, yet it has hte water and ice dispenser in the upper door (freezer). It's perfect laid out and you can fit TONS of stuff in it. I love this fridge.

Adn you don't realize how much you rely on a fridge until you don't have one. Just the simple act of drinking ice water makes you realize that (without ice) you have no fridge. Eating some dry foods (P.B. and crackers) makes you say "hmmm, some jelly would be good on this. Oh yea, I forgot. We don't have a fridge - we had to throw out our jelly because it smells like crap". Cold milk for our toddler to drink - gotta buy ice from one of only a handful of stores that are open in the area to keep her milk from spoiling. Mustard for your can of tuna on crackers - nope, mustard would be in a fridge and we are Currently Without Fridge.

Imagine if you had no fridge in your home. You might have to get creative about what you eat and when.

Our deep freeze, on the other hand, was not nearly as bad. The smell was not bad, but a lot of stuff got stuck to the sides when it thawed and refroze (power went off and back on over a week later). So we could have, for example, ice cream, but not juice. Weird.

I would really hate to lose that fridge. Then again, I would really hate to have to pay for a new fridge when the other one is only 5 years old and in great condition (well, except for hte revolting stench). But it could be a lot worse. I could have lose my entire house, my heirlooms, my photographs - this is hte case with many of my friends. And yet, I remain emotionally attached to that fridge.

fortunately, the water we took on in our house was not near our photographs. Well, actually it was NEAR but did not damage. Which is wonderful. Because it would havebeen a shame to lose my wedding album. Whew.

OF course, things are a little up in the air with this Hurricane Rita. What's left of my wind chimes are constantly tinkling and my trees are taking a beating. Teh rain comes and goes, off and on. Teh worst of Rita will hit new orleans late tonight/early tomorrow morning. We can just continue cleaning and pray, that's about it. Of course, we can't clean too much untila fter hte adjuster gets here. It's their job to pay each policyowner as little as possible, so you know, you hate to make things look better than they really are, even though that would be best for your sanity.

So today we are going through paperwork, cleaning up and cleaning out. Next, i'll start going through clothing to decide what gets packed (keep) and what gets pitched (donated). Lots to do even before we start getting packing. And my in-laws are coming to help (but they are bringing boxes).

Anyway, I'm getting off-track.

My point is that sometiems we get attached to material things, adn that's OK. But sometimes it can be beneficial to let go of our emotional attachment to THINGS.

So my qeustion for you today is:

What material item can you release your emotional attachment to? How is this emotional attachment limiting you in your life?

Thank You Everyone ! ! !

Thank you AGAIN for helping our New Success website climb the Alexa ranking charts! As of today, I am thrilled to tell you that our 3-month average Alexa ranking is up to 223,384. Certainly, our goal is to be within the top 100,000 sites (and shortly after that, within the top 50,000) but we are absolutely thrilled to achieve this progress so quickly! See, even Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita can't slow us down!

Thank you again for your continued patronage. Remember, if you have a specific topcic you want to see covered here, just email us at support@newsuccess.org.

God bless!!!

P.S. Just got back to New ORleans today, will write more about the conditions here tomorrow, so tune in. Thank God we have internet in our home!!!!!

There Are No Coincidences

I started this post weeks ago....long before anyone was afraid of the big bad Hurricane Katrina (or the more recent Hurricane Rita). So it's a little dated, but a good message nonetheless. However, it seems like it happened a million years ago, even though it's probably only been 5 weeks.


Once again, my living room couch was "The Couch" today. Only today, there was something different about the person who poured out her heart to me and gave me the privilege of seeing her true self.

Today was the first time I had ever met her.

Several months ago, I had put my name in a drawing and apparently I won some free skin care products. This amazing woman / mother / wife / entrepreneur came to my home this morning to give me a makeover.

While she was here, she got some bad news about her child's recent medical testing. As expected, she broke down into tears (in my living room).

Since she had never met me before today, and since she was at my home in a professional capacity....to attempt to SELL me something no less, she was quite embarrassed that I had seen her in that light.

I, on the other hand, was honored.

It's so rare that we get to have REAL conversations with our friends, much less with total strangers. I had the privilege to see this powerful mother and to experience first-hand the love and compassion she has for her little girl. Of course, I would prefer that she not have to experience ANY of the hurt and fear that comes with the chronic illness of a child. My prayer for her daughter (and their whole family) is for health and exceptional well-being. But since she did have to receive the phone call, I was glad it happened while she was in my living room.

I suppose someone else might have been embarrased and not known what to do or say. But we all know exactly what to say and do if we follow our heart. That's what I did and I was able to listen to her and offer support. Imagine what could have happened if she were driving in her car when she got the news--I don't even want to think about that. No, I'm glad she was in the safety of my living room.

I admired this woman. And it reminded me that we can never truly know what another person is going through. But these moments when we get to see the vulnerable, exposed, authentic, real side of another human being, it's a truly powerful and humbling experience.

I am grateful to have shared that experience. I don't know if she'll ever call me again, or if she'll be too embarrassed. I hope she won't. I'd like to get some more of those skin care products, and maybe have a cup of tea with this amazingly strong woman. I could probably learn a thing or two about motherhood from her, among other things.

Today's Question:
Why are YOU afraid to let people see the real you?

Home Sweet Home?

Great progress today - we finally agreed on lease terms and signed the paperwork today for a home to rent in Castle Rock, Colorado. We've decided to rent through the winter to ensure this is teh right place for us (i.e., can we hack the snow) and then we'll start looking for a place to buy in the spring. Not sure about our home yet, but we are going home on Thursday (just in time for Hurricane Rita, which surely can't hit New ORleans. Even God can't be that cruel.)

So as of October 8, we will be nestling into our new Colorado home. It's a fabulous home - 5 bedrooms, a fully finished basement. We're already plotting what will go where in the new house. It's terribly exciting.

What's the last thing you got terribly excited about?

I'm not sure I can recall being terribly excited about anything since the storm hit over three weeks ago. Well, I did get pretty excited when I thought my house was totaled and I was going to rake in a bunch of insurance $$$. But then we realized we probably didn't get that much damage, and we'd be lucky if we didn't have to pay back the $2000 cash advance we got from our insurance comapny. Ah well, life happens.

There is a saying that goes: "Men plan, God laughs." We can attempt to make the best-laid plans, but we can't plan for everything. Like weather. Fortuantely, modern technology gives us enough warning to know when to avoid severe weather (unless we jhust happen to be too stubborn to do so!) but we can't control the weather.

Yes, I know certain existential groups would have us believe that weather is the collective result of a group of people's thinking, but somehow I doubt that the people of New ORleans suddenly changed their mind all at once and caused Hurricane Kartina. I mean, I am all about personal responsibility, but that's just a step beyond what I can reasonably believe.

I've often said that you can't manage time any more than you can manage a sunset, but I'm thinkuing of changing it to say you can't manage time any more than you can manage the weather. Because it's the same concept - just as we must learn to manage ourselves within time, we must also learn to manage ourselves within the anticipated weather.

In other words, if you live in Hurricane Alley, either get out of town when a storm is headed your way....or move. Well, I guess you know which one I picked.

My question to you is this:

Are you wasting time complaining about something you truly can't control? Wouldnt' your time be better spent by finding a way to manage yourself within the situaiton, rather than complaining about how you're stuck in it?

Gratitude for Safe Places

It's funny, that I was planning to write about this same topic....but with a totally different spin today.

I was thinking about how good it is to have friends that will just let you cry. Just let you let it all out - without judgment, without giving advice, without interruption.

Even though I was blessed to experience that a couple of weeks ago, it resurfaced for me today. Some very good friends of mine asked how I was handling this whole Hurricane Katrina thing (this was about 2 1/2 weeks ago) and they asked the important question:

Has it really hit you? Have you just cried and experienced it all?

And then I did. I poured out every fear, every thought, every scary thing I had bottled inside since we first got news of the storm. What a tremendous sense of release to exerpeicne that. And they let me cry....they were'nt embarrassed, they weren't uncomfortable and they didn't feel like they needed to "fix" what was wrong. They brought me wine and kleenex and rubbed my back as I talked. And I appreciate them for that, more than I could possibly explain.

I figure anyone who has at least 1 friend in the world like that is rich beynod measure.

But there's another kind of "authentic" friend. Another kind of "safe place" within friendship.

That's the kind of friend who can listen without judgment when you tell them something that's hard to say...and even harder to hear. That's what surfaced today. I can't really go into any details without giving away identities and circumstances, but let's just say that sometimes I guess you have to risk hurting a friend in order to preserve a friendship.

So we are moving on from our current location. Thursday we head home to assess the damage, make repairs and pack up our stuff. Then we head to Houston for a week to spend some time with my in-laws. After that...who knows? We'll be looking for a place to stay until our new home is ready for us to move in.

But we're currently accepting offers, haha.

No, seriously, I'm sure we'll find some place to stay in the meantime. We always seem to land on our feet anyway...but this time it'll be with a baby and 3 kitties in tow.

Here's my questino for you today:

Are you able to be authentic in your relationships, to really express what's on your mind to your closest friends? If not, why do you hold back and how can you change that?

Do You Hate Sundays?

Personally, I have mixed emotions about Sunday.

On the one hand, it's a day to celebrate God (whatever that may mean to you - this is certainly not a forum for religious discussion!) and be thankful for all the blessings you've received in the past seven days, and to give thanks for all the blessings you're sure to receive in the next seven days. It's a day to stop and take stock, think about where you're heade the next week, make a plan and get on track.

On the other hand, it's the end of hte weekend.

Even though I am self-employed and I tend to work a little bit every day (well, nearly every day anyyway) I still look at the weekends as a time of rest. Friday through Sunday is a time to work only lightly, to have fun and take time out for me. So Sunday evenings can be a little sad, because I know that Monday it's time to get back at it again.

Of course, I understand that much of what I'm feeling is related to old programming inside my head. For years, I had a job, I worked for someone else, and my schedule was all day, every weekday, Monday through Friday. Way back wWhen I was in a job that despised, Sunday evenings were downright depresing because I knew I had to get up and start another workweek at the dreaded job Monday morning.

So even though that's not where I'm at in my life now, I still have some of that old programming telling me that Sunday nights are kinda sad. Like I'm relinquishing my independence every Sunday and going back into the fray Monday morning. Even though that's not what I'm doing, that's what my old conditioning remembers.

Old conditioning can be pesky, can't it? It's not exactly something you can change overnight. And I've certainly had bigger fish to fry when it comes to what I want to work on about myself, so I haven't given much thought to the Sunday night blues lately.

But teh fact that it's coming up for me today tells me that maybe it's worth looking at. Maybe there's a reason that I'm supposed to take a look at this old, outdated programming and see what comes up. Maybe it's finally time to have a breakthrough about Sunday night blues to make way for something wonderful to happen on Sunday evenings.

Or maybe I'm just full of it.

That's the funny thing about our minds - we think everything is about us, when really nothing means what we think it means. IT doesn't really mean anything, except to us and only us.

So maybe the fact that this is coming up for me today is because it might mean something to you. Or maybe someone you may talk to about what you read todya. Or maybe it doesn't mean anything at all.

Regardless of what my Sunday evening blues may or may not mean, here's your question(s) for this fine Sunday afternoon:

What area of your life is worth looking at today to see if there's a possibility of a breakthrough? How will a breakthrough create a space for something good in your life in that same area? What can you do TODAY to create the opportunity for that breakthrough?

New Beginnings at New Success

Looks like we found a new home. It's here in Castle Rock - we've decided to rent through the winter (just to make sure we can handle the cold and snow!) and then look for a place to buy. We're in the process of lising our home (in New Orleans) for sale as well.

It's a strange feeling, and I kind of wonder how long it will take me to get used to it. I mean, I've never lived anywhere except for New Orleans - I was born and raised there, and now here I am, moving all the way across the country.

Times like these kind of make you stop and take stock of your life, you know?

Fortunately, my daughter is too young to remember any of this. Which I actually feel blessed about - at least she isn't asking "when are we going home, mommy?" and "why can't I see my room and sleep in my bed" and "where are my kitties?" She is still perfect - like we are all born perfect - and she knows only the here and now. She is fully living in the present, and is totally adaptable to her sitaution. She can make the best of any situation - find a toy in any small cup, utensil or cabinet. The world is her playground.

When exactly do we outgrow that?

When do we learn that we can't have everything we want. We can't really achieve all our dreams, and we'd better learn to "get real" if we're going to make it "out there in the real world."

What a sad commentary on our world. We tell our children to stop dreaming (or worse yet, we let them dream but deny the opportunity to live our own dreams, knowing full well that kids will do as we do, not as we say) and they eventyally grow up, become old and bitter, get disillusioned and tell their kids whta we told them.

But teh good news is that it doesn't have to be that way.

WE can cahnge right now, with our generation. If we change what we tell our kids - if we change our perspective of what's possible-they really can lead lives better than ours. And hte cycle can continue to improve. Don't use technology as a benchmark because Technology is not the answer -- these kids have way more exposure to computers, cell phones and technological advances far beyond what we experienced in our youth. Yet problems still persist and in some cases continue to get worse.

The answer begins right here, right now, with YOU. With each one of us.

Here's my question for you today:

Are you so committed to building a better future that you are willing to change the way you think and live beginning TODAY?

You Say the Nicest Things...

The people here in Colorado are so nice. I mean REALLY nice.

They say southerners are the nicest people, but I'm not entirely sure about that. I can't say I've felt this welcome anywhere else I've been (and believe me, I've been around the block a few times!) People are even nice before they find out we're from New Orleans, and once they know that, well, we might as well be wearing a shirt that says "Be extra-sweet to me"

I can't say I've ever been to a new place (new to me, anyway) that felt so much like home. We're already winning friends and influencing people. Well, you know what I mean.

Of course, part of the warm response we're receiving has to do with who we're BEing. Remember the License Plate Formula for Success? (Click here for a refresher.) We will attract to our reality whatever we are BEing at any given time.

Since we are maintaining sunny outlooks and we are basically positive people, that is exactly what we attract. Because we are both giving people who are open to receiving, we tend to meet other like-minded people.

Have you ever noticed that generally speaking, you tend to meet the same kinds of people no matter where you go?

Naturally, if the people you are meeting are annoying, well, you'll just have to take a look at who you're being. Seriously, ar eyou being annoying? You probably are, or you wouldn't keep meeting annoying people.

If you're meeting wonderful, successful people at every turn, take a minute to acknowledge and congratulate yourself for being so wonderful.

The good news is this:

you can choose to change who you are BEing at any given moment, and in any situation.

that's right - it's pretty much ALL up to you.

so my question for you today is this, my friend:

What would I like to see change in my life, and how can I BE different in order to attract those changes?

P.S....Happy birthday dear Andy !

Success and the Mastermind Concept

Do you have a mastermind group?

By that, I mean a group of people you can meet with by phone or in person to bounce ideas, to brainstorm, to "test market" your plans...people who will challenge you instead of answering all your questions with "sure, that sounds good, I guess."

Truth be told, I have several mastermind groups. I'm convinced that a mastermind group is essential for success.

Look at it this way, if you are surrounded by people who think just like you, how many original ideas do you think you'll come up with? How many of those do you think you'll actually try to implement?

If you want to elevate yourself, you've got to elevate your friends. It may sound harsh, but it's a fact. For one example: for most people, your income is the average of your 5 closest friends' incomes. Go ahead, calculate it, I can wait....

See? Told you. But we all know success is about a lot more than just money. Have you noticed that when you have a friend who uses a certain expression a lot, you start to use that expression especially when you spend more time with that particular friend? It's true - we ARE who our friends are. That's why your mother probably warned you to choose your friends carefully.

So my question for you is this:

Are you surrounding yourself with friends who create the best possible environment for your success? If not, how can you change that?

The Myth of Time Management: Have YOU Been Fooled?

The Myth of Time Management

Time Management is a myth. You can’t manage time any more than you can manage the rising and setting sun or the pull of the ocean’s tides. Attempting to manage time is like attempting to manage the weather. Time marches on, with utter disregard for the comings and goings of mere humans. Time can not be managed, period.

You can only manage what you can control. While it’s true that time cannot be managed, it is possible to manage yourself within the confines of time. With discipline and diligence, any person can effectively manage him/herself within time’s boundaries.

Where Does It All Go?
The simplest way to begin to manage yourself within time is to evaluate how your time is currently spent. Keep a journal for one to two weeks, and mark down each activity (or lack thereof) to discover where your time goes. Group like activities into categories, and evaluate whether too much time is spent in a certain area. Consider which activities are productive and lead you closer to your goals, or further away from your goals.

By evaluating how time is spent, you will be able to see what activities can be trimmed or streamlined in order to create the illusion of more time. It’s impossible to create more time—each of us has only 60 seconds in each minute, 60 minutes in each hour and 24 hours in each day. By improving the way in which you spend your time, you are able to feel as though you have more time during the day. This simple shift in thinking can create a remarkably empowering experience.

To decrease your frustration about time (or lack thereof), watch your language while referring to time and time-related matters. Avoid phrases like “I need more time,” “I don’t have enough time,” and “I’m running out of time.” When you use phrases like these, you are fooling yourself into thinking it’s Time’s fault instead of taking responsibility for how you choose to spend your time. Time is a fixed measurement and it’s not Time’s fault if you don’t manage it correctly. Remember, YOU are in control of how you spend your time.

How Much Time Have You Got?
Each of us is born with a finite amount of time on this earth. Unfortunately, no one alive can know the exact amount of time allotted for him or her. Would you live your life differently if you knew you were going to die 27 days from now? If you answered yes, you’ve got some room for improvement in the way you currently manage yourself within time. Get busy doing what really matters to you and remember that you are in control of how you choose to spend each minute of each day.

Click here to view and print this article.

Everybody Feng Shui Tonight

A little thing can make a big difference.

I am seeing examples of this all over the place lately, so I figure it's a good topic for today.

My daughter is 19 months old. She has an incredible vocabulary for her age - over 100 words, most of which can be easily understood by people other than her parents. But when she learns a new word, it can sound entirely different than what we know she means. For example, I've called her "Peaches" since she was a baby. (Who knows why, but babies are so adorable that food nicknames just kinda stick.) She is now imitating me, attempting to say "Hey Peaches" but it sounds more like "Hey B#tches" which is not so nice! You don't even want to know what Freckle sounded like when she first learned to say it. But a little thing can make a huge difference.

HAve you ever noticed that when you're cooking, a little mistake can make a huge difference? There's a big difference between a teaspoon of cayenne powder and a tablespoon. Yikes.

Today I realized that when I was learning about Feng Shui, I misread a SINGLE WORD in the book I was using as a guide, and because of it I was completely off in my Feng Shui treatments. Fortunately, I was talking with a friend who had understood it correctly (she happened to have hte same book) and we looked it up together and realized I was way off base. It's very fortunate that I learned of my mistake BEFORE we move into our next home (here in Colorado!)

Sometimes, someone we love makes a little mistake that seems to make a huge difference. It can be tough to forgive and even tougher to forget. But if we can see these mistakes for what they really are - just tiny mistakes - then it gets easier to forgive and to forget.

Same holds true for forgiving ourselves for those little mistakes.

Instead of focusing on the BIG result of the little mistake, focus on forgiving hte little mistake. Often, just teh forgiveness itself can open the door to HUGE opportunities.

So my question for you today is this:

What little mistake can you forgive today that could make a big difference?

Read About Us In Newsweek

A friend called from the Atlanta airport today to say he read the following in the current issue of Newsweek:

Special Series: A Flood of Compassion After a Tragic Storm

NOAH'S WISH Before he called his insurance company, Andy Grant, a resident of Metairie, La., who was affected by the hurricane, called Noah's Wish. The nonprofit—which is devoted exclusively to saving animals during disasters—not only rescued his three cats, but it's placed them in a foster home until he can return. The group, started by animal lover Terri Crisp in 2002 (she has 26 cats and six dogs herself), has deployed hundreds of trained volunteers to search for and shelter Louisiana pets.

How to help: The group could use funds—and volunteers. For more information, visit noahswish.org.

—Elise Soukup, Alice Fishburn and Staci Semrad

© 2005 Newsweek, Inc.

Can't Out-Give the Universe

Something interesting happened today and something cool happened today.

Here we are in Castle Rock, Colorado. Since it's Sunday, we decided to check out a church today. When we arrived, someone asked if we were new to the area and we explaiend that we were displaced from New Orleans and looking to relocate. The leader of the service pointed us out during church and mentioned our situation. That's not the interesting part.

As we typically do when visiting a church, we put $20 in the collection plate at the appropriate time. As we were leaving, I noticed an envelope in my stack of "welcome to our church, we hope you join" paperwork. I opened it and saw a $20 inside. I looked to my husband, confused - had we forgotten to drop our envelope into the basket? He said no, someone gave it to him. I turned the envelope over and read "bypassing the hurricane relief funds and donating directly to an affected family."

I couldn't help but marvel at how that worked.

It reminded me that we can't really give anything away,because it always comes back to us. Whether it's money, a smile, love, or ill feelings, whatever we send out will return to us within due time.

But it's pretty cool when it happens that quickly. The $20 we gave wasn't out of our hands more than 30 minutes before a new $20 showed up. What a cool experience.

Speaking of cooooool, this is the cool thing that happened today. My husband was interviewed a couple of days ago by a Newsweek reporter. As you probably remember me mentioning, our cats were rescued by Noah's Wish and we are happy to solicit support for them on behalf of the good work the organization does. The reporter watned to hear about our edxperience.

So if you pick up this week's copy of Newsweek, you'll see this:

Special Series: A Flood of Compassion After a Tragic Storm

NOAH'S WISH Before he called his insurance company, Andy Grant, a resident of Metairie, La., who was affected by the hurricane, called Noah's Wish. The nonprofit—which is devoted exclusively to saving animals during disasters—not only rescued his three cats, but it's placed them in a foster home until he can return. The group, started by animal lover Terri Crisp in 2002 (she has 26 cats and six dogs herself), has deployed hundreds of trained volunteers to search for and shelter Louisiana pets.

How to help: The group could use funds—and volunteers. For more information, visit noahswish.org.

—Elise Soukup, Alice Fishburn and Staci Semrad

© 2005 Newsweek, Inc.

There's a Hole in the Roof?

Hurricane Katrina Update:

Our neighbor has procured a pass that allows him in and out of New Orleans (don't ask how.) Being the wonderful neighbor that he is, he agreed to check on our house. Apparently one of the A/C vents blew off hte roof (it's sitting in our back yard he said) so there is a hole in our roof. We most likely got water in our garage (I shudder to think about what is lurking in our garage - getting it cleaned out was not a high priority, so it is loaded with junk). Not sure about any internal damage, and not sure whether our car was damaged. Our pool is nasty (to be expected) but everything else appears to be intact.

I spoke with my parents today (they are in their mid-70s). They're patching up teh roof and performing some other repairs. They also live in JEfferson Parish. Mom says Jefferson is going to become the Gateway to New Orleans, to rebuild the city. Mom says new advancements are made daily - street lights are going on street by street, a few more each night. The town is eerily silent. The Lowe's Home Improvement store is opened, operated by employees from other parts of hte country. Power is coming back on, too. Mom said they spent all day yesterday cleaning out their refrigerator adn freezer - said the smell was horrifying and others in teh neighborhood are just leaving the whole fridge outside on the curb.

The good news we got today is that the airport is scheduled to open on September 19th. We miss our kitties terribly and are looking forward to seeing them again soon. I'm sure their foster family is probably ready to hand them off as well, although Tabasco (the alpha cat) is warming up to them a bit. I sure do miss those little furballs. I have a feeling they'll be dining on seafood adn tuna for their first few weeks after being reunited with us.

My folks are sad to see us leave. They plan to stay in Metairie and watch the area get rebuilt. Not me, thanks. One nasty hurricane is enough. Considering how much we travel, and the fact that our 19-month old is only (hopefully) the first of several kiddies for us, I'm not looking forward to any more evacuations. Bye-bye coastline. We'll come back adn visit during the 6 months that aren't part of hurricane season.

As for us, I gotta tell you - Colorado is where it's at. This place is stunningly beautiful - I've never seen so much sky in my life! Every glimpse is a panoramic view. Today we went to the Castle Rock Art Fair, and I am inspired to return to photography. Maybe you'll see me in my own booth next year, showcasing my underwater pix. So much of my creative energy has been poured into my writing lately that I've missed out on shootnig pix. Time to get back in the groove, and there's plenty to shoot up here in Colorado.

Part of me wonders how I've lived my entire life and never seen this part of thge country. Then I think of so many New Orleanians who've never been outside of the city (until now). I wonder how many will stay and rebuild, knowing it could all be wiped out again in a year or two...and how many will follow suit with us and explore new territory.

I'm feeling quite wistful today.

But this place - there's just something about it. It's a special place. And it feels like home to me. So we'll pack up a UHaul and take what we can fit and drive it cross-country (something else I've never done) and we'll stake a claim out West. Even though this area was settled a couple hundred years ago, I still feel like a pioneer. It feels good. A little shaky to leave behind all that I know, but I am following hte promise of a brighter future.

My question for you today is:

Are you willing to voluntarily leave behind your life as you know it and follow the promise of a brighter future? Or would it take a natural disaster to shake you out of your rut adn get you thinking differently?

Let's Talk About The G-Word

This morning I woke up in such a different state of mind. Apparently my mental faculties did some mending overnight because I feel like a new woman today. My energy is through the roof this morning, and it shows outwardly.

I know that I will attract amazing things into my life today and every day going forward. Maybe it's because my daughter slept through the night for the first time in several days. Maybe it's because I'm acknowledging all that I'm thankful for. Maybe it's because I have a decent pair of jeans that doesn't make my butt look too fat. Whatever the reason, it's time to talk about the G-word today.

The G-word is GRATITUDE.

Believe it or not, gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we have.

Gratitude is what I'm feeling today. I am thankful that my family is safe. I am grateful that my kitties were rescued and staying with a very nice lady named Jean. I am grateful that people care enough to foster someone else's neurotic cats during a disaster like Hurricane Katrina. I am thankful that Sally is with us, and that she is able to travel with us and meet new kids. I'm grateful that Sally is so young, she won't really miss our old house or be sad that we can't live there anymore. I am thankful to have so many caring friends who are willing to house us for awhile until we can find a new place. I'm grateful to be self-employed and able to work from anywhere. I'm grateful for everyone who reads this blog. I'm grateful to live in America. I could literally go on all day (for several days, probably).

Something interesting happens when you focus on gratitude. Problems seems smaller. Obstacles seem easier to overcome. Everything seems better and brighter.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, I'm going to share something personal with you. Do you know the John Denver song "Rocky Mountain High?" Let me refresh your memory on the lyrics:

"He was born in the summer of his twenty-seventh year
Coming home to a place he'd never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
Now he's found the key to every door"

(then it goes on to talk about the Colorado Rocky Mountain high...)

I am feeling a connection with that song as I look out into the gorgeous Colorado sky. Coming here, to this place for hte first time, certainly feels like home to me. And I'm definitely leaving yesterday behind (see yesterday's post).

The sky here is unbelievable. Back home in New Orleans, I didn;t even know this much sky existed. It was blocked out by tall buildings, cramped houses and tall pine trees. Well, at least it used to be. I still can't picture what it must look like now. Not sure I want to, either.

When I look up at this gigantic Colorado blue sky, I am inspired to think of limitless possibilities. This vast expanse looks like my future: bright, sunny and extending as far as I can see.

Now that's something to be grateful for.

So my question for you today is this:

What are the top 20 things you are grateful for today?

For me, even that old John Denver song is on the list.

Shopping For Your Future?

Did it ever occur to you that unless you are actively planning your future, your present will continue the same manner indefinitely?

Bottom line: if you're not happy with your life the way it is RIGHT NOW, today, what are you willing to do differently to create a new future?

I've been thinking a lot about creating futures, as you can imagine. I mean, that can happen to you when your entire city gets wiped out because of Hurricane Katrina (which I have given the nickname HurKat.) It's all about future, baby! The past is the past is the past. No point wallowing in what was. Do I have fond memories? Absolutely. Do I wish HurKat had petered out before it hit land? Of course. Am I willing to waste the only thing I really have--right here, right now--in exchange for "what ifs" and "why me's"? No way.

Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not belittling the lives lost, the damage, or the pain and heartache this natural disaster has caused for so many. It's real and it sucks. But that doesn't mean I have to get stuck in the dark brooding place of lost opportunity.

I have a choice.

We all have a choice, actually. Every time something goes awry, we can choose to wallow pitifully in our own stories, or we can create something amazing.

Right now, you are creating your future. And I am creating my future. And that guy who lives across the street from you is creating his future. All right now.

The problem is that most people don't consciously determine what they want, so their future looks remarkably like the present. Which may or may not be a good thing.

I'm all about the future right now. I'm house hunting, I'm developing a killer new product to share my knowledge and skills with people just like you - people who are searching for a better way to live, and a way to create success and balance.

Is it easy? Not always. I mean, I've never lived anywhere except New Orleans. I was born there, I went to school there (grade school, high school, college AND graduate school). I got married there. Bought my first home there. My daughter was born there. My parents and sister and brother live there. I mean, lived there.

Now I'm embarking on a whole new experience. We're done with the coastline, I'll tell you that. Colorado is beautiful. Not sure whether I'm ready for the cold weather or not, but time will tell. All I know is that I am ready to move forward and walk away from the past. And I pray that the other residents of New Orleans, Biloxi and all the areas affected by HurKat can begin to rebuild their future, beginning today.

So my question for you today is this:

What are you willing to walk away from (in your past) to create a future that's worth daydreaming about?

Is Exercise a Component of Success?

Exercise, Schmekercise: Can You Manage Stress Without Working Out?

Millions of books and seminar tickets have been sold, promising to teach people to reduce and manage stress. Unfortunately, many people refuse to take the necessary action required to change their habits and reduce or eliminate stress. Most people prefer to "pick and choose" which tips and tricks they will adapt and implement, which creates only limited results. People with a high stress level are often reluctant to find a way to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, but the benefits are overwhelmingly positive.

Although it may be difficult at first to establish a regular exercise routine, consistent follow-through allows most people to create a solid fitness regimen within four to six weeks. Once the foundation for a permanent habit is in place, minimal effort is required to maintain consistency from day to day. Establishing a routine can build confidence and reduce stress by creating predictability and order.

Exercise and periods of stress cause the brain to produce chemicals called endorphins. As these endorphins are released, the body is able to counterbalance the effects of stress. This is what is really taking place when a person says they get a "high" from working out or running. Triggering endorphins allows the body to deal with stress and keep systems running smoothly.

Regular exercise can increase metabolism, which makes the body operate more efficiently. Cardiovascular exercise burns calories and the body's fat stores, which can result in weight loss if nutritional intake does not increase proportionately. Because lean muscle is more efficient than fat, muscle development can result in a higher metabolic rate. Exercise stimulates blood flow, resulting in improved circulation. The extensive health benefits of regular physical exercise (cardiovascular stimulation combined with strength training) are widely documented.

Of course, the personal benefits of regular exercise simply cannot be disputed. Personal fitness can improve self-image, build confidence and increase stamina. Many people report higher energy levels, better mental clarity/ability to concentrate and an overall better mood as a result of maintaining a regular exercise program. Anyone who is attempting to reduce negative stress patterns and manage stress levels deserves to create and implement a consistent exercise regimen.

More articles on this topic are available here.

Success Attracts Amazing Friends

Arrived in Castle Rock, Colorado today and I gotta tell you - I absolutely adore the family we're staying with. Family-focused, kind-hearted, fun-loving people. (How fortunate for me, that these are the kinds of people I attract into my life!) The perfect place to set up a temporary home and take 30 days to establish order, get centered and make a plan. Here's the bonus: they also happen to be level-headed, and remarkably successful PLUS they share our own values, which gives us a built-in (live-in) sounding board if we're seeking input while making these major decisions about where to live adn what to do next. I love my life.

Question for today:
What have you attracted into your life that you are particularly proud of?

Blame It On The Rain? (and Wind, and Floods, and Looting...)

Today we're going to go in an entirely different direction. I'm going to blog about a topic I have never written about before: my weight.

I've put on a few pounds since we left home on August 19th.

Now I know what you're thinking. "That's understandable, look at all you're going through. A hurricane just drowned your city. A couple of pounds is nothing major. If it's how you're dealing with stress, that's OK in the short-term. It's normal to respond to stress that way. Don't worry about it."

But I'm no longer willing to accept that way of thinking.

In fact, THAT is the same kind of thinking that got me overweight in the first place.

I'm not helping anyone by "taking a break" from my fitness routine. Even though right now, I have no routine. We've literally been house-hopping for almost three weeks. Doesn't sound too bad until you consider we've got a 19-month old with us. I've been concerned about the strain this puts on her as well.

Tomorrow we're headed to a place where we can "move in" for 30 days, so it's time to establish a new routine. Children thrive on routine and order, with room for spontaneity and fun and guess what? So do adults!

Since we have no plan for where we'll live (since New Orleans is not an option for at least 1-2 years) a new routine will provide me with the order I require to quiet my brain enough to put together a plan.

Planning during chaos is pointless (and potentially harmful).

On t he other hand, planning during order is brilliant.

Think about it - when do you make your best decisions? When you're stressed, chaotic and frazzled, or when you're relaxed, calm and rational? Got to get centered to make the right moves ("move" pun not intended).

That's my plan.

For me, part of an established routine includes exercise. Sure, taking my daughter for a stroll or a swim is fun and burns a few calories, but I benefit far more from intense focused exercise, away from the house, away from teh family. Just me and my body and how hard I can push it.

Check out this article I just posted about exercise to manage stress.

I think I've only worked out twice since we left town 3 weeks ago (or whenever it was). I haven't really made a valiant attempt becaue things were so crazy anyway. But going back to a daily workout is something taht would help me :

+ establish a routine
+ take time for me
+ feel better about myself
+ release some stress
+ and so much more.

Plus it puts at least part of my day on a schedule, which is importnat to me.

I've been caring for my daughter in strange and ever-changing environments, attempting to cook, clean or otherwise help out at places where we've been staying, being supportive of my husband as he continues to put hours into our business each day, fulfilling my commitment to blog every day, continuing to build the New Success website, trying to contact friends and loved ones from New ORleans and forwarding any helpful information I receive, wondeirng about my cats, my house, my neighbors, my future, etc etc etc...

Now it's my turn.

Starting tomorrow, the house-hopping chaos is over for a stretch, and I deserve to take care of me. (See previous post: Who Nurtures Nurturing Women?) Because I know that I can't share from an empty cup. Bytaking care of myself, I will have more to give. And I can put myself in a frame of mind to make wise choices as I construct my plan for the future.

I am very proud of myself that I have resisted emotional eating for the past couple of weeks, but I can tell by the fit of my clothing that I've put on a couple of pounds. I'm ready to reign it back in and get on track. IT's all part of establishing that order I mentioned earlier in this post.

Today's question is:

What can YOU do for yourself today to help create order in your life?

Thanks to Noah's Wish, My Wish Came True

I am happy to report that our cats were recovered yesterday from our home in New Orleans. All 3 kitties are just fine, and although we didn't get to speak with the rescuers, we did learn that we had little to no flooding in our home (no word on any structural damage). The cats have been placed in a foster home in Houma and are scared and frustrated but physically well.

As you can imagine, we were remarkably pleased to hear this news and are collectively breathing a sigh of relief to know that are cats are safe and being cared for.

We will be making a significant donation to Noah's Wish - the rescue organization that coordinated efforts and we would be extremely pleased if you find it in your hearts to consider a contribution.

Noah's Wish volunteers and staff members (as well as several other organizations including the Houma, Louisiana Humane Society) risked their own personal safety to attempt to rescue as many animals as possible. These courageous folks were willing to go where even the Red Cross team was reluctant to enter, and any support you can offer their organization will of course return to you tenfold.

More updates as the day unfolds, but for now - we wanted to let you all know this outstanding news. Thank you again for all the prayers and support you are continuing send our way !

One Simple Choice

Have you ever looked back on your life and realized that one simple choice that YOU made has made all the difference in your life today?

If you have, are you focusing on the choices you made that created positive outcomes, or negative ones?

Unfortunately, most people tend to focus on their "bad" choices which appeared to create unfortunate circumstances. They usually start like this: "If only I hadn't....."

Fact of the matter is, there are no bad choices. Each choice is just that - a CHOICE. There is no good or bad, except in the way you perceive the outcome. I'm not talking about "positive attitude." Don't be fooled into thinking that you can change your entire outlook with a positive attitude. It certainly helps, adn will get you farther than a negative attitude, but it takes more than a smile and happy face to change your circumstances.

So if I'm not talking about positive attitude, what do I mean that the outcome depends on how you look at it?

I'm talking about opportunity-mindedness.

Instead of wallowing in a perceived negative situation, find the opportunity in it and get busy thinking about that (finding the opportunity is where a positive attitude can be helpful).

The official word today is that we can't return home to New Orleans to collect our pets and valuables. We're displaced from our home for an indefinite amount of time. We don't know the extent of any damage to our home (but we're fairly certain we're not submerged completely). Even if we could go back, life as we knew it in New Orleans is GONE for at least 1-2 years while rebuilding and healing takes place.

By using my opportunity-mindedness, I focus on the opportunity present in the sitaution.

This is an opportunity to relocate. I have always wanted to live elsewhere, and this is a great opportunity to find out where. My parents can finally get a new home in a better location. I have insurance to help me rebuild. I have a business that's internet-based and phone-based, so I'm portable. Millions of people are flat-out OUT of a job, and have no source of income for awhile.

But I am where I am because of a choice. Well, a series of choices, actually.

I chose to leave my job and pursue my own business. It wasn't easy - trust me! Many others would have quit when faced the obstacles I've surpassed (read my previous post about persistence). If I had chosen to stay in a job, I would have zero resources of income.

I chose to bring my daughter with us when we departed for Phoenix on Aug 19th. Otherwise, she would not be with us right now. Losing stuff is one thing, but being separated from your toddler (for more than a day or two) would be devastating for everyone involved.

I chose to attract people into my life who are caring, loving and generous. The result has been an outpouring of support from across the country. Prayers, positive energy and emails are flowing in from all sides.

It certainly helps to know a dozen people living in $1million+ homes all across the country. "Come stay with us - we have plenty of room" is a phrase I've heard repeatedly this week. That's not a coincidence - I attracted that into my life by the choices I've made.

I've got 3 questions for you today:

What choices have YOU made that have positively impacted your life?

More importantly, what choices have YOU made that didn't turn out the way you intended?

Can you now forgive yourself for making these choices, and search for the opportunity that lies within? When you stop beating yourself up for making "bad" choices, you open the door for opportunities. Oh, and the positive attitude doesn't hurt either.

Success Comes From Gratitude

Today I am thankful for so many things. Which is great, because success often stems from a place of gratitude.

I am thankful for friends who offer us prayers, supplies, and places to stay all over the country.

I am thankful for email and the internet - without it I would not be able to tell my friends I am OK and to learn that my friends and family are safe and sound. Cell phone service is the first thing to be dropped during any major storm, but email is an outstanding backup for communication.

I am thankful that I packed more clothes than I thought we would need for this business/pleasure trip to Arizona which we began two weeks ago (and now we're in Nashville for those of you keeping score).

I am thankful for all the readers of this blog who continue to cause our Alexa ranking for New Success to climb the charts (we are now around 550,000-ish). Thank you and God bless you all.

Thank you to everyone who assists me, and thank you to all who I have assisted. I know that everything I do comes back to me tenfold, and I can clearly see that now. I will continue to give of myself because I know it will return to me in spades. For those of you who have offered to give, we sincerely thank you. We are supremely appreciative of all your kind words, thoughts and sentiments. Your generosity of spirit is overwhelming.

My question for you today:

Who can you thank today and share your sense of gratitude?

Success Secrets: You Like Me! You Really Like Me!

Thanks for everyone who is helping make our Alexa ranking climb the charts!

We are now at 487,893 and steadily climbing.

We've got a super-fast, super-simple stress test posted as well as an informative new article on tips to manage stress After watching the Hurricane Katrina news, you deserve to check these out!

If you have suggestions for info you'd like to see at http://www.newsuccess.org please email us directly at success@newsuccess.org

thanks for viewing! New info is added frequently.

Success Attracts What It Requires

So I'll be honest. The past few days have been a bit stressful. I admit, I've grown accustomed to having a nanny to help me out a few hours a week, and I miss her since we've been traveling. Last night we got word that she was (guess where?) in NASHVILLE ! Same city as us! What are the odds that we would both wind up in teh same place while evacuating a hurricane in New ORleans.

Not only is she in Nashville, she is in Franklin - where we are too! So she came by tonight and I've gotta tell you, my daughter was THRILLED to see her. She seemed pretty happy to see the little munchkin, too.

That visit with her was EXACTLY what I needed tonight. And what Sally needed too.

What's more, we're going to hire her for a couple of hours over the next couple of days while we're both in town. We get some help and she gets a little cash in her pocket. Win-Win, I love that.

So whenever you require assistance, ASK the Universe and expect to get what you require. Behold, miracles happen every day. Just see for yourself.

Your question for today:

What could you use a little help with? Ask the Universe for exactly what you need, and expect to get it.