Unleash Your Self-Confidence


What do Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld and J.K. Rowling all have in common?

They were all fired from their jobs!!! And they all had their self-confidence shaken to the core.

Sound familiar? Have you ever had your confidence shaken – or lost your belief in yourself? I know I have, and I’ve struggled many times to rebuild it and get back on track again. And you know what? Each time I learn a little more about myself and I get a LOT stronger.

So the next time you find that the “no’s†in your life are taking over:

No, you’re too old

No, you don’t have enough experience

No, you’re just not good enough

 

STOP! Hit the delete button! And try this:

Switch immediately to the Wonder Woman pose, with your hands on your hips, and hold that pose for one minute. It may sound silly but it works. It will give you a sense of power and control, and above all, you will begin to regain your self-confidence.

Then, just like Oprah, Seinfeld and Rowling, you will find the courage to keep moving forward and find the strength to reinvent yourself.  It’s a great way to discover a new you – ready to conquer the world!

Categories: Personal Development Professional Development
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The Power of Gratitude on My Dresser


So now you know the three phases of gratitude.

Don’t know what I’m talking about?

Just browse through my last three postings and check out the phases of gratitude that helped me recreate my life, and learn to bring more happiness into every day that I wake up.

Now, here’s another idea. Something you can see and touch and feel, and a great way to bring a smile to your face on those “not so great†days.

Create a Gratitude Box. Find a decorative box that you like. You can get them very inexpensively at Target, Pier 1, and a host of other places. Put that lovely box in a place where you will see it every day.

Now, browse through magazines and cut out any pictures that make you happy. Don’t analyze it, judge it, or try to explain it in any way. Just cut out any photo that makes you smile. Put them in that pretty box.

You can also write kind and insightful messages about yourself when you’re having a good day. Focus on what you think is cool about yourself. Put those little notes, mantras, and positive affirmations in that same pretty box along with the photos. Then on those days when things aren’t going so great, pull out one of those notes or affirmations about yourself, or a photo – and feel your mood change.

Here’s a picture of my Gratitude Box along with a few of the photos I keep inside.   This pretty box sits right in the middle of my dresser, and on some days, it becomes my new best friend.

Categories: Personal Development Professional Development
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The Power of Gratitude – Phase 3


As I mentioned in my earlier blogs, I do believe there are three phases to gratitude, and this third phase is the most challenging, and the most difficult to reach.  Yet the most satisfying and rewarding.

This final phase came to me as a total surprise.  It was actually on Thanksgiving Day several years ago.   It was a beautiful day and I decided to go for a run.  Actually, let me clarify.  My idea of a run is lacing up my shoes, running down to the corner, then walking the rest of the way!!!

Well, a few blocks away was a huge church that several people told me was really beautiful and something to see. I had tried several times to visit, but every time I tried to enter, the doors were locked.  But this day, as I walked past, I noticed a lot of people walking into the church.  The doors were open, so I decided to slip in the side door, and sit in the very back.

Now, I don’t know if it was the sun beaming through the stained glass windows, or the soft church bells ringing outside, or possibly the unlocked doors that helped me  unlock this next phase of gratitude,  but suddenly the words crossed my lips:  “And thank you for all you have taken away from meâ€.

It caught me off guard – it really surprised me, and it was in that moment that I realized I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my loss.  I would not be living the life I have today if I hadn’t faced all my life challenges.  It was through my pain – and my gratitude – that I was able to find a strength inside myself that I didn’t even know existed, a strength that has taken me to this new level in life.

When you reach this third phase of gratitude – being truly grateful for all that you have and for all that you have lost, you will find a peacefulness that I can’t describe in words.  If you have a hard time getting to this third phase, let me know.  I may have a tip or two that will help you.

Categories: Personal Development Professional Development
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The Power of Gratitude -Phase 2


Last week we talked about phase 1 of gratitude, and how keeping a gratitude list will help you embrace things with gratitude instead of taking them for granted. Once this happens, you will actually feel gratitude in your heart and in your soul, and it will bring you so much joy.

You will now find that you enter phase 2 of gratitude, sometimes without even realizing it.

And what is phase 2?  It’s extending gratitude to others.  Maybe through an email, text, phone call – whatever you feel comfortable with.  But reach out to those who have made an impact in your life and find a way to tell them.

I personally send cards.  In this day of instant gratification, it’s nice to actually get something in the mail that’s not a bill or an advertisement.  I have a friend named Asha who sends me cards for unusual things – not just my birthday or the holidays, but to say congratulations on that big speaking gig you just landed, or simply that I’m thinking of you and I’m happy to have you for my friend.  Every time I receive a card from her, it brings a smile to my face.  Asha makes me feel special, and I want to extend that same feeling to others.

And, if you are in a comfortable place, you can also show gratitude to someone who gave you the push you needed when you weren’t ready.  I met someone recently who actually sent her ex-husband a thank you card for all that she learned from him.  Even though she didn’t agree with the way he ended their relationship, she was still grateful for the time they spent together and the things she learned from him.  I have to admit that I haven’t reached this level yet, but I’m working on it.

This second phase of gratitude will help you to connect with others more deeply.  To let others know how their efforts and presence make an impact on you.

Let me know your experience with this second phase of gratitude.  Who have you reached out to???

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