Corey Poirier Modern Warrior Magazine by womenwithsoul

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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY ….

MOTHERHOOD “IS A CHOICE YOU MAKE EVERYDAY, TO PUT SOMEONE ELSE’S HAPPINESS AND WELLBEING AHEAD OF YOUR OWN, TO TEACH THE HARD LESSONS, TO DO THE RIGHT THING EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT THE RIGHT THING IS … AND TO FORGIVE YOURSELF, OVER AND OVER AGAIN, FOR DOING EVERYTHING WRONG.” - DONNA BALL

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NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to ‘SPRING’ and our May issue. I love this time of year! I’ve been a mom for 35 years; wow, that’s hard to believe. I am also a stepmom, a mother-in-law, a Nana/Grandma, and a 2nd mom to many of my children’s friends over the years. Being a mom is like no other job in the world, AND it’s a job that has no end. Unlike the typical 8 to 5 job, being a mom is a “career” often motivated by pure, unwavering love. Mom takes on the role of a cook, housekeeper, chauffeur, best friend, teacher, counselor, negotiator, fashion designer, hairstylist, and the list goes on and on. Always busy taking care of others, a mom often can go unappreciated, or at the very least under-appreciated. So, to simply say ‘Thank You’ to all the moms out there doesn’t seem to be enough.

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

That is why we have dedicated this issue to celebrating Moms. Here you will read articles you can relate to as a Mom and insightful recognition for those trying desperately to become a Mom. You will find hope and reassurance that you are not alone and that all miracles are possible. For those who don’t relate to the title ‘Mom,’ there is plenty for you to enjoy too. We have relatable articles that will leave you feeling empowered, stories that will courage you to think out of the box, and a new writer who reviews movies with a twist. Our cover warrior will take you on a journey through his life, speaking about where he started and how he got to where he is today. There is so much goodness here. To my Mom, I want to say, ‘Thank you, and I love you.’ You have been such a blessing to me, and I thank God every day that he has made you, my Mom. To my Mother-in-law, you are the gift of a second mom, and I love that you are in my life. To my daughters and my daughter-in-law, I am so proud of the women you are and Mom’s you have become. I love you. This month of May is a beautiful time to reach out to all moms in our lives to remind them how loved they are and how much we honor and celebrate them.

Have a magical month Maria Rea Publisher of Life Quote Journal Leadership & Self-Development Coach mariarea.com

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

“Mom, thank you for being my anchor in this stormy sea of life. - Unknown

Did you know the age-old saying, "April showers bring May flowers," dates back to a short poem initially written in 1157. As we bloom into May, it's a wonderful time to honor our mothers and mother-like influences in our lives. A time to say, "thank you" and "look how far I've come." It's a perfect time to honor yourself as a mother and all those that paved the way before you. The journey to motherhood is vast and varied, with an infinite number of lessons to learn. To those of you who have lost children along the way, miscarried, struggled to have children, or are still waiting for the call to become a mother, you too are honored, heard, and loved unconditionally. To my mother, sister, various aunts, and female friends - a heartfelt thank you for your sacrifice, wisdom, and love. Besides saying, "Thanks, Mom!" This month we are also asking you, the reader, to live consciously. Awaken to the knowledge and power inside each of us and to step forward boldly. We reach to the wisdom of the Akasha and remind ourselves to stay present and reconnect with our being. I think you will find a little bit for everyone in this month's magazine. Grab a cup of your favorite tea, a warm blanket, and a few moments to yourself and enjoy the stories our authors have to share. Enjoy, and I will see you in the next issue. Lisa Beck Editor of Life Quote Journal Like us on Facebook lifequotejournal.com

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LIFE QUOTE|COVER STORY

Corey Poirier & Jack Canfield

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THE SECRET “NOT SO SECRET” LIFE OF COREY POIRIER by Corey Poirier In many ways, my "real" life started in September 2002 - on a stand-up comedy stage.

stand-up, I became a different person, even if it seemed like a horrible experience at the time.

That was the month (in one night, in fact) I discovered my passion.

I couldn't figure out why, but I couldn't wait to get back the next week to do it all over again.

That was when my Anxiety, and Hypochondria, started to disappear almost the very next day.

I performed 700 shows over nine years, including an appearance at the renowned Second City, and The Improv Comedy Club, where I managed to eventually get some laughs along the way. I even spent a night studying Improv in Hollywood at the famed Groundlings School..

I bombed horribly on the comedy stage that night; however, it was the beginning of a new shift of energy around me. The very next day, after I had this horrible experience on a stand-up stage, people at work began asking me if I had met someone or fallen in love, as I had an extra jump in my step. Now, my true passion ended up being public speaking, but stand-up comedy was the gateway. It was the stepping stone. After that night of

Ultimately, I have spent almost 20 years as a professional speaker and felt that was my true passion. I've recently discovered a new passion - helping Influencers (speakers, writers, podcasters, etc.) get their message out to the world.

Corey Poirier & Bob Proctor

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when I was around 12 or 13. Although I was old enough to have a mustache at that point in my life, I really didn't know what bipolar meant; not sure why I felt you needed to know that part. My father really wasn't as much a part of my life once they got divorced, but he did come in and out of my life occasionally. My Mother and I also struggled financially. I recall one time when we had to use collectible coins to buy supper because we didn't have enough for the two sub sandwiches we ordered. There was also the time when she had to work two weeks of overtime just to buy me a winter jacket – that, by the way, a classmate stole. In demonstrating my Mother's compassion, when I mentioned we should get my jacket back, she said she knew the kid who took it, and he needed it more than we did and that we would find a way to get another jacket. Honestly, my childhood wasn't much worse than others. I was bullied, and I didn't really enjoy school, but I had a lot of friends throughout the years. I was mostly a happy kid. I say my life didn't truly (really) begin until 2002 because until I discovered my passion, I kind of felt lost once I finished school. I didn't know what I was called to do, or even if I was called, to do anything. I was always and still am a high-energy person. Having little purpose and too much energy, I encountered Anxiety and, ultimately, Hypochondria.

But wait, in attempting to introduce myself, I glossed over everything that came before 2002.

So, let's jump ahead again.

So let me take you back a bit. I was born in a small town, raised by a single mother, and barely graduated from high school. A teacher gave me a 49+1 in a class where I needed a 50% to pass. I'm not even sure I earned the 49%. He may have bumped me up to the 49% so I wouldn't be held back due to one class, but also added a +1 to remind me forever that I didn't earn it. Growing up, my life was like any other, I suppose. My parents got divorced when I was 9. I discovered my Mother was bipolar after she had a nervous breakdown 12

That's also why I feel my Anxiety and Hypochondria disappeared so quickly when I discovered my purpose – I finally had somewhere to direct my energy.

By the time I discovered my passion (as a result of getting on the stand-up stage that night), I was already seven years into a corporate sales career and had moved across the country twice. I was lucky enough (I'm not a big fan of the word lucky as I believe we create our own fortunes) to land a position with the 58th largest company, a Fortune 500 company, at the age of 19. I had competed with 170+ people for one open position and was told I secured the position because I had launched a business publication at 18. The

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general manager felt if I could make enough sales to keep that publication afloat and brave enough to move across the country, I could survive in his sales environment. He was looking for the right person and not just a body to fill a seat. It's funny; I had thought of my business as a failure because I chose to close the publication when it seemed like I wasn't going to bring in enough revenue to sustain things long term. It turns out that 'failed' business was the exact reason I got hired to work at one of the largest companies in the world. Maybe that business 'failure' wasn't such a bad thing after all? Did I mention that I showed up for the two interviews with that Fortune 500 company wearing green sneakers to match my green dress pants, followed by purple dress shoes to match my purple dress pants for interview number two? Yep! Now I'm not going to say I was successful in sales right out of the gate. My manager told me month after month for much of my first year that if I didn't bring

up my sales, it would be my last month with the company. I found myself borrowing money from payday companies just to make it through the months – often borrowing money from a second or third payday company to pay the previous one. Eventually, things started to click, and I found myself on the top of the sales board month after month. I still recall the two things that changed it all. One was when my co-worker told me my problem was that I was working too hard and not smart and explained what that meant. I was putting in so much effort making a bunch of small sales when instead, I could have been spending the same amount of effort making sales to larger companies and keeping enough small sales in play just in case a bigger one fell through. If I did that, I would still have a little bit of a buffer. The second thing that changed everything was when I discovered this thing called personality types and the importance of adjusting your sales approach depending on the customer's personality. Not in a manipulative way but in a way that makes the sales

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process more comfortable for the customer by personalizing things to them. I ultimately spent ten years in that industry (five years with one company and five years with another), working my way up to branch sales management before I finally went out on my own. It took three years from that night on the stand-up stage before I went into speaking full time. From that point until today, I have experienced many ups and downs, but the lessons I learned during those early days allowed me to constantly expand my comfort zone so that my life could truly begin. My experiences have seen me jump out of a plane despite a fear of heights; surfing twice despite not being able to swim; authoring more than 10 books despite not knowing the difference between fiction and nonfiction until my early twenties and not reading my first book until age 27; performing stand-up the aforementioned 700 times; speaking on thousands of stages (including 3 TEDx stages and even on-site at Harvard); performing music on some amazing stages and releasing four CD's while helping close to 1000 speakers, authors, and podcasters bring their messages to the masses. I've been blessed to interview over 6,500 thought leaders, and recently I was able to speak to Microsoft team leaders. On a personal note, I have met my true soulmate, have two children, and continue my great relationship with my Mother. It would probably take me many more pages to truly sum up my life experiences, so what I would like to do is simply close by telling you what I have discovered during my journey. • I thought I wasn't talented enough for ANY of this, but I am here to tell you I am. • You can learn anything if you put in the work; those 10,000 hours (read the 10,000-hour rule). • Sometimes, it is more important to say no than to say yes. • Relationships ARE EVERYTHING. • You are never too old (or too young) to achieve your dreams. 14

Corey Poirier & Shelley Rogerson’s two sons; Allijah, left and Sabastian, right

• You need to enjoy the journey as much, if not more, than the destination. • You can manifest things, and the universe is working for your greater good, BUT you have to take action if you truly want things to happen. • If you always give more than you receive and put in the effort to learn more about the other person and less time trying to get them to be impressed by you, you will find a welcome seat in any house. And finally, what you're so worried about today likely won't matter in a year from now and will barely even be a memory in 10 years. Oh, and - YOU matter. With that, here's to your greater success, and thank you for taking a bit of time to join me on this journey – it's been my pleasure. Corey Poirier is a multiple-time TEDx Speaker, and the host of the top rated 'Let's Do Influencing' Radio Show, founder of The Speaking Program, founder of bLU Talks, and he has been featured in multiple television specials and he is a Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Apple Books and Kobo Bestselling Author.A columnist with Entrepreneur and Forbes magazine, he has been featured in/on CBS, CTV, NBC, ABC, is a Forbes Coaches Council member, and is one of the few leaders featured twice on the popular Entrepreneur on Fire show.He has also interviewed over 6,500 of the world's top leaders and he has spoken on-site at Harvard and more recently to Microsoft Team Leaders. You can learn more about bLU Talks at www.blutalks.com and you can grab his top 10 insights guide at www.theinfluencervault.com and also learn about The Influencer Vault at the same time.

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CELEBRATING MOM’S

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LIFE QUOTE|PARENTING

TO BEND NOT BREAK

by Jo Ann Wenner

Despite our greatest fears that we'll get it all wrong and knowing we will definitely get a lot of it wrong, we willingly embrace motherhood in all of its unknowns and within all of its messiness. We take it on even when we have no idea what we've signed up for. I distinctly remember the sudden excitement with a rivaling terror when I realized I would leave the hospital with our firstborn. I felt this incredible weight of responsibility for her life, and I wasn't sure I had what it would take. 16

It's in this uncertainty and messiness that we, as mothers and parents, are asked to befriend a simple truth. Things don't always go the way we'd hoped or planned. Sometimes life throws us a fastball, and we are blindsided by its sheer velocity, or our children throw us a curveball that we're not prepared to catch. Maybe a slider is thrown at our child in the form of an illness, injury, or with a situation that enters their lives and changes its course,

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sometimes forever. In an instant, the vision we've held for our lives must be modified or quickly changed. Suddenly, we're not even playing in the same ballpark. And, going back to what felt comfortable before is no longer a choice we can make. When we befriend this golden nugget of wisdom, there is no certainty, no right way, no "one-sizefits-all" – mothering and parenting move out of the illusion of black and white and into a palette of colors and options. We begin to muddle through situations where we have no previous experience and no roadmap. Children learn a lot from observing us in these situations. They watch as we pick up the pieces and put them together to form new pictures and allow pictures to appear where before there wasn't one. As mothers and parents, we are asked to be like the willow tree during a strong wind – moving, swaying, bending but not breaking. It is our work to hold steady and remain rooted within our strength as the wind batters everything around us. It is our loving work to be stable yet supple, bending with all our strength while allowing our children to move upon their own path. [1] These are the teachings that will stay with our children and help them thrive in an ever-changing world. These are the times when mothering and parenting become the stuff we are made of and made for. It is in the moments when our children choose another path than the one, we believe is right for them, best for them, or safe for them. It is the times when we have done our best to keep our children from harm, and still, harm comes to them. It's in the moments when everything around our children seems to fall apart, and they need us to bend for them and with them and not to break. We are here to teach and show our children, by our actions and by our example, what it means to love unconditionally, be resilient, show up, and continue showing up even when the curveballs coming at us are both hard and messy.

We are here to teach and show our children how to give our best to a difficult situation even when we're tired, feel like we've had enough when we can't really see what's ahead, and when it's the last thing we'd like to do. Our gift to our children is that in these moments, we show them sometimes what's needed is outside of our ability to provide. Sometimes our bending in support of them also needs to be strengthened. When the winds are relentless and too strong to go it alone, it's okay and wise to ask to be supported so we may bend and not break. It's a gift for our children when we sustain and nourish ourselves so that we may stay strong for ourselves and them. May we teach our children how to navigate life's challenges with resiliency and love. May we allow them to see our vulnerability as a strength as we reach out to be supported. May we strengthen our bending through the intense storms of life by caring for ourselves as tenderly as we care for our children. May we continue to grow in suppleness through the challenges that face us. May we know, even in our messiness, we are loved beyond measure. ***** If you are not already familiar with Khalil Gibran's beautiful poem in his book The Prophet, On Children, I encourage you to read it and keep it close by as you move through your parenting and grandparenting years. https://poets.org/poem/children-1

Jo Ann Wenner, MS, MA-T is a holistic coach working with private clients, groups, and businesses. The deep well of her work comes from her ability to bring forth and facilitate Compassionate Conversations for a Courageous Life. She is an International BestSelling Author, Master Teacher, Speaker, and Mom to Seven. http://www.prismholistic.com

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LIFE QUOTE |CELEBRATING MOM’S

TO THE WOMEN AMOUNG US WITH LOVE by Dayna Hammond In June of 2012, I experienced a life-changing facial paralysis that would alter the course of my life forever. Three months after the initial diagnosis, I packed up my car and drove across the country to start a new job and a new life. At the time, I thought I was running away, but as I look back on these last nine years, I realize I was being pulled towards something. Within three days of being in a new province, I met a woman who would forever change the trajectory of my life. When she walked into the room, my ego instantly didn't like her. Her confidence, her assertiveness, and her practically perfect body made me cringe with jealousy and insecurity. But as I spent the day in her presence, I recognized there was a distinct draw that told me she had been sent to me for a reason, and while female friendships were not my forte, I chose to follow that feeling in my gut and step

into a new possibility. That decision led me down a path of personal development. It cracked me open to a new world filled with unbelievably supportive and inspiring female connections— women who have become sisters, soul mates, mothers, and grandmothers to me. With May upon us, one filled with the smell of Spring and the celebration of Mother's Day, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate those women who have come into our lives for the purpose of supporting, loving, challenging, and nurturing us. The women who are born into those specific roles and the ones who step into them graciously and voluntarily whenever they are needed. I, myself, was blessed with an absolutely beautiful mother. A mother who has stood by me, encouraging and supporting me through all of my challenges and adventures. One who has experienced so much loss yet continues to sacrifice for the people

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around her. Who loves unconditionally, challenges with purity, and shows up without question or judgment. Even when we do not see eye to eye, the conversations we can hold around those subjects are always open and filled with a willingness to understand. She has taught me that kindness is the most significant gift you can share with someone and never let a bad day or the chaos around you throw you off your soul's center. When I moved to Alberta and away from her, I had little to no family around me other than an aunt and uncle. I was dead set on being as independent as possible and ensuring I never again found myself leaning on anyone else for survival. That decision was based on my pride and was quickly readjusted when I began paddling with a local Dragon Boat crew. I was introduced to a woman who would instantly step in as a supportive second mother to me. Her presence was strong and full of love. Eight years later, she is still one of the people I call for advice, support, encouragement, or more often than not, just a simple "hello." Amongst that same crew, I met a girl who has become a soul sister to me. Unbelievably kind, incredibly intelligent, and a true advocate for the rights and treatment of our seniors and geriatric community, she has taught me the true definition of hard work and sacrifice. After meeting that woman in the barn on my third day in Alberta, I was introduced to an extensive community of like-minded people. A community filled with strong, empowering, intuitive women who walk to the beat of their own drum while remaining in unity, all with the same goal of spreading love, awareness, and connection in the world. These women held out their arms and opened up their hearts to support and challenge me in ways I had never dreamed of before. One, in particular, has been one of my most significant teachers and coaches. She has changed my life and opened my heart to the beauty that is life and the uniqueness that is me.

The power of a female collective is unlike anything. It can move mountains, change the flow of the river and even mend a broken heart that often felt as if it would never fully gather its millions of shattered pieces back together— raising a defeated soul out of the darkest places when that soul couldn't find the energy within itself to do so on its own. My blessings this month go out to the powerful women before us, among us, and those to come. May we heal the world as we are meant to, together. Dayna Hammond is the founder of the Parsons Animal Rescue Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected horses. She is also the owner of Divine Grace Animal Assisted Therapy, where she and her herd devote their space and energy to supporting the surrounding community in all areas of mental health and wellness.

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LIFE QUOTE|HEALTH LIVING

A LETTER TO ALL MOM’S STRUGGLING WITH INFERTILITY

I SEE YOU

by Kate Nguy First, I want to acknowledge that I see you, and I know your pain. For two years, my husband and I went through multiple ectopic pregnancies, a year with no positive tests, and a miscarriage. Mother’s Day was not only a day that triggered grief, but a day where I was in a constant battle with jealousy, rage, and then guilt for feeling all these things. Looking back on those years, I can still feel the intense pain radiating in my heart. The tears I did not share with others in my life and the unleashed anger my husband would try to support me through. If anything, now being a mother on the other side, I wish other women would have acknowledged my pain, would have been able to celebrate their family while still recognizing that I was a mom too. It was just that they never met my babies- the ones I lost, which was so very real to me. So, I understand what a triggering day this can be. And it doesn't matter what your diagnosis is, if it is secondary infertility or if you are recovering after a loss. Mother's Day is the most dreaded day when you are on this journey. So, as we prepare ourselves for this day (which other women in our life may not understand), I want to offer some thoughts to help you, so you don't have to just survive today, but rather that you can be in the moment, aware and feeling all the feels you need to feel as you need to feel them.

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Give yourself permission to decline invitations to any Mother's Day events. You can say no, and if anyone's feelings are hurt, then that is for them to work through. You are making the best choice for yourself, and you don't have to explain why.

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Make a Home Self Care kit….plan a day of bubble baths, face masks, maybe even have a massage therapist come to your home. Make this day about celebrating you and caring for you. Spoil yourself.

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Allow yourself to cry and feel sadness. You have every right to feel your feelings. Take the time to acknowledge this can be a beautiful and sad day all at the same time.

My most important message to you is to nourish yourself. Ultimately mother's day is about celebrating the woman (or women) in your life that makes sacrifices for you daily, the person who loves you so deeply that they would do anything for you. So, when you think of it that way, you are a Mother in this very special way. You dream of your little one in your arms, you can feel the joy and the excitement in your heart, and you would do anything to help this little soul you are seeking to come earthside to your arms. So, YES, you are a mother! You are the person who is sacrificing at this moment for them and every day until you meet them. So, Happy Mother's Day to all the women still waiting for their little ones to arrive. I see you, and I am sending you a hug today.

How to celebrate Mother's Day without your little one in your arms: •

Talk about how you're feeling about this day with your partner and come up with a nontraditional way to celebrate the day.

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Plant flowers in your backyard to remind yourself of how nurturing you are

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Go on a weekend getaway somewhere that will nourish your spirit. Somewhere that will bring you more joy and than sadness.

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Write a letter to your baby that is on its way and place it in a safe place so that you can reread it once you become pregnant.

Kate Nguy is a sacred womb and cycle educator, yoga therapist, and energy healer. She has a deep interest and enthusiasm for everything that has to do with the magic and mystery of the female body. It's her passion to bring ancient wisdom to the modern body for deep soulful healing and connection. She's the founder of Shee Revival www.sheerevival.com

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LIFE QUOTE| MONEY MINDSET

by Ellen Rogin, CPA,CFP®

n Men a h T y e n o M h it W r e tt e B Ways Women Are

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Did you know women are great with money and do better than men in many financial areas? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Money has a PR issue with women. Many have believed that men are just better at managing and investing than women. I’m a believer in focusing on strengths and what is going well, as opposed to worrying about the prevailing headwinds, when it comes to money. This positive approach helps build resilience and confidence for everyone. Here are 7 ways women are rocking it in their financial lives. 1. Women carry less debt than men – We know that credit card debt can be a drag on your financial security over the long run. Turns out women are doing better than their male counterparts in having slightly lower balances. They also have lower personal debt balances and car loans. Women do have higher student loan balances but if you are taking on debt then it seems like investing in your education might be a good place. Women also manage their debt better, with women having slightly higher credit scores. 2. Women save more than men – A Fidelity Study found that women save a higher percentage of their income into retirement accounts and added more to their investment accounts outside of work too. 3. Women spend less money than men – Perhaps one of the reasons they save more is that women spend less money than men. This is particularly impressive given that men earn on average $10,000 more per year than women according to the bureau of labor statistics Consumer Expenditure Study. Women are also better at finding sales and deals as they are more price conscious. 4. Women give more to charity than men – A US trust study of high-net-worth women found that 93% gave to charity compared to 87% of high-net-worth men. They also were more likely to volunteer their time with 56% compared to 41% of men. During Covid women’s giving has been impacted (as we know they have been disproportionately affected) but giving is still alive and well. Why does women’s generosity make them better with money?

Well, generosity precedes prosperity. 5. Women’s investment results are better than men’s – Women aren’t necessarily more confident investors than men, but they should be. A Fidelity study found that women achieve better investment returns than men. The difference might not seem great, but over time this compounds to be significant. Why? Well, it could be that women are more patient investors, take more time before making their decisions, and take less risks (see #6). All of the reasons that they have typically been criticized in their investment approach … by men. 6. Women are more patient investors – Men can be overconfident in their investment prowess, and this can lead to bad decision making according to a Money Crashers study. They looked at a University of CaliforniaBerkeley study which found men traded 45% more than women. Why is this detrimental? Well, this behavior hurt the men’s returns because it caused overtrading and brought on higher transaction costs. 7. Women are more likely to get professional advice than men – You know how the old saying goes - men won’t stop for directions? Why not? Don’t say because they have GPS on their phones … I said it was an old saying! Because it makes them feel dumb. Why do women ask? Because they know it will make them smarter. Women look for professional advice more often and this may help in all areas of their financial lives. What you think, say, and believe about your money makes a huge impact in your financial life. You have everything you need to be great with money! Ellen Rogin, CPA, CFP® is coauthor of NY Times bestseller, Picture Your Prosperity: Smart Money Moves to Turn Your Vision into Reality. An expert on living a life of success and prosperity, Ellen has appeared in many national print and TV media outlets, as well as on the TEDx stage. Find tools for creating prosperity on purpose at www.ellenrogin.com

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

WHY DON’T OCTOPUSES RULE THE EARTH? HANDS – HEAD - HEART

by Dada Nabhaniilananda When I was a kid, I loved a TV show called, The Undersea World of Jaques Cousteau. Jaques Cousteau invented the SCUBA system (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) for the French Navy during World War II. The patent left him a wealthy man, and he spent the rest of his life sailing the seas in his ship, the Calypso, documenting and filming the wonders of the world beneath the waves. One episode still haunts me. It posed the question, 'how come it is humans and not some other species who dominate the Earth?’ Most people assume that our intelligence alone sets us apart and gives us a competitive edge. But there are several other intelligent species on our 24

planet. What gave us the advantage over them? Cousteau said there are three factors enabling dominance: 1. Intelligence. You got that one right… 2. Dexterity: With our hands and our famous opposable thumbs, we can create tools, cities, and frescoes. And weapons. I have a bad feeling about this. 3. Community: Our prolonged infancy makes us utterly dependent on one other, so we form powerful emotional bonds to ensure that we don't just wander off and abandon one another and all die. Working in teams, we could beat up mammoths!

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Cousteau used the example of two other intelligent species to illustrate his point: 1. Dolphins boast both intelligence and socialization but lack dexterity. Try playing the violin with flippers, and you'll see what I mean. 2. Octopuses are the most intelligent invertebrates and display amazing dexterity with their arms and suckers. But except for brief periods of mating, they spend their lives alone. That's why there is no octopus union movement. Humans alone scored the winning combination with our dexterous Hands, our Heads crammed with brains, and our Hearts capable of intense love. And the winner's prize was a planet. Meditation – A Technology for Conscious Evolution. "With great power comes great responsibility” – Stan Lee So, we've attained self-awareness and conquered The Earth, which we are managing incredibly badly. I would really like us to get better at this, for all our sakes. To do that, we need to become wiser and kinder. Otherwise, we will continue to use all our cleverness and technology to create an ever more elaborate version of hell. For four years, I taught a course at UC Berkeley, California, titled: Meditation – a Technology for Conscious Evolution. Biological evolution is pretty slow, spanning many generations. Individuals can change their mindset and character far more quickly. Our stories and legends inspire us with evolving character arcs: Nelson Mandela, Ann Frank, Mulan, and Frodo Baggins remind us that within each of us is a wiser, kinder, braver version of ourselves. The meditation tradition offers a systematic method, a 'technology,' designed to develop this better version of ourselves. Not every one of us is going to slay a dragon or overthrow a necromancer. But we each contain enough inner demons to occupy the most enthusiastic of heroes as we advance on the path of conscious evolution. When enough of us walk this path, we will change the world.

The Threefold Path of Yoga The great mystic and yogi, Sri Krishna (see The Bhagavad Gita), explained how humans must consciously evolve by following a three-fold path of personal development: Karma, Jinana, and Bhakti Yoga: The path of action, wisdom, and devotion. Remember those three factors that enabled our rise to power; our hands, heads, and hearts? This three-fold path of Yoga provides us with the tools to manage and perfect all three of these powers. Hands = Karma - action/service/creativity. Head = Jinana - intelligence, wisdom. Heart = Bhakti - love, devotion, compassion, kindness. How about we use these tools of conscious evolution to become the best version of ourselves? We could awaken our higher nature, create a beautiful revolution and take consciousness to the stars. Here's a song about that: The Unicorn Song By Dada Nabhaniilananda & Josh Friedman

With my hands, I'll build a spaceship 'case we run out of room, like a wizard who helps everybody's dreams come true with my hands, I only want to do good wouldn't you do that if you only could? With my head, I'll write a song about saving the world, every river, every robot, every boy, every girl singing, wisdom is the one missing link connecting what I feel to all that, I think. When I close my eyes. my heart can open wide. Now I see who I'm meant t0 be. With my heart, I'll turn your sadness into unicorns, and rainbows with more colors, and roses with no thorns. With our hearts, we can travel so far together, we can aim for the stars. Dada Nabhaniilananda: Also known as The Monk Dude, Dada is a meditation instructor, an author, an entrepreneur, a keynote speaker and a musician. Born in New Zealand, he has been a yoga monk for more than 40 years. Dada teaches and consults for technology companies in Silicon Valley, including Google and Apple, and for Universities in California.

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LIFE QUOTE|CONSCIOUS LIVING

by Cat Knott "Sorry" is more than a word. Used in the right way, "I'm sorry" can convey the deepest love, empathy to mourn a loss or show sincere regret. '"I'm sorry" is righteous in its use when we make mistakes; scratch a car, break a plate, break a heart, or leave the alarm set on a Saturday morning after a long week of early starts. We all use "I'm sorry" in our day-to-day life. After all, being human is a tricky place to navigate, and we're bound to bump up against a few things we do wrong along the way.

NEVER APOLOGIZE

However, conscious awareness of "I'm sorry" also allows us to see that those words are powerful magic. "Sorry" is a label for a frequency of "apology" we radiate into the world, and too often, that unconscious apology forms a cycle of creation of our reality. As a recovering serial apologizer, I know how that energy can permeate every relationship, every ounce of our self-worth, and gives permission to the world of how we're expecting and accepting to be treated. Listen to the whispers of your vibration and the true energy of your Soul. Listen to your words, of when you speak aloud "I'm sorry" and every time ask yourself, really, am I, did I need to be? Listen to your thoughts and your selfdeprecating self-talk. Recognize when you become small to "apologize" as someone else treats you badly. Learn to control your apologies and keep "I'm sorry" for when it counts. And remember that there are elements in your life you should never, ever apologize for. 26

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• Never apologize for being a heart that only wants love. Love is who you are and what you deserve to receive.

changes your life in ways you cannot truly understand. •

Never apologize for not knowing the right step to take. Every one of us is inventing life as we go, just as you are, each and every day.

•

Never apologize for the body in which you sit. It is a vehicle of infinite complexity, intelligence, and beauty that is magical in every cell.

•

Never apologize for the things that help you thrive. They are yours, they are unique, and you can choose differently from other people. Choose what you need for your heart to live to its fullest.

•

Never apologize for being afraid. Everyone. Everyone. Always. Everyone is afraid.

•

Never apologize for reaching further than those around you, as you can see sights and achieve goals that only you can grasp and make real.

•

Never apologize for knowing your truth. It is yours, and unique and infinite - just as you are.

•

Never apologize - for being you. You should never be apologized for. You are powerful, beautiful, magical, divine, knowing, yearning, dreaming, speaking, life, and being - made real.

•

And never, ever, ever apologize for not apologizing- that apology never needs to be given.

• Never apologize for being kind. The kindness that you are is what the world so dearly needs. •

Never apologize for being the whole of you, for all of you is what you were born to be, in heart, mind, and spirit.

•

Never apologize for dreaming of better times and better places. Those dreams are signposts toward what you're crying out to let yourself receive.

•

Never apologize for wanting better, wanting more, or wanting enough. That's what life is for, for its fullness, the joy of it, the living of it, and the experiencing of it.

•

Never apologize when you are silenced. You are allowed your voice, your opinion, and your truth, and you deserve to be heard.

•

Never apologize when you are hurt. Your pain, frustration, anger, and fear are valid and real and are calling to be seen.

•

Never apologize for standing out. Being different is your Heart and Soul; you are magical in your perfect uniqueness. No one else can ever be like you. Never apologize for being strong. When the world around you wants you to crumble, your strength is a gift that inspires courage in all who see it. Never apologize for being weak, as there is strength in knowing that some things you do not have to shoulder alone.

•

Never apologize for losing yourself in this world, but know in your Soul, there is always time to bring yourself back.

•

Never apologize for where you have been or what you have done. As the past is gone and a new you breathes itself into life, every single day.

•

Never apologize for the choices you have made, will make, or are making. Every choice is right in the moment, and the journey from it

love, Cat Knott x

Cat Knott is a channel, coach & guide to connection, energy, spirit and life. She is an unashamed adventurer into the uninvented, who can take you beyond the edges of your next level thinking, and acts as a Soul catalyst to reawaken your life. She works with awakeners, visionaries & spiritual entrepreneurs who are here to change the world. You can find her work at www.uninvented.life

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LIFE QUOTE|HEALTHY LIVING

Health Begins with "H" Foundation of Life - Part 1

by Dr Catherine Akbarieh Spring is the best time to set health resolutions, as nature's re-birth supports cleansing, rejuvenation & renewal. As allergies are common in the season, the #1 solution I'd like to offer for sinus troubles & itchy eyes will also be of interest to expecting & future mothers. Consider these health concerns: • Pain & Stiffness • Morning Sickness & Pregnancy Symptoms • Allergies, Acne • Dis-order in respiratory, digestive, lymphatic, neurological or autoimmune systems • Brain Fog, Depression • Fatigue • Weight issues

They all have this in common: DE-HYDRATION Acute Dehydration can be severe enough to land us in an emergency room, while Chronic Dehydration is less noticed. Over time, dehydration can manifest as illness either with visible symptoms such as sneezing, skin breakouts, migraines, or as imbalances in physiological systems (blood pressure, sugar, hormones, weight). Insomnia, Cravings, Pre-Menstrual symptoms, even Periodontal Disease, often have dehydration as the root cause. Did you know that in the early stages of dehydration, even a 2% loss of water & electrolytes can lead to a significant reduction in brain function

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and overall performance? That might explain, in part, the "pregnancy brain." When scientists look for signs of life in our galaxy, they look for water first. It is the source of life & vital for survival. Water & minerals regulate our cortisol levels, which are connected to our stress management, hormone regulation & repair mechanism. That explains in part, why at the beginning of spring & autumn, we have the hardest time adjusting. In the winter, we move less, typically eat less fresh plants, & since it's colder, we don't think of drinking as much water. In the spring, we enter a time of high pollen count with underlying dehydration from the winter. With autumn arriving, the summer heat, excessive sweating & possible indulgence in sweetened or alcoholic beverages have left our bodies with another round of dehydration. As winds pick up, move drying leaves & mold around, our bodies may not have the optimal ability to "adjust" to seasonal changes, making allergies prevalent. Changing the clocks adds further stress to our physiology. Now let's consider the role of water for expecting mothers: Life physiologically begins in and with water. So, a mother's level of hydration plays a vital role in her cortisol management and the formation of cells, functioning of organs, & the foundation of the baby’s health. In a hydrated adult, water makes up about 75% of the organs: 85% of Brain, 80% of Lungs, 86% of Liver, 94% of Lymphs and even 22% of Bones. The first parts of the embryo that form are the brain & spinal cord. The “core” of the body, containing the Cerebrospinal Fluid, (aka “life fluid”) is basically 99% water! So, it stands to reason that during early weeks of pregnancy, while balancing hormones, new sleep patterns & the growing baby's needs, any prepregnancy presence of dehydration, or lack of minerals, may lead to the infamous “morning sickness” (aka emesis).

As the baby's cells replicate quickly to form tissues & organs, they'll metabolize & excrete waste into the placenta (which is about 90% water). The only way to manage this waste (which is acidic) is to neutralize it through the mineral reserve of the mother. If the water quantity & quality are less than what the fetus needs, the mother's minerals will leach out of her tissues to buffer the acidity of the baby's cellular waste. When taking prenatal supplements, it's crucial for mom to drink enough & good quality water to help the nutrients absorb well. Bone stock & fermented vegetables offer key minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorous & other trace minerals that a healthy growing body needs. Dr. Batemanghelidj's recommendation for water intake is 1/2 an ounce of water for each pound of weight. As most women put on pounds in pregnancy, that's a reasonable place to start. Proper hydration will naturally help your body balance its pH (acidity/alkalinity). I hope bringing attention to hydration now helps you prepare better for the summer. As a side benefit of being well-hydrated, we can also enjoy better resistance to sun damage. Here's to Happy, Healthy Mothers & their children! Dr. Catherine Akbarieh is a Doctor of Dental Surgery, an Advocate of Natural Health & Prevention, Holistic Health Consultant, Perception Empowerment Coach, Speaker & host of Perceptions of Health Podcast. Her unique wellness programs focus on foundational aspects of health, inspiring clients to return to balance & live their most empowered life. Pre-Launch Course Special MAY50 HydrationtoHealth.com Download a Free E-Book on water EcoHealthyWater.com ConsultDrCatherine.com PerceptionsofHealth.com

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LIFE QUOTE|HEALTHY LIVING

TIPS TO STAY HYDRATED

by Dr Catherine Akbarieh 1.

Choose Water First: Plain, clean, un-flavored water, as nature intended (think nature: Waterfall, Glaciers, Clean-Flowing River, Mineral Spa)

Thirst is not always a reliable indicator to guide water consumption. In fact, it can be suppressed with the slightest amount of dehydration.

Eliminate dehydrating liquids: Coffee, Tea, Alcohol, Sweetened or Flavored water

Drink warm or room temperature water: warm water is better received by tissues and gently cleanses your body.

Salt has value! A good quality sea-salt contains trace minerals essential in helping cells utilize water to function & remain hydrated.

Fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables contain water, minerals, anti-oxidants & enzymes that all work to keep us well hydrated: Pineapple, Watermelon, Berries, Kiwi, Mango, Cucumber, Tomato, and Leafy Greens are good options

Avoid refined sugars, processed foods, carbonated water or beverages: they cause acidic waste buildup, which leads to dehydration & tissues damage

Best time to drink water: A cup as you wake up, a cup before you go to sleep, 2-4 sips every 30 minutes throughout the day. Dental Caution: Sipping is not recommended of fruit-infused water as it exposes teeth to acidity.

Quantity: How much water? To maintain your current level of health at rest, Dr. Batmanghelidj’s recommendation is to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water, also advised by the Mayo clinic.* For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, drink 100 ounces or about 12.5 cups of water daily. When you are planning to exercise or travel, drinking plain water before, during & after, is beneficial.

10. Quality: impurities & potential toxins reduce water’s ability to properly hydrate cells, often leading to oxidative damage (aging and breakdown) and dis-ease in the body. Disclaimer: Any recommendations are for educational or lifestyle purposes only, and do not constitute nor substitute medical advice. Always consult your medical professional for your personal health, especially if taking prescription medications. Any interpretation or use of information shared in this article is solely at the reader’s discretion. lifequotejournal.com

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LIFE QUOTE|SELF-DISCOVERY

WHAT IS IN YOUR TOOLBOX? DAIRY OF AN ALCOHOLIC LIVING IN RECOVERY

by Shelley Rogerson March 29, 2021 No, I'm not talking about that hammer, measuring tape, or screwdriver. I'm talking about the things that we use to help us cope, shift our way of thinking/attitude, or our emotions. Some tools are unhealthy (alcohol, drugs, food, tv, porn), while some are healthy (meditation, journaling, yoga, meetings).

I am in recovery from drugs and alcohol, so my toolbox may look a little different than someone else's, but I truly believe that every person needs a toolbox to get through life. Hopefully, a toolbox that has more healthy options than unhealthy. 2007 was the first year I removed drugs and alcohol from my life. Before that, I did not

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have any healthy ways to deal with life. If I experienced a negative emotion, then my go-to was to replace the feeling by numbing myself through the use of drugs or alcohol. Growing up, I was not taught how to deal with my emotions or let them flow in a healthy way. I was shown how to cover up and pretend that everything was 'fine.’ I was in and out of sobriety from 2007 to 2014, and during that time, I learned a few healthy tools to put in my toolbox, such as reiki, meetings, yoga, meditation, and sweat lodge ceremonies. However, while I was in treatment in 2014, my counselor, Pat, told me that I was the healthiest, most f#@ked up person he had ever met. I may have known a variety of healthy tools; however, when I was in my addiction, I threw my toolbox out the window. But while I was there, I worked hard to heal old wounds, learn new tools, and I am proud to say I have been sober since then. Today, I want to share with you two books that I read early in my recovery that changed my life and gave me tools that I still use to this day. The first one is Louise Hay, Heal your Body. It is a little book packed with information. When we experience problems with our body, she believes there is a negative thought associated with it, and in the book, she has a positive affirmation to help heal this ailment. When I discovered this book, I went through A-Z, and I wrote an affirmation for everything I had going on – anxiety, cystic acne, addiction, colitis, depression, and many more. I wrote each affirmation down on post-its, and I posted them everywhere throughout the house. Even today, you can see I have some in our bathroom (see pic). I see them, read them, and it helps spin my thinking to believe things will be ok when I feel like life is spiraling out of control. The second book is the 'Four Agreements' by Don Miguel. This book changed my life and how I live life. On a daily basis, I try to live life through these four agreements:

• • • •

be impeccable with your word. don't take anything personally. don't make assumptions. and always do your best.

The last agreement has been an important tool for me, especially lately. I was raised in a world where I tried to be perfect. I learned that perfection does not exist in sobriety, but that doesn't mean that the old habit doesn't creep back into my life. These days when it creeps back in, it tells me that I am not a perfect or good enough mom. Because of my depression and postpartum, I have mom guilt that I am not doing enough or being a good enough mom. Some days, I cannot get motivated or have the energy to wear my kickass mom suit. On those days, I have to remind myself that I may not be at my best, but I am doing my best. Today, I am proud to say that my healthy tools outnumber the unhealthy ones. Of course, I still have times when I eat too much ice cream and watch too much tv. These are the things that I still work on, but like my counselor says, 'today, at least I am aware of my unhealthy habits, and I am working towards change.' One step at a time, one habit at a time. Hi my name is Shelley, and I am an alcoholic Shelley Rogerson has been sober since august 17, 2014. She was instrumental in the writing and launching of the international bestselling book, The Book of WHY (and HOW). Instrumental as well in the launch of the bLU Talks Brand and the TEDx Speaking Program. Shelley is a member of a high-level mastermind group and she has helped people transition from addiction to recovery for a number of years now. She is also the mother of 2 beautiful boys; Alijah and Sebastain.

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

WHAT HOUSEFLIES AND WEEDS TEACH US ABOUT SUCCESS

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by Scott McDermott I was out running the other day and noticed something poking out of the asphalt. It looked like a little asphalt volcano on the sidewalk, about an inch high where something was forcing its way through. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a weed. Just a little green leafy weed. A seemingly fragile, tender, pale little plant, yet here it was, pushing its way through asphalt! Asphalt is a mix of rocks, sand, and tar, cooked at high heat, laid down, and steamrolled with pressure and then more heat to form a long-lasting path. This tiny little weed broke through the asphalt to find sunlight despite the obvious mismatch in apparent strength. We are constantly picking weeds at our house, digging them out, and sometimes spraying them with the least offensive stuff we can find that still works to kill them. Every week there are more of them, in new places, including the places we thought we cleared out last week. Growing in areas that seem impossible and in places where we really do not want them. It occurred to me that we could learn a lot from weeds. This begs the question: What is a weed? Weed. Noun. "A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants." www.lexico.com (powered by Oxford) Ok, so forgiving the bit about not being wanted, there is something to be learned here about tenacity, determination, stubbornness, and succeeding despite any obstacle. Often, I see people thinking about the obstacle and focusing on how hard it is, how many obstacles they have, how difficult and impossible, and frustrating things are. That's a very common and tempting way to go, but the challenge is – if all you focus on is the problem, you will see the problem. We need to focus on the solution and celebrate every little success that gets us closer while remembering the ultimate goal. When you keep your eye on your goals, miracles can be accomplished because you focus on the goal, and everything else gets no energy. 35

That reminds me of another story: As the story goes, there is a fly, repeatedly bumping into a closed window over and over and over again. It desperately wants to get outside and live its life free and with a purpose. Houseflies live only 15 to 30 days, and this little fellow is repeatedly smashing his head into a piece of glass all day. It will likely die on the windowsill, exhausted after trying harder and harder and harder with no food, water, or success. Its only goal: to get outside to the fresh air and find something to eat and find a mate. You would never question the effort or commitment of this little creature, and it is staring right at the goal without wavering. However, there is an OPEN DOOR just 15 feet behind it, and all it must do, is turn around, make a new plan and fly to freedom! We can learn from this that you cannot merely focus on the obstacle and try really hard. Action is great, but life is about taking appropriate action. We need to combine these two lessons: You need to spend your time and energy on a proven system that works and then relentlessly move forward and celebrate any progress you achieve as you go! Remember the fly? Look around and make sure that what you are doing has a chance of success. Have others done this and succeeded? Is there a coach or a map you could use? With a bit of research, you might find a way to fly out the door effortlessly to your dreams! Remember the weed? Be resistant and find any clue, progress, or opening that will let you move forward. Every tiny bit of success counts, and bit by bit, you too will poke your head through the asphalt and feel the sweet sunshine! This can be distilled down to a simple formula: AFC, NGU = Success.

Whatever your goal is, take some Action, watch for Feedback, and then either make a Correction or Continue. Above all, Never Give Up. Part of being conscious about the choices we make means resisting the temptation to repeatedly bang our head against a sheet of glass, expecting it to be a door like that fly. Let's not put all of our energy into trying to grow in the midst of an asphalt path where we will simply be run over repeatedly like that poor weed. Happy Training! Scott McDermott - I am a trainer of over 23 years who has built and ran a 15,000 sq ft Fitness Centre from scratch. As a Trainer, Certified Coach, competitive triathlete, father and former fat guy I have a lot to draw from and share! Looking to be inspired? The documentary about my near-death crash at a race is here for you: www.warriorcodefilm.com. I also work with people online to help them with nutrition and fitness.

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LIFE QUOTE|PARENTING

WHAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE HAVING KIDS THAT WOULD HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE

by Michelle Bateman There’s still time to figure it out. It’s Sunday night; I’m a little girl in my jammies, excited to watch The Wonderful World of Disney. I watched story after story of the Princess that lived to find her Prince, got married, and lived happily ever after, and I could hardly wait for that to be my dream too. I would play Barbies; she was always getting married or having babies. I loved babies; I babysat a newborn and his two brothers at 12 years old; it was just natural and easy for me. That’s why I fell in love with the two blonde hair big-eyed little girls of the man I was dating. I loved them, and I loved him, and this was the beginning of the family and dream I had held dear for so long. We got married, and it wasn’t a Disney movie, that’s for sure. I gave my all and soon began to feel like I was on my own in the relationship. I remember after a difficult delivery

with my first daughter, my husband refused to help me in the hospital room with OUR baby. The next day when it was time to go home, I wanted the perfect pictures to scrapbook, the memories of this magical moment, but all he did was rush me because he had to get back to work. What? This isn’t what happens in all the movies I’ve watched. He was self-employed and didn’t think to take any days off for the birth of his daughter. I sadly remember he helped bring my flowers and balloons in the house, and then he walked back out the door to work. I was heartbroken and felt like the electrical in someone else’s house mattered more than his baby girl and me. This became more of a pattern where I had to do it all, all the feedings, bathing & laundry. I recalled asking him to take her with him one day, and his response was, “she might cry.” What? Really, she cries every day and night for me, and I still have

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to take her. I remember thinking, why is this optional? I loved being a mom, and so I carried on. My life revolved around my kids; they came first. My friends became their friends’ moms. I no longer had my own identity; I was Kaylee and Chelsey’s mom, and I was ok with that; this was the only thing I had ever wanted in my life. As you can imagine, the marriage didn’t last, and sharing custody of my babies broke my heart. I had barely been away from them, barely left them, and now I was left with this huge empty void in my life. WHAT was I to do without them? I was so lost; my whole identity was being a mom, and without the role of being a mom, who was I, and what the hell do I do with myself? I began to think and reflect. Who was I? Someone once asked me, what do you like to do? What do you mean, I’m a mom, I don’t have time to do things I like to do!! I am running here, there, and everywhere and when I am done, all I wanted to do was watch Grey’s Anatomy and numb out on the couch before I fell asleep, and then the next day hit the ground running for more of the same. I realized I had LOST MYSELF. Actually, I don’t know if I EVER really knew myself. Who was I? What did I like, what did I love? What hobbies did I want to learn? One day my friend said to me, “Michelle, if you don’t get a life of your own now that your kids are getting older and don’t need you as much, YOU

are going to be a CRAZY CAT LADY.” My eyes got huge, and I gasped, covering my mouth in sheer embarrassment because he was right!! I had NO life of my own; I existed purely for my kids. That was one of the biggest realizations of my life. No one teaches us to maintain our own identity along the way in life. How many of us met someone, and friends and interests fell away as you gave your all to that person in your life. Then many of us continue on blindly having kids and put the kids first. Before we lived just for ourselves, then it was our partner, then it was the kids, and we wonder why there are so many divorces and unhappy people walking around. Here’s what would have changed my life and what I am passionate about sharing with other women like you. It’s not selfish to put yourself; first, it’s a must to your survival and being your very best. You are most happy when you can take care of your own needs and happiness, and that gives you more energy to give to those you love. Maintain your own identity, know yourself outside of your roles, and love who you are inside. You don’t have to be perfect to love yourself!! We are human, and we will mess up, and when we can go easy on ourselves, it makes the journey so much easier. Have your own hobbies, take time away for you WITHOUT feeling guilty. You will feel much more patient, kind, and understanding when you are filling your own cup instead of feeling empty and depleted. From my heart to yours, beautiful one, don’t lose yourself, and if you have, it’s never too late to discover who YOU are and love her with all your heart! Michelle Bateman, founder & CEO of Soul Journey is a Confidence & Clarity Coach, International speaker and facilitator that empowers women & SOULpreneurs to gain clarity in their life and business, uncover the fears and doubts that are holding them back so they can show up with confidence and create a life and business they love. Michelle is passionate about community so connect with her on FB and IG @souljourneytransformations and www.souljourney.com 39

LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

THANKS MOM

by Terri Lynn Murphy My journey began in a good, solid, loving environment. My parents started a business together when I was just one year old, which my mother ran. It was a high-end gift and card shop in the small town of Ambler, Pa. Due to her absence, my older sister, Kathleen, and my Grandfather became my caretakers. I was the youngest of five girls. I was about six years old when it was time for Kathleen to move on with her life. She went into the convent, and soon after, my Grandfather passed away. The two people that were with 40

me most were gone. Crying myself to sleep at night was the norm. I missed them so much. One day at the gift shop, my mother pulled me aside to show me two figurines that had just arrived. She told me, "One is the Optimist, and the other is the Pessimist. The Optimist is always looking for the good in life and focused on what they have and are grateful for. The Pessimist is focused on the bad, what is missing, and what makes them feel sad." She said. "I know you are missing Kathleen and

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Pop-Pop, we all do, but you still have your family here to love you. You have your father and me, Rosemary, Eileen and Anne. We are all here for you. Do you understand?" I nodded my head, although still feeling sad. She said to me. "You can have your choice to take home one of these figurines. Which one would you like to have, the Pessimist or the Optimist?" After some deep thought, I told her, "I want to have the Optimist. I want to be happy.” In grade school, I can recall getting ready for school, looking at the figurine of the Optimist, and deciding today I am going to look for all the good in my life and be happy. That habit I learned as a child has followed me my whole life. Later in life, I was faced with a far worse situation and was grateful to have the mindset of an optimist. At the age of seven and nine, my two young sons moved two hours away with their father to the Jersey shore. There was nothing I could do to stop them due to a decision I made years earlier during divorce, a decision that was a clear answer to my prayer. The feeling of anger grew in me; I was so angry with God. "It was You who guided me here! How am I going to get by?" I prayed for death. "Please take my life, so I do not have to live this way. I cannot face the next ten years." God let me know that I was going to live. I shouted to God, "Well if that is the case, I need your help! I cannot do this alone! How did this happen?" God gently reminded me that my prayer during the divorce was to help me make the best decision for my children, not for me. So, to survive, I knew I needed to find a way to be happy. Understanding that children adapt as well as the parents do in a divorce, my children required a happy mother. And I needed to be happy to survive each day. This did not happen overnight, but I learned to detach from my feelings over time, and I trained my mind to stay focused in the present moment. If my thoughts lingered too long on my sons, I was a goner. This is where my long, successful career in the automotive business began. I entered into sales. The long hours served me well and kept me busy.

I'd play games with my mind to keep it busy and out of the sorrow that surrounded me as I buried my emotions deep within. I'd pick a word of the day and see how many times I could use that word. While driving, I'd look for all things blue or green or anything else to keep my mind occupied. I pushed the feelings down and focused on something in the present that made me happy. Those sad days passed, and now I am an expert at choosing happiness and want to help others see the benefits of putting happiness first, no matter what. When you keep yourself in a positive state, every outcome in life is better. I am so grateful to my mother for teaching me the lesson of the Optimist because, without that mindset, I never would have made it through those years that I see as a living hell. "Thanks, Mom." Terri Lynn is an international Best-Selling author and happiness coach. Her intention is to help others see the benefits of putting happiness first. Her first book is Journey to my Soul, Following Divine Navigation. Her second book, 10 Minutes to a Happier You, Start Your Day in a Positive Way, launched in October 2020 as a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. Connect with Terri: www.thinkhappybehappy.com

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LIFE QUOTE|HEALTHY LIVING

ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Image by Sherwood from Pixabay

"Don't allow infertility to define you on Mother's Day: you are so much more." by Sarah Willoughby Mother's Day is a beautiful time to celebrate and show gratitude to all the amazing women who make such a difference in this world. But for anyone dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth, Mother's Day is bittersweet. The cards, gifts, and family gatherings are a painful reminder of what is missing and what may never be. 42

Infertility is an inability to get pregnant (conceive) after 12 months of having frequent unprotected sex or after six months in women 35 years or older. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, about twelve to thirteen percent of couples in the US have trouble becoming pregnant. Numbers are similar elsewhere in the world.

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disease, early menopause, low sperm count, and low testosterone are just some reasons for infertility. Regardless of the cause, the impact is still the same- isolation, shame, guilt, grief, and feeling not enough in a world heavily focused on our identity as a mother. Being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) when I was 25 hit me hard. I'd always imagined myself having a big family, and I knew PCOS might impact my ability to have biological children. However, in 2005 I was blessed. My son was conceived easily and entered the world two months prematurely in 2006. But the years that followed were filled with unexpected secondary infertility, miscarriages, and a disastrous IVF cycle that landed me in intensive care. I'm lucky to be here still. During those challenging years, every Mother's Day brought up so much pain. My heart goes out to you if you're on this emotional rollercoaster right now. I see you. Even though there is still so much silence surrounding infertility, you are not alone this Mother's Day. I hope the following suggestions bring you some comfort and help you through this challenging day. 1. Express your emotions If attending a family gathering feels overwhelming, be honest about your emotions and why you can't be there this year. Talk to those people who will support you and offer their shoulder for you to cry on. Don't put pressure on yourself to smile and be brave when you're secretly falling apart inside. Allow yourself to grieve, be angry, envious, happy to celebrate your mum while also being sad for yourself. Acknowledge these emotions without judgment. 2. Show yourself love Avoid activities that you know will trigger you, like walking around a shopping center or through your local playground. Instead, spend Mother's Day doing something that brings you joy and practices self-care. Whether it's a day

curled up on the sofa watching TV or reading a good book, a fun day out with your friends, or a weekend away in nature with your partner, listen to what your body, mind, and spirit need. 3. Stay off social media This is one day to keep your scrolling on social media to a minimum. Seeing countless photos of mums celebrating with their children is always tough and will do nothing to lift your spirits. 4. Support others When you're feeling miserable, being there for others can ease your sadness. Reach out to those who have lost their mum, a child, or who are also dealing with infertility; it may bring you some comfort. 5. Don't allow infertility to define you Try not to allow the long and painful infertility journey you have been on to define you; you are so much more than this. Be gentle with yourself and focus on your worth and all you bring to this world. I can guarantee your resilience has provided courage and hope to someone else. You are inspiring. You are beautiful, with or without a baby. You are enough. As you continue to navigate your path to parenthood, remember to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Doing this will give you the best chance of holding a baby in your arms. I stand beside you and am sending you so much love and strength until that day comes. Sarah Willoughby empowers people to heal, love themselves, achieve more and transform their lives through her coaching, writing, speaking and energy healing. Providing hope to anyone facing infertility or adversity, Sarah shares how she navigated through grief and trauma to be blessed with three beautiful children, who are her greatest teachers. www.sarahwilloughby.com.au www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-willoughby-2019 www.facebook.com/SarahWilloughbyAustralia

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LIFE QUOTE| PARENTING

PANDAMIC "MOM'ing" The lesson my son gave me.

Our children mimic what they see and are taught, and though we may not think they're listening...trust me, they are.

by Rachelle Babler This past year in 2020, humans around the globe got a quick dose of having to pivot their entire lives, and ways of being as a global pandemic caused the whole world to pause. Parents across the globe would soon be faced with many unforeseen challenges instantaneously. In March of 2020, many schools decided to shut down to help curve the virus. My children were now at home full-time doing a new way of learning called "distance learning." Many parents, including myself, thought this would be temporary. So, I figured I would do the best I could for a few weeks until things got better and back to normal. "Normal." Oh, how that word took on a whole new meaning. Those few weeks turned into months, and those months ended up turning into a year of my children being home. Parenting alone has its challenges, but parents were being stretched to fulfill many roles that just kept coming during this time. Working at home full time, the kids being home and distance learning, juggling between parent/worker/teacher all at once, followed by social parameters that began a path of disconnect from many friends and loved ones. First, it was working at home, then working at home with the kids being home, then work and distance learning, then all the challenges with socially being distant from friends and family, cooking more, cleaning more, and it went on and on. Oh, and the other biggy - financial insecurities and uncertainties as many people

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were being laid off. As an entrepreneur, my mind was like an out-of-control hamster spinning on its wheel. It was a challenging and trying time and soon, feeling overwhelmed became the new "normal." Prior to our worlds being turned upside down, I had a solid (so I thought) daily routine that I had been doing for years. I read a book by Hal Elrod called "The Miracle Morning" that changed my life. The book talks about how you can transform your life before 8:00 am and how to wake up each day with more energy, motivation, and focus. In some ways, I felt I had been preparing for challenging times for years so my world would be fine, right? Nope. After a few months into the pandemic, my daily routines started to drop off. I wanted to sleep in. I was tired of being cooped up in my small apartment. I wasn't exercising much, and the morning routine that would empower me daily started to feel like a chore. I began to lose perspective of things, becoming less patient with life and with those around me. One day, my thirteen-year-old son came up to me and said, "Mom, I am feeling some tense feelings with you, and I think you need to take some deep breaths and relax." That moment stopped me, and I honestly didn't know whether to laugh, cry or be proud. I think I did all of the above. I have always strived to be a mindful parent. Teaching my kids how to ground, meditate, clear their energy when things get heavy, and being a container for who they are. I started teaching them these things at a young age because I had never been taught them (and no judgment to my parents because they were never taught either). My personal growth rolled into their personal growth, and I wanted to share with them all that I was learning, but I never knew if they were really listening or getting it. That one day showed me otherwise. I started teaching them these things at a young age, and in those teachings, my son gave me a huge one when I needed it most. Our children are our biggest teachers. They have no filters and speak their truth. They can reflect

what they see and mimic what they are taught, and at that moment, when my daily ways of being were disrupted from overwhelm, my son taught me to pause, be in the now, and just stop. He gave me such an incredible gift that day, and it's why I call my children my growth partners because it's exactly what we are all doing - learning and growing through this together. After that, I set intentions to get back to my routines and all the things that fill my soul. I take care of "me." I remember a coach once told me, "inch by inch is a cinch, and yard by yard is hard." So, inch by inch, I got back to my Miracle Morning, meditating, walking outside, more water, earlier bedtime, and quality sleep. One could never imagine how this pandemic would shake up our worlds, and there is no judgment in how I slowly slipped away from the things that kept me grounded. I gave myself grace - lots of it. This past year gave me so many gifts and perspectives on how incredibly lucky we all were to be together, healthy, and so much more. As May celebrates mothers and those who have filled a mother's shoes, may we be reminded that there will be challenges that come and lessons for us to grow. May we take each lesson with grace, love, and no judgment. Each lesson births a better version of ourselves for our children, and may we celebrate that growth together. Cheers to all you amazing mamas! Rachelle Babler grew up in Southern California near the sunny beaches of San Diego and has always been an avid explorer, traveler, musician, and creative soul. At the height of her career in forensics, she quit her job cold-turkey to pursue her "why"... TO empower people to express themselves with their stories, SO THAT they can heal, inspire and give others permission to do the same. Rachelle has helped hundreds of clients amplify their voice so that they can inspire, educate, advocate, make positive changes and create movements! www.rachellebabler.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelle-babler038952176/ https://www.facebook.com/rachelle.ljosdalbabler

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LIFE QUOTE|MONEY MINDSET

WHAT MY MOM TAUGHT – OR DIDN’T TEACH – ME ABOUT MONEY by Deanna Boyden

My Mom was amazing. She was beautiful and elegant. She always had perfect make-up, hair and nails. She smelled of Chanel No. 5 and was an incredible cook. She taught me so much, but when it came to money, she had it all wrong. My mother grew up in a different time and space. She worked for most of her life. She worked very hard, and I am blessed to have her work ethic. She did a great job of that. However, she really messed up by modelling her relationship with money built on scarcity, silence and shame. I watched her struggle with lack of money her whole life, I listened to her talk about not having enough money and I understood her struggle with money despite her hard work. She traded her time for a paycheck that never seemed to stretch far enough, and she allowed a feeling of scarcity to limit herself to the life she was living each day. Read that again. She allowed having very little money to keep her from living a fulfilling life! No woman should ever allow that, and no woman should ever teach their daughter to live that way. We didn’t talk about money as a tool in life. We didn’t talk about money in a positive sense, about how to save it, to use it to get education so you could earn more of it for each hour you worked or how you could leverage money to build wealth. We didn’t talk about how to use money to build a better life. We didn’t have any of those conversations and the fact that we didn’t, actually taught me a lot about money. It taught me that I sure as heck didn’t want to feel that same shame about money. I sure as heck didn’t want to waste my life or dreams while working at a job, I hated either. I couldn’t imagine doing that as I watched it happen to my mother, then watched her die before her “someday” ever arrived. If no one else has ever talked to you about money, about wealth and about living a rich, prosperous life, then I’m here to do so! I’m here to tell you that it is up to you to use everything in you to create the life that you WANT to live, not the life you feel you HAVE to live. So, go build a career. Build a career doing something you love and that you can monetize.

“There are people who have money and people who are rich.” - Coco Chanel My mother's favorite designer While you are building a career, you must also build a plan to build the life you want. Determine how you want your days to look. Imagine details of how you will live each of your days. Determine WHY you want the days to look like that way. Get those thoughts on a vision board to remind you what you are working towards. Determine the milestones you need to achieve and when you need to do that. Remember, you get to make these decisions! You don’t have to wait for whatever it is that life, career or relationships hand you. Step up and learn what you need to know in order to build that life you see. Watch for experts to follow, read a book on finances, listen to a podcast and talk to women who are successful at what you want to do. You have it in you to create the knowledge about money, business, investing and real estate. You have it in you to learn how to create the wealth that enables freedom and time to live the life you want. Remember, your bank account balance does NOT determine the quality of your life. Having money DOES allow you to make the choices, to have the freedom and to create time. That is what matters and that is what I want to ensure we all feel free to teach our daughters and sisters!

Deanna is an accomplished business leader with experience in operations, sales, professional development, and marketing. She has built a real estate portfolio across North America. Having achieved success with one foot on the corporate ladder, the other on the real estate ladder, Deanna now coaches other women to build long term financial security. To learn more visit www.deannaboyden.com

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LIFE QUOTE|CONSCIOUS LIVING

WISDOM OF THE AKASHA by Alli MacKenzie

Awareness is a beautiful experience. We begin to see the World in brighter hues of color, a sunset is the most wonderful sight we've set our eyes on, and we find ourselves basking in gratitude at every turn, truly a new wave of consciousness. As we become more aware of our surroundings, we also awaken to the limitless potential that resides within us all. 48

With this, an epiphany occurs, we suddenly realize we're connected to something more, something bigger than us, and it's a connection that's always been there, long before we became aware of its existence. This "something more" is the Akasha. It's a Sanskrit word that outlines a region beyond earth from which all things are formed, both universal and celestial in nature.

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Dictionary.com defines it as "the ether, regarded as including material and nonmaterial entities in a common medium."

made particular choices along the way, and this then allows us to interrupt those patterns for our children.

The Akasha is a beautiful space that houses a vibrational archive of every soul, its past lives, present experiences, and future possibilities. It's a space of pure love and light that helps to guide us when we feel lost.

2. Strengthen your ability to practice selfcompassion

Those who are clairvoyant and read the records often say it appears as an extensive library, filled with our Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones who support us in receiving the information we seek. And now, more than ever, Akashic Reader Practitioners are popping up all over the planet, enlightening us with their gifts and communicating the messages we're meant to hear. Having our soul records read is a very healing process. By sharing my struggles with the light of the Akasha, I released energy that had been a barrier to joy and happiness. I eliminated those blocks with the wisdom I received and learned why I am the way I am. With this awareness, I also gained the clarity and the courage to create the lifestyle I've always wanted. We're all connected to this field. When we receive a "hit of intuition" or that feeling of "innate knowing," this is us communicating with the Akasha from our three-dimensional level of humanness. Mothers have a beautiful way of tapping into this energy, and it often feels like our sixth sense or gut feeling. Moms must honor these feelings and learn to trust them more deeply. We're earthly beacons, and our intuitive insight is being channeled to us for a reason, for our wellbeing, and helping guide those we love. Here a few very wonderful ways the wisdom of the Akasha can help you: 1. Identify why you have a history of repeating certain patterns in your life. By accessing the records of our past lives and previous experiences, we're better able to understand where the root of our behaviors began. We embrace a deeper level of understanding of who we are and why we've

Being able to truly love ourselves through the highs and the lows is imperative for maintaining our self-worth. Life is a constant flux of mystery and mastery. Observing ourselves through the eyes of the Akasha opens our hearts to all that we are, all that we have been, and all that we are capable of. 3. Learn how to surrender to trust So often, we place the outcome on chance, feeling powerless to the daily experiences of life, but in reality, we're interconnected with everyone and everything around us. It's all energy! The Akasha teaches us to trust that energy, to meet it half-way with both intention and will, and in return, we'll experience what we seek and more. The next time you find yourself feeling stuck or lost in a sea of uncertainty, connect with your soul through the wisdom of the Akasha. Experience a newfound sense of awareness, a greater understanding of who you are, grander self-love, and a feeling of trust that supports you on even the rockiest of waves. Alli MacKenzie is a Mentor & Spiritual Teacher who helps overwhelmed Moms have less stress and more joy by providing mentorship, community and energy healing modalities rooted in love, including Reiki therapy, Reiki training, and Akasha Readings. Alli has also been featured on bLU Talks stages, spoken at Harvard University, and a number of other influential speaking platforms. Publisher of a children’s book, “Robbie the Robot Steals the Moon,” Alli has also collaborated with 33 authors in the International Best Seller, “bLU talks presents: Business, Life & the Universe, Volume 1” www.allimackenzie.ca Instagram: for_the_moms_

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LIFE QUOTE|MOVIE REVIEW

THE POWER OF STORY TOLD THROUGH FILM

by Brent Marchant Anyone who reads this publication is undoubtedly aware of the tremendous power inherent in story. It possesses the ability to inspire and help us envision possibilities we may not have otherwise considered, which can prove invaluable when framing and changing the nature of our existence, both in small and grand ways. That's a potent tool that can work decidedly to our benefit. As we all know, the story can take many forms, and it's been around for a long time, expressed in 50

a variety of formats, from tales told around ancient campfires to time-honored scriptures to the latest hardcover editions and e-books. For my money, though, I most prefer my stories told through the medium of film. In addition to their ability to spin a good yarn, movies can convey meaningful messages with even greater impact and effectiveness than other formats, thanks to the enhancement provided by spectacular imagery, brilliant special effects, and state-of-the-art sound. That makes it possible to drive home important ideas with a significant wallop.

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I'm especially interested in what cinema can do to help us consciously shape our lives, most notably through the principles of "conscious creation" (otherwise known as "the law of attraction"). This is the philosophy that maintains we manifest the reality we experience through the power of our thoughts, beliefs, and intents in conjunction with the cooperation of our divine collaborator (God, Goddess, All That Is, the Universe, Source, or whatever other term best suits you). The cornerstone principle behind this is that we each create our existence, a remarkably empowering notion, to be sure. Admittedly, some may find that statement a little cryptic and difficult to accept. However, if that's the case, you may be more comfortable with a more familiar summation, one that most of us generally nod in agreement with – "Life is what you make of it.” I've made it my practice to explore the connections between film and conscious living principles through my books, blogs, articles, and radio work, and that's my intention here as well. I hope that the insights and movie recommendations I share will help those seeking inspiration to find what they're looking for. If approached with enthusiasm and an open mind, it's a process that should prove to be both enlightening and entertaining. Movies from an array of genres can fulfill this purpose, too. They're capable of exploring and enlivening a wide range of concepts that go into the functioning of this philosophy. But, before delving into those specific principles, it's probably best to start with some examples of films that explore this thinking from an overall standpoint. These offerings examine the philosophy in general terms, providing viewers with the bigger picture of what it's all about. From a theoretical standpoint, several documentaries cover conscious creation from a comprehensive approach, providing audiences with explanations of the key scientific and metaphysical concepts behind it and then augmenting those ideas with examples illustrating them. In doing so, these films offer both theory and application behind what makes the process work. Some excellent examples include the immensely popular DVD (and

companion book) "The Secret" (2006), a superb primer on the subject, and "What the #$*! Do We (K)now!?" (better known as "What the Bleep?") (2004), a similar but somewhat more advanced examination of these principles. Two additional offerings take these ideas a step further, showing how the core notions of this thinking mirror those found in the world's religions "The Quantum Activist" (2009), which examines the philosophy's parallels with Hinduism, and "Kabbalah Me" (2014), which does the same for its similarities to Judaism. And another fine choice, "Mindwalk" (1990), presents a series of thoughtful, documentary-like conversations on the subject among a scientist (Liv Ullman), a politician (Sam Waterston), and a poet (John Heard) on how to apply these concepts to practical situations. Of course, implementing this philosophy is meant to be enjoyable – even fun and playful – so those looking for films more in line with these considerations have many movies to choose from. For viewers seeking to understand how the nature of existence works, there's "The Truman Show" (1998), in which an unwitting reality TV star (Jim Carrey) develops an emerging sentience about the true nature of his existence. From the ranks of science fiction, two excellent releases explore how we can manifest incredible materializations when we put our minds to it – "Solaris" (2002), in which an investigator (George Clooney) visits

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a space station near a strange, distant planet to discover what happened to its crew and ends up making life-changing discoveries more profound than he imagined, and "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), wherein an impressionable, yet impatient young rebel starcraft fighter (Mark Hamill) learns the secrets of tapping into his personal power from an enlightened master (Frank Oz). Changing our existence when we're dissatisfied with it is arguably one of the most impactful and valuable applications of this philosophy, and countless pictures illustrate this. When a divorced middleaged woman (Diane Lane) inexplicably seems drawn to a fresh start in Italy, we watch her unwittingly work her magic in the delightful fact-based memoir, "Under the Tuscan Sun" (2003). In a similar but somewhat more playfully cynical vein, there's "Groundhog Day" (1993), in which a smarmy, self-absorbed weatherman (Bill Murray) inadvertently finds himself living the same day over and over again, an opportunity to try out new ideas and reshape his life for the better. And, when this principle is applied on a community-wide basis, we have the experience of "Pleasantville" (1998), in which a teenage fan (Tobey Maguire) of a 1950s black-and-white TV sitcom is miraculously transported into the world of the program itself and begins awakening the residents to what it's like to introduce a little color into their lives. Sometimes the change we seek involves alterations on a monumental scale, requiring a truly heroic effort to realize the desired outcome. This includes not only the adjustments we want to make in our lives, but also in the ways we bring them to their conclusion, as evident in "Blackbird" (2020), in which a terminally ill woman (Susan Sarandon) consciously chooses to end her life in the company of family and her closest friend after one last memorable holiday celebration together. At the other end of the emotional scale, there's "Whale Rider" (2002), the inspiring story of a young Maori girl (Keisha Castle-Hughes) who aspires to become the new leader of her tribe, despite a long-standing tradition against women serving in such a capacity. Sometimes we never know where the inspiration we need to make the most of our lives will come from, but, as just these few examples show, movies have a

tremendous capability to fill the bill. They come in so many forms, too, so much so that the process of going through the cinematic options is often a real joy in itself. But then, that's to be expected when it comes to the power of story. Indeed, as poet Muriel Rukeyser once observed, "The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms." Such is the breadth of the landscape of inspiring cinematic narratives that I will explore in future submissions. In the meantime, enjoy the show! A lifelong movie fan and longtime student of metaphysics, Brent Marchant is the award-winning author of Get the Picture?!: Conscious Creation Goes to the Movies, Consciously Created Cinema: The Movie Lover’s Guide to the Law of Attraction and Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies. Brent also maintains a blog on his web site (www.BrentMarchant.com) and provides movie reviews for The Good Media Network’s Frankiesense & More podcast and Bring Me 2 Life radio’s Cinema Scribe podcast. Web site: https://brentmarchant.com/ FB: Get the Picture: https://www.facebook.com/Get-The-Picture300551439190/ FB: Consciously Created Cinema: https://www.facebook.com/consciouslycreatedcine ma FB: Third Real: https://www.facebook.com/ThirdReal-1955423421408364/ FB: Law of Attraction/Conscious Creation Goes to the Movies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85775675542/ Twitter: @Brent_Marchant Amazon Author Central Page: https://www.amazon.com/BrentMarchant/e/B001JP3EBW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=150 3752471&sr=1-2-ent YouTube: Consciously Created Cinema Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kki5C07LzQk Copyright © 2021, by Brent Marchant. All rights reserved. Photo by Jill Brazel, Jill Norton Photography, www.jillbrazel.com.

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LIFE QUOTE|RELATIONSHIP

Mastering the Relationship Trifecta

PART II

by Jessica Rosin The Relationship Weaver Last month, in the April 2021 issue, I described how unhappiness in my marriage opened me to a journey of seeking fulfillment and enlivenment in my life, and especially my relationship. Along this Self-discovery journey, I discovered three tools or phases that took me to where I needed to go: awareness, empowerment, and embodiment. Collectively, I call this the relationship trifecta –each plays a key role in creating the conditions that enable a healthy, honest relationship that fulfills your deeper desires.

I shared the two aspects of awareness in the April 2021 issue, namely tuning into your Self (body, emotions, and imagination) and connecting with your vision. This month, I will describe the second phase of the Relationship Trifecta, empowerment. Our sense of Self greatly impacts our beliefs, how we feel about ourselves, and our decisions.

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Unless we take a closer look, we live our lives according to a false sense of Self – beliefs based on information we receive from our families and mainstream Western society. If our beliefs about our Self are based on false information, what we believe and the decisions we make based on them can be frustrating at best and harmful at worst. I woke up one day finding myself in the wrong relationship and marriage by making this same mistake – I was operating from a false sense of Self based on inaccurate information that didn't truly reflect me and my needs. As you can imagine, my sense of Self also affected the way that I showed up with my kids and the influence that I had on them. Connecting with Our Truth Once I realized that I needed to get to know who I really was to forge healthy relationships, I entered into the first aspect of the empowerment phase – beginning with an honest exploration of which beliefs about my Self are inaccurate and, importantly, which parts of my Self are true. The inaccurate beliefs are usually negative, child-like, come from a place of fear, and will keep you small. Whereas your Truer Self is you before all the false beliefs were layered on. Experiences of your Truer Self will appear more mature, wise, capable, emotionally in-tune, and multidimensional. When we discover our Truer Self, and summon the courage to express it, we can begin to make decisions and show up in our relationship (and all aspects of our life) as who we really are – not as an imposter, however likable that person might be. We begin to see just how multi-faceted, resourced, and capable we really are. And then, you can access what you truly desire and then, therefore, identify relationships that carry the ingredients to fulfill your deeper needs. The second aspect of the empowerment phase is to increase your ability to understand and manage your emotions. As you become more aware of your body, you will also become more in tune with your emotions – and the beliefs that accompany them. You will notice emotional triggers – that are experienced when your emotions are intense, difficult to regulate, and irrational.

Triggers happen all the time in relationships. In a healthy relationship, it's essential for you to feel empowered to center back into your Truer Self as a resourced and mature adult when you become triggered. These tools are necessary for navigating difficult conversations, creating boundaries, maintaining your individuality, and so on – all while holding the container of a loving relationship. Connecting with my Truer Self and becoming better skilled at managing my emotions, especially when feeling triggered, empowered me to live even further into the relationship I really longed for. Spend some time identifying both your false beliefs that you hold about yourself. During this phase, it is crucial to connect with aspects of your Truer Self. Next, take steps to practice bringing more of your Truer Self forward to ground yourself and manage your emotions. Notice how you are showing up – moment to moment – in your relationships with your partner and your kids. Next issue, I'll share with you what I mean by the third tool of the Relationship Trifecta that helped me to live and express my Truer Self in my relationship: embodiment.

Jessica Rosin is a Registered Psychologist, relationship weaver, speaker, and international bestselling author of Coming Alive in Life and Love: 7 Secrets to SelfTransformation. Her practice, Jessica Rosin Psychology Services, and 9-week online program, The Relationship Roadmap, is dedicated to guiding individuals and couples in their Self-discovery journey and to live the love of their dreams. https://jessicarosinpsychology.com/relationship https://facebook.com/jessica.rosin.18 https://www.instagram.com/jrosinpsych

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

by C. Eric Collier As we kickoff May and the celebration of mothers, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my very first Life Coach and Motivational Speaker for all she has done to help shape my life. In addition, I will share a few of our favorite “Mom-isms” used to teach important life lessons to me, my brother and sister.

MOM-ISMS INSPIRING CHANGE OR ELSE!

“No matter how bad or hard it gets, you cannot quit. You have to finish the season.” I fell in love with sports at the age of five and the first lesson my mother made sure I understood was quitting was not an option. I remember the conversation we had pre-registration. “Eric, I do not have money to waist. If I sign you up, I do not care how bad it gets or how much you do not like it there will be no quitters in this house. You will play until the season is over.” That same conversation and reminder occurred before every registration day. What I learned; 1) When you make a commitment, stick to that commitment. 2) You are a part of a team and people are expecting and relying on you to do your part. 3) Life is not going to be easy and great all the time. You will have days that require you to tough it out, suck it up and fight through it.

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“You don’t believe fat meat is greasy, do you?” Every life coach and parent have to find a way to help the person they need to make a change and it better happen fast or else. Let us call this mom’s subtle warning. Her way of letting us know “you are living the definition of insanity.” Mostly directed towards me, this was probably her most powerful coaching technique. Mom was old school so if you heard her ask you that question, you had better straighten up and fly right because you were not going to like what followed. I am reminded of an old Batman scene, “Pow!” It was your last reminder that I just whipped you for the same thing you are doing right now. Of course, I was “that child” who always tested the limits. Yep, a lot of those tests failed. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Growing up around Mom gave me an opportunity to learn a lot from her, which is no doubt why she is one of my favorites. It took me a while to realize that the tough love we got was because of her love for us. It still did not mean the statement, “this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you,” made that whipping feel any better. But I understand. With all I have gotten to learn and witness, I am immensely proud of her accomplishments and absolutely love her to death. I am truly grateful for having you in my life. Thanks Mom, I love you! As parents, coaching and inspiring are huge rolls we must play in developing future leaders. Momisms have shaped children’s lives for many generations. We know the good ones because we are still using them today. I can remember laughing at myself for using quotes heard from my mom and aunts, to coach and motivate my three children.

My mother was resilient and has always been an incredibly determined woman. So, when my parents divorced and she found herself raising three children with little income, she went to work. Yes, there was a time we were on food stamps, but she didn’t let that define her because she knew it wasn’t going to be permanent.

I am sure my mom was not the only one using passed down “mom-isms” so please feel free to share yours with me throughout the month. My goal is to collect as many as possible to create a “Mom-isms Dictionary/Thesaurus” that will be shared amongst the “Life Quotes Journal” membership.

She always found a way to pay bills, put food on the table, and clothes on our backs.

C. Eric Collier is a Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Philanthropist, and Author. He is committed to inspiring and helping individuals “Access Their Power Within” to “JUST KEEP PUSHING” towards their goals because “no one will do it for you.” Schedule a free 30min coaching session, submit speaker requests, or receive event notices at 1momentumshift.com.

We watched her do whatever it took. She cleaned houses and worked nights at the railroad station. I saw her go from being a secretary handling administrative work to spending countless hours educating herself to become the Head of Housing in charge of four different project housing properties. No, she didn’t have a college degree, but she did have drive and determination. Mom walked the walk with mindset that if it is going to be it is up to me. We never heard her complain or “cry over spilled milk” (another mom-ism) she just kept pushing.

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LIFE QUOTE|PARENTING

BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN OUR CHILDREN by Sue DeCaro Self-efficacy is an important trait for children to develop, starting at a very young age. Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in oneself that one can independently complete tasks successfully and with confidence. In addition to self-efficacy, selfsufficiency is another key developmental trait. Self-efficacy involves having the ability to take care of one's own needs and provide for oneself independently. It is important to instill self-efficacy and selfsufficiency in children at a young age to build an 58

autonomous, resilient youth. These two traits help our children believe in themselves and approach responsibilities with confidence. It starts with our belief in them. As such, we are tasked with providing our children opportunities to foster these traits through activities, skills, and responsibilities. When children feel efficacious and sufficient, they act as contributors to the family. This allows them to feel like an important, integral part of the family. This can have huge implications—less

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stress, stronger connections, among others. However, we cannot expect our kids to believe in themselves unless we demonstrate that we believe in them. This involves providing them with opportunities. Providing our children with opportunities means that we embrace the opportunity to fail. Failure, especially in a first attempt, is a significant learning opportunity that leads to empowerment and growth. There are many ways to provide children with opportunities to develop self-efficacy and selfsufficiency. Of course, there are age and capability limitations. However, there are opportunities for such learning at every age. For preschool children, look for moments where you can encourage them to do things on their own while setting them up for success. Examples of this include things like getting dressed for the day, brushing their teeth, using utensils at the table, among others. In addition, offer them responsibilities and chores that fit both their age and ability. Ask them what they would like to do. Do they follow you around and show interest in something you are doing, such as emptying the dishwasher, separating the whites from the darks for the laundry, matching socks, or preparing dinner? These are all great opportunities to empower your preschooler, including them in these tasks. For elementary-aged children, it is essential to give very specific instructions that they will understand. At this age, children are capable of much more independence. However, we must offer encouragement and support as we allow them to make decisions. Examples of opportunities to promote self-efficacy and selfsufficiency include asking them to help with folding the laundry, meal planning, or prepping. It is important to emphasize the process rather than the outcome. Don't worry if the laundry isn't folded neatly or the way you'd like it. It likely will not be. It is about the process, not the outcome. With middle schoolers, there are many opportunities for autonomy and fostering selfefficacy and self-sufficiency. One thing that contributes to self-efficacy and critical thinking skills is giving your children a chance to problemsolve. Ask them questions, such as "what do you think or want to do differently? What seems like a

good idea to you?" Offering our kids an opportunity to share their thoughts promotes independent thinking and validates their voice. Additionally, giving them responsibility for a household chore is another example. It is vital to offer them choice and control by asking them what they would like to be responsible for with household chores. The last example I offer is ordering for themselves at a restaurant. This contributes to confidence in situations where children need to advocate for themselves. While these are just a few examples, there are many opportunities to empower your middle schoolers. COVID-19 has offered us greater time at home, which has resulted in more time with our children. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite your children to help with household tasks while simultaneously building a sense of self-efficacy and self-sufficiency. During this time where parents are wearing more hats than usual, why not use it as an opportunity to empower our children with real-life tasks and responsibilities? While this takes a bit of time and patience, it is important that our children believe in themselves and learn that they can successfully meet the tasks, challenges, and problem-solving that they will face in everyday life. As a heart-centered worldwide coach, educator, International Bestselling Author, and motivational speaker, Sue DeCaro is focused on conscious living and parenting, helping her clients navigate life’s daily challenges. Sue has had writings featured in various online publications and magazines, presented at events featuring Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Neale Donald Walsch, Marianne Williamson, Anita Moorjani, and John O’Sullivan and been an invited guest on radio shows, podcasts and numerous TV appearances. She plays a critical role in supporting and strengthening families and businesses globally. www.suedecaro.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-decaro/ Online Courses: https://www.suedecaro.com/allcourses/

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LIFE QUOTE|CONSCIOUS LIVING

THE SOUL DOESN’T LIE by Dawn Balash Moms work hard. Moms do hard things all day long. Like really hard things. Temper tantrums. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. 867532344 snacks. Taxi driver. Teacher. Housecleaner. Laundry (after 5-6 daily costume changes). Bartering. Counseling. Peacemaking. Loving. Giving. Sharing. Shout out to all the moms who are getting up and keeping up all day, every day. All the mamas out there who are killing it. Seriously. And to all of the moms who are forgetting lunches, crying in the pantry, on the 5th day of dry shampoo, having car problems, anxious about when the next paycheck is coming in….I see you. I hear you. I love you. If time is just an illusion, why doesn't it seem like there is not enough time in the day for us moms? A good start is to let go of the mindset that you HAVE to get EVERYTHING done in a set amount of time. That puts you in a "mindset bubble" and restricts your ability to allow flow and ease. The more you let go, the more you receive flow.

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Here's your daily reminder that today is a new day. Start it like it is. Let go of all of the things that no longer serve you. All of the expectations. All of the fears. All of the resentment from the past. Holding onto thoughts, feelings, hurts, judgments that no longer serve you not only causes emotional pain that you find hard to escape; they also manifest in your body and cause you physical pain. All of those fears, judgments, jealousy, loathing, all of the limiting beliefs, they're keeping you from doing the things that you truly desire. Letting go of these things at the start of every day helps you align with the conscious life you desire to create. How would it feel to wake up early before the kids get up so you can meditate, journal, move your body? Getting into the habit of practicing forgiveness will give you so much more space in your mind, body, and soul to allow positive, intentional thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in, which then create your behavior. I call it a mental and emotional purge. Take your power back by choosing how you want your day to unfold—every day. Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian forgiveness prayer that holds so much power to support you with your purge. It doesn't matter where you fall on the Mom Struggle spectrum because it's a simple mantra that, when practiced as a daily ritual, is transformational for you and your family on every single level. The mantra goes like this; I forgive you. I'm sorry. Thank you. I love you. To embody this human experience in this spiritual world of the Grand Universe, you must allow the unfortunate things to occur in your experience for the desired items to appear. One cannot exist without the other. This is why the Ho'oponopono prayer can powerfully change the trajectory of your life.

When we transform from negative to positive, we raise our vibe! How we show up in the world every day is a direct reflection of the intentional work we have done on the inside. The soul doesn't lie. The soul will always ask for more of what it desires. Our sole purpose in life is to follow the intuitive hits that we receive and allow the magic to unfold. Follow your intuition, and everything else will follow. When we ignore our intuition when we are disappointed, we compare and start to judge others and ourselves about missed opportunities and dismal circumstances . What is the one thing that Moms desire the most? To ensure that their kids are experiencing joy, pure unconditional love, and having the time of their life. You have the power within you to illuminate your kids' hearts and souls with love, compassion, and empathy through the healing of your own heart and soul. Shower your soul with forgiveness, and start to illuminate your soul, and everyone, especially your kids surrounding you, will shine. Dawn Balash is an Intuitive Personal Transformation Coach, Speaker, and International Best-Selling Co-Author, who is passionate about empowering single Mamas to go from surviving to thriving, illuminating the magic within themselves to become conscious creators of their own realities through her personal method that evolved from her background in psychology, neuroscience and personal experience of being a single mama for 12 years.

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LIFE QUOTE|SELF-DISCOVERY

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH My journey from addiction to recovery and the lessons I have learned. by Max Nijst Have you ever wondered what makes some people more successful than others? Some may think it's because those people were born into good families, had lots of money, or had every possible advantage. But that isn't always true. Often times those are the people who are LEAST equipped to handle life. Unfortunately - or fortunately - my life was not handed to me on a silver platter. As you read on, you will discover that I have made some bad decisions growing up. I will be the first to admit that I created the reality that I experienced. I abused both drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. It was all I knew, and it was all I was WILLING to do. I didn't see a way out of it for the longest time, nor did I want to change badly enough. 62

However, I eventually made the same empowering choices that all addicts who want to turn their life around made. It doesn't matter what type of recovery they're going through, whether it's an addiction to drugs or alcohol, relationships, or even food. If you are going through a difficult time and think that there is no way out, know that there is always an answer. My mission is to create a happier place on this Earth, and I hope this provides hope for people in knowing that it doesn't matter what your background is or where you came from, that there IS a way out of whatever you're going through. I would like to share with you the path that took me from the depths of addiction and all that went with it to my recovery journey that helped me become a man who is making the most significant difference he knows how to make. That path is also available to you. Sharing my story is a labor of love to show you that

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there is always a way out and a reason for hope. As long as you surround yourself with good people, are willing to change some habits and choices, and are committed to becoming the best version of YOU, there is always a solution. I grew up with a single parent from a family of seven kids, but my five older siblings were already doing their own thing, and we're out of the house, so the household I knew was my little brother, my mother, and me. There was always a lot of love in the family because of many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. However, despite a large loving family, I frequently felt out of place. I believe a lot of that was due to my father's passing when I was 11, and before that, he and my mother divorced when I was five years old, so I never really saw my father much. I recall the last time that I saw him was right before I turned 11. He worked overseas and had come back to the States to see me. Before he left, his last words were, "I promise I'll be back for your birthday." My birthday is in March, but that entire month came and left without my father reappearing. I found out the following month that he had passed from a massive heart attack. As a little kid, I took that personally. I didn't know any better; all I knew was that my father promised to come home for my birthday and didn't. I had some severe resentment issues toward him for the longest time. Harboring this pain for so long, without resolving it, led to the first bad choice in my life. When I was in high school, I began to experiment with alcohol and marijuana. Eventually, that led to harder drugs. I was more interested in feeding these habits than I was in applying myself to school, so I barely graduated high school.

The path that led me from where I was to where I am now has been a long and twisted journey. My addiction took me to places I swore I would never go, from not being a part of my children's lives to facing a three-year prison sentence. What I have learned on this journey called recovery is that change can and does happen when you take that first step and ask for help. I look forward to sharing more of those steps with you in the future. Always remember, "You have everything you need to be great - today!” Max Nijst - I grew up in Orange County, California, and I was raised in a loving, caring home by a single mother. I was the 6th child of seven children; my five older siblings were already out of the house and building their own lives with their families. My younger brother and I were two years apart and were very close growing up. I graduated from John F. Kennedy high school in La Palma, CA. Shortly after graduating, I enlisted in the United States Navy, where I spent the next 3 ½ years until being Honorably discharged. I was married and had four beautiful and amazing children, three from my previous marriage and one from another relationship. I have been in recovery for just over 17 1/2 years, which is why I wanted to write my book and share my story with the world. My journey from active addiction to sobriety is a long and winding road which you will discover in this book. I have had the opportunity to work in the mental health field as a case manager, two years in adult mental health and three years working with transitional age youth 16 to 25 years old. I also work with adolescents and adults in the substance abuse treatment setting for the past five years. In this time, I earned a certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor and have a BA in Psychology from Argosy University.

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

Knowledge is Power What My Mom Taught Me "The anatomy of a mom is the head, heart, backbone, and titanium essence of every family.” -Dimitria L. Cook

by Dimitria Cook I write this for and in honor of my Mom. My mind is my greatest gift; my education is freedom from the onslaught of deference, and home breeds character, comfort, and clarity to self. The one thing no one can ever take from me is my education and the knowledge I have surmounted from it, but the best knowledge includes the life lessons you have taught me along the way on my journey from childhood to teen and into adulthood. The ignorance of a child is its most powerful asset. The awakening of a teen conceals contempt. Adulthood brings wonderment, excitement, and finally placidity in knowing and understanding that the beginning is the end, and the end is the beginning in every lifecycle. We, as women, are the most powerful beings on this earth. We: create; are the smarter of the sexes and the dominant force; are wind gales; hurricanes; tornados; the blossoming sunflower in a field of daffodils; and the aquamarine gems of the sky and ocean. This is only part of the knowledge you have taught me. You have taught me always to be true to myself, to be a woman dependent on myself and independent of a man's misgivings and falsities.

My strength is your strength. Your strength is what powers my love, appreciation of life, and fortitude. I honor my Mom because she is imperfectly perfect and perfectly imperfect. Growing up in my neighborhood, on the south side of Chicago, there were not many girls my age on the block. The ones who were my age, I didn't particularly like their attitudes. I remember when a new girl moved to our block and into the house across the street from me. I was eleven or twelve years old. She was around the same age as me or possibly a year older. For some reason, my mother didn't want me to play with the new girl. I didn't know why. We jumped rope together and played other games. This was a very innocent friendship, and I liked hanging out with her. Then one day, my Mom called me into the house. "Dimitria, get in here." I recall my Mom saying to me, "I don't want you playing with her anymore." I was flabbergasted, and my mind goes into overdrive. What? Why? She was fun, easy-going, and we laughed a lot together. I'm looking at my mother in silence. I knew this was not a time to protest her words or feelings. I listened, and as I listened, my heart sank further and further down. This was the only real friend I had on the block. My Mom continued, "She is 'fast,' and she is going to end up pregnant!" Wait…How did she go from seeing us playing together to saying she will end up pregnant? As a child, I am dumbfounded, yet I know not to cross my mother. So after my mother emphatically told me to end my friendship, the one and only person I actually liked, I went outside and said to her that we couldn't play together anymore. Fast forward two weeks later, I see my friend, my ex-friend, while we are both outside. She comes up to me and says, "I'm pregnant." What in tarnation? I'm looking at her and thinking, are you serious? I'm sure my eyes popped out of my head. I was shocked and completely saddened by her big news. This was probably one of the few times in my life anyone has ever rendered me speechless.

How did my mother know this? Does she have some kind of unique intuition? I ran into the house and told my mother that the girl next door was pregnant. "I told you," was my Mom's response. Since then, I have learned not to question certain things my mother says to me. Back then, that was freaky. Now, I know that moms are wise and are protectors of their children in all situations. I honor my Mom for being a beautiful and amazing woman who has incredible intuitive superpowers that sometimes simply cannot be explained nor questioned. I love you, Mom. In continued blessings…

Dimitria L. Cook is an international speaker, empowerment writing coach, keynote speaker, international bestselling author, and certified trainer. She is passionate about empowering women to align with their inner soul and move their memories to a memoir. Learn more about Dimitria and connect with her by visiting her Empowerment Writing Coach page. Dimitria enjoys writing plays, poems, short stories, visiting museums, and eating sushi.

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LIFE QUOTE|RELATIONSHIPS

RECLAIMING YOUR SEXUAL SENSUAL SELF

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by Lee-Ann Frances Bates The first time someone said they had a hard timing imagining I was a Mom because of my sexual presence, my mind started exploring the idea of being a woman and a Mother in our society. What ideas are we taught about our sexuality? What myths are taken as fact, and why do I meet so many women and Mothers that have either given up on feeling radiant and sexual or struggle to do so? The fact is our sexual energy is part of who we are as whole and integrated beings. It holds the energy of fertility, creativity, and birthing whether you are speaking literally and figuratively. It's a primal source of radiant and sensual energy that gives a woman who is consciously and authentically connected to it an undeniable glow, grace, and magnetism. It can also show up as playful, seductive, wild, and powerful. Of course, the shadow side of sexual energy is also something you can see in someone when it's used to control, manipulate or fill wounds, but that's a topic for another article. What I am talking about now is tapping into it with love, and in a way, that enhances your life, vitality, and pleasure. The second way is to begin exploring your sexuality and how it feels empowering for you with a sense of playfulness and curiosity. Do you feel sexy when you wear something lacey or leathery, or perhaps when you soak in the bath? Maybe connecting to a particular piece of music or dancing ignites something in you? Discovering your own body and turn on's is key to unlocking more of your sexual and sensual nature. Personally, I love a warm bath. Something about water and wet skin has always felt sensual to me. I can self-pleasure, use my yoni egg or relax and let the day melt away. Now I have a special needs child, so part of my sensual sexual self-care is creating this space for myself childfree each week. It's a boundary I have for myself because my sexual health and identity

beyond being a Mom and a professional are important to me. Other ways I explore and maintain my sensual nature throughout the week is by playing music that feels sexy. I might do this when I cook and dance around the kitchen. I garden barefoot and paint naked when I can. I wear clothes that turn me on-paying attention to the feel of fabrics, the color, and how they make me feel as a woman. I keep my bedroom feeling sensual and sexy. There's no TV, silk pillowcases, colors that turn me on, and fabrics that feel vibrant and sensual to my senses. This is another boundary I have for myself; even when I was co-sleeping with my little one, I made sure my room felt like a sanctuary. The last tip, which I have already alluded to several times, is to make sure you carve out time to dedicate to your sexuality. Sex drive is a mythit's all about learning to turn yourself on more and reducing turn offs. Having boundaries around things like self-pleasuring at least once a week, de-stressing regularly, focusing on body care and health, making sure you have a few hours to yourself regularly (even if it means scheduling it in), and deciding to make small steps each week towards empowering yourself as a sexual being is key. Your radiant, sexual and sensual nature is just waiting to be explored & reclaimed by you.

Lee-Ann is an Intimacy & Relationship Expert, Speaker & Author who guides individuals and couples in achieving fulfilling relationships from the inside out. Her approach honors both the individual and relationship as a whole is trauma-informed and incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual aspects of intimacy. FB: facebook.com/leeannfrancesbates IG: @TheIntimacyAuthority

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

HOW

P.O.W.E.R. CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY

by Patrick Veroneau Why does experiencing happiness seem effortless for some and elusive for others? While a very small percentage of our ability to experience happiness may be genetically predetermined, research has demonstrated that the vast majority of our ability to enjoy happiness is determined by our own thoughts and behaviors. Happiness is in many ways like your shadow. As a child, you may remember playing a game where 68

you chased your shadow in an attempt to “catch” it. While you were never fully successful, it was always right beside you. The same can be said for those that “chase” happiness through external accumulations or accomplishments only to find that happiness has eluded them. Yet, if they would stop running, they would recognize that ability to experience happiness has been there the whole time if they would only look inside themselves. This is good news because it means that we can

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consciously choose to be happy. Rather than relying on the short-term increases in happiness that the accumulation of material objects, more money, or new relationships might provide, there are much simpler strategies that provide far more durable results. Below is a roadmap called P.O.W.E.R. to help you experience happiness right where you are. It is based on research done in the field of positive psychology as well as a study conducted by Harvard researcher, Shawn Achor, called the 21day happiness challenge. Praise Exercising praise and gratitude on a regular basis has been proven to have many benefits relating to one’s sense of happiness and wellbeing. That said, begin every day taking inventory of 2 to 3 things you are grateful for in your life. In doing so, you will be training your brain to start out the day from a positive perspective. Along with gratitude, the ability of an individual to look optimistically into the future has been proven to produce numerous physical and mental health benefits. Others Remember the last time you did something for the benefit of another? You probably had a strong sense of wellbeing right at that moment because you had done something for someone else. A simple way to activate this on a daily basis might be to send an email, leave a note or go out of your way to genuinely compliment someone for something they have done. More than likely, your gesture will also create a ripple effect, where the recipient of your action will likely do something nice for someone else. I once heard someone say they try to abide by the 51% rule. This rule requires that you always make an effort to provide 51% of the value in a relationship. Reap the benefits of being for others.

a bright spot, pull out one of your previous notes and read it. This will be a reminder that your current “bad” day is only temporary. Exercise Physical exercise has been proven to be both mentally and physically beneficial to one’s health and wellbeing. When one exercises, their body releases neurochemicals that impact their sense of happiness and wellbeing. Exercising for as little as 10 minutes a day can be beneficial. Try going for a walk at lunch or waking up 15 minutes earlier to go for a walk around your neighborhood. It’s a powerful way to start or end the day. Relaxing Down time is equally important for creating happiness. Finding a few minutes during the day to settle our minds is invaluable. One does not need to enter into a meditative trance to gain the benefits of quieting the mind. Learning simple breathing techniques and spending as little as a few minutes every day to “quiet the mind” has been demonstrated to have far-reaching benefits on wellbeing. Happiness is not as elusive as it seems. Taking the time to leverage the five activities suggested above can create durable and long-lasting happiness in your life. Combined, they take less than an hour a day. You are worth that investment. By following this acronym, you will discover that P.O.W.E.R. can make you happy. I have created a free P.O.W.E.R. Journal that gives a number of examples for each of the five behaviors go to www.emeryleadershipgroup.com Patrick Veroneau, MS hosts the podcast Learning from Leaders, is the CEO of Emery Leadership Group and the creator of The CABLES Leadership Academy.

Writing Taking regular inventory of the good things that have happened in your life is a great way to create happiness. At the end of the day, take a pen and a piece of paper and write a few sentences about the bright spots in your day. Next, take the piece of paper and place it in a designated container. On days that you might find it too difficult to find

His passion and obsession is helping individuals develop the behaviors that will inspire and empower others in both their personal and professional lives. http://LinkedIn.com/in/patrickveroneau

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LIFE QUOTE|CONSCIOUS LIVING forgetting the art or just pausing. Just allowing ourselves to be. The first figure is asking us to take stock of the roles that we have found ourselves in. How many of these roles are genuinely nurturing our soul and how many of them have become movement and noise. How many are fulfilling and how many are a false sense of purpose? How many are actually helping, and which ones are enabling? Enabling others to stay stuck and not grow and enabling you to stay too busy to connect. This figure is asking you to take a look at all the hats you wear. Are they're some you could take off? Are there some that could be reevaluated in terms of their importance or altered in some way to give you more space? We are validated by the roles we put on, but do they really validate our sense of being or are they more fulfilling that sense of doing. There is a vast difference.

RECONNECT WITH YOUR BEING Tea-cup reading for the Month of May by Nancy Bromley This month there are two figures that feature prominently in the cup. They are both leaning forward in the appearance that they are moving quickly. The first figure is wearing so many hats that her head is almost completely obscured. The second figure, just behind the first, is also moving forward rapidly but his head is literally disconnected from his body. There is a small bit of light attaching the head to the body, as well as, balancing at the very top of the other figure’s many hats. The message here is that we are so busy doing, moving, filling space, wearing hats, and taking on roles, that we forget to just be and connect to the light energy that is within us. The world moves at such a fast pace. We are inundated with information or constant mental noise that we are 70

The second figure is moving quickly but is literally disconnected. We are constantly in inundated with images, entertainment, conversations, information, and noise in general. When was the last time you told time and space to just be quiet. It’s time to listen to silence. It’s time to listen to the thoughts come and go in your mind allowing them to clear. Taking time and space in solitude and silence even for a short time allows us to slow down and reconnect to that light and space that is within us, even for a short time. When we are connected, we are genuinely focused and able to move in the direction our higher selves want us to evolve into. This month set a goal. Give yourself regular time each week or better yet, each day to just be silent. Try to resist the urge to fill up the space with noise, people and outside images. Take a moment to listen and let go of the internal mental chatter long enough that it becomes quiet. Find a sense of purpose in quiet stillness rather than fulfilling roles. Give yourself this gift and you may be amazed at what you hear. Nancy Inspired's mission in life is to help others reach their soul’s potential. Whether working as a school administrator, consultant or intuitive counsellor, Nancy seeks to empower those around her to rise. www.nancyinspired.com

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

TALKS PRESENT:

PANDEMIC’S AND MOTHERHOOD

by Darlene Waye Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, I've had to close my downtown office and move my business home permanently. Due to travel restrictions, I haven't been able to visit my daughter and grandchildren, who live in Toronto. These hardships are very small compared to what my Great Grandmother Ada Watts endured during the great flu pandemic of 1918. The great flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu, began in February 1918 and continued until April 1920. Eighty percent of those infected were dead within a week. My family was one of the millions greatly affected by this pandemic. 72

Ada Watts watched and cared for her six children as they passed away, all during a two-week period in March 1920. I lost six great Aunts and Uncles in total. The story goes that they would come home from one funeral, and another child would be dead. This was a very harsh blow to the Watts family of Hampshire Prince Edward Island. I often think of the resilience my Great-Grandma had and how she went on after burying all six of her children in less than a month. The eldest of the deceased was just 13 years old. It's hard to imagine how empty her home must have felt with the instant loss of six children; I can't imagine the ache that must have been in her heart. The empty beds and the silence, how does one go on?

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I'm not sure how, but she did. In 1921 Ada gave birth to her last child, my Great Aunt Marjorie. What a blessing after all of the loss she had experienced. Nine years later, her husband William died in a drowning accident. According to family legends, William had an affair with his friend's wife. One day while fishing with that friend, a confrontation erupted, resulting in the death of the two men. After her husband died, Ada found a job working at a hotel in Hunter River, cooking and cleaning. Ada's eldest Son was my maternal grandfather Frank. He was twenty-two years old when his siblings passed away. He and his six older siblings survived the pandemic.

kilometers from where her husband and children rest in Hampshire, Pei . As a small child, we would plant flowers on the family graves, listen to this story, and imagine my Great Grandmother's pain and loss. I often think of the strength, determination, and resilience of the strong women that have come before me. This is one woman's story, and Ada was an incredibly strong woman I am proud to have descended from. Mothers are strong, even when we do not want to be or have no idea how we are going to be. We are warriors that will keep going against insurmountable odds.

In 1939, Ada's daughter-in-law, also named Marjorie, suddenly passed away due to an infection. She left behind eleven children between the ages of three months to thirteen years. My Mom, Norma, was among them at just nine years of age. After the funeral, the decision was made that Ada would take the youngest grandson Wilfred home to live with her.

I celebrate all of the Mothers that are making things happen for their families in these incredibly challenging times. We will all get through this.

Ada also noticed the older brothers teasing my Mom, Norma, so Ada decided to take Norma home with her as well.

I am grateful for the power of technology, as I am able to video call my twin Granddaughters Vivie and Bella, as well as grandchildren, Charlie and Ivy. I'm sure they will be so excited to get to see their Grannie when the pandemic ends, and we can travel again. For now, Canada Post does a fine job delivering my packages filled with love to them.

My Mom lived with her Granny for about a year until Ada was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The two children were then sent back home to live with their father and the rest of the family. Ada passed away shortly after. Ada was Catholic, and her husband Protestant. As a result, they were buried in separate cemeteries. A strangely progressive family, they raised the boys as Protestants and the girls as Catholic. I imagine that would have been a great compromise a hundred years ago. Ada's grave can be found in the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Charlottetown, approximately 15

I look forward to being vaccinated and being able to fly to Toronto to see my Daughter and my Grandchildren. What a happy and exciting day that will be.

We are blessed to be living in times of indoor plumbing and better sanitation and hygiene, and vaccines. Sometimes making it through is all we can do. We are living through a Pandemic, after all. Darlene Waye is a Transformational Coach, Consulting Hypnotist, NLP Practitioner, Child, and Youth Care Worker, Author, and Speaker. She is now working virtually, connecting with clients in the safety and comfort of their own homes. You can learn more at www.atlantichypnosiscentre.com

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

FINDING YOURSELF

AGAIN by Laura Lake Sometimes when life gives us big, unexpected challenges, it can leave us feeling like we lost who we were when all we want is to feel like ourselves again. We think "the old me was a lot better off" and yearn for the comfort of familiarity. Laura shares her journey of bitter truths and the conscious intention that helped her find answers to "Who am I?" Lost Self Ten years ago, I lost myself after a life-altering event. I was in a bicycle accident that left me feeling broken both inside & out. Every day I thought about how the old me had been doing SO much better than the stressed-out, helpless, depressed version I had turned into. I spent years trying to get back to the old me. Years! The more I worked at finding her, the more I felt disconnected. Without even realizing it, all that searching kept me from being present in the life that was happening all around me. I had become painfully aware of my declining productivity, worsening financial situation, strained relationships, and unhealthy behavior toward myself. It was time to tell myself the truth. Bitter Truths Pretending to be the old me had me feeling like a dumbed-down version who couldn't even think straight. I put everyone's needs before my own and refused to ask for help because I was supposed to be the strong one. Acting strong while falling apart inside had me falling at an alarming rate. Enough was enough. I denied who I was in that moment for a past version of me that no longer existed in the here & now. There had been so much of a shift that the 2 versions of me could not even be on the same path. 74

I needed to accept that there was no going back from such a journey outside my comfort zone. This didn't mean I was a completely different person, but I was unrecognizable, even to myself.

Conscious Choices My transformation only started after I made the conscious choice to ask myself, "Who am I?" Focusing on the present by taking cues from my past, I went back to my favorite childhood pasttimes like painting, writing, singing, problemsolving, and being in nature. All I wanted was to feel that joy & wonder again. It didn't matter which I decided to try. I had chosen to do it with awareness & curiosity as I searched for answers and followed my joy. Practicing all of my childhood activities reminded me a bit of who I had always been at my core: curious, playful, and luminary. Having even a glimpse of that self-awareness helped me take the next steps to learn how these traits, and more, have evolved over the years. Patterns of Hope As I explored my traits & tendencies, they kept bringing up memories of overcoming various struggles, so I decided to make a list. On that list were numerous examples of who I was, what I did, and what I had. It wasn't about the accomplishment, but the way I thought, felt, acted, and what I believed at the time. The gratitude, pride, and eye-opening proof of who I had been this whole time had my heart swelling with joy! Now I saw the patterns of personality, values, dreams, and competence. Now I felt the confidence level required of me to allow myself to dream with hope again. Knowing who I was in the past helped make sense of who I was in that moment, yet now it had opened the doors to asking the bigger question of, "Who do I WANT to be?" M.E. Version 36.2 Who I want to be is a culmination of everything I have been through & who I have become. It begs the question, "What do I stand for?" because my dreams demand me to show up with direction & focus.

Mental wellness is one of my more recent high values, but how do I want to express it? What do I need to be, do, or have to play out this vision? When I know what I am looking for, it’s like

a search bar with a filter helping you spot the right opportunities. Honoring these values with intention is how I express my whole self. Living With Intention Feeling whole again means embracing the past, present, and future me in all my ups & downs. Who is going to be 100% on my side every single time? Me. It's my job to get to know myself, express myself, and take care of myself by living in the present moment while still moving with intention toward my future. The truth is, I never truly lost myself; I just lost track of who I am & who I want to be. Who do YOU want to be? Laura Lake describes herself as a playful, luminary change-maker. She likes deep conversations, finding patterns, and creating new processes with ripple effect results. Laura is a #1 international bestselling author, speaker, and mental health & high-performance coach. She helps heart-centered solopreneurs show up with more clarity, confidence & focus so they can build the world they envision. LauraStartsWithB.com Facebook.com/LauraLakeDesigns Twitter.com/LauraLakeSD Instagram.com/LauraLakeSD

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

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YOUR MOTHER’S GENES ARE NOT YOUR DESTINY by Elizabeth Hughes Mother's Day isn't a typical holiday. Yes, there's a celebration, food, and loved ones gathering, like other holidays. But Mother's Day shines a unique spotlight directly on your heredity. After all, you inherited half your genes from your mother. As wonderful as your mother may be, and as much as you may love her, you may not love the genes she gave you. Common wisdom says that your genes control your health, so it's easy to feel trapped by your genes, destined to inherit your mother's (or father's) illness. But you shouldn't. Because DNA, while important, is not the final word in your health. Not by a long shot. In the last three decades, scientists have been actively studying how genes work and are regulated. This research indicates that the role DNA plays in determining health is much less black and white than we previously thought. Here are three critical genetic principles gleaned from this cutting-edge science that everyone should know. 1. For every "bad" gene you might have, your body has systems that decrease the impact of that gene. Firstly, you have two parents, which means that you inherited two copies of each chromosome. A defective gene from one parent is balanced out by a functional gene from the other. Typically, the defective gene is inactivated and is never used to produce a protein. Secondly, even if a "bad" gene is activated and produces a faulty protein, cells have internal repair systems which can remove these abnormal proteins. Finally, your immune system constantly detects and eliminates abnormal cells. In fact, about 50 billion cells in the human body are destroyed each day, either because they are defective or no longer function properly.

Here's a real-life example that having a "bad" gene is no guarantee of illness: The BRCA1 gene is associated with breast cancer, and women who carry this mutated gene have an elevated risk of developing cancer (between 55% and 70% of women with the gene are eventually diagnosed). Looking at it another way, 30% to 45% of women with the most dangerous breast cancer gene never get cancer. The women who do not get cancer are living proof that the human body can remain healthy despite having a "bad" gene. 2. Genes aren't static. Common knowledge says that DNA is unchanging. New research says the exact opposite. Studies of identical twins show that DNA changes dramatically over time. While the chromosomes of a pair of 3-year-old twins are nearly identical, by the time those twins are 50, their chromosomes look more like the chromosomes of non-identical siblings. Over time, the chromosomes are structurally altered, leading to changes in how the genes are transcribed and expressed. These DNA changes aren't all detrimental; they can be very beneficial, including genetic shifts which enhance protective genes. This field of research is still very young, so the factors leading to these changes are not yet fully known. However, what is clear so far is that lifestyle changes — such as lowering stress and avoiding toxins, all things you can control — can change your genes for the better. 3. Genetic change can happen fast AND can happen at any age. When it comes to changing your DNA for the better, it's never too late. Mark and Scott Kelly, a pair of identical twin astronauts, demonstrates this principle brilliantly.

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While Scott Kelly spent nearly one year on the International Space Station, his brother Mark stayed on Earth. Blood and tissue samples were taken from both brothers periodically and compared for differences. Soon after he arrived at the ISS, Scott's DNA showed a change in more than 1000 genes compared with his brother Mark's. Additionally, over the course of the year, the telomeres (the "end caps") of Scott's chromosomes lengthened. This lengthening is very surprising to scientists and very significant because, typically, telomeres get shorter with age. Scott's telomeres did the exact opposite while he was in space. As astounding as these changes are, here's one overlooked but significant detail: Scott Kelly was 51 years old when he left Earth, and he celebrated his 52nd birthday in space. You might

assume dramatic changes in DNA are possible only in children, but Scott Kelly proves otherwise. All of this research shows that the future of your health isn't written in stone or on your chromosomes because your genes are only one factor in the total picture of your health. And best of all, simple changes in your life have the power to change your genes for the better. This Mother's Day, love your mother and celebrate her. And don't feel jinxed by her genes. Elizabeth Hughes, MD is a dermatologist, inventor, author, and health coach with an outside-the-box approach to health and wellbeing. You can download her Self Healing Secrets guide at www.ElizabethHughesMD.com and learn more about here approach here: https://youtu.be/x_NrE15v6Aw.

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LIFE QUOTE|CONSCIOUS LIVING

STEP FORWARD BOLDLY AND THRIVE by Debora Hollick Step forward consciously, they say. Now is the time, they say.

Now I'm starting to wonder. Any of this sound familiar?

What the #$%# is that supposed to mean? Do they think I've been living under a rock? I thought I was conscious. I put one foot in front of the other and move forward, don't I. Don't you? Ok, sure, I trip up now and then, maybe more than I would like, but doesn't everyone? 80

What exactly are "they" expecting, whoever they are? May I have your permission to share my thoughts on this?

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It appears you are still reading, so I'm taking that as a yes. Here we go. Perhaps, we the majority, have been shrouded and feel like we are suffocating under the heaviness of what would be the equivalent of a rock, or at least, when we try to look at the big picture, that is what we feel like crawling under most of the time. We go about our days existing, surviving, but are we genuinely thriving? Or are we just barely functioning- going about day-to-day activities with little to no thought as to why we do them or what we are here to do, to advance in a meaningful way? Given the luxury of dreaming, why are we not seeing more of what we would desire, not just for ourselves but for others? Well, what if we were to start making fully awake, focused decisions-becoming more aware and acknowledging our part in what is happening, not only in our small, personal world but in the entire Universe? Do you realize each of us participates in what is manifesting, not only for ourselves but also for everyone and everything else? The same goes for what is not! If you aren't familiar with or understanding this concept and the Law of Attraction, this may sound somewhat daunting. It can feel like some pretty, significant responsibility. Truth be told, I believe we all have an obligation, going forth during this time of unprecedented paradigm shifts and the realignment of the realm we live in, to open up to change and growth. We need to be open and ready for quick change and look for more positive and beautiful aspects of this growth. Also, if we look, we will see the amazing souls in all, regardless of race, color, or creed. I'm sure you have heard the saying, "what you think about, you bring about." Do you understand and believe it? Have you considered your part in what has happened in your life? If you were to take the time and get completely honest with yourself, can you remember what you may have been thinking before and during times of struggle and strife?

Now, can you do the same when you felt happy? Did you notice some beautiful things happening to, for, and around you? Did you see it also happening to others in your orbit? From time to time, we all have experienced these scenarios as well as the results that occurred. The question is, would you rather take charge and have more of what you would like or continue with the "woe is me" attitude or the "it's not my fault" rendition? What if we set real intentions throughout our day that set the tone for what we want to accomplish on a task-by-task basis? Consider this: A – Acknowledging we have a big part in how we exist on this planet W – Why not give some new concepts a try? A – Acceptance in being open to self-evaluation and growth. R – Realization that like attracts like and positive begets positive, with the opposite being just as true. E – Energy – Is all there really is. Consider embracing all it offers with enthusiasm! Being more aware, that's all. This is my version of living consciously. And…what if…just what if…living consciously, with expectations of this or something better, even way better, was to be possible, even probable? What if it was pretty much a given? Just imagine... Debora J. Hollick, The Smash Through Mentor, is an Intuitive Consultant, Coach, Speaker, International #1 Best Selling Author Helping professionals “smash through” barriers, keeping them from enjoying their full potential. https://www.insightfulsolutions.com/ https://smashthroughmentor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SmashThroughMentor www.thecanadiancoach.com

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

NOTHING TO PROVE

by Lana McAra

Like it or not, family is the one constant in our lives. Most people grow up identifying with their family unit, whether the norm is higher education or farming, whether it's shopping at thrift stores or Bloomingdales, whether it means playing sports or hanging out at the local bar. 82

The family unit gravitates toward fitting in, so they exert pressure to conform. They have firm beliefs about how people should act. Whenever someone breaks out of the family bubble, the entire family feels pain. Loving, caring families experience extreme concern,

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which creates guilt for any non-conforming person.

Here are some things I learned from that experience:

Within the family, individuals have roles, such as the studious one, the athletic one, or the nerd. These labels affect how the individual sees themselves. Have you ever heard someone say something like, "I was the clumsy one in the family; they used to call me Grace." They identify with their family label so much so that they teach others to see them that way. Without an awakening, they will carry that label throughout their life, with mishaps and accidents to prove it.

What if you were labeled the dumb one, the troublemaker, or the misfit who can never get it right? Maybe you went on a personal development journey and healed that struggling, pain-filled part of yourself. You are proud of how far you've come. Unfortunately, when someone goes through a change, family members often don't get it. From their perspective, the old label still applies and always will. "This happened to me with my children." The family label went something like this: "Mom is emotionally damaged. She will overreact with frantic worry and panic, at the slightest thing." They remember the days when I was homeschooling seven children, living in the jungle in an underdeveloped country with a narcissistic husband, who always made me out to be the weak one. Those memories are a strong box in their perception. Post-divorce, I had a massive transformation, but my children didn't recognize what had happened to me—neither did my siblings or my parents, for that matter. No amount of explaining changed their perspective. They continued to make statements that no longer applied to me. Eventually, I came to realize they may never see me as I am now. I'm happy to say that over time some did, but some did not. In a situation like this, every time we mingle with family, we feel the old pressure, and we easily fall into the trap of trying to prove ourselves. Trying means exerting a lot of effort. Pushing through the family bubble is exhausting. It's frustrating, and it sometimes makes us angry. What an energy drain, and most of the time, it doesn't even work.

Realize you are not the label someone else puts on you.

Wherever the label came from, whether an incident when you were six years old or a behavior pattern over the years, you don't have to keep that sticky name badge on your shirt, peel it off, and throw it in the trash. It's just imagination. It's not who you are. When you fully embrace this, the buoyancy that lifts, you will bring so much joy to your life. 2.

You don't have to convince them.

You have no responsibility to set them straight. Stop talking about what you've done. Stop showing them examples of how you have changed. Let your light shine on its own, freely and without stress. Their perspective is theirs, the same as your perspective is yours. Release the burden of convincing them. 3.

You don't have to bring them along to your level of personal growth.

This one was difficult for me to accept, especially when it came to my children. I wanted them to feel the freedom I felt. I wanted them to see the world in this new and wonderful way. However, the more I talked about it, the more they interpreted my behavior as old anxiety. My trying was actually holding them back. The difference between lowvibration and high-vibration mindsets. Low vibration is about right vs. wrong, about measuring up and being understood. High vibration allows for different perspectives without making one good and one bad. Each person walks his or her own road, and we give each other the space to do that without judgment. Your family might love and support you, but they do not define you. Embrace in knowing who you truly are. Set yourself free. Lana McAra is a spiritual advisor, award-winning author and ghostwriter of more than thirty books. She a popular speaker, as well as radio and TV host. Lana also hosts a Facebook group for women over 50 at NowItsMyTurn.com as well as a YouTube channel. Visit her web site at LanaMcAra.com for your free gift, "Throw Away Negative Thinking in 7 Minutes or Less."

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

CELEBRATING MOM’S OF OUR COMMUNITY by Katrina Breau May, the month we honor our mothers and the influential women in our lives who chose to sacrifice day after day for their children or the children they loved. We have all developed strong bonds with the amazing ladies who became our Mothers or stepped into this role when we needed it. The gratitude we all feel towards our moms and the many gifts, overwhelming influences, and contributions they have deposited into our lives all compounding a legacy of tools to smooth our future journey ahead. 84

Mother's Day is extremely precious for me, not only to thank and lift my biological Mother but also to reflect, remember and cherish all the amazing women that stepped into this hero role for me as I traveled my broken path. Growing up with extreme adverse childhood experiences, multiple living environments due to many dissolving marriages, abusive surroundings, foster care with continuous relocations, and new schools created a hard

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shell of self-defence around me. Yet along my transitional journey, there were amazing women within my community that took me under their wing to nurture, providing love, safety, and a healing environment for me to bloom. Even if they are just neighbors, the warmth of a loving family flowed down the street to kids like me that so desperately required encouragement and relief from the tensions of turmoil we are so often surrounded in. Many of the Community Moms took me in to participate with Storytime, craft adventures, baking tasty treats, backyard fun, family walks, and emotional lessons shared in love, as I truly felt accepted. This unforgettable uplifting power of neighborhood Moms from my past who chose to reach out over the years to surround me in love now circles through my memory every Mother's Day. As a child, tween, and teenager that transitioned through the foster care system, Mother's Day was very emotional for me. Often, I would ask myself why I was on this journey or fall into the traps of a negative emotional rollercoaster easily. Yet, I always had a choice to see both sides and felt much better flooding my mind with the sensations from numerous foster mothers that continuously provided a positive pivot for me to view the potential in my life rather than the hardships. They offered me so many valuable life lessons along with many emotional lifting tools I still have in my toolbox today. I am truly grateful for the safety net of the foster care system and the blessings of the moms I was gifted with along the way. Later in life, when I had the blessings of children, I love how my husband would help the kids present their love and appreciation towards me on Mother's Day. We would often go to church that morning together, then out for a special Brunch where the kids would present unique gifts and letters, they had made for me. It was always so special over the years. I was passionately involved with the kids' school and community activities and allowed our home to become the neighborhood home that was open to children from other families to feel welcome in. We also opened a home daycare for working Mom's

children, surrounding them with the love of our family. I loved the role of Mom and Community Mom when our kids were young; it was always exciting to walk alongside their adventures. Decades later, as I built a stronger new relationship with my biological Mom discovering the clarity of her journey and the pain she experienced through the wisdom of my adult focus and understanding, which earlier I was unable to see as a child. Regularly speaking together, she now has stepped back into the role of my Mom as a friendly mentor providing loving gifts and guidance towards my adult life journey. My Mom wrote a book of her struggles and the tapestry of lessons from her journey, which she provided me to share as a legacy for our family to learn and grow from. Today both of my children and grandchild have warm relationships with my Mom as well. Our thirty-year-old daughter is also a Mother today with a daughter of her own. She shares this amazing blessing of embracing the role and all the gifts that come with it. She also calls me for advice on all the little lessons we have all learned along the way. I have loved my journey of being a Mom, Community Mom, and Grandmother and the blessings of each of these roles I step into daily. Happy Mother's Day, everyone! Treasure and embrace the gifts Your amazing Mother provided, along with the ladies that stepped into the role, helping you bloom along your unforgettable journey. Katrina Breau of Neurological Nutrition specializes in brain health and psychological wellness. As a Best-Selling Author, Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Mental Wellness, Stress Relief and Professional Life Coach Katrina brings an amazing toolbox to share with us today. Katrina’s vast experience in geriatrics, palliative care and overall wellness brings transition forward in times of COVID challenges.

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LIFE QUOTE|CELEBRATING MOM’S

THE GIFT OF CHOICE THE GIFT OF YOU MAMA

by Leanne Pastor I always dreamed about being a mother. I knew that I desired to care for and nurture my own children. What I didn't dream of were the challenges that arise moment to moment… In those moments of challenge, I get to look within. I get to look at my triggers. I get to ask a question. I get to make a new choice every moment. What I've learned from my own experience, is that when I look solely at the challenges, I see more challenges. When I choose to look through the lens of gratitude, I find something to be grateful for. When I realize that the challenge is gifting me awareness, I get to choose from a different space. I get to look inside and ask, "What energy am I choosing here and is it contributing to the situation?" If I get that it's not, my next question to myself is "What energy can I BE now that would change this? I also choose to ask questions like "What else is truly possible here? When I begin to ask a question, things start to change. I begin to see possibilities. Here's a little example of one of those times. A couple of years ago my "Very Spirited" 4year-old (at the time) created a mess in her room. On my first attempt to get her to clean, I asked in my kindest tone and said "Can you

clean this up, please?” To which, she replied "No thanks!". I still give her credit for using her manners in that response. After an inside chuckle, I asked her again, only this time my tone wasn't as nice as the first attempt. Her response this time "No!". By this time, I was getting upset and became aware, at that moment, that my being upset was only creating more of a challenge with the task. So, I asked in my head, "What else is possible here?" Then I had the awareness to MAKE IT FUN! Hmmm…. I wondered, as my youngest is all about the fun!. "What could I do to make this fun for her?" My awareness answered back, "Make it a party!". So, I gave it a go. I said, "Would you like to have a clean-up party?". To that, she responded, "What do you mean?" "Well, I said… I'll crank up the music, you can dance and have a party, while you clean up!" Can you guess what her reply was this time? She said "YES!" and the clean-up party began! The clean-up party is just one example of how parenting can throw us challenges, and it's in those moments that we get to choose how we respond. I could've gotten furious in that situation, judged me, judged her for not listening, and judged the whole situation. Which, believe me, I've chosen to do on many occasions. The result of that-the mom guilt and feelings of shame, which simply continue the cycle of judgment. On the contrary, what if the greatest gift we can give ourselves as mamas is to stop judging ourselves, our kids, every situation, and simply ask, "What else is possible here?" and "What gratitude can I choose now?"

Where can you acknowledge and celebrate the moments you consciously created something different? Even recognize the moments where you choose not to and what that manifested from that decision. What if neither choice was right/wrong, and both created awareness as to what you could choose moving forward? Motherhood can come with challenges and rewards, yet what we focus upon is sure to grow. So, cheers to you Magical Mama! Cheers to you getting up, showing up, and choosing! Cheers to every moment that is genuinely a choice to choose again! You got this! P.S. I'd like to a moment to thank the amazing mamas in my life, who helped shaped me into the mama I am today: my Mom, my Mother-in-law, my Baba, and my Grandma. I'm so grateful for all these amazing ladies in my life. Though three of them have passed away, their impact on my life will always remain.

Leanne is an Author, 'Create You’ Coach and Mama. She loves to play in the space of possibility through her Coaching, Energy Activation/Healing, Art, and Children's Book "All the Things You Could Be" (She wrote and illustrated).

It's only through the eyes of gratitude that we begin to soften our focus and expand into the possibilities!

Leanne.pastor@gmail.com

Whereas, through the eyes of judgment, nothing can change!

Children's Book Website: www.allthethingsyoucouldbe.com

www.leannepastor.com

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF OUR PRESENCE by Olesija Saue The Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh said, "The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” For us as mothers, our children are our everything. Becoming a mother changes us inside and out, and our children become the center of our universe the minute they are born. We would do anything for them, including forgetting about our own needs. The most important thing that a child needs from us is love. Our unconditional love, but we often forget that the currency of love for children is attention. Our undivided attention and full presence at the moment. Not only with our physical bodies but also with our thoughts. Have you ever realized that most of the time, we fail to do just that – be fully present? According to research by Matt Killingsworth (TED talk), 47% of the time, we are thinking about something else other than what we are currently doing. An overdose of information, the fast-paced living of our lives, anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion, which often come along with the overwhelming happiness of becoming a parent, create challenges for us to live consciously every day. Living consciously and being mindful shows that being fully present becomes a real struggle. Have you ever noticed that your child's mood is directly related to how present you are? At some point, I started to see that. As I watched what was running through my head, I realized more often than not, I was somewhere else - scrolling through a Facebook feed with one hand while breastfeeding my child with a phone in the other hand. Diminished attention for my toddler, like thinking about the next project, while playing 88

LEGOs with my child. I was planning what to have for lunch when helping him to get dressed. I was dreaming about having a quiet moment for myself while reading a bedtime story to my kid. The more zoned out I was, the crankier my child became. When we think about parenting, we often believe that it is our main role to teach our children to be prepared for the life ahead of them. We often do not realize the moment we become parents, we also become lifelong students. This persistent course we get enrolled in unconsciously is in conscious living. And there are no better detectors of mindfulness than children. For the last six years, I have had the best possible teacher I could have wished for in my child. My son made me realize that conscious living is not about meditating fifteen minutes a day. Living consciously is all about living in the moment. If

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with them instead of zoning out on your smartphone. Slow down. Be kind to yourself and ask for help. Living consciously takes constant attention, and mindfulness will help you make conscious choices. Instead of living on autopilot, try paying attention with love, kindness, and compassion to the daily choices you make in what you do, say, and hear. It's not easy to break routines and habits, but it is worth the effort. Be gentle and loving to yourself. The more at ease you are, the more conscious and happier you feel. This works wonders in any facet of your life, at home or work, and it certainly has an amazing, almost magically calming effect on children. Watch how your relationship with your children and loved ones transforms the minute you start being present, the minute you start listening without trying to figure out what to say next without dwelling on the past or dreaming about a better future. Just fully accepting the here and now. you think about it, conscious living has to do with everything you do every single day and every choice you make. It is about being present, fully present to our loved ones, and one hundred percent engaged in anything you do. It's about paying attention to our loved ones' needs and listening deeply to them. Most of the conflicts and misunderstandings in our lives come from not being present and not focusing our attention on the person next to us. Looking at my child, I often see that one of the most important things we seem to lose as we grow up is this power of focus in the present moment. But we can change that at this very moment. So, I invite you to take a conscious decision to stop, breathe and come to the only moment where life truly happens – the moment of now. Start with small steps and build your mindfulness muscle. Start focusing more. Do one thing at a time. When you spend time with people, be present

And if you need inspiration, look at your children.

Olesija Saue is a Personal Branding Strategist and Executive Coach, Social Media Strategist and Partner at Goal Social Media Marketing with 20+ years of experience in Sales and Marketing. Olesija helps corporate clients, aspiring start-ups and small-to-medium sized businesses stand out from their competition and achieve their business goals through the strategic use of social media and personal branding of CEOs and their employees. Olesija Saue is a co-author of a book on Personal Branding, "The Brand Named You" (www.thebrandnamedyou.com) Olesija holds an M.B.A in International business administration, is a AoEC Accredited Executive Coach and a member of the International Coach Federation.

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LIFE QUOTE-CELEBRATING MOM’S

CELEBRATE EVERY DAY! 90

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by Susan Binnie When I think about celebrating mom, I think about Mother’s Day. Although my mom is physically gone, she will always be in my heart and her spiritual guidance is with me. On Mother’s Day I will remember her and how much I love that she is my mom. Times between us were not easy as we did not always see eye to eye. One thing I know for sure, is despite all our differences, we loved each other unconditionally. Mother’s Day usually involved flowers of some sort. Earlier days I gave them to her and in later years she gave them to me. We would get together for coffee, usually with my sister, and mom would have potted mums for each of us. I remember it was usually her that would acknowledge me being a mom before I acknowledged her. She was celebrating me being a mom and I always thought it should be the other way around. Now that she is gone, I celebrate her and make the conscious effort to acknowledge the mothers of my grandchildren. My youngest daughter says that every day should be Mother’s Day. She is grateful to have me in her life and it makes me feel proud to be a mom. Feeling this way makes me understand how proud my mom was of me… Recently I was having a conversation with a client who did not feel close to her mother. She blamed her mom for not loving her the way she needed. We uncovered that her mom did not grow up with a loving mother. I asked if she ever had a conversation to let her mom know what she needed. It was a big moment of awakening. Often, we see others living a life we want. We see the good and all the positives and want the same for our relationships. How often we see the supportive loving mother on a tv show or movie and think why our moms are not like that. What we need to realize is that our parents are not mind readers, no one is. If we do not tell the people in our life what we need and want, likely we will not get it. Open lines of communication are so important. Living on assumptions and expectations are likely going to disappoint. We also must look at breaking cycles if we do not want them to repeat over and over. My Mom was the youngest of 14 and as you can imagine her mom’s attention was spread very thin. She spent much of her time observing all the others in the

family and took it upon herself to be the one to make sure they all stayed in touch. I always saw my mom take on the responsibility of sharing stories of her younger days with us and relaying family information that she felt we needed to know. I observed this behavior and as I am the youngest of my family, I thought that it was a part of my responsibility to keep her legacy alive. I took this on myself, no one asked me to, nor did they expect that I should. The burden of responsibility to carry the family history was something I observed from my mom and as the youngest I felt that it was my role. I also felt like it was up to me to keep my family in contact after she passed. Through the work I do for others I realized when I dug into my past and old patterns that it was up to me to break this cycle and stop this way of thinking. I know on a subconscious level my mom passed it to me and I could feel the weight I was placing on my youngest daughter. We create new memories every day. It is important to share from our past, but it is also important to enjoy present moments and new experiences. You share what you want with your children and enjoy life with them creating new memories. As they grow, they will do the same with their families. Adapting new traditions as they blend two different sets of beliefs from two different upbringings. You decide what to keep and what to change and allow your children do the same. When we get to the bottom of old beliefs and past behaviors, we can free ourselves from ending up bitter and stuck in a state of mind we never wanted to be in. Decide what serves you and communicate your needs to those you love. Enjoy time with your mom, or as a mom and remember to celebrate more throughout your year and not just save it all for one day… Perhaps Mother’s Day should be every day! Susan Binnie, 2x BestsellingAuthor, Motivational Speaker and Empowerment Coach, is a guiding light having a unique ability to hold space for women allowing their stories to flow through her to gain momentum and reflecting back upon them, in what can only be described as a magical conduit. She empowers them to take the word can’t out of the story they tell themselves… turning fear into power. https://www.susanbinnie.com

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

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Give the Girl a Hammer Watch Her Build by Amy Neil

Spring has sprung in New England, and that means barn time. One of the things I love in my design work is refinishing old furniture and building new furniture. A trade I was born into, my childhood certainly shaped where I am today. Growing up in a family-run hardware store exposed me to various experiences vastly different from many of my friends. A hammer and a paintbrush were the two most simple tools that my father and I found a bond around. I never dreamed as a mother, I'd be creating intentional, creative play spaces for my daughter, Ruby, that include a hammer and a paintbrush. When I first started working in the barn, sharing it with my kids was the last thing I wanted to do. Truthfully, I wanted a space to take my mom hat off and be consumed by focused creativity. Ruby is a tenaciously creative soul, stopping at nothing to create what's in her mind at that moment. I quickly found myself in a swirl of stress, hurling out "no!" every 5 minutes. This version of myselffrustrated, annoyed, and stressed was not how I envisioned motherhood. Let's get real for a second, a barn filled with tools can become an unsafe place for a child who will stop at nothing to do what they want to do. I needed help fast! First, I did want Ruby in the barn with me learning in a safe manner. Second, I also wanted pockets of uninterrupted time to create while my kids were home with me. Kind of a tall order, I know! My clarity on those two things helped me find a solution for both of us. I called in the help of a friend and mentor for mothers. We talked specifically about creating "yes stations." Yes, stations are little kid-friendly areas I set up where I am working so we can all be together but doing our own things. When it came to the barn area, I knew exactly what I could set up, but I never realized how amazing it'd turn out.

I grabbed an empty crate that was hanging around the barn, filled it with a few different size hammers, chisels, a screwdriver, a can of scrap nails, and a collection of scrap wood. When Ruby spotted this crate and realized it was just for her to play and create independently, she was elated. She sat there for what felt like hours, figuring out how to hammer nails and shape wood with her chisel. For me, the time working independently in the same space felt amazing. What happened days later blew my mind. About a week after setting up the yes station for Ruby, I was chatting with a neighbor, and along came Ruby. She plopped herself down in between us, wood, hammer, chisel in tow. I looked down to see what she was working on. To be honest, she was aimlessly creating, like 5-year-olds do, but there was something different this time. Confidence. I saw a confidence with hand tools blossom at my feet. She sat there through our whole conversation, fearlessly chipping away at a scrap piece of wood with all the confidence of a master craftswoman. Simply leaving out a crate of tools for her to find turned into a life skills class I never planned on. Give the girl a hammer and watch as she brings her imagination to life. Amy Neil is an old home expert. From plaster walls, stripping old woodwork, and tearing down old chimneys, Amy’s done the work. Now Amy helps other old homeowners navigate, design and map out their dream homes. Follow Amy on social media for behind-the-scenes footage of her latest DIY projects! www.nostalgiabyamyneil.com www.facebook.com/AmyMalsbendenNeil/ www.instagram.com/nostalgia_amyneil/

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LIFE QUOTE|EMPOWERMENT

A Heartfelt Love Letter to the Mom Who Feels Broken

by Sarah Grace Knutson Dear Beautiful Soul, I've been thinking about you a lot because it's clear to me that things aren't easy right now. In fact, this has been clear for quite a while. I know you feel kind of broken like there are all these expectations put on you, and you can't seem to live up to it all. I see frustration about how things are set up in our world and that it feels like you have to do it all by yourself. 94

It's almost like, as much as you revel in the joy and beauty of your children, they also brought with them the key that opens all your stresses, all your traumas, all the little wounds from when you were a little girl, the insecurities, the self-doubt. I know you sometimes feel like you've lost your identity beyond Mom, you've struggled to balance your needs with the needs of your family, and you feel guilty when you try to focus on yourself!

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I know it feels hard because to get there, you might have to look at the old patterns, the old beliefs, the relics leftover from a world steeped in millennia of patriarchal control. That can feel scary, I know.

I know because I feel this way too. You are not alone, and I honor your journey. And - it doesn't have to be this way.

But you're safe now, and it's time, dear soul, it's time.

It's not you; it's society. Society has been lying to you - sending all these mixed messages about how to do it right. I don't think it means to; society is just confused about what's important. What's important is YOU. My dear sister, you are more important than you know! Simply for being you. When I look at you, I see the depth of soul and profound wisdom from the center of you that can guide every second of your life if you learn to listen.

It's time to remember the truth of who you are and rise into your power for your own sake and that of the beautiful children you brought into the world. It's time to break the status quo and claim your divine birthright to be seen, heard, and honored for the amazing being that you are! I believe that as mothers rise, our world changes. As we embrace our light and ripple it out into the world, we contribute to an empowered future for all people, our children, and our earth-mother. It starts with you, each of you, letting go of the labels broken, crazy, wounded, not enough.

Do you hear it?

These are lies. Let me remind you of the truth.

I see thousands of years of life experience bubbling under the surface, just waiting for you to tap into it.

In truth, you are whole, and you always have been whole at the deepest level.

Do you know it's there?

In truth, you are radiant and luminescent. You are free to embody the vibrance of your light. There is nothing that can limit or contain you except your own beliefs about yourself. My love, in truth, you are so very, very powerful - If you could see your power, you would weep - as I am right now - as I behold you in your most authentic beauty, grace, and powerful light!

I see a radiant Goddess inside a tired mom who feels like she's been silenced for most of her life. The Goddess within you, does she whisper, or does she roar? I see a smoldering fire; a desire to rise and create a new world where Mothers are honored not just one day a year, but every single day as the bringers of life, the Goddesses of creation - a world where you are no longer overlooked, unheard and taken for granted - a world where you feel seen, heard, honored and genuinely valued for who you are and what you do. Can you feel the fire? Please, my dear sister in motherhood, please remember that you get to be the creatrix of your life. Life doesn't have to happen TO you; it happens FOR you! Every one of the challenges you face is an invitation for you to rise into a more empowered and truthful version of yourself!

It's time to remember. I'm doing it too; we're in this together. All my love, seriously, ALL MY LOVE… Sarah Grace Knutson is a Women’s Empowerment Coach and creatrix of 'The Soulfully Empowered Mother' course. She helps women dissolve unhealthy beliefs, connect with their soulful truths and live in empowered self-love. Access Sarah's 'Goddess Codes for Soulful Mamas' at www.soulbirth.com/goddess. Join 'The Soulfully Empowered Woman' group at www.facebook.com/groups/soulfullyempoweredw oman.

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LIFE QUOTE|PARENTING

Bad Mom Syndrome by Kelly Falardeau Being an international speaker means I travel a lot. Well, I used to before COVID hit. Walking back and forth across the stage and through the airport was my workout plan. Now my workout plan consists of traveling between the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and full-time zoom room office. In the fall of 2019, I had thirteen speaking gigs in eight different cities in Canada and the U.S. in six weeks. I was exhausted and struggling with what I call "Bad Mom Syndrome." My three kids were having to bounce around from their dad's house to grandma's house to their auntie’s house to their friends and eventually back to me. Sometimes, I'd be home for only twelve hours, long enough to sleep and then get back to the airport for my next flight. At times I felt like I didn't know 96

weather I was coming or going. Never mind what my kids thought of me. I even remember waking up in the middle of the night at a hotel, wondering where I was. I had no clue what city I was in. Yikes! I remember hearing my sister's voice saying, "Kel, you have to put your kids first." That was easy for her to say; she didn't have to work. Another mom friend of mine said, "I don't have to make money with my business because my husband gives me an allowance every month.” I would get frustrated and disappointed because I had to work hard at my business to support my kids and me. Every dollar counts when you are a single mom entrepreneur. I would break down in tears because I couldn't put my kids first.

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I had to put my work first, kids second. I didn't have a husband to support me, and my child support didn't keep us supported enough financially. As moms, we are taught we have to put our kids first; otherwise, we are bad moms. Ugh…. Bad mom syndrome kicked in again. I had tremendous guilt over not being around for my kids as much as most good moms are. But my passion is getting on stage and inspiring people. I love it, and when I ask myself, "What else do I want to do?" I can't think of anything else. When I think about quitting and getting a job, I burst into tears because I know my soul will not be fulfilled. What makes me realize I'm not a bad mom? Here are a couple of stories. One day, I drove my son to school, and he said, "Mom, my friends often complain about their moms, but I say to them, I can't relate to that, I'm proud of my mom, I love her." At that moment, I realized my son doesn't see me as a bad mom at all; he's proud of me. Yay! Whew! Maybe I'm not a bad mom.

was so proud of him, and I said, "OMG, I just love The way you think." He looked at me and said, "Mom, you raised me." That was another proud mom moment. You see, we don't see what our kids see. Our kids see how amazing we are. They see us working our butts off to create amazing lives for them. What I've learned is, we need to be more gentle with ourselves and celebrate our successes. Celebrate our little wins because the more little wins we have, the more they add up to big wins. We aren't bad moms; we just have very high expectations of ourselves. We expect ourselves to be supermoms. And super moms we are. PS – just as I was about to send this article, my son texted me, "Mom, you're super cool. I appreciate you and love you.” Kelly Falardeau "Your dreams are meant to be found, not tucked away in Dreamland." ~ Kelly Falardeau I help people take the 't' out of can’t.

Another time, my other twin son was talking about raising money for our Blankets for Burn Kids charity. He came up with an amazing fundraising idea on how we could raise $20k for blankets. I

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