Be Still and Know You Are..

You know,you know you are
Be still and know you are
Your life is meant for joy
It’s all so deep within, oh

Your life is beautiful
A seed becomes a tree
A mountain into a sky
This life is meant to be, oh

“Be Still” – The Beach Boys

“I don’t know about you, but when things aren’t going my way I try everything in my arsenal of self help; mantras, books, meditations, and affirmations. Usually they work, when they don’t I want to slam my forehead into my well used copy of the “The Secret.” It doesn’t occur to me that patience with myself is one of the most efficient paths to stress reduction that I know.

I am one of those people that believes that coming up with solutions is better than complaining and whining any time. My problem is that I don’t suffer well. I expect solutions to come instantaneously and the problem with that is I am really not listening.

God has a great way of answering questions, it is pretty simplistic. Yes, no, and wait. The last part is the toughest because it requires faith. Thinking positively is pretty useless without faith. My dog Angel has plenty of faith, she knows that when you say “treat” we’re going to give her a little snack. She doesn’t worry about what kind of snack or if it is a big enough snack. Me on the other hand, worries how many snacks, will I get enough snacks, and if they are organic. All that worrying has gotten me nowhere. My stepdaughter also has non-complicated tools for dealing with this type of stress, it is called play. Kids can find joy in staring at a bug, coloring a picture, or singing to themselves. In these moments Cassandra is the perfect picture of self-awareness and joy.

So for today, I think I will go have a snack and sing to myself ( I don’t care if the snack is organic).

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Take the MSNBC Biden/Palin Debate Poll!!

Man, this blog is turning in to poll central! MSNBC now has a poll on who you believe will do better with Thursday’s debate. Doesn’t matter whether you’re from Russia or Alaska you can just click on the link and vote…there is also room for quick comments.

here’s the link!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26995439/

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Financial Coaching- Tips to Rebound and Recover!

Five long days and I’m tired of working
I’m going to see my boss today
In fifteen minutes I’ll be on the train
‘Cause I just got my pay

Now I could take and sock away my dough
And make me six percent a year
But it’s not much fun to wait around for that
When I can spend it while it’s here

“Just Got My Pay” – The Beach Boys

I had a great conversation with Angela Yasulitis and Dr. Nikki Pellas the brains behind Styrve Lifecoaching. These two women have become an incredible resource for networking and creating abundance in all areas of life. Angie has a great philosphy for creating more abundance and decreasing financial stress. I think these tips are practical and are part of a great foundation in personal finances. Once again Angie you’ve given me a lot to think about!

The economy has clearly taken a turn for the worse.  I am sure many of you think that is an understatment.  My question for you is, “what have you done about it?” In a study done in the 90’s over 85% of Americans suffering from anxiety and depression admitted that the anxiety they were feeling came mainly from financial stress. This stress carried over into the workplace in the form of absenteeism and low productivity.  With that in mind, at strYve, we believe those figures are even higher today.  It is time that every family and every company implements a Financial Wellness Program as part of their overall Wellness Campaign.
It is important to know that being a Financial Wellness Coach or expert is NOT the same as being a Financial Planner.  Financial Wellness is creating a plan that will get you through the hard economic times.  That same plan will help you prosper during the up times.  It may include working with a trusted Financial Advisor – but that is only one component.
Strong Financial Well Being Programs include the following components:
1.) Do you have a Household Budget? If so – do you track it and use it – making changes based upon your current economic status. In other words, many families say they have a budget – but they do NOT update it weekly – nor do they allow it to impact financial decisions.  If your budget says you can not afford an item – you should NOT buy it.
2) Do you have a plan for saving money RIGHT NOW? This plan can include anything and everything from putting energy savings light bulbs throughout your house, cutting coupons, taking your own coffee in the AM, packing your lunch, and shopping at discount stores.   This savings plan can greatly impact your future.  Many households, taking this serously can come up with $300-$500 extra dollars each month.  That money can and should be part of your savings plan and for many can create an emergency fund that is so needed in today’s economy.
3) Do you know your Net Worth? Even if it is not what you want it to be – you should know it.  You should have a feel for what you own outright with equity and what you have coming in – versus what you have going out.   Knowledge is power and it will not get any better without taking the first step to acknowledge where you are.  Once you do that – you can create a plan for where you are going.
4) Do you know your Credit Score? It is imperative that you know your credit score.  You may have mistakes on your report.  In addition, it can give you insight into past mistakes – so you do not make the same mistakes again.   Once again, it is part of the path…part of being better.
5) Don’t Rely on More Credit. If you can help it – try to address your financial issues by changing your household budget and your lifestyle.  I know it may not be fun, but if you use #1 and #2 to address these issues – you can avoid borrowing money to get through the tough times. This is a big contributor to our current financial crises.  Getting more money is often too easy.
6) Make sure you trust your Financial Advisor and know what he/she is doing for you. Ask about their education, years in the business, designations, professional affiliations, and their belief about what to do with your money during hard economic times.  Make sure they are asking you questions – instead of telling you what to do.  A trusted advisor should always know your current situation and where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, at retirement.   Don’t wait until you have money to seek out an advisor.  I talk to so many people who tell me they never consulted anyone because they didn’t have enough to put away.  I say it is your right to put away something – $100/month, $50/month – get something started. And if that is not enough money for the advisor you are speaking to – they are not the right person for you.
Just like your own health and fitness – you are in control of your Financial Well Being.   Start today – by putting yourself on a 90 Day Financial Well Being Program – you may be surprised that knowledge is power.
strYve recommended reading – The Millionaire Next Door – by Thomas Stanley and William Danko.

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Amy Berry Intuitive, A Great Call from Utah.

A few weeks ago during a major trance meditation I got a message from a group of enlightened beings named the “Wilson”. Actually I’m lying, a lot. I was passed out on my couch watching the History Channel with a half eaten tunafish sandwich laying on my chest. The phone was ringing and I looked at the caller ID and it was a Utah number. Now I’ve gotten calls from all over the world but very seldom from Utah. I figured it was someone inquiring about having a session. I almost didn’t pick it up, but one can only watch “Ice Road Truckers” for so long. I decided to take the call. It was from intuitive medium, Amy Berry. She was asking me pointers on how to get her business up and running. I brushed the crumbs off my shirt, got into my serious business mode, and said “of course”.

The reason I am writing about this is that for whatever reason, Amy sought me out and I found that to be a very big compliment. When one intuitive seeks out another, I find it to be quite the blessing. Through the conversation, I found out many things about her. Her style of reading, her incredible sense of humor, and her no nonsense approach to mediumship and psychic work. We spoke twice and each phone call was a great way for me to tap in to my own wants and desires for my business and a way for me to assist her. I dont know how much help I really was but I know it was very helpful for me. Her website http://www.aim2inspire.net has great information on her psychic work and sessions. I highly recommend her kind and practical matter. No crazy talk about spiritual elves communicating that you don’t have to pay your rent this week. Amy, if you ever read this, I want to thank you for those phone calls. It reminded me that at times we all have to reach out with our intuition and take a chance on either meeting or calling someone “out of the blue”. I know your intent will take you far! I would suggest to anyone reading this to one day take the chance, write that letter, make that phone call, introduce yourself to the stranger, and see how beneficial it can be. Thank you Amy and good luck!

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Remove Stress…Stay Positive!

It was one of those days. The offices were dead and Dr.Andy and I were watching the paint dry and wondering why IN TEENAGE AND BABY JESUS’ NAME IS IT SO FREAKIN’ SLOW! We tried blaming the economy,we tried blaming the weather, we cursed both John McCain and Mother Theresa! When we realized that Mother Theresa was dead and Senator McCain was really,really old – we knew we had slipped into the nasty galaxy called “negativity”. We put down our breakfast of Hostess Ding Dongs and vodka,prayed to both Saint Theresa and Saint McCain, got into an “attitude of gratitude” and started typing…

Positive Thoughts……Do you think the glass is half full or half empty? Is the world out to get you or do you view every issue as a way to learn and grow from your experiences? Are you waiting for the other shoe to drop instead of looking at the silver lining of that cloud?

The purpose of this post is to make you think about how you think. Most of us go through the day on autopilot and do not know what we are really thinking and how it is affecting us physically. When you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals that will go to your cells and elicit a response that can alter the actual physiology which in turn can be either harmful or helpful. When you get angry or have a negative thought, it alters the overall physiology of you. This could become a stress response, result in depression, and various health problems. There have been recent studies that show that about 80% or more of all ailments and diseases are stress related.

When you are in a positive frame of mind, you release chemical messengers into the bloodstream that signals the cells to go into a state of growth and repair. The body is in a state of de-stress so to speak.

If you are out there and you are a happy-go-lucky, roll off your back kind of guy or gal, then great! If not, how are we going to change this? I suggest a few options:

• Find an outlet, this could be exercising, meditation, yoga, counseling, finding a hobby, anything to provide a way to channel any negative thoughts into positive energy
• Be more conscious of your surroundings, learn what triggers you to have negative thoughts- is it a co-worker? spouse? sibling? job?
• Be positive! Don’t let things get to you. Try to cut off the negativity before it starts. Try to look at things from a different perspective or angle. You are already taking the wrong look at things, why not the 180 degree angle from that?
• Hostess Ding Dongs,Scrapple and Mountain Dew… just wanted make sure you were paying attention! No one should use these three items in combination without the supervision of a licensed practioner.

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Lazy Saturday, a Bored 12 Year Old, Solution? A Vision Board!

Crayon sun above you
In a blue crayon sky
Little one, I love you
You’re the reason that
I am here.

Once inside just close the door
Leave the world behind.
Love is what we’re living for
Love and love alone
To be safe at home.

Crayon Sun- Michael Franks

Have you ever seen this type of face before? This is the type of look that can lead to frustration, anger, and adoption or at least some type of grandparent foster care. This is the look of my step-daughter relating how ‘freakin bored’ she is. This face cannot be soothed or comforted by games, snacks, or movies. For a 12 year old you’ve got to provide something different.

So… on a lazy Saturday afternoon Mom, Cassandra, and I sat down to do individual vision boards. I told everyone to grab poster board, magazines, scissors, and glue. To cut out words and pictures that would show their dreams, aspirations, and desires.

Something seemed to change about all three of us. We became more engaged, there was more laughter, and more creativity. It was wonderful to sit back and watch the two people that I love the most put together a collage of what ‘happiness’ meant to them. You can find out a lot by what people put on their vision boards. Creating friendships, creating more wealth and abundance, and health.

A little over two hours later, we were finished and we happily placed our visions up for everyone to see. I noticed the girls had big smiles on their faces. I would suggest that this is a great way for the family to spend time together that doesn’t consist of a TV or Playstation.

The end result was quality time and a much happier twelve year old!

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RENOWNED PSYCHIC MEDIUM AND LIFE COACH TO OPEN TEMPE OFFICE

Tempe , AZ – Rick Wood, nationally recognized psychic medium and life coach, will be available for appointments starting January 24  at his new location on 60 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 900, in Tempe.

Wood has been offering his services, which include life coaching, individual and couples counseling, and mediumship, as well as traditional psychic readings, for over 10 years. He offers his services in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment, without a crystal ball, smoke, or traditional tarot cards.

“I found Rick’s insight into my personal and professional lives amazing. My meeting with him has given me the guidance I needed to get my life back on track professionally and has provided me personally with a greater sense of peace,” stated client Laura Wurzer. “I plan to meet with him again to continue my growth in both of those areas.”

In addition to his office appointments, he will be available for in-home meetings and parties. The rate for an in-office appointment is $125/hour for each person. To schedule an appointment, please call 484-459-5489.

For more information, please visit his website at http://www.rickywood.net.

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