1. Exude confidence
2. Practice serenity
3. Make room for the divine
4. Melt away your troubles in candle-lit baths or fragrant showers
5. Sniff wildflowers
6. Speak your truth often, even if your voice shakes
7. Throw out your raggedy undies, gowns and cloaks
8. Don’t make assumptions
9. Laugh heartily
10. Nurture your creativity
Have a fabulous fun Friday! I would love to know what you love to do to feel better.
From Animal Man – a DC Comic
The simple rules of how to happily co-exist in a relationship apply whether you’ve been together for one year or thirty years. I can usually work out within five minutes of observing couples, whether they are loving happily ever after, or not. When they are, it’s pleasant to be around. It’s a peaceful environment where praise, co-operation and kindness creep in. When it’s not, it’s Continue reading
Maya Angelou quote
The moment I learnt of Maya Angelou’s death, I firstly felt sad for Oprah and imagined what kind of gaping loss she must be feeling for her mentor, fairy godmother and phenomenal woman friend. Then I got the prickles all over me, a reminder from the heavens that Maya is still shining, influencing, guiding and spreading her wisdom, all be it in a new way.
Obama said “Her death has dimmed one of the brightest lights of our time.” He added: “A childhood of suffering and abuse actually drove her to stop speaking, but the voice she found helped generations of Americans find their rainbow amidst the clouds, and inspired the rest of us to be our best selves.”
How many of us live with such bravery and conviction? How many of us live passionately on purpose, courageously sharing the kind of wisdom that may guide or positively influence the lives of many? I am going to remember her life as a glorious gift worthy of great celebration.
“She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace,” her son, Guy B Johnson said.
Maya’s many sayings, which I always imagine her reading out loud in that gorgeous deep, calming voice of hers, not only drive me to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud, but they colourfully smear themselves into the essence of who I am and what I am here to do, and I am forever grateful for her paving the way for me, and all of us, who believe we can make a difference.
As Maya once said “Just do right.”
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen R. Covey.
How to NOT listen:
How to REALLY listen:
When we use our ears to listen with an intent to understand, we:
How are your listening skills?
Credit: Wallpapersus.com
I have noticed a bit of a trend here in New Zealand on open social network platforms, a trend that I believe probably needs a lot of education and a slather of magic to actually create change. It’s a modern version of the tall poppy syndrome.
Working with couples for a quarter of a century I’ve noticed a similar trend.
If a news reader makes a mistake by not realizing their microphone is still on when they expresses a personal opinion, how come it is so difficult for so many to be able to simply say “Gosh, how interesting.” Or, “How embarrasing.”
It’s good to remember my saying,”Opinion is not truth.” Whatever she said is really just an estimation of reality. Is it fact, fallacy or fiction? Rather than telling, teaching or preaching and trying to force someone to recognize an error, whatever happened to gently encouraging someone to question more thoroughly what they accept as truth, or trusting that they are capable of learning their own lesson?
When we are able to move away from reacting with biased viewpoints, discrimination and prejudice and are able to move towards tolerance, fairness and equality, pure hearts begin to shine.
When I attended my school reunion, I found out that the boy who taunted me for a whole year when I was 12, was secretly in love with me. It wasn’t until my mum stepped in and told him that I could use my Judo skills to waste him, that he stopped.
Bullies like to bring down those who they see or experience as a threat to them. If they can’t have what you have, whether that be a kind heart, a gorgeous body, a particular talent, a life in the public eye, fame or fortune, then you may become their target. If you reject them or answer back, it’s likely to subject you to relentless hounding, and increase the attacks and abuse. If you go head to head with them and overly stand up for yourself or shame them, there’s a chance that you can get misunderstood more, targeted all over again for new reasons by a whole new set of people, or be labelled as “intense” “trouble” or told you “bring in on yourself.” It can even lose you friends who don’t want to hear your story. I am passionate about this subject and apologize in advance if my post is too long and comes off a bit like a political speech! I was invited to share my views on the news, but I couldn’t physically make it to the city, so this is my attempt to raise awareness of adult bullying.
Most people might find it difficult to understand what it must have felt like for Charlotte to have had her spirit consciously crushed by a collective bunch of anonymously cloaked bullies, some perhaps with sociopathic tendencies. When someone chips away at someone else’s tower of strength over and over, brick by brick, they are in essence willing them to crumble. How does someone take pleasure in that and sleep soundly at night? When the bullies take the next step and gather their army of supporters and push forward with bulldozers, it can fill bystanders with fear. If others speak up on your behalf, they can be next on the hit list. This can further isolate a vulnerable target. Imagine Rapunzel Continue reading
Copy and print and slip in a card. Or slip it under your beloved’s nose and ask for a copy
Fairytale Love is a playful yet powerful relationship self-help guide that optimistically unlocks eighty-eight love-enriching secrets of forever after, using inspirational solutions and accessible advice.
These are the four chapters:
I have looked at the best way to buy the book, as a loving present for yourself, or as a present for your beloved. Just click on one of the buttons on the right depending on which part of the world you are in. Thank so much x
Getting things in order
Not only do authors get to research, gather information, stay inspired, write a book, rewrite a book, edit their book, line edit their book, oversee the design process and book marketing graphics, they also have to beaver away and build their platform so that they have enough wonderful people to buy their book and spread the word to others to buy the book.
Right now it feels easier to let exhaustion wash over me as I wait for the release of Fairytale Love, How to Love Happily Ever After. The temptation to take on Sleeping Beauty tendencies and Continue reading
I give thanks for love, family, nature, angels, friends, magic, Giggles the pig and opportunities. What do you give thanks for?
BUY my book in NZ. Pay with PayPal.
NZ$28.00
Leanne French Relationship Expert & Counsellor 