Small Daily Practices Lead to Big Life Changes

Written by Sue Painter

Here is a story that points out how beginning very small daily practices can create big change in only a little over a week. “Larry” came to work with me because he had suddenly lost his job, and felt overwhelmed, depressed, and lost. He wondered if he should start his own solopreneur business, and was looking for ideas and help. As I scanned his energy, though, I could easily discern that he had more going on than losing his work.

At the age of 42 he still lived with his mother, saying that he did so to help take care of her since she is slightly impaired. When I asked him how he saw that fitting for him, he said “I am waiting for her to die so that I will be free.” He had remained in very low-paying work even though he has accomplished very high results in his work. His dream is to travel the world but he has never owned a passport. He is out of shape physically and feels ashamed about this. He admits that he “tries to restart himself but then begins to feel hopeless.” And finally, he admits to an inner voice that is extremely self-sabotaging.

So, what to do? I see this person as someone who is bright, capable, funny, talented, and aching to find his path in life. He has very little money to spend on self-development right now, and no money to spend in creating a new business. As we talked, my strongest energetic sense was that he needs to address far more in his life than the loss of his job. He needs help to dream, and to take steps toward his dreams, too!

Here is our plan:
1) 15 minutes each morning in mediation or prayer, asking for insight and guidance about his perfect work.
2) Wait in the quiet of this time for the voice of the self-sabatoger to show up.
3) Write down every single thing the self-sabatoging voice says and thank it for every point it makes.
4) Walk 15 minutes each day.
5) Get pictures made and apply for a passport.
6) Check a book out of the library about the country he most would like to visit.

We plan to meet in a month, but a check after only 10 days revealed the following:

“My biggest change has been the self-sabotaging talk. I spend about 5 minutes in the morning writing down my limiting thoughts, then, when they pop up during the day, I gently say “nope, you had your chance to speak out this morning. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow.” It has made a world of difference. The first day I listened to my self-sabotaging thoughts, they were pretty tame. The second day, the thoughts were mean and harsh. Thursday and Friday, it was almost difficult getting those thoughts to come through. Today, they were a bunch of “what ifs” and actually had some good points. I write them down and say thank you for sharing. It is awesome.” “I love the meditation time.” “I’m parking my car farther away from the grocery store and walking 10,000 steps in a day.” “I checked out a book on Africa and got passport pictures made. I can’t believe how excited I am just to get a passport!”

These actions are small daily practices that take about half an hour a day. But look at the big changes, in only 10 days! It is so important to set our feet on the path of truth and freedom, which for each life is different. I can hardly wait to see what has happened when the entire month has gone by!

Small actions in one’s life can lead to big changes and big results. Sign up to show up, and see what you get!

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Sue Painter spends her time working with people who want to create a life and work that is rich in spirit and profit. You can check out her resources at http://www.suepainter.com and her marketing tips at http://www.confidentmarketer.com . Sue’s marketing expertise and strong insight leads her clients to call her a marketing therapist. She can help you build your business from the inside out.

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Tips for Safe Trick or Treating this Halloween

Halloween will soon be here; all the ghosts and goblins will be prowling the streets looking for treats. Here are some tips to make sure your child has a fun and safe Halloween.
 
Tips for safe trick or treating:

• Only buy costumes that are flame retardant. 
• Try to use makeup instead of masks as they that can obstruct your child’s vision.
• Make sure your child can be seen by drivers. Use bright coloured costumes and decorate with reflective tape, bands or glow sticks.
• Give each child a flashlight to carry. 
• Smaller children should go with at least one parent. Older children and not with an adult should be in a group with older, responsible children. Make sure to give your child some quarters or your cellular phone  just in case they need to make a call.
• Stay on the sidewalk or at the side of the road facing traffic.
• Children should stay in well lit areas and only visit homes that have their outside lights turned on. Make sure they understand not go inside any homes.
• Children should walk, not run from house to house.
• Make sure you inspect your child’s candy before they eat it. Throw out any treats that are not wrapped, have open, torn or small holes in the wrapper.

Make your home safe for trick or treaters:

• Turn your outside light on.
• Remove any objects could cause children to trip or fall.
• Use small inexpensive flashlights instead of candles to light the pumpkins.
• Put pets where they can’t get out or scare the trick or treaters.

If you’re driving on Halloween: 

• Be extra careful when driving. Children tend to forget safety rules on the best of days never mind being in a state of trick or treater excitement. 
• Slow down when driving in areas with children and watch them carefully. 
• Pay extra attention when entering and exiting driveways.

Have a safe and wonderful Halloween.

 

Related articles:

• Halloween Party Recipes Kids Will Love
• Recipes for Halloween and Autumn: Swamp Dip, Chocolately Holiday Bark, Spiced Cranberry Apple Cobbler
• Holiday Party Etiquette

How to Find Time For Yourself as a Single Working Mum

written by Amanda Alexander

It is incredible how a single mum manages to balance her time between so many commitments. After all, it can seem almost impossible when there are two parents in the household.   There is so much to do every single day and it just never stops.  As a single mum you simply get on with finding ways to achieve it all, but finding time for yourself?  That usually comes bottom of the long list of things to do!

Just because the to do list never seems to end, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have time for you. You might have two full-time jobs, one being dedicated to your career and the other to Family Ltd., but even in these seemingly impossible circumstances, “me time” is essential, not just for your own sanity and wellbeing, but for also for your children’s. After all, happy mum equals happy kids!

If you want to find “me time” as a single mum, first of all you must look at your time management. You don’t have to clock in and out of everything you do, but being a ruthless prioritiser is key. If this isn’t your forte, try the following exercise: Jot down everything you do in 15 minute periods over a week or so. Not easy, but very worthwhile! Once you’ve done this you’ll get a clear picture of where the time “goes” and where you are making the most of your time and where you might be “losing” time. If you want to hone your time management skills and balance your life, you’ll find online life coaching experts who can help you to get to grips with all this.

Professional coaching tells us that time management is one of the most important assets in business. Whilst blue-chip companies have always employed advisers and consultants, coaching for women has become increasingly commonplace, especially for single working mums who seek to balance family, career and personal life.

To enable you to find “me time,” it will help if you become more efficient at some of the tasks that you perform, day in, day out. Take a look at each area. Sometimes it will not be possible to streamline and become more efficient, but you need to tackle this with a “can do” attitude. Challenge yourself to experiment with new ways of doing things. If you have to work within a tightly constrained budget, this may not allow you to be as efficient as you otherwise could, but nevertheless, analyse everything. Take cleaning the house as an example.  How much time do you spend? Do you absolutely need to repeat a certain process daily or would you be better served by allocating more time for a really thorough cleanup on one day and much less time on some of the others? If you’re a manic cleaner, try going on a cleaning diet for a few days and see if the World really does fall apart without the bathroom being cleaned daily!

Of course you shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to eating healthily, but eating healthily doesn’t mean slaving away over a hot stove for hours. Introduce fresh vegetables or fruits more often, scoring in terms of diet and less preparation. Take the “cook once eat twice” challenge, looking for recipes that you can double up on and either eat on two days running or freeze. How much time could you save if you cooked only 4 times per week instead of 7 and what could you do with that “cook free” time that you’ve saved?

Remember that certain things are not optional. Getting enough sleep and exercise is essential; think of it as paying into your health bank account – you’ll see “compound” benefits very quickly in your resilience, your health and your self-confidence . Simply by concentrating on exercise routine you can often get more energy, promoting greater efficiency during your working day.

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Amanda Alexander is the Managing Director of Coaching Mums. She is a widely celebrated ICF accredited coach, who has been helping working moms from around the World bring balance back into their lives, lose their guilt, find the time to explore their passions and generally, to have a lot more fun! For fantastic articles and hot professional coaching tips, sign up to receive “Inspire”, our famous free newsletter at=> http://www.coachingmums.com/

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Hoofbeat Challenge and Family Day at Sunrise

Saturday, September 26 was a great day for the kids at the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre for the 3rd annual Hoofbeat challenge and Family Day.

There were numerous things for kids to do. Such as, roping lessons, having your face painted, petting and grooming animals in the petting farm area, just to name a few.  There were also plenty of prize winning activities for the kids. Such as, the scavenger hunt, guess the donkey’s weight, colouring contest and guess how many candies in the jar.

Roping 101

Learning the Ropes

 

Receiving Awards

Money raised at this event will be used to support Sunrise’s programs for children and adults with disabilities.  For more information or to show your support please visit www.sunrise-therapeutic.ca

According to The Law of Attraction….Imagination is In Style

Author: Denny Hagel

Parents bring their children into this world intending to teach them everything they will need to know to grow up to live truly happy, successful and productive lives, only to find out that one of the most valuable traits their children can possess is a trait that is eventually discouraged …the ability to imagine!

Oh sure, it’s cute for awhile when little Susie says she is going to grow up to be an astronaut or Johnny says he is going to become a rock star! For awhile, some parents will even encourage their imaginations.

I remember as a small child informing my parents that I was going to grow up and become a famous equestrian. In conversations or during introductions my father would refer to me as “Denny, the future owner of the Kentucky Derby.!”

Eventually, as their children grow up, parents feel it is necessary to bring their children into “reality” and encourage them to begin thinking about what they intend to do with their lives. This reality typically consists of what the parents feel is attainable.

Of course, parents do this from a place of love, intending to protect their children from possible disappointment. But in all actuality what they have done is sent a message to their child that says there are LIMITS to what can and probably will happen in your life!

Children begin life with the amazing ability to see themselves doing anything they want, becoming whoever they want…anything is possible…their imaginations fuel their thoughts and they believe their thoughts until they are told there are limits!

And now, in our current society, which has been blessed with an abundance of knowledge in the area of self-growth, we have come full circle.

Adults, who are actively applying the principles of the law of attraction into their lives, are now told they can create anything they want in their lives. Anything is possible. They can do, be, or have whatever their heart desires. They are told there are NO limits, to dream big, think outside the box, and to let their imaginations soar!

Sadly, the loss of the incredible ability to imagine stands in the way of many adults being able to attract their heart’s desires and interferes with the nature of their intentions.

The principles of the law of attraction state in order to manifest what you truly want you must “imagine” you have already acquired it and “imagine” the feelings of having already received your intention.

The instructions are specific; we must state our intention clearly because the Universe takes our intention literally and does not “interpret” what we intend.

For example, if you want to accumulate a lot of money, you are instructed to state how much money. The Universe will not determine how much money is “a lot” of money; you must state how much is a lot to you. Five thousand or five million?

The key factor becomes can you imagine yourself having $5,000.00? Probably. Can you imagine yourself having $5,000,000.00? Maybe not.

You may state your intention to have $ 5,000,000.00, but in your mind you really can’t imagine it. If you can’t imagine it, you can’t attach the feeling of having acquired it to the thought of the intention, thereby creating a block to the manifestation of your intention.

Today’s parents can and must take note of this valuable lesson we are all learning as a result of our process to create a better life for ourselves…the value of being able to use our imaginations.

Parents need to encourage their children to believe anything IS possible in their lives, there is NO limit to what they can do or be, or achieve in life.

Children are born with the instinct to dream big, believe in their ability, and IMAGINE all possibilities apply to them. This should not only be allowed and celebrated but viewed as a necessary trait that will enable them to create their best life.

Parents raising children today have an incredible opportunity to positively affect their children’s path toward the future by permitting them to imagine, encouraging them to dream big, and supporting what they are passionate about.

 

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About the Author:

Denny Hagel is co-author of The Law of Attraction: The Next Generation and co-owner of Innovative Parenting LLC, a company dedicated to teaching parents how to raise their children using the principles of the law of attraction.

For more information and insights click on:

=>http://www.InnovativeParentingLLC.com

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Wonderful Email Sent to Me

A good friend of mine sent me an email today with the following words:

If I had my child to raise over again
I’d build self-esteem first and the house later
I’d finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I’d take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites
I’d stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I’d do more hugging and less tugging
I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I’d model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.
by Diane Loomans

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the daily routines of parenting that we forget the most important part; enjoying ourtime spent with our children.

Have a wonderful day!

Find out more about Diana Loomas visit her site http://www.dianaloomans.com

10 Other Reasons to Gather Around the Dinner Table

I received a lot of compliments on my post about “24 Reasons to Gather Around the Dinner Table” – well, compliments and a challenge: come up with even more reasons families should sit down to dinner together.

But first, if you find the idea of family meals daunting, take a look at Dine Without Whine. It’s a monthly subscription, which gives you weekly meal plans, recipes and grocery shopping list. Dine Without Whine definitely simplifies meal planning and preparation.

Ok, now back to my challenge. It’s been hard, but here you go, 10 OTHER reasons to gather around the dinner table:

1. You’ll have a ready audience for your jokes.

2. You can get instant feedback on new recipes you’ve been wanting to try.

3. You’ll have a venue to plan family activities, such as your next vacation, or a child’s birthday.

4. Your family members can help you stick to your diet.

5. Family mealtimes can teach responsibility. It’s a natural time to give children chores, such as setting the table, clearing up, and washing dishes.

6. Enjoy your good china and silverware, instead of saving them for special occasions. Because any time you’re together IS a special occasion.

7. Family dinners give structure and routine to your day, which is especially important for small children.

8. By having meals together, you can reduce the time your kids spend watching TV, playing video games or surfing on the Internet.

9. Family meals are good times to give each other props – talk about everyone’s latest accomplishments, such as good grades, a new drawing, a new skill learned.

10. Family dinners remind you daily of your blessings: food on the table, a roof over your heads, and loved ones all around you.

Having family dinner every night may be hard for most families nowadays. But if you can manage it on most nights, then you’ll enjoy the benefits.

Cut down and simplify on other areas of your life, so you can cook a meal and sit down to dinner together. Dine Without Whine provides a weekly menu of kid-tested recipes, as well as a grocery list to simplify your shopping as well. Go here now and try Dine Without Whine for only a penny.

24 Reasons to Gather Around the Dinner Table

How often does your family have dinner together? If you’re like most families nowadays, the answer is probably, “Not very often.”

It’s understandable. Modern families are busy. Both parents work and sometimes get home at different times. Children have activities to go to, and Mom’s got to drive them all over the place. Really, who’s got the time and energy to even cook dinner every single night?

You, that’s who! Eating together is good for you and your family. So you better make time and find the energy to make home-cooked meals and sit down and eat together more often.

Researchers have found many benefits to home-cooked meals. Watch this video to learn about some of them.  In my own experience, though, there are many more. Here are 24 reasons I have found to share family meals more often:

1. Families who eat together eat healthier, because home-cooked food is healthier than fast food.

2. Family meals allow busy families to catch up with each other.

3. Young children learn a lot of verbal skills just by eating with their family members.

4. It gives everyone a chance to unwind after a busy day.

5. Having family meals more often forces you to end your working day and other obligations in time for dinner.

6. Home cooked meals are not only healthier, they’re also cheaper than takeout food or eating out.

7. Eating together forces everybody to tell stories.

8. Cooking at home motivates you to be creative with your meal planning and cooking.

9. Children can get involved in cooking meals.

10. Cooking and eating together creates happy childhood memories.

11. Eating together is an opportunity to explore different cuisines.

12. Eating with your family is more fun than eating in front of the television (or the computer).

13. Eating together gives parents a chance to talk about current events from their point of view, injecting their personal values without giving a lecture.

14.  Eating together helps family members bond and get to know each other better.

15. You’ll be surprised what your kids reveal when you’re in a relaxed environment, such as a family meal.

16. Kids are less likely to roll their eyes when you reminisce and tell stories from your childhood while eating a meal together.

17. Family meals can be good teaching moments, even for small children. My toddler learned how to count by counting after-meal treats on his high chair.

18. Eating together is a good opportunity to teach and model good manners.

19. Family meals give a good transition from work or school to home life.

20. Family meals are also good times to share music together.

21. Family meals teach everyone valuable life skills, such as sharing and taking turns.

22. Stopping and sitting down to a meal gives everyone a chance to quiet down and regroup.

23. Family meals provide an additional occasion for family members to pray together.

24. Eating home is more eco-friendly than eating out or ordering food – less waste! 

If you think having family meals is too much work, don’t despair. You can get help for everything from meal planning to putting your weekly grocery shopping list together. Check out Dine Without Whine for kid-tested, quick recipes that will help you put together family meals with less effort. Dine Without Whine’s weekly shopping lists will also help you get food shopping done much faster, and even save money on groceries.

As you can see from the list above, the extra time and effort you spend to have family meals more often are worthwhile.

A Fun Way to Stay Cool! Make Ice Cream with Your Kids

My kids love making their own ice cream; its fun, easy and tastes good too.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup – milk or half and half
• 1 tablespoon – sugar
• ¼ teaspoon – vanilla
• 1 Ziploc sandwich bag
• 1 Large Ziploc bag
• 6 tablespoons – rock salt (we used regular table salt)
• Ice cubes

What to do:

Fill half of the large Ziploc bag with ice cubes, add rock salt and seal the bag.  Put milk, sugar and vanilla in the small bag and seal it. Open the large bag and place the sealed small bag inside then reseal the large bag. Shake the mixture until it turns to ice cream, about 5 minutes. When complete, remove small bag, wipe clean (removing salt water) open carefully and enjoy!

For even more family recipes visit http://devotedtoparenting.com and to keep your kids busy this summer get your free Busy Book for Kids for tons of activity ideas that are sure to keep your little ones entertained.

Let’s Eat Outside – Great Kid-Friendly Picnic Ideas

Summer is finally here and with the kids home all day this is the perfect time for a picnic. Pack up some food, cool drinks and a blanket and head to the park, playground or even just the backyard. You can even entertain your little ones with a picnic on the kitchen or living room floor on a rainy day.

Of course you could just fix some PB&J sandwiches, pack a couple of juice boxes and call it a picnic, but there are so many other fun and delicious things you could prepare. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

A New Twist for PB&J

Pack a few rice cakes, a small jar of peanut butter, some raisins and other dried fruit as well as some apples. When it’s time to eat, spread peanut butter on the rice cake and let your child decorate it with the dried and fresh fruit. Raisins become eyes, a slice of apple the mouth and a berry makes a great nose.

Crackers and Cheese

Buy some hard cheese, such as cheddar, slice it (or buy it pre-sliced from the deli), and cut shapes out with small cookie cutters. You can also use cookie cutters on thicker slices of ham, salami or bologna. Serve with an assortment of crackers, and fresh fruit, such as grapes or berries.

Deli Style Sandwiches

Get some sub rolls, a little mayo and mustard (the small packs you get at fast food places work great for a picnic), and a variety of deli style sandwich meat and cheeses. Top it all off with a few leaves of lettuce that you washed at home and brought in a plastic baggie. Let each family member create their own sub with their favorite meats and cheeses. A bag of chips completes the meal.

“Fried Chicken Strips” With Veggies n’ Dip

Use some crushed cornflakes to bread chicken breast strips and bake them in the oven until done. You can do this the night before the picnic and refrigerate the chicken strips – they are delicious cold. Cut up some veggies like peppers, celery, cucumber, broccoli and cauliflower and add some baby carrots. Bring a little ranch dressing to use as a dip and your picnic is complete.

Desserts

Fresh fruit of course always makes for a great portable dessert on a picnic. Some homemade or store-bought cookies are another great option. Bake a batch of brownies, cut them and bag them after they have cooled completely for a chocolaty treat.

Grab a cooler, fix some sandwiches and head out to the park, playground or even the backyard for a picnic. Don’t forget lots of water on warm days!

Want more family friendly recipes? Visit Dine Without Whine for a sample weekly menu plan your entire family will love.

Get your free Busy Book for Kids for tons of activity ideas that are sure to keep your little ones entertained.