The Ice Pick Glistened in the Streetlight
You wouldn’t believe some of the stories I have heard since writing my first book!
Complete strangers come out of the woodwork and share incredulous stories that you may or may not believe. After my real life experiences this past year alone, nothing much shocks me anymore.
According to Publishing Perspectives, some 200 million Americans say they want to publish a book. Yet only about 1 percent of those folks ever do.
One fine entrepreneur once told me (at a business Mastermind I attended in LA last year) “It seems so daunting.”
Writing and publishing a book that is.
Yet so many people have amazing stories to share. Stories that teach, motivate, inspire, entertain and most importantly stories that can be life changing.
Stories that can impact millions.
I believe my personal real life story of high school drop out to successful business owner is one of them. I am not ready to share my personal tragedies with the world. Not just yet.
I can, however, share a story my brother Pete once told me.
A story of how he was jumped by six boys (probably an exaggeration knowing my brother Peter) and how the ice pick they held at his throat glistened in the street light.
Terrifying to say the least.
He told his story so well that I envisioned an ice pick 4 feet high with a sharp glass-like tip. Pointy and in the shape of a diamond. In reality, it was probably one of those handheld things that have a pointy metal tip. Used to chip the ice off of frozen cars here in snowy Buffalo, NY where I grew up.
The story and the way he told it was so terrifying and so incredibly important.
Because it terrified me. Which in turn kept me from walking alone in the bad parts of town. That story has most likely prevented me from getting robbed or held at gunpoint. Or even worse.
The thing we as women dread the most. Violence and rape.
Which is why your story is so important. I believe every single person has a story to share. Yet, most folks are afraid to use their voice.
Isn’t it time you use yours?
What story have you been keeping a secret? What untold story is eating you up inside?
Start now. Download your FREE guide to write and publish your first book. Click the link here to learn more…
How to Feel Happier
Something I read a while back , struck a chord in me…
“Happiness is a feeling.”
This is something I tell myself often. You see, the past year has been one of the worst years of my life.
Starting my own business and trying to start a blog has kept me trying to keep a smile on. Publicly, I mean. No one cares when things are bad. They don’t want to hear it.
And when things are good?
Greed, jealousy and envy can rear their ugly heads in ways I never thought possible. It doesn’t matter how hard you try to feel happier. It doesn’t change the ugliness in this world.
With that said, despite what challenges you are dealing with now. The good, the bad or the ugly. Happy times, stressful times or scary difficult times.
There are actionable things you can do right now to feel happier.
If I can still manage to feel happy enduring what I have been through this past year, there is no question you can too. Today I want to share some of the things I think can make anyone feel happier.
On good days or bad.
Things that you might need to force yourself to do. But that you *should* do if you need a pick me up. Happiness really does only exist within yourself.
Pink, red, orange and yellow are happy colors.
You can’t change the past. You can’t make bad people good. You can’t turn black into white. But there are shades of gray that you can add color to.
Add some color to your life by surrounding yourself with cheerful colors and friendly kind people. Stop and take time to do something you enjoy.
Play a silly game on your phone for a few minutes. Go for a walk or watch a funny YouTube video. Anything that will make you laugh.
Call a friend. Be careful with this one. Not everyone who pretends to be your friend is your friend. I hope you don’t learn this the hard way the way I have.
When you do, you don’t need to mention that you’re feeling bad. You don’t have to vent or share even. Simply say to your friend, “Tell me something good.”
You’ll be surprised how a happy or uplifting story can lift your spirits. Even if it’s just for a moment.
Exercise. Exercising Makes You Feel Happier.
It doesn’t matter what you do. Walk, run, jump rope. Do a set of angry pushups. You would be surprised how you can instantly feel happier just be getting your heart pumping.
Eating Makes You Feel Good
Sometimes when you’re feeling sad you forget to eat. Or nothing tastes good…
At least for me anyway.
Eat something and drink a glass of water. Opt for something healthy like fruit or a large healthy meal. Depending on when you ate last.
Also, do treat yourself. This is time for self care. Do anything that will make you feel better!
Eating chocolate is good!
Just don’t go to town on a whole pint of Death by Chocolate (my personal favorite). Eat a small amount of chocolate while you are preparing a healthy snack or meal.
Whatever bad sh*t is bringing you down, put a positive spin on it.
I have this bizarre gift of being able to find a positive in every single situation. I’m not kidding when I say this.
Even the most horrible things that have happened to me.
How to turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Here’s an example. When I was a kid about 9 years old, I was drowning in a pool of water.
(I’ll share the story of how it happened another time.)
This is about your happiness. Let’s get back on topic…
I was taking in water, drowning. On a beautiful sunny day. Surrounded by happy kids who were swimming, laughing and having fun.
Meanwhile, I was suffocating. I was taking in water and drowning in a chlorine filled (and who knows what else) public pool. After my short bout of panic (trying to grab peoples feet to get help) I suddenly gave in. I realized that this was the end. Oddly, I felt a moment of blissful peace.
Kind of like in the movies. You know, like when the white light suddenly appears out of the clouds.
Then suddenly, someone grabbed me. It was the girl who almost killed me. She lifted me up and carried me to the edge of the pool. Where I gagged and coughed trying to breathe again.
Which felt even worse than the drowning itself.
Not to mention the humiliation I felt in front of everyone. Especially, in front of the cute lifeguards.
Because the lifeguards are always cute, right?
The three positive and most important things that have come of this are: I started taking my daughters to swim class at a very young age. I will never regret the chilly mommy and me swim classes we went to.
They continued to take swim classes until I knew both my girls could swim well.
I too finally learned how to swim. I took adult swim classes as soon as I could afford them. I was in my twenties when I finally learned how to swim.
It just goes to show you, it’s never too late to learn something new.
The most important thing I learned which is also the most valuable positive thing. That I can spin out of this dire situation is that I am not afraid of dying.
Maybe it’s because I know the things I have accomplished in my life are enough. The people I have helped and the lives I have touched. Or maybe it was that moment of bliss I felt.
There was no fear.
So what lots of people consider the worst case scenario being death, I do not.
The worst case scenario for me is that I die unhappy. Nothing will stop me from trying to make as many people feel happier before that happens.
Making other people happy can make you feel happier.
That’s what makes me feel happy. When I help other people.
Whether it’s to help you lose weight or to try to find a happier career path… Or to write that book you’ve been thinking about. The one that’s eating you up inside.
It makes no difference to me. As long as I can help at least one person.
Some business experts would say that my website is “confusing” to visitors. The message isn’t always clear.
So here is what it is all about: How you can feel happier.
If you want to feel happier check out my list of products. It’s a mixed bag of stuff. I guess I’m still trying to figure out what makes me feel happier.
So kill me – I’m not afraid.
Contact me now if you need help growing your business through the Power of Writing. Or starting your own business…
Here’s what one happy client told me:
“I really love your way with words. You’re friggin talented Irene. I love how you write. It gave me chills.”
~Jennelle Gordon
Founder of Beyond Freedom
Books and online marketing are my specialties. Check out my about page to schedule a live consultation here: Learn more…
Start Living Your Dream Life
Today I am sharing inspiring quotes my daughter and I read from candy wrappers. It reminded me of how important it is to pursue your dreams and live your best life.
Here’s the story…
Do you know those little chocolates with the inspirational quotes on the wrappers?
The decadent ones that melt in your mouth. The dark chocolate and the milk chocolate ones are both so delicious.
Someone actually gets paid to write those quotes. Sitting around writing quotes all day.
Hmmm. Kind of like my job.
Anyway, we were eating them the other day and my daughter read her quote out loud.
Cool.
I had completely forgotten that the wrappers had quotes on them. I had already thrown my first wrapper in the trash. Bummer.
I ate another chocolate, fighting my desire to dig it out of the garbage can. I had to know what it said. It was my first one. Isn’t the first one the most important? Like a fortune cookie. Almost.
So I went under the kitchen sink and I dug it out of the trash.
My daughter said, “Ewwww. Mom!”
In my defense, it was my trash can. I had just changed the bag. It’s not like there was anything icky on it. And you know what? I don’t regret my decision.
Because they are worth sharing with you.
The “trash can quote” is second on the list since it was the second one I read. I wanted to share them with you in order of how we read them. I won’t tell you how many we ate. Let’s just say there were duplicates. 🙂
Here they are:
*Be with people who make you laugh
*Don’t wait for sleep to start dreaming
*Dare to cross the line
*Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end
*Today is your day
Today is your day.
Your day to:
*Stop procrastinating
*Start living the dream
*Surround yourself with like-minded people – who also make you laugh
And It’s your day to start living the lifestyle you desire.
If you have the desire to start your own business and live the *real* American dream you can start today. Building your own money making website is a great way to create passive income and have the freedom to work from anywhere.
Starting your own blog is easier than you might think.
There are many ways to make money doing it. Building your own email list of subscribers is the fastest and easiest way to make money blogging.
Why You Should Write a Book
A few years ago, I was watching a popular morning show on one of the major networks. Tim Larkin, author of “Surviving the Unthinkable” was demonstrating self-defense techniques and promoting his book.
Watching the show ignited two things inside me. Fear and envy.
I ordered the book immediately.
Every few months, I pick it up and read it again. I don’t want to be one of the many women who’ve joined the “Me Too” movement. I prefer to create a new movement.
“Not Me”
By protecting myself. And creating the kind of power and income to protect myself from as many horrible things as possible.
Like debt, stress, limited choices, narcissists, stalkers, becoming a victim and envy.
Why was I envious?
I have always wanted to be a published author. Not sure why exactly. Maybe because I love to write. Or because I’ve always been a bookworm.
I was a little envious of the man on television promoting his book. Not because he was on television. I’ve been on TV. Not that big a deal.
Because he was a “published author.”
This might not mean much to you. But to me? At one time I wanted to be a writer and a journalist. I was shot down by an English teacher, who told me “You’re a bad writer.” He wasn’t even an English teacher. He was an unemployed substitute, taking the place of my real English teacher, while on a leave of absence.
My dreams were crushed. Yet another way, we can become victimized.
It was a big deal to me.
I finally did it. I wrote, published and sold my first book within a couple of weeks.
Once I set my mind to it and set a goal.
Like Tim Larkin, I have knowledge about something people want. And Need. To lose weight, feel great and live a happier and healthier life.
You do too.
We all have a superpower.
You have a superpower. Something that you can teach others. Writing a book is one of the best way to reach millions of people who need what you can teach.
Who can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Too many people die without achieving their dreams.
Don’t say “Me Too.” Say Not Me.
Download your FREE checklist to start writing your book now.
The Ketogenic Diet
What is the Ketogenic Diet?
The Ketogenic diet commonly known as Keto, is a low carbohydrate high-fat diet used for rapid weight loss. Success stories of weight loss are growing in numbers. With people toting all over social media about their weight loss success. The diet is spreading rapidly as one of the hottest weight loss trends.
The diet creates a low blood sugar effect which puts your body into a state of ketosis. This causes the body to burn excess fat quickly. Although it is recognized for weigh loss success, the diet consists of mostly fat and very little protein which causes some concern.
The Ketogenic diet was developed in 1924 by Dr. Russell Wilder at the mayo clinic. It was originally developed to help treat children with epilepsy. It has since been widely used by doctors and patients as a treatment for epilepsy. Although Dr. Wilder is recognized for coining the phrase Ketogenic, the diet may have been around longer. His studies were based on fasting and similar diets used to treat epilepsy since as early as 500 BC.
It’s not clear exactly when Keto became a popular weight loss trend. However, as with most diets, there are already many cases where the weight is gained back after going off the diet.
Pros and Cons of the Ketogenic Diet
The positive effects of the Ketogenic diet are rapid and significant weight loss. Making it appealing to those wishing to lose weight. However, there are drawbacks. Negative side effects have been reported as low energy, constipation and dangerously low blood sugar levels from the lack of carbohydrates. The biggest negative effect is weight gain after going off the diet.
Often times you gain even more weight back. Yet, remaining on the diet can be equally dangerous. The high fat food you consume while on the diet can put you at risk for stroke, heart disease and heart attacks.
A healthy lifestyle change with increased exercise and eating a well balanced diet is a safer way to lose weight and keep the weight off for longevity.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making healthy lifestyle choices has always been and will always be the safest and healthiest way to lose weight. And keep it off for good. Eating a well balanced diet filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and lean protein is not only safe but effective.
One of the downfalls of any diet is not incorporating a healthy exercise routine into your weight loss plan. Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It relieves stress, keeps your metabolism going giving you energy, it burns calories and releases endorphins that make you feel good. It also increases your stamina. For more productivity, better sex and happiness.
To learn more about weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices watch this video: Vital to Your Weight Loss Success
This post may include affiliate links. Which means I may earn some money if you click on one. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.
How to Build Your Confidence
Everyone should walk the red carpet at least once in their life.
Discover the confidence it takes to walk the red carpet.
What would you do if suddenly you were going to a fancy event, black tie dinner, or…
You are finally about to take the long anticipated walk down the red carpet?
And you need to get red carpet ready – FAST!
Don’t think it could happen to you?
Don’t be so sure.
Big dreams can turn into realities.
Look at Channing Tatum. Stripper turned famous actor.
Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling book and blockbuster hit movie Wild. She became famous after sharing her true story of overcoming drug addiction and walking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Jack Canfield, famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times before a publisher agreed to publish his best-selling book. Now with over 40 million copies sold.
Living proof that it could happen to you.
Even if you never walk down the red carpet. You can walk with the same confidence at any event. A wedding, a formal dinner, a hot date. Or strutting your stuff on the beach.
All you need to walk the red carpet is confidence.
The kind of confidence that only comes with feeling good about yourself. Like when you lose a few pounds. Your clothes fit better and you can even fit back into some of your favorite dresses.
But losing weight doesn’t just change your dress size…
It can change your life.
After I had my second child, I was 20 pounds heavier than I like to be. I was miserable. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way I felt.
After I lost the weight, my whole life changed. I felt happy again.
I ended a bad relationship, changed my hairstyle and started a new career. I eventually went on to start my own business and published my first book.
If I can do it, so can you.
You can accomplish anything your heart desires.
Taking care of your body and your health can give you the confidence you need to change your life. Giving you the confidence to go after your dreams, reach your goals and create a life of happiness.
Like my friend Charlotte did.
Here is what Charlotte said after going through the Zipping It Up weight loss program: “I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back to a size 6 again!”
Don’t wait! Start now.
Every small step you take will lead you in the right direction. You can start now by learning everything Charlotte did. The system that helped her drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks. “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”
You will discover *exactly* how to build the confidence you need to succeed.
Get red carpet ready for any occasion.
Follow your path to success. Discover how it feels to be confident and ready.
You can begin your walk down the red carpet here:
I want to be red carpet ready!
This One Thing is Vital to Your Success
Discover the one thing that is vital to your weight loss success…
Are you ready to crush your weight loss goals?
Exercise and healthy eating are the a big part of reaching your goals. Old school methods that have worked for decades. The methods I teach in “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
Methods like:
*Drinking lots of water
*Squeezing in exercise to burn extra calories
*Eating your vegetables
*Reducing carbs and sugar
These things are all essential to living a healthy lifestyle. But there is one thing that is vital to your success.
This one thing can work wonders for your weight loss success.
It is so potent that it can also work wonders for everything in your life.
Including changing your career, relationships, financial freedom, finally publishing your first book, or anything else you are trying to achieve in life.
Discover the one vital thing that can help you succeed in everything you do. Watch the video now:
https://youtu.be/mqbdmIku7LY
Discover more ways to lose weight fast here.
A Little Fun to Keep the Holiday Cheer
How Charlie Stole Christmas
“Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season
like Christmas and turn it into a problem.” – Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas
One of my favorite parts about Christmas is watching the holiday specials. I haven’t seen good old Charlie Brown in a while but the story still sticks in my brain.
Every time I see a scrawny, scraggly little tree I think of Charlie Brown.
Funny how things stick with you.
Just like the memories of lost loved ones. Which can be horribly depressing this time of year.
In fact, it’s one of the main causes of the Holiday Blues.
Another reason is that no one likes to be around depressed or complaining people. So instead of reaching out for help, they begin to isolate themselves. Making things even worse.
Which is one the reasons why people have a hard time coming out of it.
And quite frankly, fair feathered friends should be shot.
Or thrown off a cliff.
Okay maybe that’s a little harsh. C’mon even the Grinch came around. His heart even grew 3 sizes that day!
And Charlie?
Why he didn’t steal Christmas!
Just because his tree was not very tall.
He did not steal Christmas.
He did not at all!
Thankfully, for Charlie, his friends didn’t give up on him when he was depressed.
And I would never give up on you.
That’s right Charlie, I got your back.
If you or anyone you know is feeling a little a depressed this holiday season watch a good movie or holiday show. Laugh, cry, eat a pint of ice cream if you have to.
But do NOT isolate yourself. And if you suspect someone you know is feeling depressed this holiday season. Don’t be a Grinch about. Don’t be a fair feathered friend.
For more fun ways to make this holiday season a happier time for you and your loved ones, read my recent article I wrote: How to Beat the *Post* Holiday Blues.
Happy Holidays!
Irene Gabelnick
P.S.
To brighten up your day now, watch A Charlie Brown Christmas through my affiliate link.
P.P.S
It’s through your loving support, purchasing my products and services, and through the affiliate links that I can maintain my health & wellness blog. To help as many people as possible live happier and healthier lives.
How to Beat the Holiday Blues
There are many causes for holiday depression. Loneliness, missing loved ones who have passed on or are no longer in your life are common reasons for catching the holiday blues. Holiday shopping stress, drinking too much alcohol, not exercising, overindulging at holiday parties, grey dismal weather or financial stress can make things worse.
If you or someone you know is feeling a little sad this holiday season, there are many ways you can perk up your mood and get through the difficult moments. Persevere and enjoy the holiday season with the ones you love. Read on to see how you can beat the holiday blues and make this holiday season a celebration of happiness.
5 Ways to Make Your Holiday Season Brighter
Christmas should be a joyous occasion. Below are a few suggestions to help you or someone you love get through the holidays.
1. Let yourself cry. It is perfectly okay to cry. In fact, I strongly encourage it. Watch a good tear jerker movie. One of my all time favorite movies is “A Walk to Remember.” A story about two young kids who fall in love starring Mandy Moore. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Making it a perfect remedy for feeling sad.
2. Spend time with the people you love. Gather up the family and do something fun together. Watch a good comedy, play a game or just hang out. Surrounding yourself with love and laughter will help you conquer those sneaky holiday blues.
3. Exercise. I can’t even begin to touch upon the health benefits of exercise. This isn’t anything you don’t already know. Exercise makes you feel happier. Just do it. Call a friend and go for a walk. The combination of fresh air, exercise and good conversation will instantly lift your mood.
4. Eat healthy. It’s easy to put on a few extra pounds around the holidays. Nothing feels worse than waking up, feeling bloated and putting on your favorite jeans only to have your gut hanging over. Yuck. Treat yourself, but don’t overindulge. If you do overindulge and want to debloat fast, you can download my Delicious Detox Water recipe here.
5. Smile. Smiles are contagious. Making other people feel good has a boomerang effect that will elevate your mood as well as theirs. Remember to spread joy to people around you. Smiling or offering a few kind words to anyone you encounter will make you feel better.
Appreciate what you have. It could be gone tomorrow. Don’t risk losing time with the people you love. Create new traditions and happy memories that you can cherish. Again, it’s okay to be sad. But recognize it, embrace it and move forward.
Post-Holiday Blues
For some the sadness begins after Christmas. Taking down the Christmas Tree and decorations isn’t nearly as fun as putting them up. The beautiful bright lights are gone. The Christmas songs stop playing. The Salvation Army Santa’s are no more.
And we’re often left having gained a few pounds and credit card bills to pay.
You can use the same coping for the Holiday Blues. But also try adding a few strategies to end the year on a high note. And begin the New Year more relaxed and less stressed.
5 Ways to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues
1. End the year being careful with your money. Holiday sales are tough to resist. You’ve been in what I refer to as spending mode. And it’s time to stop. If you save $2 on a $10 item, you’ve still spent $8. Resist going out too much and spending lavishly on nights out filled with entertainment. It’s tempting when old friends are home for the holidays. Instead suggest going for a walk or hitting the gym for a much needed post-holiday workout.
2. Look at your budget. Begin to strategize how you will begin the year off debt free. Cut back on expensive drive thru treats. Enjoy gourmet coffee at home. It’s amazing how much money you save by skipping the coffee shop brews and making it at home. Use your favorite travel mug. Using your Keurig is less expensive and you can still enjoy delicious brews to go.
3. Earn extra cash. Consider taking on a side hustle to earn a little extra cash. Use skills you have to teach someone something you know. Start a dog walking service, cleaning service or photography business on the weekends. Sell things in your home that you don’t use or need. If you want to make some extra cash fast read my article How to Make $200 Fast.
4. Begin a new exercise routine now. Why wait until the New Year. Wear your fancy New Year’s Eve dress in style. If you’re looking for fun ways to burn more calories, read chapters 6 and 7 in “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
5. Start eating healthy now. There is no reason to wait until the new year to begin feeling happier. You can feel great in all your clothes. Especially the ones you have buried in the back of the closet. For when you finally lose the weight. If dropping a couple dress sizes would make you feel happier check out “Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”
This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price in any way. Please see my disclosure for more information and thank you for your support.
The Benefits of Yoga
Heal your body and your mind with Yoga.
Yoga is a common practice derived from a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. It is a combination of breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely used for health, exercise and relaxation. There are many types of yoga and choosing the right one depends on your style and preference. Whichever style you choose, you can reap many benefits from adding the practice to your exercise routine.
Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Power yoga is my personal preference. It combines strength and meditation to build muscle, increase your heart rate and decrease stress.
Don’t let the headstands and pretzel-like twists scare you. Beginners can start slowly with easier poses that almost anyone can do. Yoga stretches help you improve balance and flexibility while working multiple muscle groups at once.
How to Take a Yoga Breath
Yoga breathing can greatly improve your mental health and overall well being. Benefits include improvements in mental clarity and concentration, stress relief, and relaxation of the mind. They are very easy to do and help improve your focus and concentrate. You become more in tune with your entire body and your mind.
You can practice yoga breathing for relaxation. Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Inhale deeply through your nose as you feel your lungs and chest fill completely with air. Tighten your core while inhaling and exhaling. Release the air by exhaling slowly through the mouth. Feeling the air leave your body, while concentrating on your inner core. The breathing helps you concentrate as you feel the breath entering and slowly leaving your body.
Using Yoga for Weight Loss
Yoga is a form of exercise that can be used to maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted weight. It is often practiced in a heated environment to increase metabolism and pulse rate. Which can help you lose weight quickly. Maintaining a healthy weight gives you more energy, helps you prevent illness and builds confidence. To make better decisions in life, better career choices and enjoy healthier relationships.
To get started practicing yoga today, all you need is a yoga mat and a little guidance. You can find a class near you, buy a yoga DVD or find free yoga videos on YouTube.
For more ways to get more balance in your life and build a strong hard core read How to Get Flat Abs Fast.
This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.