“We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better. “~J.K. Rowling
I recently started reading the book The Magic by Rhonda Byrne.
Rhonda Byrne is the creator behind The Secret, a documentary film that swept the world in 2006, changing millions of lives and igniting a global movement. The Magic is one of the books in the trilogy of The Secret and is basically a “how-to” guide on using gratitude to manifest anything you want into your life. It’s basically a 28-day guide to magically manifest anything you want into your life.
Now, I’m not sure if I actually believe in Magic per se. But I do believe in consistency and the power of believing in yourself and I think J.K. Rowling says it well.
So maybe she’s born with it or maybe it’s magic…
Either way, I’m all about gratitude and positive thinking – so why not give it a shot.
We ALL desire something we don’t already have.
There are two reasons I decided to go ALL IN on this. A couple of weeks ago my friend Cherie Marquez (aka The Dog Mystic) asked me to form a Facebook group with her. And inside the group, she wants to do the 28 days of Magic together.
This way we’ll hold each other accountable and lift as we climb.
This is why we’re inviting you to join us.
The other reason is that I did my research as any good copywriter would do.
I read the reviews and here’s what I found: The book has a 5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with 87% of readers giving it 5 stars and that’s with 12,490 reviews.
One verified purchaser, a person by the name of E. Blossom said, “ABSOLUTELY LIFE CHANGING. Went from roughly $70 in my bank account to traveling and making over $78K in 3 months.”
And we can all use a little extra cash. I also truly believe in the power of community.
When we band together the magic happens…
So here’s the deal: each day, one of us (either Cherie or I) will be going Live inside our Facebook group and sharing how to use gratitude to manifest anything you want in your life.
This could be with your health, relationships, money, career. your business, abundance, love, passions, material things, or anything your heart desires. Even finally writing that book you’ve thinking about. We’re starting this Wednesday, May 5 (which happens to be my Mom’s birthday, and what a fitting memorial tribute to the wonderful woman she was). This way, the 28th day will be June 1st which is Cherie’s birthday. That one we planned. 🙂
Which I thought makes a perfect birthday gift for my friend. We named the group Find Your True Bliss.
Because to me, that’s what life is about. Finding joy and happiness in all that we do. To join us inside our brand new Facebook group and find your true bliss use the link below.
P.S. If you need some one-on-one help with anything pertaining to writing your book or getting clarity on your path (or your business) hit reply to schedule a private coaching session with me.
I’ve opened up just a few spots this week for the first 3 people who respond. I don’t do this very often but I’m offering an enormous discount so grab it now before it’s too late.
We’ll schedule a live 60-minute Zoom call for only $97. These spots fill up quickly… So hit reply now to save your spot before they fill up!
The Importance of Early Detection in Breast Cancer
The first time I found a lump on one of my breasts, I was in my early twenties. Actually, I didn’t find the lump, my doctor did. It was during a routine annual exam. It was a little scary going for my first mammogram at such a young age.
Fortunately, everything turned out fine for me.
It turns out I have dense tissue in my breasts. This means I develop lumps fairly frequently. They’re usually nothing to be concerned about. But the only way to know for certain is to have a mammogram.
A mammogram is a breast exam used to screen you for breast cancer. They squeeze your breast between two cold, hard, flat surfaces. Then they take x-rays of your breasts at various angles. It’s sometimes painful but mostly uncomfortable.
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
There isn’t very much preparation for a mammogram. It is recommended that you avoid chocolate, coffee, or caffeine before the test. The caffeine can make your breasts more tender making it more uncomfortable during the exam. You should begin to avoid them about a week before your exam.
Hopefully, where you for your exam will be as cool as mine. They have coffee readily available and giant jars of Hershey kisses in the waiting rooms. To make up for all the chocolate you gave up
On the day of the exam, do not put on deodorant, lotion, perfume, or anything else on your breasts or under your arms. If you do, you should thoroughly wash it off before the exam. It could alter your test results or prevent the x-rays from being clear.
After checking in for your exam you will be asked to undress from the top up and put on a gown. You should wear a skirt or pants so you can at least have your bottoms on when they remove the gown during the exam.
The worst part of a mammogram is trying to hold still while they take the x-ray. If you move while they are taking the x-ray, it could come out blurry. Making it difficult for the doctor to make an accurate assessment.
Then you have to do it again. Which is a little more painful now that your breasts are already tender. After years of experience, I’ve mastered the art of holding my breath while they are taking the x-rays.
When Should You Have a Mammogram?
Your doctor will recommend a mammogram if there is something unusual or suspicious about your breasts. Like a lump, tenderness, pain, unusual changes or discharge from your nipples; or any other unusual changes to your breasts.
If you’re old (like me) it is recommended that you have a mammogram once a year. Typically if you are over the age of 40 or if there is a history of cancer in your family. Speak to your doctor if anything seems unusual about your breasts or to find out when you should have your first mammogram.
If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Early detection could mean the difference between life or death.
After they take the x-rays you will be sent to a waiting room. They recommend that you keep the gown on in case the doctor recommends more testing. Then you sit in a room with other women all a little nervous while waiting for their test results.
The doctor will call you into a room where you go over the x-rays together.
If everything looks good they send you on your way. You can breathe easy now knowing you’re okay.
If something looks suspicious, then further testing is recommended. They typically start with more x-ray taken from multiple angles and more advanced technology like 3D images.
If something warrants concern, the next step is to have a biopsy. Where they extract samples from the breast tissue to run more tests.
After your mammogram, you will most likely be offered a choice whether to stay and wait for your results or to leave. If you decide to stay you will wait to see the doctor and go over the results together. If you decide to leave they will call you with the results.
Keep in mind, if you are called back it is no longer considered prevention. Your health insurance may charge you differently for your follow up visit. I learned this the hard way by having to pay out of pocket. Apparently, had I stayed the entire appointment would have been covered under prevention saving me money.
I usually wait since I want to know the results as quickly as possible. One year when I was there for a routine visit, it was kind of busy and I didn’t feel like waiting. Since I was there for a routine visit and not because of any unusual changes I wasn’t too concerned.
As Murphy’s Law would have it, things looked suspicious.
I was surprised when I received a call to come back for more testing.
This time when I arrived at the facility, they sent me to the other side. This side is where the women go who failed the initial breast screening. I call it the scary side. It was not fun sitting in the waiting.
You can’t help but people watch while you’re there. Wondering who has cancer. It makes me happy to see women come out of the doctor’s office with expressions of relief and joy. I too felt relief on that day. It turned out to be nothing.
My sister Natalie wasn’t so lucky. She died of breast cancer. She had been struggling with her weight and was taking high blood pressure medication.
She was only 46 years old when she died. She found the lump between her regular checkups and annual mammograms. Only 7 months after having a routine mammogram. She wasn’t scheduled for another one for 5 months.
It turned out to be the most aggressive form of breast cancer. After careful consideration, she decided to have the most aggressive treatment. Her doctor scheduled a double mastectomy and both her breasts were removed only 2 weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Six weeks later, she went back to have her stitches removed. Another cancerous lump had already formed on one of her scars. She went back to surgery to have the lump removed. Then she went through chemotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy again. Despite the early detection, cancer spread rapidly into stage 4. Once in her lymph nodes, cancer spread everywhere including her lungs. She died exactly one year after having her breasts removed.
My sister Natalie didn’t win her battle with cancer but many do.
Her overall health wasn’t very good, to begin with. She was overweight, was taking high blood pressure medication (which completely killed her sex drive), and she smoked.
Your health and choices can significantly impact your treatment. Including your chance of survival and risk of contracting other deadly diseases and breast cancer.
There are many cancer survivors who are alive today because of early detection.
As well as their overall health and choices.
It’s scary to think about but extremely important. Early detection and immediate treatment is the best way to battle this deadly disease.
Check your own breasts every month. Only you know what your breasts feel like. What is normal for you and what is not. If you have any unusual symptoms or any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is critical that you call your doctor to have your breasts examined.
As quickly as possible.
On a side note, my sister was an organ donor. Because cancer had spread throughout her entire body, only her corneas could be donated. I learned shortly after her death that two people can now see because of her. An eighty year old woman in WNY and a 44 year old man in Tennessee.
Knowing her death at least allowed two people to use their eyes helped make the healing process and loss of her death a little bit easier.
Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Discover how you can lose weight fast and keep it off for life.
Discover how to grow your business using Pinterest to drive new buying customers to your website fast.
Updated on November 9, 2020. This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. You can read the full disclosure to learn more.
Pinterest is still one of the fastest-growing social media platforms.
Even in 2020! Read how you can easily use Pinterest to drive traffic to your website, build your email list, and grow your business.
Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest is a search engine. Where people go to buy things, find useful information, and where business owners go to take action!
*Just a quick side note. I don’t usually write long blog posts. But I felt it was really important to share this with you. It took me a long time to figure out how to use Pinterest successfully. Now that I have found a winning formula I wanted to share it with you. To save you time and start using Pinterest the right way – fast. So you can drive consistent traffic with Pinterest to make money blogging and grow your business.
You can Pin it now in case you get interrupted. Then come right back to learn actionable steps that you can use right now to start getting traffic to your website. Don’t forget to download your FREE guide to make your Pinterest pins go viral.
The following information below can help you quickly grow your business using Pinterest.
Keep reading to see who is on Pinterest, what Pinterest is all about, and how you can grow your business using Pinterest.
Who’s on Pinterest?
According to Pinterest Business, there are over 442 million monthly active users worldwide. Pinterest is growing and has become a valuable business platform for bloggers and business owners.
Also, business owners and bloggers are on Pinterest all the time. So if your business targets other business owners (or happy shoppers with money to spend) it’s a great place to be.
Here are some compelling statistics according to Pinterest for Business:
81% of Pinterest users are women.
The median age of Pinterest users is 40.
Half of Pinterest users earn $50K or greater per year, with 10 percent of Pinteresting households making greater than $125K.
90% of weekly Pinners make purchase decisions on Pinterest
How Pinterest Works…
Pinterest is a form of social media that uses images to grab your attention and drive traffic to information, products, and services. The images are shared and saved to boards to keep and use for later.
As a business, you can have direct links to your website, a sales page or an email sign up form. Hosted either by your website or your email provider.
Pinterest is primarily a search engine. Not so much used for social engagement, but to find useful things to make your life easier.
Here’s an example of exactly how it works. I’m going to use recipes as an example. If you want a specific recipe for dinner, you search for it. You find recipes you want to try, then you save them to your recipe board for later. When you want to make that recipe you go to your Pinterest account and look up the recipe you’ve saved.
You can now make it for dinner or look up the ingredients while you’re at the grocery store. Making it super helpful!
You can also delete the recipe from your board if you decide you didn’t like it. Then you can inform all your friends how awful the recipe was. Like this vegan buffalo wing cauliflower recipe, my daughter and I tried.
People love recommendations and honest feedback. Making your testimonials even stronger. Helping you close more sales!
That is basically how Pinterest works. Now let’s see how you can put Pinterest to work for you and your business.
How to Use Pinterest to Grow Your Business.
Now that we’ve established who’s on Pinterest and how it can help you grow your business, let’s talk about how you can use it to drive sales. Pinterest is a great way to drive traffic to your website. Let’s face it, without traffic you can’t build your email list or increase sales.
I use Pinterest primarily two ways to help my business. You can do the same to grow your business. I create business boards to share valuable content, resources, and information. I save and share pins I create, that link back to my website. Plus, I share Pins that link back to useful content created and shared by other Pinterest users, such as bloggers and other businesses.
I only share and save pins I think will help and interest my viewers. Or information I personally want to read or use. I often check to make sure the links are working and read the articles when I have time. To make sure they come from credible sources and offer value to my readers. You don’t want your Pins to have broken links or poor content.
You can use Pinterest to find valuable tips and tricks to help you build your business. Valuable resources that help you grow your Pinterest account, drive traffic to your website and tons of other business resources. Including how to use social media, website building, traffic, blogging, list building and making money online.
You can also use Pinterest for fun and shopping.
There is some controversy about having boards that aren’t related to your business. I personally think as long as your boards help or interest your followers that it’s okay to have them. Your viewers are actual people. They might share similar interests and want to know about travel, recipes and cleaning hacks too. Don’t you?
My suggestion is to test it to see what works best for you.
To see whether you want to keep your Pinterest account strictly a business platform or make it fun and interesting. Since my main Pinterest account was originally my personal account, I didn’t want to lose the pins I’d saved. Plus, my main Pinterest account right now is my name which is my main business website.
Most of what I know, I’ve learned from testing and implementing different strategies. I’m always continuing to test and learn what’s working.
This way I can teach you how to continuously use Pinterest as a driving force to grow a profitable business using Pinterest.
Once I discovered a winning formula that drives consistent traffic to my website I decided to create the Viral Pin Strategy.
The Viral Pin Strategy is an online video course. It teaches you how to drive traffic to your website quickly and consistently.
What I have found works best (for Pinterest and every social media platform) is testing and using consistency. You need to find what works best for your business. What works with your schedule and what things you can implement into your business strategy that you will follow through with.
Which is why I LOVE Pinterest so much.
Once you learn how it all works, you can automate most of it to put Pinterest to work for You!
Using consistency to grow your business is key to your success.
You need to stay consistent and not give up if you want to put Pinterest to work for you. To drive consistent traffic and grow your business.
Now let’s go over a few actionable steps you can start right now to successfully grow your business with Pinterest. The things I am about to share with you have and continue to work for me and can definitely work for you too.
The steps below are how I was able to increase my monthly views and drive traffic to my website. These are proven methods, you can start doing immediately, to grow your Pinterest views, get more Pinterest followers and drive traffic to your website.
How I Grew my Monthly Pinterest Views from 4k to 46k within only one week.
After implementing only a few of things, I quickly grew my Pinterest monthly views from 4k to 46k. This happened within about a week. As I continued to implement new strategies and *test* I grew my monthly views to over 240k within only a few months.
You can quickly grow your Pinterest views, increase followers and use Pinterest to drive traffic and sales. By implementing only a few of the strategies I am about to share with you.
This ONE THING alone can help you Grow Your Business.
There is *one thing* I have found that is the key to growing any business. Using any form of social media, including Pinterest, any blog, podcast or even a YouTube Channel. To build trust with your audience and drive traffic to your website.
Here’s the thing. There are lots of ways to grow your blog and business. Whichever one you choose, you must be consistent. It is easy to panic when something isn’t working quickly. Blogging is not a get rich quick scheme and all businesses take time to build and grow.
This one thing that can increase your traffic is consistency.
The thing I find that unquestionably works the best is using consistency with anything regarding to traffic, email list building and sales.
Every once in a while I get a little lax and I see a drop. Once I start pinning consistently and trying new strategies it quickly goes back up.
My blog traffic begins to increase, my email list grows and sales go up. Tailwind is a tool that can help you automate your pinning schedule to increase traffic, conversions and sales.
In addition to pinning consistently, I did a few more things that can help you grow your Pinterest views, followers and your cash flow. The first was to convert my personal Pinterest account into a Business Pinterest account.
It is very easy to switch your personal account to a business account. Simply go into the settings of your personal Pinterest account and you will see how easy it is to convert your account. I won’t go into details since Pinterest gives you super easy to follow instructions.
If you already have a business account then you are already well on your way to success! Maybe I was a little slow on the take. 🙂
Once I began using consistency I began to analyze my analytics and *test* my pins. That’s when everything changed!
Increase your monthly views and grow your followers on Pinterest by doing just a few simple and actionable things.
Another thing I discovered is that Pinterest likes fresh content, fresh pins and longer blog posts. Once they see people pinning and saving posts from your website, Pinterest will begin to push your pins out even further.
This way you reach more of your target audience and buying customers and make your pins go viral!
If you haven’t already you can save this article now, this way you can read it again later. Save it by clicking on any of the Pinterest pins. Then you can pin it to all of your relevant boards. To help your followers grow their business with Pinterest too.
Next, we will cover how and why claiming (or verifying) your website will help you grow your business on Pinterest.
How to Claim Your Website on Pinterest.
After turning your Pinterest account into a business account (or creating a business account) you can claim your website with Pinterest. This will allow you to now have access to your analytics. This is really important because it helps you track which pins are getting the most re-pins and shares.
It also allows your Pinterest profile picture to appear next to your pins.
Claiming your website is important because it helps your audience and followers identify you. To recognize you and begin to trust you as a reputable source of information.
If you haven’t claimed your website yet I strongly suggest that you do it today. Below I share the link where you can easily claim your website.
It shouldn’t take you too long to do. If you want to do it now and read this later, Pin this article to one of your boards and come back to it. Otherwise, keep reading and then do everything after you are done reading this.
Another thing you can do, if you want to read a long blog post, but you don’t have time to read the whole thing in one sitting, is this:
First, save the pin to one of your boards, then go back to the article and open it in chrome on your computer or phone. Then you can bookmark the page. This way you can find it more quickly later.
Another reason this is so helpful is that it connects you to someone who is creating great content. To help you grow your business. Hopefully, you will find my articles useful and keep coming back. I’m not a fly by night blogger and won’t be going anywhere.
I am here to help you succeed which you will. As long as you don’t quit!
Before we move on, as promised, here is the direct link to the Pinterest help center where you can claim your website: Pinterest Help Center.
There are still a few important things I want to share with you, so let’s keep moving.
You should carefully assess your Pinterest profile. The about you section isn’t really “about you”. No one really cares what kind of dog you have or what you do in your spare time. They want to know how you can help them and why they should follow you and your boards.
Be clear about your “message,” what you do and how your business will help your followers. I have made this mistake and it can kill or halt your business. I would rather you learn from my mistakes than struggle through trying to figure things out by yourself.
Here’s an example of how to be clear with your message: A graphic designer might say something like “Stunning Graphic Designs to help you build brand awareness and grow your business.” A cat sitter might say something like, “I treat your pets like they are my own. Affordable pet sitting to give you peace of mind while you’re away.”
Use descriptive words to show your audience how you can help them.
If you are not doing this already begin to pin regularly and be consistent. You don’t need to be on Pinterest all day long. In fact, you shouldn’t be. Use a scheduler like Tailwind. Especially if you know you have a busy day or week ahead. Do it ahead of time so you are constantly pinning.
I use Tailwind routinely but I also pin manually and think it’s important to do both. Pinterest likes when you are on Pinterest. Plus there is a ton of great information on Pinterest that can help you grow your business.
If you haven’t signed up for Tailwind yet, you can use my Referral link to get a $15 credit when opening a new account. Once you sign up we Both get a $15 credit.
When pinning other people’s pins, you want to make sure that the links are working and that the articles have good information. I have pinned blog posts and then began reading them to find the content wasn’t very good or I didn’t agree with the information. Whenever this happens I go back and delete the pin. Which is super easy.
How to delete pins on Pinterest.
You can either delete them on your computer by clicking the “edit” button. Then scroll to the bottom of the information and hit “delete.” You do the same thing on your mobile app. Once you are in the edit section scroll all the way down to the bottom. I can only see the “delete” button if I scroll down. Then hit delete.
I also delete all of my pins that are not converting well or going viral. Then you can create new pins that can drive more traffic. Don’t get discouraged. Remember you are not failing. It’s simply a failed “test.” Keep going until you find what’s working and then repeat.
Continue to check your boards to make sure you have helpful resources that serve your audience. Keeping your boards clean and filled with great content (relevant to your niche) will keep people coming back.
Having pins with bad links or misinformation can quickly lead to losing trust, credibility, and followers.
Clean up your boards and keep doing it at least once a week or monthly.
At one point my Pinterest boards were a complete mess. When I first started on Pinterest I didn’t know what I was doing. So I spent quite a bit of time on this. Now every few weeks I go back and delete pins and make sure the saved pins on my boards are relevant, helpful and have working links.
If you don’t have time to go through them all, you can make some of your boards secret.
Then go back to them later, when you have more time. To make your boards secret go to edit the board then click on the secret button. A little lock will appear on your board to show you that no one else can see it.
Quick Tip to Save Time while Cleaning Up Your Pinterest Boards.
You can quickly go through larger boards (with a lot of pins) by creating a new board. Try making the title a little more descriptive. Save any pertinent pins from the old board to the new board. Then delete the old board. Doing this will save you a ton of time. It was quick and easy and felt refreshing.
Kind of like spring cleaning or cleaning out your closet.
If you haven’t done so already, add descriptions and hashtags to each board. Use descriptions on your Pinterest boards that maximize SEO keywords. Pinterest is a search engine. You want your boards and pins to show up in searches related to your boards and content
When choosing the titles for your boards, think about how the board benefits the reader. Don’t just say simple things like “cool graphics.” Instead, say something like “Graphics will inspire you to create great blog posts that will have your clients begging to work with you.”
For each board make sure that the first pin or “cover” picture is one of your own pins.
To change the cover image of your board, click on the board then hit the edit icon. Go to where it says cover. Click next to it where it says “change.” Then you can scroll through the pictures by hitting the arrow to the right of the picture. Once you find the pin (image) you want to keep as your cover, click the save button in the lower right hand corner.
Drive Traffic to Your Website to Grow Your Business.
As a blogger or business owner, the whole purpose of using Pinterest and creating a Pinterest Business account is to increase sales. By driving traffic to your website and directing the right people to your offers.
Pinterest is a great way to drive the right traffic to your website. Your pins link directly to your blog posts, sales pages and products. Making it a fast and effective way to make sales.
By leading them exactly where you want them to go. To the “Buy Now” button. Or even better, by getting them to join your Email List so you can gain new customers for life.
Once I discovered a winning formula that has grown my email list and helped me grow my business I decided to share it with you. That’s why I created the Viral Pinterest Pin Strategy Video Series that shows you *exactly* how you can create Pinterest Pins that go Viral.
You can start now by downloading your FREE eBook. Where you will learn 10 vital steps that can help you grow your business fast.
Enter your email below to download your FREE guide. “10 Things that Can Make Your Pinterest Pins Go Viral“
Instantly, brighten your day (or someone you love) by doing this one simple thing. If you’re feeling a little discouraged or things aren’t going your way, use this simple strategy to brighten things up.
No matter how big or how small your troubles may seem, you can easily lift your spirits. In a flash! The only caveat is you need a friend or another person for this to work. Which in itself can brighten your day simply by connecting with someone.
This can work with absolutely anyone. Even a perfect stranger.
The really cool thing is, that it will brighten their day too. Sometimes just hearing a kind voice on the other end of the line can instantly make you feel better.
Let’s be honest, people run from negativity. It’s human nature to repel things that can bring you down. But if you’re dealing with a difficult situation it can be hard to always put on a happy face. Which can make people close to you not pick up the phone so much. Or stop making time to see you.
As sad as this may seem, it’s a reality.
It’s not their fault per se. Everyone is going through something. We all deal with difficulties at some time or another and sometimes you can’t expose yourself to people who might bring you down.
It doesn’t make you (or them) a bad person. It’s simply a defense mechanism to feel happy.
The good news is there is an answer! Which is why I am telling you something good. So you can reach out to people for help without bringing yourself down, harping on your problems, or worse, bringing your friends down too.
So if you’re feeling down and out, dealing with stress (or a difficult situation) or simply need a quick pick me up, listen carefully to something that works for me. Every… single… time.
Often when I need to hear a friendly voice I pick up the phone and call a friend. They’ll ask me, “How are you?”
Then I’ll reply, “Fine” or “I’m good. How are you?”
If they know I’m going through a rough time they can smell my BS a mile away. But still, maintain your composure, and simply say something like, “I could be better but I really don’t want to talk about it.” Then say…
“Tell me something good.”
They will usually ponder for a moment trying to think of a funny story to tell you. Instantly relieved they don’t have to hear about your troubles…
Sharing is caring.
Before you know it you’re both laughing over some silly story. Or some achievement, or some cool thing that happened. Then you too start sharing something good that happened. Or begin reminiscing about a similar situation.
You and your friend both instantly feel happier. They are also way more likely to pick up the phone and call you again soon.
Don’t believe me?
Try it. Pick up the phone right now. Call someone you know and simply say, “Tell me something good.”
If you want someone you care about to feel happier, share this with everyone you know. Go ahead. Then reach out to me. On social media or wherever and tell me something good. Hopefully, you’ll tell me how my sharing this with you helped you (or someone you know) feel a little bit happier.
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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…
Working from anywhere in the world doing something you love.
As a paid writer. A published author even…
There are many ways you can become a paid writer. Writing books, blogging, travel writing and ghostwriting are just a few.
Writing and publishing your own book is by far the easiest way to begin sharing your ideas, your personal story or promoting your business.
It’s way easier than you think!
If you love writing, what’s stopping you?
I believe every single person has a story to share. It could be a real life personal experience. Something you can share while teaching a valuable lesson.
Helping thousands or millions of people, by sharing your expertise. Or writing for fun and entertainment. One of my books is a suspense mystery thriller. Shhh... I call my secret guilty pleasure.
Start Writing Your Book Today
Start writing your book today. It’s a lot easier than you think. Start now. Download your FREE checklist “10 Easy Steps to Start Writing Your Book Today.”
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.
Have you ever looked in your medicine cabinet and thought “this is where eye creams come to die?”
I have. And it isn’t pretty.
I’m not sure when my obsession with ant-aging creams began. Even though people are always surprised by how young I look – for my age.
Is that even a compliment?
Over the years I have tried at least a dozen different eye creams. Everything from the most expensive brands to drug store over the counter creams.
Spending hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars hoping the answer lies somewhere within one of the many half empty bottles.
There is no way of knowing how many bottles I have gone through.
Or how much money I have spent. If you’re counting face wash, face moisturizers, face masks, anti-wrinkle pads and crazy roller things. You know that thing you roll on your face. That feels like tiny little pin pricks. It supposedly helps the moisturizer sink deeper into your skin.
It took me a while to realize that the answer does not lie in a jar. Or a bottle. Or a tube.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many great moisturizers and face products you can use. Every person is different and different products work differently for everyone.
I honestly don’t think it makes that much of a difference which brand you use. As long as you moisturize and stay hydrated.
The answers may not come from a jar. Or lie in the most expensive skin creams.
However, there are actionable steps you can take today that can make you look up to 10 years younger.
Since people claim that I do.
Look at least 10 years younger than my age that is. I figured I would share what I’m doing to stay youthful, vibrant, full of energy and young looking.
In the following chapters you will discover how you too, can look up to 10 years younger.
I recently read an article about weighing yourself. Correction, it was about why you shouldn’t weigh yourself.
Apparently, there are people who obsess over the scale.
I get it.
And if you’re obsessing over a scale, you probably have bigger problems than being overweight. Other issues that may be causing you to overeat.
Don’t blame it on the scale.
I weigh myself every morning. Just once a day. About the same time every morning. Before I eat or drink anything. Just to keep myself in check. “They” say, it doesn’t matter. It’s just water weight. It takes days to lose actual fat. Blah, blah blah. Whatever.
It works for me.
The reason it works for me is that I look at it positively either way. Whether it’s tipping high.
Or weighing in low.
If it’s low, I feel good. But it doesn’t mean I head for the bacon, eat a burger and fries for lunch, then eat candy bars and chips all day. I look at what I did right and try to do it again.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat?
Eat healthy. Exercise. Everything in moderation.
Rules I live by. We all have times when we gain weight. Most of us average folks, anyway. My weight has fluctuated many times throughout my life. People look at me and assume that I am naturally thin. If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I would have a heck of a lot more money.
I don’t believe in “naturally thin.”
I believe in being healthy. There is a reason that I don’t have health issues. Even at my age. To prove that even I have struggled with weight over the years, I pulled out a book that a friend lent me back in my twenties. No, I never returned it.
My bad?
I’m pretty sure she told me to keep it. I must have put on a few pounds at the time and wanted to lose it. Since I am of the proactive nature and I keep myself in check. Before things get out of control, I read the book. It’s called Diets Still Don’t Work by Bob Schwartz. There are two main reasons I like the book: One I agree that diets don’t work. And two because a key element to success is “mindset.”
The mind is a powerful thing.
We cannot change the things that happen to us. Of course, we can make choices about what we do and where we go. That might increase our risk for danger. I certainly wouldn’t walk alone at night in a high crime part of town. But we cannot control everything. Death is inevitable. Challenges arise. The only thing we can control is how we react.
It’s not always easy.
We were born with emotions and we can’t change that. What we can change is how we take care of ourselves. It isn’t rocket science that when you are healthy and feel good, that everything in life is better. It helps us deal with whatever challenges get thrown our way. If you want to be proactive, take better control of your life and deal with challenges a little bit better…
Read a good book.
One that might actually help you. Like “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” It is not a diet. And the absolute first thing I teach is “mindset.”
The down side? You gotta do the work. And you gotta want it. If you don’t, don’t waste your money. Buying the book won’t do you any good.
Unless you read it, devour it and implement it.
Just like a gym membership does you no good. Unless you go to the gym and exercise. Anyway, don’t take it from me.
Here’s what Jocelyn Jones says:
“Thank You Irene, this is a very helpful tool for all the ladies out there that need to lose weight fast for a special occasion or just because. The tips are simple to follow and implement. I HIGHLY Recommend this book! :)”
And this Amazon customer:
“I lost 8 lbs that was driving me crazy.” –LS
When you are ready to be proactive just zip on over here:
For a little more guidance check out the Zipping It Up meal planning guide. It is *exactly* that – a guide. The meal planner for folks who want to lose weight but hate meal planning. Here is the link: Your guide to success.
Discover the best Ab Workouts for a toned, tighter, stronger core.
These exercises are the best ab workouts I have found to get flat abs fast. If you want to get a leaner, meaner, stronger core then you have to work for it. Adding cardio, arm and leg exercises, and a healthy meal plan will help you succeed even faster.
If you follow this quick 6 day ab routine, you will have a stronger leaner mid section. This method has worked for me for years and now I am sharing my secret with you. So you can start feeling stronger, sexier and more confident today.
The Best Ab Workouts
These ab workouts are FREE and easily accessible on YouTube. Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor who created Blogilates. A YouTube channel that has hundreds of FREE YouTube videos to help you get your body toned and tight fast. Not only is Cassey an amazing fitness instructor but an inspiration to women entrepreneurs everywhere.
Let’s Get Started!
Go to YouTube on your Smart TV, on Roku, your computer, iPad or your phone. Look up these 3 videos and do them every day for 6 consecutive days, in sequence:
That’s it. Simple! If you can’t do the entire workout without resting, that’s okay. Take little rest breaks and then pick up again when you can. Or pause the video and grab a drink of water. Then pick up where you left off. Believe me, if you hang in there and keep doing these ab exercises every day (or most days) you will be able to complete the entire workout before you know it. And you will feel great!
The videos are short and extremely effective. But like Cassey Ho says in Extreme Abs, “You want that body? You want that life? Then you have to work for it.”
Fitting in an extra 10 minutes of exercise each day will also improve your health. And if do at least 2 to 3, 10-minute workouts every day you can reap the healthy rewards. It makes no difference if you exercise for 30 minutes all at once, or in three 10-minute intervals. Start today and you will feel stronger and sexier in no time.
For an even faster and more effective way to show off your flat abs and tight, toned body, lose 5 pounds fast.
If you want that body and you want that life – Get Started Today!
