Yeah…that’s it. A new tool.

Isn’t it interesting how we justify the things we do or buy?

We do or buy based on emotions…wants…then intellectually justify it. We don’t often do or buy based upon needs, though I’m pretty sure we wish we did do [...]]]> I have a new toy! No…wait…it’s a business tool.

Yeah…that’s it. A new tool.

Isn’t it interesting how we justify the things we do or buy?

We do or buy based on emotions…wants…then intellectually justify it. We don’t often do or buy based upon needs, though I’m pretty sure we wish we did do things like that. If we did we believe we would be better off.

For example, taking nutritional supplements or exercising. How often have you forgotten to take them, or been too busy to go to the gym? What about quitting smoking or cutting out the sweets? You know you should, but do you? It usually takes a strong emotion like fear to get you to move on that stuff.

I find it’s either pain (the potential relief of pain) or excitement (fun) that get me moving.

My new toy? It was fun. I certainly did justify it with the minor pains I figured it would relieve.

I have used this observation to my advantage from time to time too. I add excitement to something done. I also (sometimes) notice the excitement triggering an action or purchase that might not be inline with some of my goals, and can choose otherwise.

What emotions move you? How can you utilize them more effectively?

Oh, and in case you’re curious about my purchase, it was an iPad 2, and I’m using a WordPress app to do this blog post. Think this should work!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!
Vision & Perspective Mentor
Host of Welcome Changes Radio

(Link to Video)

I always knew, some [...]]]> The other day I saw this video on Facebook.  A friend was sharing what she found from a friend.  I loved what they shared so much I’m sharing it with you.  I love the idea of sharing Happiness, or at least sharing HOW to be happier!

(Link to Video)

I always knew, some how, that my attitude mattered in how happy I am, and after watching this video, I believe I contain the happiness gene.  I suppose this gives me a bit of an advantage, and explains so much in my life.

I had always wondered how I could survive some of the things I survived, like being abused as a teen, homeless at 17, financial upsets and more, and still come out in the end generally happy. Sure I wasn’t smiling all the time when things were happening, and there were times when I felt lost and could not see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I always seemed to pick myself up, change where I looked, and headed on up to happy before long.

In the video Sonja Lyubomirsky said that 40% of our happiness comes from the activities we choose.  Makes sense.  Are you choosing at least ONE activity each day that you enjoy?  It could be as simple as reading a book, watching a favourite show, calling a loved one, or going for a walk with the dog.

They also shared on the video that taking 30 minutes to “think happy thoughts” like being grateful, produces significant results.  I agree!  Kick-starting your day with a 5 minute JOY Journal is a great daily practice in this direction.  You could also just list 5 gratitudes in your mind each morning before you get out of bed, and again before you go to bed.  You could watch videos of laughing children or funny pet videos. 

You don’t really need to do that 30 minutes all in one shot.  You could give yourself six 5-minute shots a day too.

Nutrition affects your brain too.  Are you getting enough Vitamin B?  Is your brain getting enough of the good carbs?  I”m talking veggies, not bagels.  How do you expect your brain to function properly when you don’t give it what it needs?

Balanced nutrition, hormone levels and fitness can all boost your thinking power.  What’s one thing you can do each day to bring more balance in these areas?

I truly believe that Thinking Yourself Happy doesn’t need to be hard.  Take baby steps each day, and you’ll notice a difference right away.  You really can afford 5 minutes a day towards your happiness.

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!
Founder and Host of Welcome Changes Radio

PS ~ I’m thinking that Sonja Lyubomirsky would be a great interview for Welcome Changes Radio.  What do you think?

I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were [...]]]> This past weekend I went to the IDFA Posing Clinic with Dr. Kevin Ashby and Dr. Wendy Carvalho-Ashby.

I had mentioned earlier that I was thinking about entering a Fitness Model competition.  Well…I’m going to do it.

This weekend was not easy though!  It brought forward a lot of self-judgments that I knew were lurking there, but I pretended they didn’t exist.  I am, after all, The Queen of JOY you know.

You know…things like this:

99% of everyone here is younger than me.

Everyone’s hair is done up! All I see is my skunk line. I really need a cut and a color.

Look at all their nice clothes. I’m wearing a baggy t-shirt to cover my pooch.  I don’t see a pooch on anyone else here.

We have to “strut” in front of everyone? I haven’t been in heals since the summer of 2009! This is NOT going to be graceful, and everyone is going to look at me.  I can only imagine what they’ll be thinking.

Then I heard the whispers.

Are you serious? In front of everyone? Now? No way. (From the lady sitting beside me who looked incredible.)

I was tired of everyone telling me my legs needed to be smaller.  I figured I’d try something where I would be accepted for my size.  (From a young lady who figure skated and had the most incredible legs!)

I looked around and noticed things too.

I wasn’t the only one who slipped doing the T-walk. 

I wasn’t the only one waiting until the last possible moment to go up and practice.

There was a young man who was quite slender and looked out of place next to the bigger men there.  He had the nerve to get up there and pose, and had fun doing it.

Everyone clapped like mad for everyone else.

My goal is the October 2011 competition here in Calgary.  I can do the training.  I can do the nutrition.  I just have to figure out how to do the walking out on stage with confidence and flair.  I’ve got some time.  And there’s another Clinic at the end of summer too.  I’ll make sure I register for that.

Yes.  I’m still scared.  I’m stepping waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  But I’m excited.  I’m really excited.  That’s how I KNOW this is something for me to do.  That Excitement.  The thing is, I used to get that feeling for healing workshops.  Weird I’m getting that same feeling for a Fitness Model Competition!

Hmmmm…different kind of event, but I’ll bet this will be a healing experience for me.  I’m always cared for.  Something new to heal and grow with.

How does your Spirit speak with you?  Do you get that excited feeling like I do? Will you follow the Guidance your Spirit is giving you?

Go for it!  It’ll be a rocking Journey!  You’re going to love what you experience, and what you will see on the other side!

Dream BIG!

Velma Gallant
The Queen of JOY!

PS ~ Got a GREAT interview on tap for you tomorrow.  Joan Borysenko is on Welcome Changes Radio tomorrow.  We’ll be discussing her book, “Fried: Why You Burn Out and How to Revive”.  You won’t want to miss it!

Then, all of the sudden, things stop!

Where did my sense of direction go? Why don’t I know what to do? There has to be SOMETHING for me to do! Did I lose [...]]]> So many times in our lives, we think we are “on our way”. Things are moving. We are moving.

Then, all of the sudden, things stop!

Where did my sense of direction go? Why don’t I know what to do? There has to be SOMETHING for me to do! Did I lose my purpose? Was I on the wrong track? What happened?!

A sense of panic comes in. When there is no action, we feel lost and perhaps even stupid or useless.

Our River of Life has reached a calm pool, and we’re busy freaking out! Sails go up and down. The Paddles come out, and we paddle on this side and that. New fangled motors are tested. Nothing moves. It’s like there’s an anchor on the boat, and we can’t see the chain to pull it up.

These moments, too, are opportunities. Those calm pools along the River of Your Life are equally as important and valuable. Life should not be white water rafting all the way through!

When we are in action, we feel useful and on purpose. These times of in-action are times when we can redefine and rebalance. They are times to refuel and rejuvenate.

The question becomes, “What do we do when we have nothing to do?”

Here are some places you can explore when you’ve reached one of those calm pools in Your River of Life.

Trust.

These silent times are exactly perfect too. What if you trusted that The Universe has everything under control?

Let’s take the analogy of planting and growing a garden. You prepare the soil by adding nutrients, clearing away the weeds, and making the rows or raised beds to plant your seeds. You pick the seeds you want to plant. A plan is made for which vegetables go where. The dirt is parted, and the seeds sprinkled. You gently cover over the seeds and begin to water.

For the next while, all you need to do is water, and pull the occasional weed that pops up. You don’t see any action or movement. Things are quiet for the time being, and yet, beneath the surface there are all kinds of unseen action!

The seed expands and pops open. A tiny little root begins to squirm its way through the dirt, sucking up all the incredible resources you worked into the soil, and drinking the life-giving water. Before long, its fingers begin stretching up, building up strength to pop through the surface and peak out at the sunlight.

Can you Trust that in these times of silence that the seeds you’ve planted with your thoughts are germinating like the seeds in your garden? Or will you rush around uncovering your seeds daily to see if they are growing, and preventing them from growing?

Trust that all is well. Gently water your seeds, and pull the occasional weed. Enjoy the sunshine and trust. The Universe does not stop he growth of the seeds in the Garden, and it does not stop the growth of the seeds you have planted either.

Nourish.

Use these times as opportunities to take good care of You.

Chances are, when things were moving you were so busy you were not doing those small things that keep you rejuvenated. “I don’t have time,” is often how you would put yourself off. Things were moving! How could you have time to exercise, eat right, or meditate?

As with the garden, those busy times were important, and those times of watering and patiently waiting are equally important.

These can be times to set up new habits of self-care. Here are some new habits you can add to your daily routine.

Meditation. Meditation does not need to take a full hour of your time. It can be as simple as sitting quietly for 5 minutes, and you can add an extra 5 minutes into your shower. There are many forms of active meditations, including walking meditations. Puzzles are wonderful form of meditation. Your focus is only on the puzzle, and all other thoughts move into the background.

Journaling. Journaling can be as simple as writing 5 gratitudes per day. You can write your intentions or desires. Write your joyful experiences. Gather affirmations and quotes that inspire you. Joy Journaling is a fun and creative way to use your Journal.

Exercise. This can be as simple as adding in a 10-30 minute walk each day. There are so many fun and creative ways to exercise. There are a variety dance classes offered. Gyms are offering cycling, kick boxing and much more. You can take up a martial art. There are also creative blendings of exercise forms being offered, such as Nia. Take this time to sample a few until you find one that is fun for you.

Nutrition. When you have more time available, you can get creative with your eating. You do not need to cook all day to get a quality meal. Sometimes taking the time to explore your grocery store or specialty shops in your neighbourhood can open up new creativity in your kitchen. Explore your library or local book store for cooking ideas. Take this time to find some quick and easy recipes you enjoy so when things do get moving again, you’re ready!

Life is like a River. There are times when the waters are flowing with speed, and there are other times where we come into the calm pools and can see the fish and plants growing on the bottom. Take the time to look into the pools. It’s so much more enjoyable than franticly paddling your canoe and missing all the beauty and joy.

Pull your paddle back in the boat. Stretch back and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. The River will speed up soon enough, and when it does, you’ll be full of energy and ready to go!

*~*~*

Velma Gallant, “The Queen of JOY!”, is an author, international speaker and Lazer Clarity Coach. She hosts her highly acclaimed internet radio show, Welcome Changes Radio where she interviews exciting and dynamic guests such as New York Times best selling author, Neale Donald Walsch, Mike Dooley from “The Secret”, and many more. Velma coaches Executives and Entrepreneurs to lazer in on what’s vital to create and experience Joy-Filled Balance in their life and work. Velma can be contacted through her website, http://www.WelcomeChangesRadio.com.