Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in the world! This is a fun video, but just so you know, the women break dancing are NOT really pregnant, just the women watching. I was a little worried when I first watched it wondering how one could be pregnant and break dancing!
Here’s to having fun on our special day!
My brother sent me an email about job titles for moms:
A woman, renewing her driver’s license at the County Clerk ’s office,
Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
‘What I mean is, ‘ explained the recorder,
‘do you have a job or are you just a …?’
‘Of course I have a job,’ snapped the woman. ’I'm a Mom.’
‘We don’t list ‘Mom’ as an occupation,
‘housewife’ covers it,’ Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
In the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
Efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
‘Official Interrogator’ or ‘Town Registrar.’
‘What is your occupation?’ she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
‘I’m a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.’
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
Looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words..
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
‘Might I ask,’ said the clerk with new interest,
‘just what you do in your field?’
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
‘I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn’t)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I’m working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
And already have four credits (all daughters)
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
And the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.’
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she
Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants — ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
Testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than ‘just another Mom.’
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there’s a title on the door.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
Photo: Author (left) Marci Shimoff and Lenora Boyle
My dear friend, Marci Shimoff, author of Happy For No Reason , six Chicken Soup Books, and featured teacher on the movie, “The Secret” is known for many outstanding accomplishments around the world, but she holds a special place in my heart because she introduced me to my husband of 27 years. For that I am grateful to her. Now her wonderful book, Happy for No Reason is coming out in paperback, today, March 4. It’s a wonderful book that I read in hardback a couple times and is chockfull of tips on how to be happy no matter what the circumstances.
You probably know that there’s actually research that shows that UNhappy people:
* Have a greater risk of heart disease, strokes, hypertension, infections, and Type 2 diabetes
* Release more of the stress hormone cortisol. They have a higher heart rate and may be at higher risk for heart attacks
* Are 65% more likely to get a cold
* Are less likely to find a spouse
* Live nine years fewer than their happy counterparts
So… when you are happy, you are likely to live longer. You are more emotionally and physically healthy, creative, energetic, compassionate, and successful!
When you order by clicking the link, you’ll receive many free gifts too.
Happy for No Reason was #1 on many bestseller lists, including Amazon and #2 on NY Times. It’s been translated in 28 languages and it has inspired a national PBS special called Happy for No Reason that Marci hosted. It’s also a mega-bestseller in Japan (in 19th printing in just 3 months). and has been nominated for the Audio Book of the Year Award (AUDIE).
When you buy the paperback “Happy for No Reason”, you will receive these fantastic programs and many more as a gift
* “2009 Happy for No Reason Coaching Manual” — plus live group coaching session with Marci over the telephone.
* “Eliminate the #1 Belief that Blocks Your Happiness” — an online interactive process with expert Morty Lefkoe.
* “Happiness: From the Blues to Bliss” recording by Marci and award-winning actress and author, Mariel Hemingway
* “Turn Happiness into Money” recording by Marci and CNBC wealth expert Phil Town
* Over 150 top authors and thought leaders, including Jack Canfield, John Gray, Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra, will give you recordings that support you having a wonderful, happiness-filled life of abundance and peace. (These alone are valued at more than $3000!)
Order your book right now by going to:
http://www.HappyForNoReason.com/MyBook
Let me know what you think! Maybe Marci can help you find a life partner too!
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
My main expertise is in helping individuals uncover and dissolve limiting beliefs so they can be happier. In addition, I’m always keeping my eyes open for other ways to enhance emotional well-being.
In the winter (and most of the Fall and early Spring) in Iowa, the skies are gray. Being of Mediterranean descent, I thrive on sunshine, so when my friend, Sheila, shared her research with me about taking higher doses of Vitamin D, I tried it. Those of us who live in the northern Hemisphere, north of a line running from New York City west across to upstate California, are not able to get 15 minutes of sun a day, so we are more than likely low in Vitamin D. In addition, the ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases as we age. The kidneys, which help convert vitamin D to its active form, sometimes do not work as well when we age also. (more…)
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Feeling the holiday blues? Visit friends and family (that uplift you), or just step outside and breathe in some fresh air (even if it’s as cold as it is today) and take a walk (even just around the block). This is one simple step that will awaken your seratonin level and sizzle your level of happiness! In this first photo, my arms outspread, hiking in Boulder, Colorado with light coming up over the mountain trail and filling the sky. I felt blessed in the mountainous pine forest, but only after I saw the photo did I notice the angel filling the afternoon sky. My friend, Bob Meyer, is standing behind me. He and his wife, Helena, are avid hikers and owners of a natural skin care company, the Helena Meyer Company in Boulder. Fabulous skincare.
A few other friends I visited in Boulder include Russ and Millie Malloy and their boys, and Heather Squires and daughter, Lauren in photo. Heather used to babysit my daughter 20 years ago, and now Grace babysits for Heather’s daughter!
Loved my time in Boulder, and when not hiking or eating, I worked on my laptop at one of the zillions of coffee shops downtown. Enjoy….
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
I’m convinced that we can move through our fears and challenges by choosing to be happy. This video of Robin Williams is very funny–sure to bring some chuckles to your life.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
An excellent teacher who inspires us to relish the attitude of gratitude is Brother David Steindl-Rast, who serves a worldwide Network for Grateful Living, an interactive website with several thousand participants daily from more than 243 countries.
Be grateful especially when you feel down, because it’s difficult to feel grateful and unhappy at the same time. Gratefulness inspires happiness.
During this season of thanksgiving, join me in keeping a gratitude journal. What are you grateful for? Let’s continue writing in our journals throughout the year, and also noting the synchronicities and successes we experience. Click “comments” to share your list of what you’re grateful for. I’m grateful for my family, for fresh air, the walking path around my neighborhood, for organic apples, my local farmer’s market, and for my readers and students from around the world.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
One of my passions is protecting our environment. Although the task seems too huge for one person to make a dent in the enormity of the problem, I know that each footprint matters. I feel happier just knowing that in each moment I really can affect global warming. For more inspiration, please see what these sites have to say: A Green Cross and Forced Green Blog.
3 Simple Steps to take:
1.) Plant a tree. World forests produce 40% of the earth’s oxygen. We can each do our part by planting trees in our own towns in addition to protecting the Amazon Rainforest to prevent deforestation.
2.) Drive fuel efficient cars, walk or bike more. The United States is the highest fossil fuel, CO2, emitting country in the World, with 1.59 billion cubic tons of carbon released into the atmosphere in 2002.
National carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per capita – Maps and Graphics at UNEP/GRID-Arendal
3.) Use phosphate-free laundry and dish soaps. If each of us did our part, we could impact our polluted waterways. It’s easy to find biodegradable products such as Seventh Generation or Shaklee Products.
What are you doing each day to go green? We’ll be happier and so will Mother Earth!
Photo: I took on the grounds of Brown University in Providence, RI 2008
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
Isn’t it time to transcend politics and unite for the common good? I’ve heard that many individuals who voted for Senator John McCain are unhappy. I thought I would be also if Barack had lost. However, it is time to move out of the darkness and unhappiness and really go beyond the beliefs that we think we have to feel bad. I really know I didn’t have to feel bad. I was just planning my own unhappiness! Sometimes we project into the future and predict our own unhappiness. I propose we predict our possible happiness, even if our candidate loses!
Barack is about transcendence on many levels. This is a time for the future, the new millenium. Due to Barack’s age (and so many other traits), he has a vision that’s not invested in the way things have always been done. He can transcend the ‘way it’s always been done’ to stretch the possibilities.
Obama has transcended communication through his use of the new social media like blogs and the internet.
He’s transcended voter predictions as 68% of new voters, 66% of Latinos, 78% of Jewish votes went to Obama.
His campaign and his presidency will transcend complacency, fear and hatred. What could make us unhappy about that?
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Aren’t we lucky to be alive during this unique time in America? An election year (almost 2 years really) where a woman and an African-American were 2 of the presidential candidates. Even with this progress, our country is seeing such challenges that it’s important for all of us to become more conscious, wake up, and vote! I’ve noticed many friends, clients, and even myself getting nervous about the election. Expressions such as ” I feel I have no control” or “We’re in such a mess, we’ll never recover” have come up often. I thought I’d take this last chance to share 3 simple tips on how we can enhance our happiness quotient in the next few days. 1.) VOTE: This will make us happier because by making the effort to take action and speak our minds (in the voting booth) will empower us to contribute to what we believe will help our country. 2.) VOLUNTEER to make calls or help at the polling booths. 3.) WATCH The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central to see the humor in politics, while simultaneously catching up on the news of the day and watching fascinating interviews. I am always surprised when people tell me that they aren’t voting because they don’t believe it matters. On the other hand, I am also inspired when I witness thousands of individuals standing in lines for 8 hours because they know it does! I also wonder if they are trying to be discouraged from voting!
How about you? Do you have suggestions for staying happy during these last 2 days of the election (and beyond)?
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
I’m writing this entry from an old stone house on the grounds of a Trappistine Monastery. I am living with four other women writers (not the nuns) on a six day writing retreat lead by Rae Bird. Our days are filled with hours of writing and hiking on the 500 acres of exquisite rolling hillsides surrounded by cows and silence. I learned today that bulls are territorial of their cows, so don’t walk too close! He snorted and gave me a warning charge–enough to stop my heart and give me something exciting to write about.
In the evenings, we meet to read our entries to each other for feedback. It sounds so simple yet much needed by women.
I know a writing retreat may not be possible for everyone, but I think more happiness and clarity can be created by writing about our hopes and dreams, our doubts and fears. Writing or journaling can be like moving the 800 pound gorilla off our chest. Sometimes we just have things to say, but either no one is there to listen, or we don’t want anyone else to know what we’re thinking and feeling. In that way, writing is cathartic, but it can also be a means of collecting our family history.
I’m suggesting that each day be a mini-retreat when we begin writing our thoughts and memories, not necessarily for publication but just so that our unique history & stories are made permanent. Write about how you feel, who you’ve loved (and hated), your thoughts on politics, traveling, foods you love, children you raised or didn’t raise, how you spend your days.
Writing To Do List:
1.) Write every day, even for 5-10 minutes for a start. Set a timer, don’t stop writing no matter what, and don’t edit. Just listen to the voice inside and write.
2.) Create a memoir folder on your computer or in spiral notebooks as you collect your family history pieces.
3.) Form a writing group. Write and then read to each other.
4.) Read books that help you tell your soul’s story: I recommend Writing Down the Bones (about free writing) and Old Friend From Far Away (about writing memoir) by Natalie Goldberg. Writing from Life by Susan W. Albert will also give you a jumpstart in telling your stories.
5.) Read blogs about writing well, such as Write to Done
I’d love to hear any ideas that have helped you write.
Lenora's Italy Retreat blog | Lenora's Change Limiting Beliefs Website
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