MOJO MONDAY: The secret to being happy.

We've all heard the phrase "being happy comes from within." 

But how do we access that when we don't yet have what we want or we have too much of something we don't want? 

The secret to being happy lies in...

• accepting your present situation, however imperfect it may be 
• taking powerful action to change what isn't working
• being present as opposed to being stuck in your stories about the past or future
• taking real responsibility for your actions & reactions, regardless of others
• choosing to be grateful instead of resentful, loving instead of angry, generous instead of self-centered, & understanding instead of right
• seeing what's possible instead of what's wrong
• appreciating who you are instead of what you're not, and what you have instead what you don't 

or simply put...

We all have dreams.

We all face circumstances.

We all have a choice in the way we approach both.

If you look beyond your limiting beliefs and reasons, you'll find you have so much more power than you ever thought possible.

Choose love. Choose gratitude. Choose happiness.

xoxo

Living Your Truth: 5 quotes of MOJO for your Monday!

Check out these quotes about LIVING YOUR TRUTH, something we all want in theory, but don't always choose in reality.

Most people hate confrontation. 

If you're human, chances are you've given in to something you were against because you were in people-pleaser-mode, wanting to fit in, or trying to avoid upsetting the balance.

Sometimes we need to pick our battles. But there's a difference between finding a healthy compromise and selling yourself out. 

It takes courage to be true to yourself, especially when you know your path or opinion isn't popular. We waste SOOO much time wrapped up in what other people think.

When you live for others (in the sense that you're not being who you really are), you aren't living fully. 

As much as your EGO might enjoy the superficial approval of others, you won't be grounded in your own truth and will never experience real peace and fulfillment.

We learn as kids that bullies are the ones with the insecurity problem. As adults, the negative opinions and judgments of others are often more subdued. They can slip through the cracks and into our psyche if we're not careful.

As Gandhi said...

and...

So consider the opinions, advice, and guidance of others. Hear all sides and be open-minded, but listen closely for the truth within yourself.

You're the only one who gets to live your life. 

Might as well create one that's really true to who you are and what you believe.

VOTE NOW!!! 

Please vote in the poll to your right. Check the topics you're into & help shape the future of littlemissMOJO! 

XOXO

Have an awesome week!

GRATITUDE: The ANTI-depressant

LOVE this simple yet powerful quote by Karen Salmansohn. 

Mondays can be rough. Getting back into the swing of things after the weekend sometimes requires more motivation than we're willing to muster up, especially on a few short hours of sleep. 

I was beyond exhausted last night, but just couldn't fall asleep... overtired I guess. At 130AM, I gave in and started reading. 

One of several books I'm reading (and committed to actually finishing) is called Once Beneath The Stars. 

It's an incredibly moving novel from first time writer R.S. Lentin, based on the life of a star football player who gets injured and becomes paralyzed from the neck down. Heavy. 

I sometimes wonder why I'm reading something so sad. It's interesting though, with every page of agonizing detail, there's also something beautiful and poetic. 

Mostly what I'm getting is GRATITUDE... appreciation for the gift of simply being here, being able to move, walk, dance, sing, drive, run, hug, feel, feed/bathe/dress myself... I could go on and on. 

Reading the heartbreaking words of agony and frustration even has me appreciating the mundane things I usually complain about... like traffic, bills and even the cramps I've been getting in my legs at night.  

We tend to get so caught up running on the hamster wheel that we miss the big picture. 

We are SO lucky. 

Life is precious. It's a gift. Every single breath is a gift. Practice being thankful for that alone, and you will find peace in just being.   

Wherever you are in your day, your life, your state of mind... the fastest, surefire way to get in the zone is GRATITUDE... for the big things, for the little things, and for everything in between. So here goes... 

This morning I'm grateful for:

1-central AC

2-hazelnut coffee

3-the sun being out

4-my arms, legs, and internal organs working perfectly (or so they seem to be)

5-completing the 21-day meditation challenge without skipping a day!

*Check out this earlier list I posted a few months back, may spark something for you.

GRATITUDE is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Give some, get some. Get some, give some. 

Simple. NO EXCUSES.

Have a GRATEful week!!!

XOXO

    

MOJO MONDAY: You.Are.Amazing.

LOVE this little snippet I found on YourLifeYourWay, a great site full of inspiration and tips for living with more MOJO!... or as Tia Sparkles Singh calls it... SPARKLE.

Have a great week!!!

xoxo

MOJO MONDAY: Give yourself a SPIRITUAL MAKEOVER in 21 days!

No more excuses. Opportunity awaits...

Dr. Deepak Chopra, scholar, activist, best-selling author, and spiritual leader is offering a FREE 21-day meditation series through The Chopra Center. 

Starting July 16th, The Chopra Center will be presenting a new meditation exercise each day for 21 days. You'll get the downloads emailed right to your inbox when you register. 

It's the easiest way to test the waters if you've never practiced meditation before, and to commit consistently if you have. 

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. This is one you want in your life. 

Trust me, I wasn't always this "gung-ho" about it. 

It took time, patience, and practice. But now I see significant shifts as a result, so there's no denying the impact. I want you to experience that for yourself.

I even feel the difference daily now based on whether or not I meditate. 

Don't have time? MAKE SOME! 

It's not about religion or subscribing to anything other than stepping up your MOJO (whatever that means for you).

It's like exercise for your mind-soul-spirit. 

You go to the gym to exercise your body. Why not meditate to exercise your brain? 

It's all about slowing down the inner monologue in our minds so we can process everything more clearly. 

Here are just a few benefits of consistent meditation:

1- mindfulness/awareness

2- decreased stress/anxiety, increased calmness/peace

3- clarity of thought/concentration/focus

4- increased energy

5- improved physical well being

6- increased creativity

Neuroscientists have proven that meditation actually changes our brain chemistry, causing positive shifts in how we process fear and anxiety. 

Check out these articles from Psychology Today and The NY Times for some interesting info on the mind-body connection and the positive implications of meditation.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

To start practicing before Monday, read my previous post on this topic and try these simple, guided mediation videos on YouTube. They just focus on relaxation and breathing, the foundation for any practice. You don't have to be a master to participate. 

I'll be starting this challenge next Monday... challenge yourself!

xoxo

Have a great week!