30 Power Thoughts to Change Your Life

Thoughts are things and when you consider that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative, that can be a pretty frightening scenario.  It’s no wonder we’re stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck and afraid; it’s what we think about all day long!

But what if for 30 days you could take steps to change the way you think?  What if you took responsibility and control over the way you think?  What if you began each day with the intention to make a positive change? 

Below are 30 Power Thoughts that will help you do just that!  A statement to kick the day off right, we’ve given you one for each of the next 30 days.  Print the list and commit to focusing on the “thought of the day” for a few minutes each morning, afternoon and night.  Then watch how your perspective, attitude and life change as a results!  Please report back with your results!

30 Power Thoughts:

1. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
2. To fulfill my desires all I need to do is step up and claim (and proclaim) what I want.
3. I teach people how to treat me. Today I will teach them to treat me the way I desire; kind, loving, respectful.
4. By holding on to past wrongs I am not making room for my future.  Today I choose forgiveness.
5. Even in difficult times, there’s a reward in knowing I did what was right. Today I will do what feels right to me.
6. I must be truthful to myself in order to grow.  I release myself from denial and choose honesty.
7. I was put on this Earth to fulfill a purpose and the sooner I discover my purpose, the sooner I can get busy!
8. I am in the here and now. I will no longer base decisions on what has happened to me in the past.
9.  There is no reason for me to fear failure. Failure is the best way to learn and grow in experience.
10. I am responsible for my own choices. Therefore, I will not make choices based on the desires of others.
11. It is never too late for anything. Instead of wasting time with regret I will set out to do what I’ve always intended.
12. I will take the golden rule one step further; I will treat MYSELF with the same kindness & respect as I show to others.
13. I understand that I can be my biggest problem.  But I also know within me is the power to be the ultimate solution.
14. Remaining in my comfort zone doesn’t allow for growth. Today I’m busting out from what feels comfortable and safe.
15. Everything in life is neutral. What I deem to be positive or negative is based on my attitude and perspective.
16. I always have a choice. While I may not like my options, I accept the power and responsibility that comes with decision.
17. I will not over-exaggerate nor belittle my problems. Instead I will face them, deal with them, and then move on.
18. I will take a hard look at what isn’t working in my life and take deliberate action to make positive change in those areas.
19. I will not limit things to what I perceive to be possible. I will dream big and have faith that the way will appear.
20. I will take the time to define my values. This is the only means by which I can gauge what is right for me.
21. Within me is the power to change my life. I will plug into it and use it to fulfill my purpose.
22. I no longer fear change! Every change in my life elevates me to new levels of empowerment.
23. I understand I’m the average of the 5 people I hang around with most. I accept loving and inspiring people into my life.
24. I rise above the daily chaos that keeps others busy and distracted. I allow myself to be centered, self-aware and wise.   
25. I accept that thoughts are things. I replace disempowering thoughts with empowering ones.
26. The past and future are illusions. We only have the present and I stay focused on the now, taking a moment at a time.
27. Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. Cutting ties does not represent a failure. I know when it’s time to move on.
28. How I start the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. My morning ritual ensures I experience an extra great day.
29. Just because it’s a rule doesn’t make it right. I break the rules whenever my highest values are supported by doing so!
30. With each moment comes an opportunity to create a new beginning. My best self continually reveals itself to the world.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:"You can close the windows and darken your room, and you can open the windows and let light in. It is a matter of choice. Your mind is your room. Do you darken it or do you fill it with light?"  ~Remez Sasson

Women’s Empowerment Tip: Kick Your Habits to the Curb

Habits, no matter if they are good or bad, make us who we are…and, habits, no matter if they are good or bad, can make us or break us. 

Habits have a way of overtaking our lives and as a result we find ourselves stuck.  They’re sneaky; silently creeping up on you until you’re hooked!  You may not even realize the negative impact they are having on your life until it’s too late!  That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your habits and confront the ones that no longer serve you. 

Identifying bad habits is as easy as asking yourself, “What am I doing out of habit that no longer serves me?”  Look to the areas in your life that cause you constant struggle or challenge for an additional clue.  For example, if you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, your spending habits may need a review.  Habits such as eating the wrong kinds of foods in excess, shopping or eating out of emotion, spending too much time in front of the television, and most likely many more, might also come to mind. 

Once you have identified the habits you know you must change, follow these 6 tips to kick your habits to the curb:

1) Tackle one bad habit at a time and give your new positive habit 30 days to develop and establish new muscle memory.  Don’t be hard on yourself if you have a set-back; put any digression behind you and pick up where you left off.

2) Write it out; don’t leave commitments in your brain. Put pen to paper and gain clarity around the change you wish to make and why.  It’s tempting to skip this step but it’s extremely important!  Whenever you’re tempted to give up, this is just what you need to once again get clear on your objective and what it will mean for your life!

3) If the habit you want to change is an especially tough one, recognize the need for a step-by-step plan.  Just like when you create a plan to achieve a goal or finish a project, identifying key steps to break your habit will allow you to make small but steady progress each week.  Taking manageable action steps over time will ensure you have a successful outcome.

4) Habits are often prompted so it’s important to recognize your trigger (ie: If TV sparks a snack attack, stop the urge by eliminating TV time or replacing it with another activity).

5) Surround yourself with loyal supporters.  Let them help you and cheer you on!  Your Soulspring Group will undoubtedly be a valuable resource to you at this time.  They will gently hold you accountable to your mission and some members may even join you in your quest to kick the habit!

6) Awareness is key. Present time consciousness (PTC) will ensure you don’t mindlessly revert to old ways.  Don’t look back and don’t look ahead, stay focused on the now and take it a moment at a time.

It’s not necessary to remain a hostage to your habits.  A desire to change combined with a splash of will-power and the right support network, is all you need to change your life!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:“The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.”  ~Samuel Johnson

Your Summer Bucket List

The 4th of July holiday tends to mark the half-way point of the summer season.  We don’t know about you, but we’re wondering where the first half of the summer went?  Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?

Don’t let the few remaining weeks of summertime get away from you.  Make the most of the sunshine and warm weather by creating a special "bucket list" specifically for summer!  Need some inspiration?  We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite summertime activities and we know you’ve probably got a few ideas of your own.  Create a list of things you want to be sure to do and experience before the days get shorter (and the snow flies)!

1. Get up before the crack of dawn and savor the sunrise.
2. Buy yourself a hula-hoop and give it a whirl.
3. Wait for a warm rain (no hail, wind, or lightning please) and dance in it.
4. Find the most perfect picnic location, pack up your favorite foods in a basket, and have a picnic.
5. Go fly a kite up where the air is clear.
6. Here’s a real adventure if you’re feeling a little risqué? Go skinny dipping!
7. Get in touch with your inner child and blow some bubbles.
8. Be a do-gooder and volunteer for a day.
9. Be an astrologer for a night and lay out under the stars.
10. Try all 31 Baskin Robbins flavors.
11. Act like a kid again and instigate a water fight.
12. Combine the perfect shade tree with a perfect book for an afternoon of reading.
13. Make memories with the outdoors as your backdrop.  Schedule a family photo session with a photographer.
14. Connect with nature. Go on a nature hike with a camera and see how many species of flower you can capture on “film”.
15. Dream up some fantastic architecture and build a sand castle.
16. Show your team spirit and attend a Minor League baseball game.
17. Enjoy all-natural produce by visiting (and purchase from) a local farmer’s market.
18. Capture light by catching fire flies in a jar (but be kind and release them again).
19. Get creative with your grill – think pizzas, quesadillas, salads, and desserts!
20. Create a summer playlist. Pull together your favorite tunes for the season.
21. Head north and view the Northern Lights.
22. Take a day off work and surprise your kids by playing outside games all day!
23. Plan a mystery day trip for you and your group of besties!
24. Enjoy “the arts” in the great outdoors!  Attend an outdoor concert or live production in the park.
25. Find an outdoor eating establishment in your area and enjoy dining al fresco.
26. Toss out the maps – just pick a direction and drive for a day.  See what amazing things you can discover.
27. Forget about the PGA. Play a round at a miniature golf course.
28. Indulge in homemade lemonade on a hot day.
29. Make homemade ice cream. No maker – no worries.  Try this!
30. Spread some love. Pick flowers and leave them on someone’s desk, doorstep, windshield, etc.
31. See something on a HUGE screen. Attend a movie in a local park or go back in time at a drive-in theater.

Yes, don't forget to have some fun this summer.  We would love to hear about your experiences so please report back with a comment below!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." ~C. S. Lewis

You’re in Control: 7 “Empower Points” for Decision Making

What to eat for breakfast, what time to go to bed, should you go to that social event or not?  We’re faced with a million choices throughout the course of the day and unless confronted with an especially tough decision, rarely give them a second thought.

There’s power in choice and decision-making however; it’s one of the few areas of our lives that is within our control.

“Your money, or your life?”
“You or me?”
“Happiness or success?”
“Paper or plastic?” 

While we may not always like our options, the final choice is up to us, and when we realize the responsibility we have in our own lives based on our decisions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

When it comes to making empowered choices, we offer these 7 “Empower Points”:

1. There are 2 ways to live – floundering and drifting or making conscious decisions.  The choice is yours.

2. Making a “right” decision will lead to less stress and a path to move forward in life.

3. The ultimate goal in life is to look at our wants, determine our opportunities, and try and make the best choices by weighing the costs.

4. Take the time for self-reflection.  This will often reveal where different choices need to be made in your life.

5. Before taking on a big decision make sure your goals and values are crystal clear…these will point you in the right direction.

6. Don’t let a BIG decision scare you.  Feel free to break a decision into smaller decisions and from there steps that feel more attainable.

7. There will always be people who question your priorities, disagree with your decisions, and get mad when you don’t follow their lead.  Don’t base your decisions on the need to please others.

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
"We make our choices; then our choices make us.”  ~Unknown

Life Lessons from Dads to Daughters

It’s Father’s Day and of course our thoughts turn to that of our Dad.  We’ve been posing questions to the followers of our Facebook page all week, “What’s the biggest life lesson you learned from your dad?”

We received some great answers from the women in our community.  They mentioned traits like respect, honesty, integrity, loyalty, sociability, and hard work.
 
One loyal fan shared an important life lesson her dad taught the family on the topic of perspective.  You see, her dad was in the septic system business and they had a “potty pumper” parked in their driveway the entire 30 years of his career.  She shared that he always used to say, “It’s all in how you look at it.  To some it’s S#!$$, but it’s my bread and butter!”  The phrase “S#!$$ happens” had an entirely different meaning in their family!

Yes, dads hold a special place in the hearts of their daughters.  I know for us we’ve learned many valuable lessons from our Dad too!  Here are just a few...

Friends are all around you: Yep, Dad doesn’t know a stranger.  Everybody is somebody and there are no exclusive or private clubs in Dad’s world.  His philosophy is clearly an “all-inclusive” one.  Dad can find a friend in the most unlikely of places and as a result can find the best place to grab a burger, the must-see point of interest, and the back door entrance reserved for those few people “in-the-know”, no matter where he is.  Yes, all this because he struck up a conversation with an unlikely stranger.  Some might call it luck, but we know it’s more.  When you reach out to people and are genuine and sincere, they’ll do anything to return the favor.

Do what’s right: Difficult or easy, expensive or cheap, long or quick.  None of this matters because Dad’s first consideration in any decision is always, “what’s right?”  Taking a stand for what’s right doesn’t always come easy.  It requires strength and fortitude to have a differing opinion from your boss, from the other members of a jury, from the status quo.  Not to say Dad was always right, or that he never changed his mind.  Still, if Dad believed it was right, even the underdog of underdogs had his support and allegiance.

Work hard: Dad didn’t believe in wasting time complaining or in slacking off.  Nothing was ever done half-way.  Anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time, and you gave it your best and enjoyed the doing as much as having it done.  That’s why Dad always whistles while he works, and others are drawn to work at his side.  He makes even the most mundane chores fun and as a result time flies.

Just ask: Dad’s not afraid to hear “no”.  It’s just a two-letter word after all.  If he’s got an inkling to take a different trail, try it a different way, or get up close and personal (you know, beyond the sign that says, “No Admittance Beyond this Point”) he just asks.  I’m sure he’s heard “no” many times, but mostly people give him points for having the guts to inquire, and how can you say “no” to that?!  He’s helped us cross many a thing off our bucket lists, all because he wasn’t afraid to ask (even if we were).

If you asked our brothers what lessons they’ve learned from Dad, you’ll probably get a different set of answers.  We see dads and daughters as having a unique kind of relationship; different (although just as important) as the unique relationship daughters have with their moms.  Yes, dads play an important role in the lives of their daughters, and while as a result our lives are impacted 365 days a year, it’s on Father’s Day that we say thanks.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:"Dad...A son's first hero, a daugther's first love." ~Unknown

Same Old Routine? Get Yourself Out of that Rut

Routines are convenient and have their uses, but sticking to the same-old-same-old, day in and day out, can make life boring, drain your energy and squelch creativity and inspiration!

Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut…You’ve got too much living to do! That’s why we’ve compiled this simple 6 Day All-Intensive Routine Breaking Program to free you from the tedious, dull, and mundane! By next weekend you’ll feel more alive, energized, creative, and inspired, we guarantee it! Even more important however is the fact that you’ll have a lot of fun while doing it!

6 Day All-Intensive Routine Breaking Program

Monday: Even a simple change can spark creativity! What could you do differently today to change up your usual routine? Today keep it simple; change up your reading habits, your typical eats, your usual route, your workout, etc…

Tuesday: Today your task it to “rearrange”! What you change-up is your choice; rearrange the living room furniture, the top of your desk at work, the drawers in the kitchen, or the seating arrangement at the dinner table.

Wednesday: Review your “morning ritual”. How you start the day sets the tone for the rest of your day. A healthy breakfast, some prayer or journaling time, uplifting music instead of the morning news, might be all it takes to make your day extra great! Punching up your morning could change your life!

Thursday: Review your “evening ritual”. How you end the day is powerful. Be purposeful as you go through your evening and pay attention to what feels right to you; a few yoga poses or some light stretching, tea on the deck, relaxing in the tub, or reading in bed. Whatever brings your day to a proper close is the new routine for you!

Friday: Hang out with a new crowd and experience new ideas, new insights and new points of view! Hey, that sounds like a Souslpring Group! This is the perfect opportunity to join a group or start one of your own!

Saturday: Try a new hobby or recipe, switch sides of the bed, or plan an adventurous outing…the goal today is to spend your Saturday in a new way. Dedicate today to all things NEW!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge.” ~Henry Van Dyke

Top 10 Quotations to Inspire Empowered Choices

We all know them (or maybe you're the guilty party); those people who are self-proclaimed “indecisive”.  They are the last to choose from the menu at a restaurant, try on 3 differnt outfits before deciding on the perfect one, and choosing the right toothpaste could easily suck up a good twenty minutes of their time.

Being “indecisive” is a personality trait that is often taken pretty lightly, while the contrary is actually true.  Choices are powerful!  With each decision we exert some level of control, and while we may not always like our choices, the final decision is up to us.  We think that's pretty empowering!

Yes, the decisions we make and our daily choices are very important.  Even the smallest of choices are what pave our paths to the future.  So how can we inspire you to step into your power of choice?

Well, who doesn't love a good quotation?  Time and again we find it's a simple quote that draws the most attention on our Facebook page!  We love those short little nuggets of wisdom, and we've actually amassed quite a collection!  Below we share our top ten favorite quotations to inspire you to choose...and choose wisely!

Enjoy!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

1. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

2. "Don't get your directions from someone who's never been where you want to go." ~Unknown

3. “…to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” ~Kofi Annan

4. “I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude.” ~Unknown

5. “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ~Joanne Kathleen Rowling

6. “There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.” ~Unknown

7. “When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.” ~William James

8. “When making a decision, focus on what feels “shackles off” versus “shackles on." ~Martha Beck

9. “It is the big choices we make that set our direction. It is the smallest choices we make that get us to the destination.” ~Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D

10. “You are your choices.” ~Seneca

Soulspiration of the Week:
“When emotions are locked up in your heart, they can find release through words.” ~Simran Khurana