How to Communicate Effectively in Times of Conflict

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How to Communicate Effectively in Times of Conflict

Conflicts can always be expected in life. We cannot avoid all hard times because sometimes they happen for a reason that is beyond us. People are like magnets or mirrors. We are attracted to what we have within us. And when we are upset by someone either angererd or hurt, that too is a reflection of something within us that causes a rise in emotion. Learning to respond to conflicts rather than reacting to them is key for peaceful resolution. What is the difference?

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The Power of Belief - Part 4: “The Power To Heal”

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The Power of Belief - Part 4: “The Power To Heal”

Our beliefs have a power and influence over our health and our wellbeing. What we think can actually manifest in our bodies both good and bad. You probably know people who focus on their aches and pains, talking about them often as if they are part of who they are. For these individuals there is always something that is ailing them and they are happy to tell you about it. On the other hand, you may know individuals who are super positive and never seem to get sick. Even when they feel symptoms coming on they say, “no, I’m not going to get sick” and miraculously they don’t. 

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Suicide is Not the Answer 

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Suicide is Not the Answer 

Life is precious. There are many times when we do not understand what is going on and we all have that in common. In fact we are more alike than different. Anxiety and depression are on the rise. We all have fears and insecurities, they just vary. There is a feeling of hopelessness looming in the air at times, but I urge everyone to dig deep and plant your roots in the power of belief and purpose. If you do not yet know your purpose, please forget the expectations and opinions of others and follow your passion.

Because of the two major suicide stories this week of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, may they rest in peace, the subject of suicide is now being brought into the limelight and it is time that we have an honest discussion about it that comes from a place of love without judgement.

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The Power of Belief - Part 3: Faith in Something Bigger

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The Power of Belief - Part 3: Faith in Something Bigger

Ponder for a moment what a miracle it is that you exist here and now on a beautiful planet in the middle of an infinite universe reading this blog on a smart phone or a computer, written by a person who may live on the other side of the world from you. It’s rather mind boggling, isn’t it? Now go inward and think about the ingenious complexity of your body… all of your organs, blood vessels, skin, bones, muscles, nerves and individual cells and how they make it possible for you to think and to move about… Can you see that you are a living miracle?


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The Power of Belief - Part 2: How to Harness the Power of Belief to Improve Your Life

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The Power of Belief - Part 2: How to Harness the Power of Belief to Improve Your Life

Our beliefs not only affect the outcome of our future, they also affect those around us in our intimate relationships, at work, with friends and with family. I grew up in a fanstastic loving home, but being the baby of the family and the caboose, born 10 years after my sister, my parents and siblings did a lot for me including making my decisions. Of course they meant no harm and were simply trying to help me. It was only recently that I realized that those “nurturing” habits and tendencies that they had for me really created a dependency on other people for my well being, a fear of surviving on my own and a delay in finding my purpose. Sometimes life throws us curve balls that are out of our control, but with a strong belief that you deserve to live the life of your dreams and to become the best version of yourself, you realize that all things are possible. 

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The Power of Belief - Part One: Believe in Yourself

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The Power of Belief - Part One: Believe in Yourself

Our beliefs have an enormous power over how we see ourselves and how we perceive reality. They are the catalyst behind what we do and what we don’t do. At the heart of our belief system is what we believe about ourselves. Those who believe that they can achieve anything, boldly pursue their desires and their dreams. While those who hold back, often carry self limiting thoughts and negative beliefs that were handed down to them by their parents, as well as other authority figures from their youth. 


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The Rhythm of Life; What Are You Waiting For?

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The Rhythm of Life; What Are You Waiting For?

"The Rhythm of Life," by Matthew Kelly in my opinion embodies the concept and the mission of a Total Soulful Journey, which is to AWAKEN, INSPIRE AND EMPOWER YOU TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF. This is one of the most powerful books that I have read. Although the author's answers to life’s mysteries seem obvious at times, we can all relate to them. The book begins by stating that life is a series of choices. Choices in the food we consume, in love, in fear, in anger, in what we wear, where we live... Every choice we make either leads us closer to our destiny or draws us back from our goals. But, what are your goals and what is your life’s mission? Many do not know, and that is OK, but we must always dream really really big, because as Matthew Kelly says, “Dreams foster hope, and hope is one of the forces by which men and women live.” Each choice we make designs the tapestry of our life.

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A First Timer's Guide to the Island of Kauai

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A First Timer's Guide to the Island of Kauai

Have you ever visited a place and it instantly felt like home? Some places have a special energy that resonates with our hearts. Hawaii is that kind of place to me. A few weeks ago I returned to Kauai for the third time with my daughter for a vacation. I have been to the Hawaiian Islands twelve times. Each island is special and offers unique beauty and opportunities. If you have never been to Hawaii, Maui will give you the quintessential island and beach experience. If, however, you really want to kick back and chill out, Kauai may be the place for you...

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A Message to the Graduates of 2018

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A Message to the Graduates of 2018

It seems like yesterday that my first born, my baby girl Morgan was born. Each stage and every year of her life has truly been a gift. From watching her take her first steps, to hearing her sweet giggle, then experiencing her emotional and academic struggles and celebrating her award winning talents. I cannot believe this day is here already. Today is the start of a new chapter in our lives. Morgan, and all of those who graduate this year, now has the foundation and the wings to soar. I have no doubt that she will accomplish all of her dreams.

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through Costco Travel

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5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation Through Costco Travel

I recently used Costco Travel to book flights, a rental car and a hotel for a week on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. I love Hawaii, but a week on the islands can be very spendy. By booking my vacation package through Costco I was able to stay at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas on the very desirable north shore of Kauai and still keep within my budget. I couldn’t be happier with our Costco Travel package and here are 5 reasons why:


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Why Do We Self Destruct at Each Roadblock in Life?

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Why Do We Self Destruct at Each Roadblock in Life?

Why do we self destruct and sabotage ourselves when we hit roadblocks in life? 

The answer has two parts: ego and fear. Roadblocks are merely obstacles that lead us on a better path in life. We may be forced to pause or slow down exponentially, but what if that roadblock saves us from going over a cliff? Trust yourself and never give up on the map you draw that leads to your true purpose, your goals and your dreams. Maybe the roadblock is putting you on a better path? Perhaps it is there so that the Universe can show you things and new people along your way? Ponder these questions and know that your life holds a divine plan that is being revealed to you along your spiritual path. Ego is there to protect us, but sometimes too much fear overcomes us and stops us from pursuing our destiny and then we feel conflicted. 

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How to Make the Most of Your Experience on Instagram - An Interview With Melissa Teng

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How to Make the Most of Your Experience on Instagram - An Interview With Melissa Teng

What’s your favorite social media platform? For the past five years I have been a big fan of Instagram due to my love of photography, travel and nature. It’s also been a wonderful place to make great friends from around the world, including my TSJ blogging partner, Libby McAvoy. When I started on IG it was fun and easy to gain followers and make friends. Since Instagram introduced their notorious "algorithm" a couple years ago that selects what photos appear in our feeds, however, it's become more competitive and, quite frankly, rather frustrating at times. Seeing some accounts grow while your own stays the same can be discouraging, considering that many of those fast growing accounts are using computer bots to follow and unfollow you. And then their is the risk of falling into the "comparison trap" when you see so many fantastically edited photos, exotic locations, fabulous lifestyles and heavily curated galleries.

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What Stops Us From Finishing What We Start

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What Stops Us From Finishing What We Start

What do you want in life? Pause and reflect a moment. Most people can list all the things they do not want faster and easier than they can answer what they do want. Life is truly full of choices; what do you want for breakfast, will we workout before work or after, do we really want to commit to the relationship we in and where will we be five years down the road?

The truth is that we are all born with a purpose. Many do not know or understand their purpose and instead get caught spinning unhappily on “the hampster wheel of life.” Others wear “masks” living the life they feel their parents wanted for them. Marriages are crumbling at an astonishing rate of one out of two. People are dying of heart disease and suffering from obesity as a result of stress. The stress though, is a result of unhappiness. We work to make more money, but that often robs us of time and energy and does not create true and lasting happiness. 

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Parenting Through Difficult Health Situations

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Parenting Through Difficult Health Situations

Parenting is both the greatest gift and experience life can offer to many, but it is also the most difficult. It does not come with an owner's manual or certainty for success. It is an unknown world. Once you have multiple children you tend to ease up a little and feel a little more in control, but with more children come more responsibilities and pressure. The sound of a child's laughter coud melt your heart as it warms you completely. Many times we wish we could bottle that sound because it speaks of innocence, lightness and divine love. 

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How to Constructively Deal With Mistakes

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How to Constructively Deal With Mistakes

We all make mistakes, but how we handle correcting them is what matters most. The other day I accidentally left my copy of “The Untethered Soul” at my daughter’s house. I was hoping to finish reading it last week in order to write the review for this month’s TSJ bookclub. I was initially bummed and felt frustrated for a moment when I learned that I didn’t have my book with me. I hate making mistakes and I really don’t like to let other people down. Fortunately I’ve learned that it is pointless to allow negative emotions to linger in me for long, so I acknowledged the mistake and let it go. 

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Wanderlust into the Best Version of YOURSELF

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Wanderlust into the Best Version of YOURSELF

This seems like a straight forward question, right? Yet, many of you reading this will struggle to answer it. You might give me responses that refer to your title or the "contracts" that you signed long before you were born, such as I am a strong compassionate woman, a mom, a daughter and a yoga instructor. Those would be my superficial answers. However, what I am really asking is what is your life’s purpose? Some may be fortunate to have the answer and be pursuing their life's purpose, yet others struggle to even know what they are passionate about.

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How to Calm Anxiety - 11 Helpful Tips

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How to Calm Anxiety - 11 Helpful Tips

The relationship that we have with ourself is the most important relationship in our life. Furthermore, how we feel about ourselves impacts the closet people around us. One of the biggest things that affects most of us is anxiety. This is particularly true right now due to the troubling events that are happening around the world these days. Anxiety is a form of stress that generally stems from overthinking. This is especially true if we are focusing on an uncertain future, rehashing traumatic or unpleasant events from the past, or comparing ourselves to others, like we often do when we spend time on social media. We all experience anxiety to one extent or another, but that doesn’t mean that we have to live with it all of the time.

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Communication: Male vs. Female

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Communication: Male vs. Female

There are subtleties in the language men vs women use in comunicating with one another. But it is not as divergent as in “men are from mars and women are from venus.” We are actually more similar than you might think. Communication includes words spoken, tone, posture, micro-gestures and the ability to listen. Men and women possess both male and female qualities (read about them in our last post), which allow us to connect on a deeper level. We all can be nurturing, sentimental and also aggressive. Sometimes it is not the words spoken, but instead how we translate what is said to us that creates our reactions. By understanding our different communication styles, we can have healthier relationships. 

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A Balancing Act... The Masculine and Feminine Energies Within Us

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A Balancing Act... The Masculine and Feminine Energies Within Us

We all have masculine and feminine energies within us no matter what our physical gender may be. These energies empower and influence us with an array of contrasting traits. Having these duel energies within us allows us to recognize the mirrors of attraction within our potential mates, bringing the male-female connection into a relatable place. When we recognize our qualities within another person we connect with them. If we did not share these traits to some extent, it would be be more difficult to connect, merge and find commonality. Like magnets we are energetically attracted to our polar opposites, as well, and together we find a balance of swirling energy and emotions that lift us up and give us a feeling of being completed. One of the keys to  a Total Soulful Journey is knowing how to balance, embrace and honor these energies within ourselves and with each other.

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