Yoga Is Making My Life The Best

How do you relax, recharge, reorganize (mentally)?

I was never good at relaxing. When I was growing up I was always on the go like the little Energizer Bunny. (Wow, I am showing my age..do they even have those commercials on anymore?)

I was very involved at school. If I wasn't in practice, I was doing something for my class, and volunteering for something. If I wasn't doing that I was working.

My day started at 5:45am and usually returned home around 9 - 9:30pm. Then I did homework until midnight or so.

I look at it now and think, "What, was I crazy? Where did I get the energy?" Today, I'm shot by 1 in the afternoon and often fall asleep when I put my son down for a nap.

When I first met my husband, he introduced me to this thing called "Just Being.

We would go hiking or what ever and just sit down and do nothing. We didn't have to talk, we literally did nothing!!

Weird dates, I know!!

But that was one major reason why I fell in love with him. I didn't have to "do" anything to feel accepted. It was such a freeing experience.

Have you ever experienced anything like this? If not, you should!

Jeff and I have gotten away from "Just Being" since we had kids. Kids change EVERYTHING!

We try to go out on a date at least three times a month, but there is that effort to go do something. If we are home we are playing catch up with something (school work, laundry, the yard, cleaning, the business, the list goes on and on and on!

There is one thing I realized that doesn't quite hit the mark for just being but comes oh so close... YOOOOGGGA!

I take my youngest with me and put him in child-watch. Emmy is in school and I head down to the studio with mat in hand for "me time". What a great feeling, even though I still feel a little guilty for not spending all of the time with my youngest.

My excuse for taking the time away from time with my youngest, is because yoga is exercising. I do "active yoga" and by the end of the class I am like a used dish rag (limp and soaked with perspiration (why does "perspiration" sound less "yucky" than "sweat"?)).

The part of Yoga I love the most is at the end when your muscles are twitching from exertion and you feel like you would like nothing better then to fall into a deep coma, you are instructed to lay down (like someone is going to draw your "corpse pose").
I lay flat on my back, called Savasana, I try to match my physical position to resemble my thoughts of receiving opportunities and life.

I stay there, meditate and find relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. I reorganize my mind and find peace.

I am so grateful to my yoga instructor, Lisa. She is the best!

If you haven't tried yoga you should and if you have, isn't it wonderful?!!

It is the best way I have found to help me get my mind in the game for work and family.

It is one key to making my life the best.

Work It Mom, Makes My Life Better!

Have you heard of Work It Mom?

A place where working moms connect

It is a great site!! Simple to navigate and easy to use!

There is so much you can do...
1. Blog
2. Tell others about your business
3. Advertise
4. Read and submit articles
5. Find help
6. Get recipes
7. And learn what others are doing.

It is really inspirational!

Plus, there is actually a daily giveaway!

How can you pass on that one!
Check it out and tell me what you think!

Mom Blogger Wins On the Blog Train

Press Release: Mom Blogger Wins On The Blog Train

Mom blogging is serious business; Google “mom blogs” and you get over 4,570,000 sites that is double from last month! Moms are blogging, revealing secrets, offering testimonies, sharing information about the benefits of their products, and swapping stories.

Who juggles more and is a better multi- tasker than a mom? Moms do it all: if something is broke we fix it; if it needs reassurance we hug; if it is dirty we clean it; and if it needs to get done we find a way to do it.

That is why the Blog Train was created. This forum is a place to let the world know you updated your blog and unlike other social networking places, it guarantees visitors to your site. The forum also offers a spot to announce specials or upcoming events; a spot to ask off-topic questions; and ask online business questions and shares answers.

Find out who won some great prizes at the Blog Train

Making My Life The Best With Mary Gersten

I want to tell you a little about my discovery. I learned more about myself in the last couple months working this program than in the last 5 years.

In the last five years I stopped working outside my home, became a mommy twice, lost my best friend, mentor, and mother-in-law to cancer, and have been struggling for two years to save my marriage.

Mary Gersten's program has not only given me tools to develop my business but resources, information, and incredible support to transform my life. I have found so many missing pieces and have been able to wipe away the grime covering them from years of neglect and abuse.

Has that ever happened to you? I feel like I am born into a different light. Life was such a struggle before. I mean everything was a struggle. Little things like getting up in the morning, deciding how to talk with my spouse let alone, seeking, practically begging for acceptance, approval, and gratitude, all the time!

I gave my power, my will to someone, to anyone who was in eye-shot.(I know the term is generally earshot but I think our eyesight has greater distance). I always observed others with confidence attracting other peopes attention and curiosity.

The funny thing is I have only spoken to Mary once. Isn't it incredible that I have only spoke with a person one time and can say she helped to "transform" my life?

Mary has created a program, a training, that seems like it was developed just for me. What Mary has created is nothing short from genius! What is the reason I can say this?

Because Mary hasn't left a single piece out of the puzzle including her integrity and genuine commitment to her students!

Addicted..Making My Life The Best

Are You an Addict? I Know I am.

Did you know you can be addicted to just about anything? I love beginnings. I love the excitement I feel when starting a new project and making a new commitment to something. I especially love starting a new friendship with someone I click with.

I think probably a lot of people are like this too. You more than likely are since your are reading this!

But there is a problem with this, I do great starting something (a new business, workout schedule, practicing, writing in journals). I get really into it, and I go full speed. Then, I get distracted or hit a speed bump and I switch gears and move onto a new "thing".

I'm not sure why but I think it has something to do with growing up in a traumatic house. I had to be ready for the next incident. Maybe it is a habit or possibly a way to avoid tough issues. (Can I procrastinate more?)

Are you an "action addict" too? This is a powerful yet limiting quality!

So, I asked: "Do I suffer from ADD"?; "Is there something wrong with me?"; "Do I have a fear of succeeding?"; and "Do I cut and run when the going gets tough?"

I know there is some fear of success (I will tell you more about that later). I know too, that I love the excitement, the challenge and the adventure of doing "something", "anything" new. It gets my blood pumping and my creative mind rolling like an avalanche.

The ability to identify my weaknesses and strengths are definitely a necessity but to learn how to reign in my weaknesses and use my strengths to develop them into something greater is a real blessing.

I found a lady who has offered information and wisdom that I have never found before. She offered some great info., which I was happy about and satisfied. But, then she kept delivering, again and again. Her support, dedication, and program has changed my life.

Her name... Mary Gersten.

Read More at My Best Life Now

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This book has really
made a difference in
my life!

What Is Stopping You From Making Your Life The Best?

Do you know when you have worked so hard to complete a puzzle only to find as you have nearly finished, there was a missing piece stopping you from completing it?

Isn't that frustrating?! I have been doing this my entire life. There has always been this piece of me where I couldn't figure out why I had a fear of money and held to the belief that I wasn't smart and worthy enough to make money.

I have a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. You would think with a Master's Degree, a degree I worked long and hard for...hours of study, classes, clinicals, internships, volunteering, that I would have made more than a person working at a fast food restaurant and believed my services, time, and effort is worth more.

My Graduate School

I was always told (and worse, I believed) by my parents, school, and society that if I worked hard and had a good education I would be rewarded and live a good life.

That didn't happen for me. I worked up to 70-80 hours a week in a very stressful position (Sexual Assault Coordinator) and made about $6.90 per hour! My resposibilities included psychotherapy with a case load of 30-50 people, 3 groups, PR for the program, statistics and feedback info. collection, community out reach, conference coordination and training, and expert testifying. Crazy huh!!

You would think I had at least a secretary or someone to help... Nope! All me, one person. I was so insane for taking this job. I think a lot had to do with the piece that was missing (I think it was lost in the couch!)

If you want to learn more about where I found my missing piece, go here.

This Makes My Life The Best!

I am so excited, I was chosen as the "Student Of The Month" from Global Cash Flow Network!

I recently found out and since then my opinions have been reaffirmed about their superior customer service and genuine care and dedication for their students.

I submitted an essay about what has been the greatest thing I have learned during the program. So, I wrote about the life changing information found with in a newsletter, The 2 Comma Club. Access to this newsletter is an example of the "over delivery" of their commitment to assist their students to reach his/her dreams.

I feel so privilege! First I was told since I won student of the month, GCFN would donate $250 to my favorite charity... St. Jude Research Hospital. Then to my great pleasure I was given an opportunity of a lifetime...Mary Gersten, herself, scheduled an appointment to interview me!

Not only did she take time to get to know me and my goals but she offered valuable information and inspiration! I thought this was such a fantastic thing in itself but then it got even better!

GCFN sent me a Flip Video! Is that cool or what? I am so blessed! Thank You Mary and Global Cash Flow Network! I will b e sure to send you a video testimonial (as soon as I get my hair cut tomorrow!)

Stay tuned, because soon I will have the link to my interview with Mary! You'll want to hear it! (I just couldn't wait to tell you all!)

Why Learning Chinese Will Make Your Life Better

In recent months, China has been big news, especially since Bejing was the site for the 29th Summer Olympics . Because of the increased interest in China, many people are realizingthe importance to learn the language.

Many schools across the US and around the globe are offering students the chance to learn
Mandarin Chinese and if they are not they should be!
Some reasons are:

1. China is now part of WTO (World Trade Organization); now, major and even small companies need to be able to communicate effectively.

2. A bill has been introduced to require all U.S. high school students to be given the option to take Chinese language classes.

3. The ablility to speak Chinese, sets you apart and demonstrates initiative and proactivity. This skill will allow you to take advantage of future trade opportunities.

4. The Chinese work force out produces in labor instensive jobs creating lower operating costs. Many of the Chinese manufacturing companies employ foreigners to manage, consult, and accounting. Learning Chinese, provides a link between Chinese companies and American businesses.

5. Around 16,000 American companies are trying to sell their products to China. Because of the size of China there is a great demand for products produced abroad. The companies that can speak and write Chinese gain an advantage and more importanly, a foothold.
6. Learning Chinese. is not as difficult as you may think. Because of modern technology, the learning process has become simplified. Many professionals have learned to speak without knowing how to write Chinese. (Learning to write is the most time consuming but the translations programs in computers has greatly eased the burden of learning.)

With some effort and using the tips shared here, a person can begin speaking Chinese quickly. Learning Chinese will undoubtly provide you a brighter future for your career, company, and more than likely, for your personal life.

**Thank You for the use of the photos, MIT!**

Helpful Techniques To Learn Chinese Makes Life Easier

When you learning Chinese or anything, it is best to learn many variations or different techniques. This creates a better understanding and a solid foundation for success.

Here are some tips and techniques to help you to master the Chinese language. Note: Using multiple tips will maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of learning. Always remember to have as much fun when learning.

Step 1

The first thing anyone should do is learn Chinese Pinyin. This is the Chinese phonetic alphabet used to pronounce Chinese characters and helps you to distinguish the 4 different tones used.

(Unlike in European languages, initials (simplified Chinese: 声母; traditional Chinese: 聲母) and finals (simplified Chinese: 韵母; traditional Chinese: 韻母, or rhyming sounds) - and not consonants and vowels - are the fundamental elements in Pinyin)

Step 2

Take the time to listen, as well as practice, both simple Chinese sentences and vocabulary, to memorize it.

Here are tips to achieve the above two steps:

a. Take a local community Chinese class to carry out practice drills with a study partner. The more you are able to speak the language, the easier it will be.

b. Buy a good dictionary, with the right phonetic spellings of each word.

c. Find a native Chinese speaking person and spend time conversing in their language. (There are a lot of Chinese/US exchange programs; Exchange language lessons.)

d. Barrow or purchase audios/software programs where you listen to and then repeat out loud what you ahve heard. Finding Chinese Newspapers and magazines can be a big help!

e. Sing Chinese songs. Go to your local library, or purchase online some tapes and CD's, and then listen to them. Emmerse yourself in the culture so you can speak the words and the sentences on your own.

f. It is important to review all your "learned" words regularly to keep them fresh in your mind.

Step 3

Spend time writing Chinese. You will not only understand the strokes and rules relating to each Chinese character, but it will provide a sound foundation of how each character is formed.
Below are some tips:

a. To memorize each character, write them until you remembered them. Start with the easiest ones, then build up the difficulty level.

b. Write a character once or twice. Once you have a list of words in front of you, go through this list writing each word once or twice, then start from the beginning and go through it again. Do this for as many times as you need to; It will ensure that the words you have learned are more firmly planted in your memory.

c. Whenever possible, watch Chinese movies, videos, and TV programs that have subtitles. It is one of the best and easiest ways for a person to learn Chinese, through both the spoken and written word. http://chinat0wn.blogspot.com/2008/03/learn-chinese-pinyin-in-6-minutes.html

d. Get some post-it's and write down characters you are about to learn. Stick them to the objects they relate to.

After time, you'll notice many characters have elements in common. They may be related to each other through the meaning or pronunciation of the word. By noting common elements, it will help you to remember much easier.

Step 4

The grammar of the Chinese language, is almost identical to all other languages. The only difference you may find between Chinese and English grammar is the sequence of words. Therefore, pay close attention to these differences and practice them as much as possible.

The most important thing to remember is not to be afraid of mistakes. Most people have difficulty learning a language...mostly because they are extremely self conscious and are worried too worried to make mistakes.

The Best way to learn anything, especially something tough is to break it down and do it a little at a time, each day. Consistency is King so, add it to your daily schedule. You'll be amazed at your progress.

Great Places To Start Learning Chinese To Make Your Life Better

One of the most interesting ways to learn Chinese is by finding an online course or software you can use on your computer. More and more people are becoming interested in learning this language because of the growth in China within the economic markets.

Currently, over 1.2 billion (1 in 5) people speak this language. In fact, it is the most commonly spoken language throughout the world today. That number is only expected to climb.

When it comes to learning Chinese, your level of learning doesn't matter - courses are available for all stages. These courses will help you to learn to write characters, understand grammar as well as using the right tones and the proper way to pronounce the words.

So, if you don't have the resources to visit China for an extended period of time or to take classes at a local college, these options are powerful! I recommend finding some great softeware programs like Rosetta Stone and Fluenz Manderin. Then, use Skyp to practice with live available teachers over the internet Skype (a free form of voice over Internet Protocol). This is an easy way to carry out conversational Chinese on a regular basis.

Because of the growth in internet connections, as well as the advancements in voice over internet protocol (VOIP) software, it has made it extremely easy for people to find a tutor and polish up on what you have already learned.

Skype can not only connect you to freelance tutors, but also language schools who use this form of technology to help their students with their lessons. Some are even located in China. This can make learning Chinese so much easier because it is in the comfort of your home, but keep in mind the time difference (about 12 hours from the East Coast).

Some other helpful ways to start learning Chinese is to buy mp3, cd's, videos of familiar music/shows translaeted in Chinese so you can start emersing yourself in the language. You will be surprised at what you will find!