Weekly Moment of #Gratitude: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Edition! Fall 2014! #NaBloPoMo

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy

This feature has been M.I.A for awhile, not because I haven't had things to be grateful for, because I have, but because life has been a roller coaster of busy.

Not So Good:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have been so busy lately that it has made writing pithy content feel more like a chore.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bad Public Relations. - I have long since passed the point of having to 'prove myself' to anyone - both personally and professionally. On days where my pages were blank it wasn't for lack of content. My content cup overfloweth actually, but time however is at a premium. I read a blogger who wrote something that still makes me smile: 'I'd rather go dark, than go free.' and that's exactly how I have been feeling. Those so eager for attention are giving away things that established bloggers just simply won't.

Good and Grateful For Stuff:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events that did provide unique experiences as lately those have been few and far between.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brands that actually wanted real partnerships and not just a free mouthpiece.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chopping off my hair for a good cause started me on wanting to make other changes in my life, from Fashion and Style to Professional changes as well.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have learned to just simply ask 'bad pitchers' if they are being paid in their product regardless of what it is and send my Media Kit outlining rates. It makes time wasters go away and those who may really not have known better re-think their approach. It's funny how I have to provide metrics and tangibles to someone I wish to work with and brands think a 'review item' is enough to cover my work, your review product is NOT your tangible when you pitch me for a 'partnership' dear brand.

Ask yourself at the end of each day: What am I grateful for Today?

My Take:

I always miss this feature when I have to skip it to play catch up. And when I have to skip this feature to attend to something else it makes me feel so very far from my goals so I am participating in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) and NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to help me get back to my creative writing roots. I feel it will help so much with both the blog and my aspirational writing goals. I am also going to take out time to read more. I feel my writing is way better when I'm reading more and staying inspired.

What are you most grateful for this week Butterfly? Are any of my fellow writers participating in National Blog Posting or National Novel Writing Month in November?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

How has this Mercury Retrograde Wreaked Havoc on YOUR life so far?

Great Advice from Spiritual Spew - Practicing Patience and the art of 'non-reaction' is still something I am working on!

For those of you who are not clear what a Mercury Retrograde means, it is when the Planet Mercury slows down and appears to 'stop' (or station) and move 'backwards' (retrograde), this happens three to four times per year.

I found the graphic I used above via websearch on a blog called Spiritual Spew, you should check out the original article this photo is attributed to HERE. And no, I don't know her and this is NOT a sponsored post or plug in any way for anyone, just real talk.

They say during a Mercury Retrograde that you should NOT engage in any binding contracts (you are to postpone signing any contracts until after the Retrograde period is over), expect delays while travelling, don't buy electronic equipment or a new car, and do not go in surgery that is avoidable. You should also take caution while speaking (or in a writers case while writing) as your words may come out in a way you didn't intend them to. During this time period many people experience computer problems or phone lines going down. (This has definitely been happening to me!)

Interesting also to note, a lost idea or person can come back into your life, sometimes someone with a mysterious 'pull' on your psyche. We are to draw hope that this retro back in air signs (those born under the zodiac signs of Libra, Aquarius and Gemini) is allowing us to take a mental review of our mind and it's patterns and what conclusion we draw from our experiences. The positive of this particular retrograde is that it is supposed to be allowing us to see our past from a different angle or perspective.

Great Advice from the folks at Illuminating Souls!

I personally don't remember any retrograde period that I have seen referenced so much as I have this one. Apparently this one is hitting many hard.

For me so far, people from my past have in fact re-surfaced, people who were absolute back-stabbers and sneaky snakes who took way more from my time and energy than they ever added to it and I have refused to re-connect with any of them on any level.

At the end of the day a Mercury Retrograde is also considered a time of 'fated' events. I for one, feel very much like I am at a crossroads in my life. Personally, Professionally, and Spiritually. I feel this retrograde while almost nearing its completion, will reveal a lot more.

This is the last retro for 2014, a fact for which I for one am very much grateful! Take note of any major themes that occur for you during this retrograde period. If you are prone to keeping a journal, this time period will probably offer you some very interesting reads when you look back at this time in your life!

Butterflies how has this Mercury Retrograde Period affected your life? 

(and it is so sad I need to add this, but bible thumpers do NOT try to comment about the evils of astrology, I am just plain not the one, I moderate all comments and will not only delete them but I will block you also, no trolls allowed! Engagement and Conversation always welcome, negativity however is NOT!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Hug those women in your life who have made your world a better place today! #‎WomensFriendshipDay‬

Today is Women's Friendship Day and I want you take a moment to thank those women who have been your 'tribe', your 'network' and your safety net.

To those women who have empowered you.

Who have your back.

Who uplift you in prayer.

Who support your dreams, even when you are not strong enough yourself to see that you can do it.

Who share - their time, their support and friendship with you.

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Edition! Summer 2014!

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy

This feature has been M.I.A for awhile - don't get me wrong it's not because I haven't had things to be grateful for, because I have.

This summer flew by in a blur, some good, and some not so good stuff.

Not So Good:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I attended an event, recapped it, and then had someone threaten to sue me because they wanted me to remove their photo and my synopsis. And maybe it's because I started in Newspapers but I felt the need to dig my heels in and stand my ground. I will not be bossed around by anyone when it comes to my digital home and how it's maintained. Especially since this has always been a place about empowerment and I have worked hard to keep snark and negativity from invading my digital home.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have been so busy it has made writing pithy content feel more like a chore. Something I absolutely hate feeling.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The level of bad Public Relations and Pitches this summer made me want to shut my digital doors and just escape the stupidity of my inbox completely.

Good and Grateful For Stuff:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events that did provide unique experiences as lately those have been few and far between.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brands that actually wanted real partnerships and not just a free mouthpiece.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taking a Digital Camera Course at Best Buy that allowed me to improve my DSLR skills making the investment in a good camera totally worth it. (Check out the DSLR Learning Center at BestBuy)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being featured by SheSpeaks which I wrote about on Thursday was definitely a great reminder that all my plugging away is not in vain! Sometimes it's just nice to know that your work is appreciated.

Ask yourself at the end of each day: What am I grateful for Today?

My Take:

I have been a bit too close to things lately and I have tried to detach myself spiritually from a lot of it, but I realized just how much I missed this feature and how much I missed taking time to actually stop and remember how good things are in the here and now.

Having someone threaten to sue me for just doing my job brought on an incredible range of emotions, not all of them good ones. But I instantly went straight into 'pitbull' mode, and at least that let me know that writing and this space I have carved out for myself still meant more to me than I realized. And while I'm not grateful for the undue stress at a point where I least needed it in my life, I am grateful that the experience helped me see just how much this space and my integrity means to me. I was unwilling to compromise and I remembered that sometimes you need to assess what is and isn't worth fighting for.

Experimenting with Photography this summer has been engrossing and fun. I also realized I didn't have to share it all. While getting better at it was something I wanted to do initially to improve my blog photos, playing with it more frequently has opened up a more creative eye and while I love writing, I needed a jolt of creativity in my life lately, something that wasn't necessarily all about Ascending Butterfly.

Happy to bring my favorite feature back and speaking of which, on Monday another favorite feature returns from a long hiatus with a giveaway too, so stay tuned!

What are you most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

No Matter What People Tell You, Words and Ideas Can Change the World.

I have to thank Getty Images and Huffington Post for this photo. Robin was definitely an Ascending Butterfly and he will be greatly missed.

Butterflies, depression does carry a very high risk of suicide, if you feel you are in immediate danger or risk please call 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) and there is also a hotline for the deaf at 800-799-4889. Reach out for help and do not suffer in silence.

Words and Ideas can change the world. So does our Self-Talk. The most powerful two words you can combine is 'I AM', be very careful how you use them. Do you find yourself constantly saying 'I am sick, I am tired, I am Fed Up, I am Angry'?

Watch your internal dialogue butterflies, and please note, men take their lives nearly four times the rate of women while women have the higher rate of being ignored by physicians or dismissed as just a passing panic attack or 'stress'.

If you have approached your primary or sought treatment for depression and don't feel you were listened to or were dismissed, please do not stop trying to find a physician who will listen, and while you are trying to find the right clinician, reach out to your tribe - your friends, family, clergy, keep expressing how you feel and don't bottle anything in or internalize it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. You are NOT alone, please share this message with anyone you feel may be at risk!

Great Haircut by @angelodavidhair – I cut off 13 inches to donate to @pantene #beautifullengths for women battling #Cancer

I recently met an amazing Stylist from Angelo David Salon in New York City at a recent Getting Gorgeous Event. They were offering Hair Touch Ups and my stylist Ivy listened to me about me wanting to make a real change to my hair and my style. She made a few recommendations, the first being cutting a bit of length to bring back the bounce to my hair. (You can check out a recap of Getting Gorgeous HERE in case you missed it).

I finally made the summer chop! It was LONG overdue and quite frankly it felt symbolically like I shed a ton of dead weight as she cut!

I tend to cut my hair shorter in summer, and this summer I decided to make a super huge cut, way shorter than I would normally cut my hair (my motto is 'always leave enough for a ponytail'), and I did it for a good cause!

The Big 'C' has definitely hit my family hard so Cancer Charities have always held a very special place in my heart and with my own recent Hospital Nightmare even more so. So I asked my stylist to measure my ponytail to see if I had enough to donate and I was pleasantly surprised that I had more than I even needed!

So my hair was cut in a ponytail which is the way it needs to be cut if you are going to donate it.

Above: Check with where you plan to donate, but I am donating mine to Pantene's Great Lengths and they ask for 8 inches, as you can see mine is about 13 inches!

About Angelo David Salon:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Over 20 years and located in the heart of midtown Manhattan

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They offer Manhattan's Couture Hair Extensions and Hair Color customized to enhance your skin tone and eye color, hair texture and hair type. (I am thinking of opting for Hair Color next, I told you I'm ready for a change!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They also offer full custom human-hair wigs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They also sell Angelo David Brushes, Combs, Hair Care and Hair Detox (doctor-formulated herbal supplements for both men and women that promotes hair growth and healthy skin) as well.

About Pantene Beautiful Lengths Donation Requirements:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They require at minimum 8 inches

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hair needs to be free of dyes, bleaches or chemicals

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The hair needs to be no more than 5% grey

My Before and After:

Above: BEFORE: Ivy from the Angelo David Salon giving me a hair styling touch up during Getting Gorgeous

Above: This is still the before, this is after the style touch up during Getting Gorgeous, but this is the length my hair was before she cut it. (and remember, in this photo she curled it, so it's actually longer than it appears!)

Above: Here is the AFTER! This is shortest than I've ever gone but I can't begin to tell you just how liberating going shorter has made me feel, and being able to put the hair to such a good cause was very much the icing on the cake for me.

My Take:

Finding a stylist I am comfortable with is hard enough for me, nevertheless actually uttering the words "Do whatever you want", but Ivy really made me feel at ease during my hairstyling session and impromptu consultation during Getting Gorgeous. I feel super blessed to have met her there and have had the opportunity to have her transform me at the Angelo David Salon. I highly recommend both Ivy and the Angelo David Salon.

Even though they are in the heart of midtown, once you arrive at the Salon you instantly feel at ease, they offer you a warm greeting and a moment to just settle before your appointment which is great. They are right off Grand Central which can be a hectic area so I definitely appreciated just sitting for a moment and having something to drink.

It's super fun attending local blogger events and having some people not recognize me since my signature long ponytail is now gone! I'm thinking it may just stay gone for awhile as I am totally digging the new me!

Butterflies, do you have a favorite stylist or salon, If so, which one? 

Do something for yourself today butterfly that will keep you in high spirits for the rest of the week. 

Happy Motivation Monday!

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FTC Disclosure: While this is NOT a Sponsored or Compensated Post, Angelo David Salon did provide my cut to facilitate my review for editorial purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

A @DrMayaAngelou inspired #MotivationMonday

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" ~Maya Angelou

I was born on April 4th just like Maya Angelou and hers is one of my absolute favorite butterfly quotes. Many of my butterflies noticed I changed my personal Twitter Account to the image above and I thought it would make the perfect Motivation Monday this week. And a special thanks to all the butterflies out there who email me quotes, pictures and poems they find about Butterflies, I cherish them all!

Being a butterfly is about transformation and change, but often we neglect to reflect upon the changes that get us to where we are and who we are at this very moment.

It's OK to be in transition right now butterflies. I know some of you don't feel like you are in the place you belong, or the skin you feel comfortable in, but I can promise you that it's all for a reason. These shifts, transitions and sometimes setbacks and detours are all an important parts of the process.

This Ascending Butterfly definitely mourns the loss of Maya Angelou, but I know her words are a legacy that will plant a seed of greatness in generations to come.

I hope these words will serve as a reminder to be kinder to those around you - we are all in different stages of our transitions butterflies - let's show more empathy to both our fellow caterpillars and butterflies today!

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FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

The Three Places You May Be Forgetting to Add 'Intention'

We tend to approach 'big' things with intention, but we sometimes forget to speak intention on things we do almost on 'auto-pilot' when we do them like:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lighting a Candle
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lighting Incense
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Go To Sleep At Night/Our Dreams

@buddhaonabicycle.com

You can add intention to all three of these.

Light a Candle or Incense with Intention - We tend to have a reason when we light a candle, but open the door to only positive energy by lighting it with intention. Whatever your belief system is should be what guides you. I have observed some who are Christian open the lighting of a candle by stating they are lighting the candle in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as they believe that lighting a candle symbolizes the light of Christ. Others feel that lighting a candle brings light to our wishes and desires, used by some as a request for healing or peace.

Taking a moment of silence before lighting a candle or incense for that matter to clear your head of negative thoughts and energy is important. Try sitting for a moment with your eyes closed, if you are a good 'visualizer', visualize white light all around you, if you are more of a voice person, affirm either silently or out loud postive words of affirmation to put yourself in the right place (mentally and spiritually)  to light your candle or incense.

When you feel ready, open your eyes, light your candle or incense (or both) bow your head and direct your intentions and/or prayers to the Universe, God, Allah, Buddha, the Angels or your higher self for that matter and ask that the energy created by your candle or incense serves your highest good and the highest good of your environment and those around you.

The hardest part will be the letting go, release any need to have the prayers answered in a specific way, allow spirit and the universe to help you find the best path to your answer.

Put intention to your sleep and dreams -  Yes you can do the same for your sleep, and while this might feel the most strange to you at first, doing this with consistency may just change your sleep forever. Take some time without noise, turn off electronic devices, tv and music too. Sit for some time in silence, whether you keep a gratitude journal or not, focus on 3 good things that happened to you in this day. Express gratitude (silently, or out loud your choice) - then focus on your top three goals for yourself, personal would be better, but professional are OK too, Affirm to yourself be it out loud or silently that you charge your dreams to help you see clearly those goals you wish to manifest, ask your subconscious mind to be vibrationally aligned to those goals so you may see clearly how to reach them.

When you master these, try adding intention to other simple daily tasks, add intention to your eating patterns, television viewing, and one of my personal favorites your shower, I really do believe we can change our lives by changing our thoughts and our own responses to the mundane/routine and to those things that may not be so routine.

What have you put intention to today butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. But if you would like to sponsor a Motivation Monday, feel free to contact me! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Today is: ________________ #Fillintheblankfriday Fun via @Ascending1

TGIF Butterflies! 

It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

Today Is: 
_______________________________

GIRLS NIGHT OUT FOR THIS BUTTERFLY!

Post a comment with your answer!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

The 10 things your Life/Career Coach is too afraid to tell you! #MotivationMonday

A Bra Specialist can look at you and tell your bra size quite accurately BEFORE she even measures you. A shoe store associate can usually look at a foot and also pretty much accurately guess your size and foot width. And while we hate to hear this, an HR professional makes their final assessment within the first 10 minutes of the job interview.

A Life or Career Coach come into play when you want to manifest change in your life or career. It's hard for the Coach to do their job when they quickly realize that it's only YOU and your attitude standing in your way. The quote "Attitude Determines Altitude" has lasted this long for good reason!

The Top 10 Things Your Life/Career Coach is too Afraid to tell you:

(1) It's not your boss, it's YOU - How you react to your boss and his/her demands are going to determine how far you will go. I am not telling you to brown nose your way to the top, however I am telling you as a Career Coach, that this is the most vital relationship you have in your career arsenal. Remember, even leaving a job of your own accord will require a job reference. And in Life Coaching this applies to the relationship you feel most stuck in, the one you feel that is not moving forward but backwards. Be it your in-laws or that BFF you think you may be 'outgrowing'...

(2) You Must Pay Your Dues - You are not going to become CEO in a year. Don't be afraid to pay your dues.

(3) Procure a Mentor - You want to touch base with someone doing the job you want to have eventually. It's OK to go outside your organization to find that person. In fact, that is the better way to go, you want someone who you can be frank with and who can also feel free to be frank with you about their path to success.

(4) Relationships are a two way street - If your theme is constantly about how every relationship has wronged you, your coach may be too afraid to tell you that you are sabotaging your relationships by the way you react to things that are not to your liking.

(5) Presentation is half the battle won - It's not just the job interview where you should whip out your best suit, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If the top salesperson calls in sick and a major account needs attention, who do you think the boss will ask to pinch hit? The person in jeans or the suit?

(6) Yes, Peer Socialization is necessary - Those myriad of after-work team-building events, do you really have to go? YES, you have to go. Your peers are in the trenches with you, and if you can all support each other, you all win.

(7) You get what you give - Selfishness will hold you back from the life you really want. Be it the green-eyed monster, or pushing your agenda to hold someone else back, you get in life exactly what you give. If you spend countless hours telling your life/career coach how selfish everyone is around you, they are going to easily spot that the selfish Sally in those relationships is really YOU.

(8) Stop making cross-lateral job transfers - Your job trajectory needs to go up, if you spend years just moving sideways it's going to be harder to go up the next time you make a job move. Aim to build a career with an upward trajectory. (Because dearies, only crabs walk sideways!)

(9) Don't let moss grow under your feet - If you can't find the job you want, keep searching and portion out a part of your week to volunteer. Volunteer work is just that WORK. It allows you to give back to your community in a relevant way and still build necessary job skills. The busier you are, the more attractive you are to a potential employer.

(10) Define Success Clearly - How do YOU Define Success? Don't tell your coach how your mother and father define success. Or how your spouse defines it. Or your siblings for that matter. Yes you need to make enough to cover your bills, but at the end of the day, amassing money and then having no time to enjoy it, is something I am sure we can both agree is fruitless.  No Life/Career Coach can take your career or life to the next level until you know exactly what success looks like for you. Visualize it. Do you picture yourself in a garden with blooming flowers? With a smiling family? In an office at the top floor? Bring your Life or Career Coach a picture of how you define success, then and only then can they help you get there!

My Take:

The only thing that tends to stand in the way of our own success, is US! We tend to be our own harshest crtics, we tend to think status quo is better than change and we get stuck in ruts that for the most part we create for ourselves.

Before reaching out to a Life or Career Coach, start by tapping into what success looks like for you, what position you want to be in and be sure you are ready to knock your life and career status quo on it's head. Change sometimes comes with sacrifice. A life/career coach is not your fairy godmother, they can't wave a wand over your head and put you straight into your dream life. Define Success for yourself and then once you have that vision, there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking the help of an expert to guide you on how to achieve it.

And lastly as someone who has been coaching for awhile now, my biggest tip is that a life/career coach is NOT your therapist, while it's super easy to get that confused, your therapist digs into your past, your life coach looks forward (not backward) into how the immediate can be re-shaped to look more like YOUR vision of true success.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! = #MondayMotivation

Happy Presidents Day!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Skinny Scoop! (I need your ONE CLICK daily vote!) - The Skinny Scoop has nominated Ascending Butterfly as one of the Top 25 Product Review Blogs! You can vote for Ascending Butterfly daily until 02/28 here: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/social-list/create?list=top-25-product-review-blogs

Ascending Butterfly is already a Top 50 Product Review Blog on Cision, I was totally floored when I found out we made their list! (Article here: http://blog.us.cision.com/2012/06/top-50-product-review-blogs/) so I was honored to see us nominated again independently in the Product Review category. I try to bring you unique products from a very wide variety of brands both established and emerging, and it's gratifying to see my efforts recognized! For those of you who saw my social media blasts about the nomination and have already voted for us, THANK YOU. Your support means more to me than you know! It is a simple one click vote, that doesn't require you to like anything, sign up anywhere or even provide your email, just click vote and you are done!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Losing Followers! - I put up one cheeky title last week and it appears a few 'butterf'lies' disappeared. Had they read the entire article they would have realized the play on words was entirely innocuous. I don't do it very often, but when I do, it's just being cheeky, I've kept this blog drama free, politics free, sex free and pretty much snark free since 2009. I'm sure they will come running back during the next great giveaway, but frankly I wish they would stay away. This space is a place where I am going to be myself. I am going to be true to myself. I am going to be authentic to myself. and I am going to express myself. Will it work for everyone? Probably Not. We can only please 50% of the people 50% of the time. I'm OK with that. So yes, I am actually quite grateful for those that bailed because of my cheeky laundry detergent title, they reminded me that it is OK to be true myself. And I'm sure double will come in for all those who left. (some people actually like cheeky!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - I've been carving out some time for sweeping every now and again, and had a few wins come in during February that I almost forgot all about.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Volunteer Time This Week! - As many of you already know I spent some time last year in Chicago at the Headquarters of Ronald McDonald House and got to visit several houses out there, and spend some time volunteering, one day it was making welcome bags for the families, on another simply baking cookies to share with the families with some of the children who were up for it. Part of my pro-bono ambassadorship is to meet with my local house here in New York City and find ways to help them. I have my first meeting with the local house this week, and I'm just truly grateful for the chance to help. After spending a year in the hospital myself, I have a great deal of empathy for families who find themselves in the hospital helping their child to battle a serious illness. Once I get a more defined sense of what the local house in New York City needs, I will share more about it here, but I just wanted to give a deep thanks to the brands I work with who have already expressed interest in finding ways to get involved. In my opinion this is what I wanted to see my little space online and my social used for, for Good, for Giving Initiatives, for ways to motivate, challenge and inspire myself as well as others. A recap of my Chicago experience can be found here: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2013/09/i-am-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities.html

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Please VOTE daily via Facebook for our Butterfly-in-Chief, Tracy of Ascending Butterfly to win a spot on 'Run to Napa' a 10K run, powered by @ZOOMArun  - http://woobox.com/h3xho2/vote/for/1921984

To Vote:

(1) Follow the link above

(2) It will be defaulted to 'enter' so press the 'vote' button instead

(3) Scroll down until you see the picture above, you may have to scroll all the way and press 'view more' or show more entries twice before my picture comes up

(4) Once you find my picture which will be the same as the one above, hit VOTE

That's it! (You won't get any spam for voting!)

THANK YOU!!!!

oh did I mention I have the chance to bring one blog reader with me on this amazing trip? It's a daily vote, so if you are voting, please leave a comment below and let me know!

                             ˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

  ˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

{Todays #Inspiration} Each Person! #MotivationMonday

I can relate to the last sentence of this quote! My best creative writing has always felt like I was just a temporary vessel for the words and that the writing 'came through' me. Those writing moments are effortless, almost easy. I am engrossed and engaged and the words flow through me as hours fly by on the clock. Those days feel amazing!

But the key is to remember that every single day can be like that if we are open to the many blessings that the Universe sends us each day. Today practice letting something come through you, stay in the moment, and say an affirmation to both start and end your day. Don't let 2014 be 2013, you can shape it into anything you want it to be!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ This Weekend I Plan To: ________________ #Fillintheblankfriday Fun via @Ascending1

TGIF Butterflies! 

It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

This Weekend I Plan To: 
_______________________________

I plan to enjoy this weekend by taking some time away!

Post a comment with your answer!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

I plan to _______ to move myself closer to this ______ Goal! #MotivationMonday

For me: I plan to develop better financial habits to move myself closer to the Goal of moving to a new residence! What is your fill in the blank for Motivation Monday?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post.

#Fillintheblankfriday The biggest change I plan to make in 2014 is ________________

Photo Credit: I"m a Mom Too Blog

TGIF Butterflies! It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

The Biggest Change I Plan to Make in 2014 is: _______________________________

Post a comment with your answer!

For me, it's change of address, a move is definitely on the agenda for me this year!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: First #MotivationMonday of 2014 Edition! + Winner Announcement!

Butterflies it is the first Monday of the New Year!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2014! - It's a new year and this is the first Monday of 2014! Let's set the tone for how we greet the rest of the year by greeting today with enthusiasm and gratitude. Each new year I get to ring in I now realize is such a huge blessing. It's kind of cool that we are actually 6 days into this new year already and this is the first Monday we have to confront. Even with it starting with a snowstorm, I see this year as a blank canvas just waiting for me to fill it. I'm actually late starting on my Vision Board this year, so if anyone has theirs up I'd love to see it! (Especially if it includes butterflies!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RAOK! - I took some much-needed, long-overdue and well-deserved time off during the holidays and was on the receiving end of two random acts of kindness during my travels that really touched me. They were just simple kind gestures, but since sadly kindness is sometimes hard to find, gestures like these take me by surprise. I am way more comfortable being on the giving end of an act of kindness. Something I want to work on for 2014. I may not be able to repay them directly, but I can always pay it forward and that's exactly what I intend to do. Start this new week with the goal of doing one surprise thing for a perfect stranger. You don't have to report them here if you don't want to, but keep track of it in your 2014 journal. When you end this year and go back to read all of your posts, it will give you a super warm feeling inside! And keep track of all the RAOK's you are on the receiving end of too! (You don't have to search so hard to find them, it can be simple things like someone holding a door for you when your arms where full, you adding to the take a penny/give a penny jar in the supermarket etc)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - With 2013 being such a busy year I didn't enter many contests. It's one of my favorite hobbies that sadly went neglected last year, but I did get some win notifications and prizes from seeds of entering that I had sown last year and few small instant wins to start my 2014, nothing life changing, just small simple stuff but it gave me a happy and lucky feeling which is always a fun way to start a New Year!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Changes! - Plotting my year of 'change' one step at a time, first up hair! Time for a chop! chop! and I may go bold and do a color change too! What about you butterfly? What is your first change going to be this year?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

WINNER ALERT:

 New Year, New Jacket!

Congrats to Elsie Rivera, Entrant #1937 in our Holidays Wilson's Leather $100 Gift Card Giveaway! Didn't win? No worries, we will have Wilson's back soon so stay tuned! Join me in congratulating Elsie by posting a comment on this thread!

                             ˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

  ˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.