Showing posts with label Today's Words of Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Today's Words of Inspiration. Show all posts

Monday, August 10, 2015

{Todays #Inspiration} Add me to the ranks of the 'consciously un-coupled' #MotivationMonday

Consciously Un-Coupling Cartoon Drawing by mark ewbie

Ah, Butterflies, my very highly imitated (down to my color scheme and font, really folks?), is back by popular demand. You asked for "Todays Inspiration" back - you GOT it. I think I mostly got tired of the second rate imitations of this column and thought I should get back to doing what I do best, INSPIRE.

Point taken butterflies, you wanted something 'from the heart' back, and you wanted a break from 'blog commercials' - duly noted dear ones, just remember a butterfly gotta eat, but I promise I will strike a better balance from now on. (Although in all fairness, most event recaps are NOT sponsored posts by the way! I just happen to attend a lot of events particularly in summer!)

Not sure if it will be totally daily again with inspirational posts or if it will be a strictly Motivation Monday deal until I get my 'groove back', but I know you wanted this feature and our monthly handbag in the spotlight back and I thought I'd get started on resuscitating this feature FIRST, and yes I am working on bringing the Monthly Featured Handbag in the Spotlight back for Fall so please stay tuned.

For Today's Inspiration I am joining the ranks of the 'consciously un-coupled', perhaps Gwenyth Paltrow's speech at the BlogHer15 Conference (are we still calling this a conference, or should we call it a phenomenon unto itself which it always is) is still playing in my head, but this conscious un-coupling thing is making the rounds. It's even taken Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner (perhaps there was a reason for her never switching to Jennifer Affleck, smart!) and now even Kermit and Miss Piggy are 'un-coupling'.

However in my case it's a MINDSET I want to 'consciously un-couple' with.

Just like we can outgrow a lover or any type of relationship to be frank, we can outgrow a mindset that sneakily permeates itself into our core and slowly and subtly makes us think of ourselves in ways that no longer serve a higher purpose in our life.

Remember when I told you that at Getting Gorgeous there was both a Psychic Reading a 'Face Reader'? (refresh your memory HERE) I had mentioned I wanted to re-visit the Face Reading a bit in another post, here it is. Something entirely dis-concerting happened which I left out of the Getting Gorgeous recap as it was certainly more fodder for this column than it was for an event recap!

For some reason she kept emphasizing that she saw that I was 'quite well off'. She literally peppered this into the conversation at least a dozen times. Mentally I found myself screaming 'what the hell are you talking about? I am FAR from well off Lady!' - this must surely be FAKE. Then I thought maybe I was being punked. At no point did she ask me my name, not my first or my last so this couldn't be some typical association with my last name being Iglesias and the singer Julio that I have had to dodge my whole life right? For the record, as far as I know I am NOT directly related to singer Julio Iglesias.

I wanted to find every reason to interrupt her, to interrupt the session or at least ask her how the heck did she figure me to be 'well-off''?

Empty Piggy Bank, Representations of Lack


But somehow I didn't. Something kept stopping me. I thought if I listened on and didn't interrupt her train of though, somehow she would get to the HOW I get to this 'well-off' life that she perceived me to have.

So I listened.

My face got 'read' and I wouldn't be surprised if it got 'red' too. She revealed quite a bit about me that she had no way of guessing. I was surprised that face reading can tell you so much. But if people can read our 'palms' can it be that far off for them to read our faces as well?

If you are thinking 'Butterfly what on earth does this have to do with you consciously un-coupling? I realized during my Face Reading that somehow it felt like an affront to my person to be accused of being wealthy.

I am NOT even sure why that is.

MY TAKE:

I made the decision that night as the days events played in my head that I MUST for my own good, consciously un-couple with thoughts of 'lack' in all its forms. Those thoughts obviously clawed into my brain and dug root there somehow. Maybe it's living in the city that never sleeps where everyone's 'hustle' has to have a 'side-hustle' to survive. But a 'make ends meet' and not look much beyond that mentality somehow took root in my soul and I have consciously decided to un-couple with it.

Tracy Iglesias of Ascending Butterfly on the $100 Bill
I think I look awesome on the $100 Bill
WILL YOU JOIN ME? Will you release lack and affirm prosperity into YOUR life? What mindset do YOU wish  to 'consciously un-couple' with?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, NO monetary compensation has been received, and ALL opinions are 100% 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.

Monday, January 27, 2014

{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!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Today's Words of #Inspiration: Happy Monday! Try todays #affirmation on for size!




Day SEVEN of a brand new year butterflies! Are you excited? I am. I am feeling filled with anticipation of victory, blessings, new paths and new destinations! A new week has begun and I made sure to start it with affirmations! I say intstead of singing 'Manic Monday' think 'Magic Monday' instead!

I am definitely not telling you to cover the sky with one hand, but you can shape your day with your thoughts so why not make them positive ones?

Buried under a mountain of emails? STOP! Take a 5 minute break. Even if the most walking you can do in those five minutes is a quick trip to the water cooler, then take it.

Buried under an insane to-do list? You won't get as much accomplished if you are harried. Call someone right now who makes you happy. Stopping for just a moment will help you center yourself. And in the end you'll be able to accomplish more than if you just rush through that list like its a marathon.

How are you coming along with your resolutions? Don't give up on them. Break the main goals down into steps, and take yourself one step closer by the end of the week. You have 51 weeks left to make this your best year ever!

Todays affirmation: 'I deserve love, peace, prosperity and serenity.'  - When your day gets hectic, stop and say this. Say this when you get up, and again when you are headed to bed. Keep reminding yourself of this!

Happy Monday Butterfly! Because we all know a Happy Butterfly, is an Ascending Butterfly! :)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. But if anyone wants to sponsor a Daily Inspirational post, please contact us! :)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Today's Words of Inspiration: Be What You Believe! Inspired by my new #Pajamas Edition!



One of my Christmas gifts this year was a new pair of Pajamas, and they read 'Be What You Believe'. It's a super simple, yet very powerful message. How often do you catch yourself being something your not? I don't mean in a hypocritical way. Just conforming who you are to make someone else happy or comfortable? Trying not to be offensive, or walking on eggshells around a particular person or co-worker?

It's not fun is it?

In the long run, not being what you believe just fills you up with toxic energy. Be What You Believe at all times, that doesn't mean you have to be hurtful or blunt, just authentic, honest and truthful.

Whether you make resolutions or you don't, Be What You Believe in 2013.

I'm actively trying to open my mind to all sources of inspiration so I can make positive and forward moving changes in this year, I have a lot of lost time to make up for! But if a simple pair of Pajamas can inspire me to inspire YOU, what can you find to be inspired by today?

How will you be what you believe this year?


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013 Today's Words of #Inspiration: Do NOT work for Free!

do not work for free under the guise of good exposure

As most of you know I went kicking and screaming into Pinterest. Not because I'm afraid of being an early adopter, in fact many who know me come to me with questions on new software, apps, tech and the like because I am an early adopter. I was afraid of pinterest, because I knew invariably I would spend a ton of time there. And lo and behold, when I joined that exactly what happened. To me it's like facebook with the commentary turned off, so it allows you to focus on what is worth the proverbial 'thousand words' the pictures!

When I got the email notification from Pinterest that fellow Blogger Bren from B So Chic! was following me on Pinterest, I immediately followed her back, and went to check out her boards, I saw the graphic above and I just had to share it because it sums up how most bloggers feel in a nutshell.

When a blogger solicits a brand, we better have a value proposition in place, very few bloggers are being 'gifted' a thing. We are expected to not only leverage our Social Media Influence, we are expected to be a Marketing and Public Relations Power House, and a photographer, editor and powerful story teller, and a myriad of other requirements sometimes before a brand will even consider working with us.

But brands however seem to feel it's OK to come us with no value proposition in place. A review item, (no matter how high it's approximate retail value may be), isn't even close to compensating that reviewer for their time.

We can't pay our landlords or bills with the knowledge of your brand or client's (in the case of a PR firm) sales, discounts or events. We can't pay our bills with your good intentions. We can't pay our bills with tweets, instagram, pins or likes. We can only do that with payment.

A magazine editor draws a salary and gets benefits (and those vary by publisher, I worked for a number of publications before I flew the coup). They are also oftentimes 'assigned' a product. Bloggers are not. We can't pay our bills with your widgets no matter how shiny or sparkly they may be. And conversely, when we solicit a brand, more often than not it's a product we already know well so we are already consumers of that brand.

So when you get a Media Kit in response to your solicitation to me or any blogger, don't be offended. Welcome to reality. Welcome to the new digital age.

Bloggers, If you don't value your time or work, neither will anyone else. So when you are asked for what amounts to free social media consulting and PR services, put a price on it! Wipe that digital dust off your Media Kit and send it back when you receive a solicitation. And not just for the obviously bad pitches as a way to make them go away, but for the good ones too, even if you like a product it doesn't mean your time shouldn't be valued.

We read enough pitches to know when a brand is seriously looking to build a long term, mutually beneficial relationship or just use you for a one shot mouthpiece with no regards to your time, efforts, energies and talents.

I held on to this graphic and this post since last year as I saw it during the Holiday Season, and my editiorial calendar had already closed, but this post was sitting in drafts just waiting for 2013 to begin. So Bren, thank you, what may have been a simple Pinterest 'pin' for you one day, definitely inspired me to sound off on blogging on the whole.

They say the relationship between PR firms/Brands and Bloggers could always stand room for improvement, but a great start is by respecting one another's time. And YES, that very much goes both ways.

Please don't mis-interpret the title of this post, I am NOT discussing Volunteer work, you should definitely find ways to give back, and using your platforms for social good is a wonderful thing too, but let's face it, there are but so many hours in any given, day, week, month or year, and not all of them can be given away for free. I actually think the topic has merit across the board and is not specific to only blogging, consultants go through this each and every single day, freelancers and at some point down the line, every single job hunter. How many Marketing job interviews don't come with the 'write out a presentation or brief about specific ways you'd improve our Marketing Strategy' and then you are not selected, but your ideas get used anyway. Putting a price on your skills reduces the burnout and feeling of being used. Like Beyonce sings the famous 'If you like it, then you should have a put a ring on it!', you too need to put a price on it so others know how to value it! And remember, just like the cost of living goes up from year to year, your prices can and should too, so revamp your Media Kits!

I'm also toying with a full post on the differences between soliciting someone and trying to bully them, but for now I leave you all with my usual questions to spark some additional thoughts and great conversation on a topic which I'm sure many of you will have very strong opinions on!

Today's Thought/Challenge: What do YOU think butterfly? Do you think the 'business of blogging' will soon change as more bloggers put a price tag on their services? Bloggers what has been your biggest PR or Brand Fail? Why?

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FTC Disclosure: You can best believe that this is NOT a sponsored post! All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own! (Although I'm sure you can find a few hundred thousand bloggers out there who share these sentiments!)

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Today's Words of Inspiration: Good Bye 2012, Welcome 2013 Edition! #IDeclare



Suck it 2012. Suck it long and Suck it hard, I won't be sorry to see you go. I spent the last 3 months of 2011, and the majority of 2012 in the hospital, actually several hospitals over the course of the year. At this time last year I was in the E.R. fighting for my life. I got the worse news a Doctor could possibly give you. The prognosis this time last year on the cusp of New Year's Eve is that I wouldn't make it to see 2012 nevertheless actually be here days before it comes to an end.

The Doctors said I wouldn't be here today, yet here I stand.The first hospital's negligence almost killed me, yet here I stand.The Mayans calendar came to end in 2012, some thought the world would end, yet here I stand.

To say I can't wait for 2012 to come to an end so I can put it all behind me is an understatement. I spent a year and a half not knowing how much time I had left, and will approach this year as if I have NO time to spare.



I am declaring victory and favor and a 2013 filled not only with promise, not only with hope but with action. Definitive and focused action. I will concentrate on my intentions with laser beam focus because if a long year in the hospital did anything good, it gave me time to reflect, time to see myself for who I really am and time to decide exactly what I want for myself.

While I'm sure like each year that I have been writing, (both on my own blog and several others) that my writing will grow, change and mutate based on what my interests are shifting to, I also know that on every level I will work to enact positive change in my  life. Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically and Professionally this year will bring transformation. That's what being an Ascending Butterfly is. It's being willing to flow forward and upward, it's awkward stages and growing pains that eventually lead you on the right path.

Dear friends reminded me this year that I wasn't being tested, that much like the Diamond that is my birthstone, I am being Polished. Becoming a newer version of myself and it's up to me to keep that polished surface beautiful.

I know that every single day I have had since my bleak prognosis has been a gift, one that I do treasure and cherish. There is a reason I am still standing. And while every single day of each year I've lived in Gratitude, I want to live this year more earnestly yet more purposefully. Actively working to discover what my mission on earth really is. As a life and career coach I've lived my life inspiring, encouraging and motivating others, but this year I find myself a bit more reflective. The only way to continue to motivate others is to motivate myself. And that dear butterflies is what I intend to do.

Utilizing and Sharing my affirmations regularly (I kind of miss retro butterfly, I miss butterfly 2009), I want to bring back the affirmations and Today's Words of Inspiration more consistently.

Because 2013 adds up to six: 2+0+1+3 = 6, I say that I'm working on version Butterfly 6.0.

Let's take that journey of transformation together for another year, shall we?

I'm not going to talk about resolutions, some people make them, others don't, but whether it's a vision board, goal setting, or a declaration, decide what you want 2013 to be and make a plan of attack on how you are going to achieve it.

Whether it's weight loss, getting yourself more organized, changing careers, finding love, moving somewhere new, you CAN have it. If you need an accountability partner or just someone to keep you motivated, let's tap into our collective empowerment community and find ways to help one another. I can tell you that if you can't do it daily, make it a point to go outside yourself for someone else this year at least once, you'll surprise just how much better your life will become when you do!

On the eve of New Year's Eve, have you thought about what YOU want for yourself in 2013 Butterfly?


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Weekly Moment of Inspiration: #MotivationMonday Edition + Winner Announcement!





What I am grateful for:


 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Joys of the Holiday Season! -  Passing the rows of live Christmas Trees on my way to the subway in the business district and taking in that great smell of Pine, holiday lights in the windows, and getting Christmas Cards!

What are YOU most grateful for today Butterfly?

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT:

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Featured #Handbag in the Spotlight: It's YOUR choice! Win a $100 @wilsonsleather Gift Card with @Ascending1 Giveaway!

Winner Is:

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Samantha F.

We are working on closing entries and processing the 5 winners for the Terox Footwear Giveaway and will have all the winners announced shortly!

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Friday, December 14, 2012

Today's Words of Inspiration: Let's send light, strength and prayers to the families affected by today's tragic shooting! #PrayersForNewton





I've been watching the news unfold new details of the tragic shooting today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut. I am deeply saddened, and am joining in the prayers being sent to the students, teachers, and the families who are suffering a loss no one should ever know. There are various groups out there using their social media for good, and the one for those on Twitter is #PrayersforNewton,




In light of today's tragedy I know it seems impossible to turn our hearts toward inspiration, but it's only with sending light and love to the victims that we can begin to heal. Many moms expressed on Facebook that they are planning to hug their kids extra hard today, and I plan to do the same with my nieces and nephews.

If you can think of nothing to be grateful for today, be thankful you are home, be thankful if your child made it home safely from school today. As an inspiration based community let's find a way to encourage one another and take our energies to a place of  healing. Post any prayers and thoughts here, all comments are moderated so I respectfully ask that you refrain from posting any hate messages to the shooter here, this is NOT the forum or place for that kind of hate and anger.

As a former Special Ed Teacher myself, I shudder to think that this could have easily been my school. A school that wasn't in an area nearly as nice as Newton, a school where there were students with special needs and broken homes. It's such a sad state of our times that our elementary schools now need to up their security measures to ensure the safety of children!

I hope all of your little butterflies made it home today safely!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Today's Words of Inspiration - Re-visit your Life Path! #MotivationMonday

Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias, Ascending Butterfly taken at New York Botanical Gardens


Butterflies, BlogHer12 was over-whelming and I am probably still trying to process it all, I will spread my recaps out slowly so they can be truly thought-filled and insightful.

I did like the fact that a Healthminder and Pathfinder track was added to the conference, I'm not sure I like that they were a separate price, but I do think that they were equally helpful to both newbie bloggers and still had something to offer more 'senior' bloggers in attendance. (By senior I mean 'experienced' and at this point that would include me!)

Those panels and tracks inspired me, they forced me to have a re-think both personally and professionally about where I am and where I want to be!

One of the biggest take aways for me was geting back to the writing that makes me the happiest. And truly having a look at where I want to be as a blogger. To many of us our blogs probably started as just our 'life' or at least much of it as are willing to share and for some that becomes a Brand. But is that brand genuine? Does it still truly reflect the real you?

At heart I'm a Coach. I motivate people. I help people in my circles and my life to solve problems. I like to inspire. And my medical setback this year coupled with what I learned during my time at BlogHer has made me realize that I was much happier when I focused on Today's Words of Inspiration. Somehow along the way, and I guess it's because as this community, people wanted to know the face behind the inspirations, people wanted to make sure this wasn't a bot but a real person they could relate to, that I opened up more. And when I opened up more, this site went from 'inspirational' to 'lifestyle'. And for awhile I love that and it fueled me to. But I realized after this very long conference experience, that I miss 'inspiration'. I missed the motivation. This community was founded on learning on to take time for yourself each and everyday and just breathe. Saying your breathing affirmational excercises once to start your day and once to end it.

I will admit that the self -reflection as well blog-reflection has made me realize that I am also a passionate travel writer (I did work for an Airline many moons ago) and I need to explore this more in 2013, but I don't ever want Ascending Butterfly to lose it's 'roots', inspiration is our foundation and it's high time we re-explored it here!

Todays Challenge: Re-visit your Life Path.

Pretend you are going on a job interview for the job of your life, and you get asked these three questions:

(1) What are you most passionate about?

(2) Where do you see yourself not just in five years, but NEXT year?

(3) Are you happy? (OK this one might be a stretch on a job interview, but it is appropriate to ask yourself to help re-evaluate where you are right now)

Here are my answers:

(1) Writing - It started with Poetry as a kid, and never stopped!

(2) Next Year - Transitioning to travel blogging. Five Years: Writing a book about those experiences!

(3) I'm grateful, but haven't quite been as happy as I could be lately (<-Perhaps I need to do more breathing affirmational excercises daily myself!)

Today's Words of Inspiration and Breathing Affirmational Excercise: Take a deep breath, hold it and say to yourself 'Each and everyday I pursue my true passion, I move closer towards my goals.' and then exhale. Changing a behavior or thought comes with repitition, it helps to repeat affirmations in blocks, so say that out loud or to yourself three times in succession multipe times per day. While we will post new affirmations frequently if one truly resonates with you above others, then stick to that one as your daily so you can really manifest positive and powerful changes in your life.

Will you re-visit your life path today? Did you re-visit it and find out you want to change it? If so, how? Where do you want to be headed?

Happy Motivation Monday Butterflies! More BlogHer recaps and a BlogHer 2012 Pinterest Board coming soon!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Todays Words of Inspiration: Do you really want to say that to the Universe?







Hi Butterfly!

It just felt like high time we had a back to our roots plain and simple Today's Inspiration! Despite everything I've been going through this year, I've been working hard to remain focused and inspired, and I hope you are too!

I can't believe April is almost gone and we are swiftly approaching May. They say April showers bring May Flowers, and I don't know about you, but I'm overdue for 'flowers' in my life lately! I'm definitely ready to let the sun shine in, both through my window and in my heart. How about you?

You know how it is said that 'words have power', that our destiny can be altered with our words and with our thoughts? What you don't say and what you don't believe is just as powerful as what you do say and what you do believe about yourself.

When things are going along swimmingly in your life, are you secretly waiting for the other shoe to drop? When you experience a triumph do you truly believe that you really deserve it?

Today's Inspiration: Be careful that when something good happens to you, you don't say 'I can't believe this is happening to me, I didn't think something this great would ever happen for me.' If you do, the Universe will believe you, and may not send you more. It will believe you are not ready accept more than what you have.

Today's Challenge: When something good happens today, Just say Thank You. To God if you are Faithful/Spiritual or the Universe, or BOTH even better still. Don't say I don't believe this, and go beyond saying WOW, say Thank You, and say you are grateful to see a harvest for your efforts and you will continue to be rewarded because you are telling the Universe you are grateful for what you have received. That gratitude WILL open the pathway to more.

Speak your way to success today Butterfly, You DO deserve it!

XOXO,

Ascending Butterfly

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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Terrific Tuesday! Sweet Pleasures!




Today's Inspiration: This Tuesday has been all about savoring simple pleasures for me. Drinking some gingerale with dinner not because I had to or I felt sick, but because I wanted to, it was cold, crisp and refreshing on a warm early spring weather day. A long shower with all my favorite pampering bath products. And a frozen treat, just because.

It was also a great mail day, and remember butterflies, when I have a great mail day, YOU do too! Just a little teaser on some neat stuff coming for our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide! The stuff that arrived today falls in our 'Traveling Mama' category, and you are going to LOVE what we have in store! (HINT: It's a brand we work with often on Ascending Butterfly, and they were in last year's buying guide as well). This promotion is geared toward moms traveling with style who like to travel in style!

What is your Terrific Tuesday tale Butterfly?


Twitter Party Alert: Don't forget to our RSVP for our next twitter party here: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/04/rsvp-for-helping-hands-hhmilkbank.html

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Todays Words of Inspiration: The Bottom Line


Where is My Monday Motivation?

I was debating on whether or not to write this post, but I've shared the good and now the worst experience of my life, so I figure I should share this one too!

My nightmare from Hell continues, this: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-new-presbyterian.html has now cost me a job too.

The night I landed in the Emergency Room was a night I should have been celebrating, after years of searching not just for a job, but for THE job, I landed it and had over-lapped with the person leaving the role that afternoon. That day of my nightmare started off as the best day ever, on the brink of a new year, with a brand new job I was super excited for, and ended in the E.R. and me spending just under two weeks in the hospital. With me toasting in my new year with Gingerale sick to my stomach on pain meds and more alone than I had ever felt in my entire life.

I used the new job to keep me motivated when things got dark, I kept thinking, one more test, one more day and the quicker I could get past it all the closer I would be to starting my great new job.

Well I got a call today telling me I have no new job to go to. That while I was in the hospital their bottom line was suffering and they could not wait me out. (And I’m thinking how their bottom line was suffering was a particularly insensitive choice of words, technically the one SUFFERING was ME!)

But that’s reality. When life steam rolls you and your world comes to a stop, whether it’s your own illness or the death of a loved one, you find out quite painfully that the world continues to go on, it’s only YOUR world that stops. A cruel blow indeed, but that’s very much life. Corporate America cares only for itself.

So here I am. Grateful to be here after being on the brink of death. Don’t get me wrong, with all the insanity I went through I realize what is important here is that I am still here to tell the tale, but I feel cheated and quite angry.

I’d ask what more 2012 would like to rob me off? But I honestly don’t want the answer to that question.

So where is the Monday Motivation you ask? Take my setback as an example to be grateful and live each moment like it’s the last, because you have no idea when it very well could be.

Yesterday I ate my first meal made by own hands since 2011 and I can tell you it tasted better than any other meal I had made before. I enjoyed it more and savored each flavor. Just because I COULD make it for myself, made it that much better. Sometimes cooking can get tedious, but it’s when you can no longer do something that you realize just how much it means to you.

My kitchen, a small humble one, became a working meditation for me as I prepared a meal for myself with my own hands.

Todays Challenge: REJOICE IN THE LITTLE THINGS – They are NOT as little as you may think.

I am back at square one in my life today on many levels, but I refuse to let it defeat me!

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Friday, December 2, 2011

{Inspiration} This is what I Choose - What do you choose?



TGIF Butterflies!

While I love our annual holidays buying guide, I needed a giveaway free day today. Unfortunately new members that come in during the holidays think this is solely a product review blog, so I thought a day where we go back to our empowerment and inspirational roots was in order. We have one very simple mission statement: To Inspire, and Be Inspired. While that sometimes comes in the form of people, places, things, events, causes or travels that inspire me, it's also finding ways to make my day better, by using tools such as breathing affirmations or meditations, and even being physical, like going for a walk, excercising or trying Yoga. 

I saw this graphic posted last night on Facebook, and immediately re-shared it as a status update but I realize we have different followers across different channels, and wanted to be sure to share this here for those that don't follow on Facebook.

You can live out loud, on your terms, by your rules! You can be selective, that doesn't necessarily make you picky. You can be firm and stand your ground, that doesn't mean you are inflexible.

We are rapidly approaching a new year, are you ready for it? What do you want from 2012? What do you want from yourself? What do YOU choose in this New Year?

Whatever you decide you want your year to be, make it happen your way, on your terms! And if you need some extra encouragement, share your goals here, you'd be surprised at just how many other readers share your goals, we can support each other!

Some of my goals for the new year include keeping up with my weight loss and amping up my physical activity, I want to do some more traveling as I didn't get away very much this year and definitely regret it, and I have a few professional changes I'd like to make as well.

We will resume the holidays buying guide this weekend as my goal is to give you enough time to put in entries and still get all items before the holidays, but I just thought a day to focus on what really matters was in order! :)

P.S. We have a few giveaways that will be closed out and processed this weekend, winners list coming soon!

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Todays Inspiration: Impossible and Un-attainable, or is it?


It's truly just a matter of perspective, isn't it?

Weekend Challenge: Dust off a goal or dream that you feel is impossible or un-attainable for you right now. Re-examine it. If that goal were the goal of a family member or dear friend would you tell them it's impossible? Would you tell them they couldn't reach it? Then why can't YOU?

What goal have you given up on that you'd now like to re-consider? I'll share mine if you share yours!


Have a wonderful weekend, and stay inspired Butterflies!

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Today's Inspiration: Tuning Back in Thursday!

 
 
A friend posted these beautiful words as her facebook status yesterday, and although I have reads these words before, it felt like a warm blanket on a cold day to read them again:

 
May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life ~ Apache Blessing

Stay Inspired Butterflies!


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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - Are you ready for sudden wealth?



Today's Quote:

Whatever your current financial condition, you should begin to plant something to get a harvest, and save some of your seed for future planting. Even if you presently do not have much, you should implement this advice; for you will carry these habits with you if fortune should come your way. Sudden wealth dropped on undisciplined lives will result in money that disappears quickly! ~T.D. Jakes Ministries

Are you disciplined with money? Are you using your money to create a 'seed' for yourself?

Today's Challenge: Get savvy about money! Make a budget that you stick to. Give up one frivolous spending habit per week and put that money in a savings account instead. Give up one starbucks per week, or give up seeing a new release on opening weekend for one week, and put that money aside for a rainy day, for retirement, or even for a bigger dream purchase like a house or car, you'd be surprised how quickly your simple sacrifice will add up and give you an even bigger harvest later! You CAN do it!

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I am wise with money, I give myself permission to prosper."

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Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {ENDS SOON} Crest 3D Whitestrips Review with Giveaway! Ends 09/23 - Win a 1 year supply of Crest 3D Whitestrips!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Kate Spade NY for Lenox Vase with 1800flowers Bouquet of your choice Giveaway! Ends 09/29 - Win a Kate Spade NY for Lenox Butterfly Vase that you can fill with $100 worth of flowers from 1800flowers.com!

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Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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Monday, September 12, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - I am here. Now.

words and photo @Sierra Goodman, Shared from divinedolphin.com

Today's Quote:

I no longer hide from my light.
I no longer argue for my limitations.
I fully accept, honor and carry out my Divine Plan
and Service to humanity without resistance
(except for when it comes up and then I shall
joyfully do the work to name it, claim it and release it).
I easily and gracefully step into my agreed upon
Divine Role and I fully embrace Who I Really Am.
I shine my light with pure love and compassion.
I am here. Now.


I saw this on Divine Dolphin's Facebook Page and I just had to reach out to the author to share it here, this is the most beautiful reminder of the importance of remaining in the now and claiming energies that serve a higher purpose in our lives and releasing energies that don't. If you are not already following Divine Dolphin on Facebook you should consider doing so!

And before I get accused of Fashion Week madness, I thought we should start out the week on an inspirational post! =)

Today's Challenge: Remain in the now. Sometimes trying to have it all means you are making lists in your head instead of enjoying lunch or dinner, scrolling through your to do list mentally during your commute home. Be in the NOW today. Just for today try being in the moment.

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I Am Here. Now."

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Step into Fall With Earthies Talera Shoes - Review and Giveaway! Ends 09/18 - Win a pair of Talera Shoes in your choice of color!

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Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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

FTC Disclosure: I was not compensated to share Divine Dolphin's Facebook Page, I consider them a great source of inspiration, this is a NON compensated post!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Todays Words of Inspiration - Progress!


 
Today's Quote:

    “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

My favorite teacher in High School loved George Bernard Shaw. He had us read and dissect Shaw and Shakespeare so much that I could probably attribute quotes to their authors in my sleep. I don't know about you, but I often have to remind myself that being busy, and making real progress are not necessarily one and the same. There are days where I'm super busy from the moment I open my eyes to the moment I close them again at night. But when I assess what I actually accomplished, sometimes I'm satisfied, at other times I'm not. I've come to understand that busy is not always progress, and I've reached a point where measurable progress is important to ME.

Not necessarily the progress that others feel I should make. Not necessarily the obvious benchmarks of professional success. But personal and spiritual progress.

Today I was a mixture of busy and making actual progress. And now at the end of a day of triumphs, I am satisfied that today I have made progress in an area that felt hopelessly stuck. I wish you that same satisfaction to savor.

Today's Challenge: You can affirm that you attract progress, but do you really expect it? Deep down, do you truly feel you deserve it?

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I Expect AND Attract Progress."

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway! - Win the Hannah Bag in your choice of color!

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Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Todays Words of Inspiration - Limping Forward


 
Today's Quote:

Tailor your efforts to the continuity of God's plan for your life. If the items before you don't match the call inside, release them and move on!

Success is an intentional result of a focused effort. My prayer is that the many distractions around us will not deter the vision inside us....keep on walking or even limping forward! Any progress defies the defeat of decline!

A mighty victory is beyond these attacks! ~  Bishop T.D. Jakes


While I usually try to keep Ascending Butterfly as religiously 'neutral' as possible, I have many sources of inspiration. They come from thought leaders of various faiths, and when I use a quote here I always attribute it to the source of the quote. I am very much aware that many of us worship and praise in a different way. Some are Non-Denominational, some are Atheist. I am respectful of all here. But when something positive truly resonates with me, even if it's in the form of a prayer, I like to share it!

Last night Bishop T.D. Jakes posted this quote on Facebook, it truly resonated with me personally, and with many others. I let him know I run an inspirational Lifestyle Blog and I'd like to re-post it. I posted it to my personal page as well as Ascending Butterfly on Facebook, and it seemed to resonate with many people.

There are days when it seems impossible to move forward. In fact we all sometimes go through periods in our lives when weeks and even months and sometimes years pass and we find ourselves in the same place. That realization sometimes causes fear, resentment, sadness, bitterness and those feelings lead to despair and that despair can sometimes lessen our resolve as well as our Faith.

It's difficult at the end of a hard day to remember that the fact we had that new day in and of itself is the blessing.

Allow each new day to be something that just having it fills you with hope. At the end of the day, just the fact that you had a new day and got out of bed and tried to do something with it, is the victory! Whether you went as far in that day as you wanted to, is not as important as the fact that you got out of bed that day and TRIED.

By now I'm sure you are aware of the Earthquake in the US that measured 5.9 on the richter scale! For some it was no big deal, and for others it shook them to core. How did it affect you? Where were you when the Earthquake hit this afternoon?

Ultimately success is putting one foot in front of the other. Acknowledging that obstacles are only temporary setbacks that can be overcome. I agree with Bishop Jakes, even if all I could do is limp forward, then I'm going to do just that!

Today's Challenge: Move Forward. In whatever way that you measure progress. Line up what you want to achieve and break the goal down into steps. Today try to tackle just ONE thing from your list. Whether it's the biggest or the smallest.

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I realize that my Success is an intentional result of my focused efforts."

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway! - Win the Hannah Bag in your choice of color!

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

Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - Are you seeking happiness in the distance?



Today's Quote:

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. ~James Openheim

To some degree we are always seeking happiness in the distance. Every day that you actively work to pursue a goal or a dream you are actively pursuing your idea of happiness. Be it personal or professional fulfillment, love or friendship, happiness means different things to different people and even different things to the same person at different points in their lives.

But when we don't take the time to 'smell the roses' and be grateful for what we do have, we won't feel fulfilled with that happiness in the distance either.

Are you so busy seeking happiness in the distance, that the small pockets of daily happiness are eluding you?

Today's Challenge: List three moments of happiness you experienced TODAY

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I am happy in the now."

Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cool 4 School Back to School Giveaway with ZIPZ Shoes! 2 Winners! Ends 08/19 - You have the chance to select your choice of style (Hi-Top, Low-Top, Slip On etc) and design in the size of your choice as well. You can opt to pick a pair for yourself, or select from a youth/child, toddler or teen shoe and give them to your back to schooler! The choice is YOURS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway! - Win the Hannah Bag in your choice of color!


Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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