Hats off to you!

Image Credit - sedonagicleestudios.com

I wanted to post yesterday's article on the very day that was declared "The gloomiest day of the year", so today I am going back a step and doing the mantra that I usually post on a Monday.

Today's Mantra is - "I am my own unique self"

Sometimes, without being aware of it, we try to be all things to all people.  We wear so many hats, it is no wonder that we can't see ourselves for who we really are.  We wear the daughter hat, the mother hat, the carer hat, the colleague hat, the wife hat, the friend hat, the homemaker hat, the cook, bottle washer and general dogsbody hat.  Many of the people in our lives expect us to behave in a certain way and before we know it, our true personality and identity becomes blurred along the way until we become a version of ourselves.

You are special and unique, you have your own set of abilities and talents.  No-one can be you and you can not be someone that you are not!  Allow the true you to show up in this world.  Acknowledge and celebrate your wonderful, unique magnificence.  You are worthy of your own love and self acceptance.   Allow the world and all who know you to see you as you wish to be seen.

Love and Blessings,

Jean Fisher-Taylor x

Bring me sunshine in your smile, bring me laughter all a while....!

Image Credit - photo.net

Blue Monday: The unhappiest day of the year???

When I woke up this morning and put the news on, the headline is that officially today Monday 17th January 2011 is the gloomiest day of the year!  Apparently scientists have been able to pinpoint the exact day based on a formula that they devised.  It takes into account the weather, the level of debt after Christmas spending amongst other factors.

If you are feeling remotely gloomy today, then at least you are not alone!  However......you can do something about it.  First, they say that smiling, even if it is fake smiling releases happy chemicals throughout the body.  Secondly, try fake laughing or put on a YOU TUBE channel that shows some laughter yoga.  The fact that you are tricking your body into fake laughter will seem so absurd that very soon you will be genuinely laughing at the silliness of it all.  Make up all kinds of ridiculous laughter sounds, like the mad professor taking over the world, the quiet to loud laughter that starts off as a whisper ha-ha-ha and builds up to a very loud ho-ho-ho!  Am I being serious, absolutely.  I teach Laughter Yoga and have seen first hand the difference laughter can make to people feeling blue.

Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga has wonderful therapeutic and preventative health benefits.  Scientists and medical doctors alike are amazed at what happens when we laugh.
When we laugh
• We Take in more oxygen helping to keep us healthy by nourishing the cells.
• it Increase circulation – giving us rosy cheeks and making us look younger!
• it Gives the tummy an abdominal workout and helps digestion.
• it Boosts the immune system which fights disease by up to 40% .
• it Reduces high blood pressure.   After a laughter yoga session the blood pressure  comes down to a lower resting rate.
• The Stress hormones,  adrenaline and cortisol are reduced so we feel more relaxed
• Happy hormones, endorphins are released removing the negative effects of stress
• Endorphins (meaning self made morphine) can act as a pain killer and laughter can be used as a pain management tool  
• Gives a sense of lightness and well being
• Help with depression and anxiety by boosting the production of serotonin (a natural antidepressant)

 Do you need any more reasons??!!  Laughter is good for you physically, mentally and spiritually, it lifts you up and makes you feel connected to people.

Some Health Benefits of Laughter

L aughter releases endorphins, giving us the feel good factor

A cts as aerobic exercise and is like "internal jogging"

U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers

G reat team building tool encourages better communication

H elps boost our immune system which helps us resist disease

T ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation

E ncourages positive thinking and creativity

R elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension

So as you can see, laughter is the best medicine on days when you are feeling slightly blue!  You can also enjoy the benefits of a small bar of dark chocolate, treating yourself to a pampering treatment or simply taking some time out to read a book or watch a film.  My favourite thing to do on a gloomy day is to count my blessings.  I write a list of all the people I am glad to have in my life, I make a list of all the things I am grateful for, I list all the things I appreciate about myself and others.  Before I know it, I have created a long list of reasons why life isn't so gloomy after all.

Enjoy this fine Monday and may you have many reasons to smile.

Love and Blessings,

Jean Fisher-Taylor x

P.S. I am leaving you with the lyrics to bring me sunshine, I hope they make you smile!

Bring me sunshine in your smile bring me laughter all a while
In this world where we live there should be more happiness
So much joy you can give to each brand new bright tomorrow
Make me happy through the years never bring me any tears
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love

Bring me sunshine in your eyes bring me rainbows from the clear blue skies
Life's too short to be spent having anything but fun
We can be so content if we gather little sunbeams
Be light hearted darlin' all day long keep me singing a happy song
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your smile...
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love

PETS and not the fluffy or furry kind!!!

Image Credit innergamereframe.com


Earlier this week I posted a blog about Rhonda Byrne.  In her new book The Power, Rhonda talks about PETS also know as our Personal Emotional Trainers. These are the people who we spend a lot of time with, see regularly, probably love to bits.  They are also the people who can press our buttons to make us angry, hurt, sad or feel unimportant.  These PETS are in our lives for a reason.  They are here to teach us lessons about ourselves.  It is not their actions that are the lessons but indeed our reaction and our ability to handle the action that is the lesson.  When researching this piece, I found an interesting ezine article which I am sharing below.

If you're like most of us, you care a great deal about the people in your life; you want them to be happy and you'd like to have their love and approval. Sadly, more often than not, when we try to get others to love and accept us by trying to make them happy, we become resentful of what we perceive as their demanding behaviour.
We hear frequently people describe their significant other as "controlling," their father as "self-centred," or their boss as "demanding." They tell us that they spend so much time trying to make other people happy that there's no time left for themselves. The good news is that this isn't the only option. By taking the advice below, you can transform these feelings of resentment into a much more enjoyable experience.
You might ask, "How can I effectively interact with difficult people or handle people making demands on me?"
Don't Categorize Them!
When you put your attention on what people "are" (controlling, self-centered, demanding) rather than focusing on what you want in the situation, you are handing them all your power on a silver platter.
By labeling the people in your life, you give them total responsibility for making things better. If you think that your unhappiness is because they "are" controlling or demanding, then your situation cannot improve unless they change. This is what we call the "blame game" and it keeps you from letting go of your hurt feelings and can ultimately result in severe relationship conflict.
The Path That Leads to True Happiness
To regain control of your own happiness, let go of the idea that other people are making you feel bad. Knowing that it's your own thinking that is causing you to feel bad is the very first step in order for you to move ahead.
Once you understand this, you are able to turn your attention towards what you "do want" in any situation. You begin by asking yourself, "What do I need in this situation to create a result that will be agreeable to everyone involved?" You can't get what you want until you know what it is. Start using these situations as a chance to meet every one's needs.
What You Put Your Attention on Expands
Focusing on the actions of others prevents you from being able to notice creative solutions for your problems. In any challenging situation or when dealing with relationship trouble, start by turning your attention inward and find what YOU do want in the situation.
Steps That Will Create Magic in All Your Relationships:
1. Stop playing the "blame game." Let go of any old feelings of judgment or anger.
2. Identify what's most important to you when you are interacting with other people. Determine the qualities that are most important to you in your relationships--the ones that bring joy and satisfaction into your life.
3. Start asking for what you want. Communication is key to successful relationships.  When you harbour resentment and anger the only person you are hurting is yourself.  If you can speak openly and honestly, you take back your power and give others the opportunity to be honest and open with you too.
4. By changing where you focus your attention, from what people "are" to what you "want," you can take back control of your own happiness. When you know that your happiness does not depend on others, you free yourself from the bonds of resentment and begin to feel better right away. Start looking for ways to have what you want, to experience what brings you more joy and, at the end of the day, to create the kind of relationships you truly desire.

Love and Blessings,

Jean Fisher-Taylor

She wears big knickers and a hoola hoola skirt.....!

Hello Everyone,

Today I am sharing a secret with you.  I have made a decision based on this year's resolution to go on a diet of self love and acceptance.........From now on I shall NOT be wearing support underwear!!  There is a very good reason for this.  For many years, whilst disliking my body and treating myself unkindly, I would squeeze my flesh into support pants and bra's that would hold up London Bridge!  I thought that by trying to mummify my body under my clothing, I would somehow give a streamlined appearance to my clothing and trick myself into thinking I looked better with smoother hips and a slightly flatter tummy.  However if someone passed a comment that I looked nice or had I lost weight, instead of feeling rather pleased with myself and thanking the person for their kind compliment, I would tell them that I had the said scaffolding underwear on and wish I hadn't when I realised I had shared too much information!!!

In December I went to a very lovely wedding with a dress that was purchased last minute on the day before.  I packed my strongest "pull me up, pull me in and flatten it all down" underwear along with a scary contraption, the minimiser bra.  I then topped the whole sorry lot off with support tights.  On the outside, I did look a size smaller, my hips were smoother, my bust was smaller and perkier and my tummy was indeed flatter.  However....... underneath, I was bound up like an Egyptian mummy and could barely move.  When I stood, it was uncomfortable but bearable...just.  When I sat down, it was agony.  My poor flesh was held like a vice with nowhere to go.  I endured a fabulous meal that I couldn't really enjoy or eat too much as there was absolutely not a spare inch of room for it.  After nine hours, I finally got into the hotel bedroom and pealed myself out of this torture device and soothed by red and pinched skin.  I made a mental note that night to never put my body through that agony again.

I have removed my bottom lifters, waist cinchers, thigh smoother's, up to your chin and down to your ankles skin toned horrors from my underwear drawer and replaced them with soft, cotton pants that would make any granny in the world smile in delight.  Do I care.....not a jot!  Comfort and kindness is my priority this year!

I know this is a radical idea to put out there and I would horrify the likes of Gok Wan and Trinny and Susannah but the thought of big knickers with elastic that gives a little makes me very happy indeed!

Lots of Love and blessings for a great weekend

Jean Fisher-Taylor x

Find your ommmmmmmmm!

Image Credit technorati.com

I am in the process of setting up a meditation group to bring like minded individuals together to practise the art of quietening the mind through meditating.  I found some useful information about the benefits and thought I would share them with you today.

The benefits of meditation are many, and can bring about feelings of confidence and self control, increased concentration, better relationships and reduced stress levels to name just a few.
Once you have found your own inner stillness, through regular meditation, you will be able to access it again and again and with ever greater ease. This brings with it many far-reaching and profound benefits. You will start to notice some changes within yourself fairly quickly; others will take more time. If you are so inclined, it is worth keeping a diary, so that, after some experience of meditating you can look back on how you have changed.

Regular practitioners say they develop a feeling of greater emotional equilibrium. In psychoanalytic terms, they involve their egos less in everyday situations. According to Buddhists, one of the results of meditation should be a feeling of compassion – much easier when your ego is dissolved. Self control, in turn, increases self confidence and a person’s sense of certainty. Simply put, this means meditation could make you ‘nicer’ to your fellow beings.
Meditation does not mean ‘zoning out’. In fact, regular practice will make your mind much sharper and quicker. The ability to concentrate is hugely enhanced, so that tasks take less time and feel easier to accomplish. When you decide to do something, you will be able to just do it, instead of wasting time agonizing about it.
Benefits of Meditation

• Confidence and self control
• Improved concentration
• Inner certainty
• Ability to focus and work efficiently
• Ability to let go of negative emotions such as anger and paranoia
• Improved posture
• Greater enjoyment of the physical
• Better personal relationships
• Improved health

On a purely physiological level, meditation has been subject to many scientific studies since the 1960s. These have shown that among its benefits are lower blood pressure, alleviation of some pain, increased levels of the sleep hormone melatonin and lower stress levels.

I hope you find your OMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

Love and blessings,

Jean Fisher-Taylor

Money Magic!

The “I Can’t Afford It” Antidote

http://www.abundanceandprosperity.com/abundance/financial-alchemy/

This fabulous tip is taken from Morgana Rae's website which is linked above.  It is full of wonderful tips about improving your relationship with money and abundance.  The law of attraction always teaches us that we attract exactly what we are giving thoughts to.  Therefore if we are always thinking about the lack of finances in our life, we attract more opportunities to be short of cash. It also tells us that our language is very important.  The piece below is a great example of how small changes in what we say could bring us a little bit of money magic into our lives!

"Next time you catch yourself about to say, “I can’t afford it,” pause.
It’s bad magic. It feeds your money monster.
“I can’t afford it” blames money, makes money the bad guy, and takes away your power. It makes you small. It’s like fresh meat for your monster.
My friend Chellie Campbell, author of “The Wealthy Spirit,” (great book) taught me an awesome re frame years ago, that I love to share with clients, friends, non-clients, and that I try to practice myself.
Instead of “I can’t afford it,” say, “It’s not a financial priority for me at this time.”
Feel the difference?
Even if you’re silently saying to yourself, “My financial priority this month is paying my rent!” owning it is honest and powerful. It makes you responsible. Puts you in charge. And you’re Money Honey loves it when you’re in charge!
Here’s a little mea culpa confession…
I caught myself saying “I can’t afford it” just last month. It’s so easy! Especially for us polite, people-pleaser types.
A coach I admire and respect invited me to take her program. I smiled, talked about how much I’d already spent on coaching this year, and told her I couldn’t afford it.
It was a lie! It would’ve been a pain to come up with the cash, and I did spend an awful lot on coaching this year, but the real truth is I wasn’t motivated enough.
I think I said “I can’t afford it” because I wanted her to like me. (Can anyone relate?) It was such an easy out. And it was completely out of integrity with everything I teach.
I had to come clean and tell her the truth. And you know what? I discovered that area of my life–the subject she teaches–really ISN’T a priority for me at this time! So I learned a little something about myself as well…
***************************
P.S. Here’s a little magic for when you find that you really, really WANT something and you don’t see where the money’s going to come from…
Replace “I can’t” with “How can I?”
Replace “I am struggling” with “I am resourceful.”
I saw one of my students manifest $8,000 OVERNIGHT when she changed her language! Her language changed what she created. She awed and amazed us both."

Check out Morgana's website for for information.

Love and Blessings

Jean Fisher-Taylor x

Wednesday is looking at inspirational people who are enriching the life of millions with their life story, books, films etc.  This week I have chosen Rhonda Byrne writer of The Secret and The Power.  Both of these books have had a tremendous effect on my life and help me to live in a more positive state of mind.  I keep both books at the side of my bed and pick a page at random each night before going to sleep.  If you have not read one or both of these books, I highly recommend them.

RHONDA BYRNE
Author, Creator, and Executive Producer of The Secret, and Author of The Power

Rhonda Byrne's intention is: joy to billions.

Rhonda began her journey with The Secret film, viewed by millions across the planet. She followed with The Secret book, a worldwide best seller available in 46 languages.

In The Secret Rhonda revealed the law of attraction. In her new book, The Power, Rhonda continues her groundbreaking work by revealing the single greatest force in our universe.

Rhonda uncovers The Secret

In early September 2004, Rhonda discovered an unfailing principle that underlies every aspect of our lives. She was astonished that this life-transforming information was not widely known and practiced. In that moment, Rhonda made it her life's focus to share this knowledge with all people around the world, so that billions could powerfully transform and improve their lives.

Rhonda immediately began studying the work of the world's finest minds - great thinkers, artists, scientists, inventors, discoverers, and philosophers - drawing from fields as divergent as quantum physics, metaphysics, psychology, and religion. She found again and again that the knowledge of this one principle had run like a golden thread through the lives and the teachings of all the prophets, seers, sages, and saviors in the world's history, and through the lives of all truly great men and women.

Already a successful television and film producer, Rhonda began practicing what she learned, and used The Secret to make the film The Secret.

Millions have viewed the film since its release in March 2006, and the book The Secret has been a New York Times bestseller since its release in November 2006, with more than 19 million copies in print.

Rhonda writes The Power

In The Power, Rhonda shares the essence of everything she has learned since The Secret was released. As part of her continuing journey of discovery, and her daily practice of the law of attraction, Rhonda gained extraordinary new levels of insights. The Power is the book she was compelled to write.

Readers of The Power will come to understand that the life of their dreams has always been closer than they realized. Perfect health, incredible relationships, a career you love, a life filled with happiness and the money you need to be, do, and have everything you want, all come from The Power. To create anything, to change anything, all it takes is just one thing.

Rhonda's background

Rhonda was born in Australia and began her career as a radio producer before moving into television production. Many of her shows won industry awards and were screened in major countries outside Australia. Rhonda's experience, background, and skill in film and television production were instrumental in the creation of The Secret film.

In May of 2007, Rhonda Byrne was recognized as one of the world's most influential people in TIME magazine's "The TIME 100: The People Who Shape Our World", and shortly afterwards appeared in Forbes' "The Celebrity 100" list. Rhonda currently lives outside of Los Angeles.

Love and Blessings,

Jean Fisher-Taylor x