Shower the People You Love With Love

Sometimes we're so caught up in our day to day activities we forget about those closest to us. We often take them for granted. Hug your wife (husband, lover). Give your kids a kiss. Kid around with them. Spend time with them focusing on what's important to them.
Call your mother, your father or your brothers and sisters.
Tell your kids that you're proud of them.
Thank your wife for making a great dinner.
Thank your wife for doing the laundry.
Tell her she looks beautiful today.
Think up ways to make those around you feel good.

Federation of Organizations

I'm excited about giving a talk today at the Federation of Organizations Annual Appreciation Luncheon. This is a national organization which coordinates senior volunteers. I believe it's mostly or totally a women's group. They either participate in helping little kids learn to read (surragate grandparents) or they visit shut-ins.
They must be a very positive group of people. I can't wait to share my insights on happiness with them. No doubt the energy in the room will be palpable. I'll let you know how it goes.
I am so blessed to be in a position to empower and inspire folks.
I'm sure I will learn a ton today.
Lord, how may I serve?

The Shift

I went to the Book Expo America at the Javits Center in New York City last Saturday. It was a valuable experience for me in my search to determine the best course of action for me is to get my book, Simple Happiness, published.
Perhaps the best thing that happened was getting my hands on Wayne Dyer's new movie, The Shift. It's a full length movie that really gets to the heart of the true meaning of what The Secret was trying to get across. Wayne explains things in terms that we can all understand. The various subplots portray real life for the most part.
Wayne explains that we attract into our lives things that line up with who we are, not necessarily with what we want. In simple terms he explains how critical our relationship with our Divine Source is. He uses the biblical quote, "With God ALL things are possible" What part of "ALL" don't you understand? he poionts out throughout the movie.
For me it was a very emotional experience. It opened my eyes again to the possibilities of complete joy that exist for us here on earth. I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience this movie. Wayne Dyer is truly a blessing.

Hauppauge Industrial Association Trade Show

Last Thursday, May 21,2009, I participated in the Hauppauge Industrial Association Trade Show. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, trade shows on Long Island. It was a full day of meeting and chatting with folks from all over. I took advantage of this marketing opportunity to meet hundreds of new prospects. Some had an interest in my Simple Happiness talks and some had an interest in my best selling book, Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up.

Just seeing the book brings a smile to your face; the bright yellow cover and the catchy title always produce a smile even from those sporting long faces.

In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet one of my fellow exhibitors, George Bouklas, Ph.D., of Bouklas Group. At the urging of another fellow exhibitor, Paula Parish, George stopped by and began to stir things up. His booming voice and contageous energy caused an instant storm of interest in my book and talks. "This man (me) is a genius" he bellowed. "How can you pass up the opportunity to grab this life-changing book! He's practically giving it away! Simple Happiness for only twelve bucks!" And people stopped to check it out. And they bought it. They walked away happy that they had made an investment in themselves. George was happy to bring attention to my efforts. I was certainly happy to sell more books which will spread the word. Most of all I was happy to meet George.

Opportunities show up in all kinds of different ways. I met all kinds of people at the Trade Show, but I have a sneaking suspicion that meeting George Bouklas, PhD will turn out to be the most meaningful result of my Trade Show efforts.

Mother's Day

We had a really nice Mother's Day today. The family was here. Mom had a break from cooking - bagels for breakfast, terrific sushi for dinner (Mom actually did make some penne a la vodka for those who may not have been crazy for the sushi). My son Lou and I managed to remove an old refridgerator and an old freezer from the basement (that was Mom's best gift). Gina brought some quality gifts, Lou and Colleen brought a beautiful rose plant and Joe called this morning and had a nice chat with his Mom. Mom was very happy all day. Love was present in all the conversations and comments.
Why not make every day Mother's Day, or Father's Day or family day. The love expressed by laughter and joking as a family is a joy to experience. It's so great to experience a fun Mother's Day. Let's bring those warm loving feelings to mind as we go about our day tomorrow and the next day and the next and...
Listen to each other. Support each other. Feel the energy of Unconditional Love that is available to us all.

WOW-AWESOME-HUMBLING

I went to a Women's Business Expo today. I met a woman who just made my day. She had read my book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up" and has been enjoying my weekly "Aha Moments" for quite some time. When I introduced myself to her, her face completely lit up. She was genuinely thrilled to meet me. She went on to tell me that she had given a copy of my book to someone in FL (I can't remember if it was her sister, a relative or a friend). That person had been experiencing some difficulties in her life. She related to me that reading my book had changed her life.
How's that for a validating experience!
It filled me with such joy to realize that my work is able to have such an effect on people. At that moment I don't think I could have felt any happier. It was a truly blissful moment. To me it was like a glimpse of heaven. What an awesome, humbling experience. I am so blessed.

Say "YES" to Opportunities

I was invited to be on fundraising committee to raise money for two events scheduled to take place on the east end of Long Island. Ann Liguori, a client/friend of mine invited me. These past few years I been saying "Yes" to opportunities, so I went. Ann aked me to say a few words and sing a couple of songs to close out the meeting.
Ann is a wonderful woman who is a sports radio personality and a pioneer in women's sports broadcasting. She and her committee have raised millions over the past ten years or so, mostly for the AmericanCancer Society. She is now focusing her efforts mostly on raising money for charities which deal with local children. I was very impressed by the people at the meeting; good, regular people quietly doing good. People using their time and talents so that others lives might be better.
If you are ever invited to take part in a local fundraising effort, I suggest that you strongly consider getting involved. It will bring out the best in you and who knows where it might lead you. When someone opens a door for you, walk through and enjoy the experience.