Using Your Powers for Good

When we can hone the focus of our thoughts in productive ways – and then contribute our energy there – we can create awesomeness. But, if our thoughts and energy are not consciously geared toward a positive direction, we can also create turmoil in our lives.

The Pain and Pleasure of Living

When I wrote the book Pain, Passion & Purpose, I never thought that it would become my own go-to manual for living. Why would it? These were profound revelations and insights gifted to me during a time of deep soul-searching, surely I would become changed by each and every one of them. And while I …

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Taking Stock: Honoring your present

It’s the last day of 2013 - and what a year it’s been. We often don’t realize all the changes we’ve gone through because they’ve happened so gradually but New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to get clear on just who you are now. I’m willing to bet that this past year has changed …

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The True Gifts of Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving holiday, my heart is just bursting with gratitude for all the wonder that I see in the world.  Yes, political problems, economic difficulties and areas of unrest still abound – but now I’ve lived long enough to know that something wonderful is at work behind the scenes.  My new way of living …

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It’s an Anniversary Celebration!

It’s the one year anniversary of the Empowered Living blog – so let’s party like its 1999 (wow, that saying has really lost its punch.) We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, but most of all, learned that we’re not alone – life is crazy for everybody!  So what did we learn? Let’s celebrate by taking a look back! …

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Making Mountains out of Molehills

I have a new motto – and I think that this particular saying is going to save me a lot of stress, make me more productive, and help to return the enthusiasm to my life. It is - wait for it...Things are only as hard as you make them. You see, I’ve discovered that I’ve …

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Breaking Free from the Hype of Perfectionism

(Excerpt from Pain, Passion & Purpose ) In our competitive world we’re constantly bombarded by messages to achieve top status - at record speed - while looking absolutely gorgeous. No pressure there! Without even realizing it, our minds become trained to measure ourselves up against impossibly high standards. It’s no wonder so many of us …

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Perfect Wisdom from an Imperfect Dad

Yes, my dad looked like the Godfather – and he certainly did make me a few “offers that I couldn’t refuse” – but his unique brand of tough love also taught me the true value of respect, loyalty and hard work. While there were times when daddy definitely veered over into the gray area of …

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Life under Renovation

When the sun came up this morning, we were all given another chance to shine, as well.  Each day offers a fresh start to create, redirect and express ourselves in a new way. Yet, I think most of us get stuck in tightly defined roles that seem determined to trap us there forever.  Yesterday was …

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The Different Kinds of Love

At this stage of my life, with kids that are teenagers, it just sort of dawned on me that finding love is something society kind of pushes on us.  Of course, we all hope to make an exciting and meaningful connection with another person – but there definitely is a human “hype” given to the …

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