Don’t feel 100% great about yourself? Join the club. Most of us could use a little boost regarding our opinions of ourselves. Affirmations can be an effective way to boost your self-esteem.
 
The key to using affirmations is to state them in the positive and to use them religiously. Repetition is key in the beginning – until you feel the shift in your thinking.  Even then, keep going!
 
Use this process to harness the power of affirmations to enhance your self-esteem: 

1) Determine the weak areas of your self-esteem. In what aspects of your life do you feel negatively about yourself? It might be related to work, your relationships, your health, your body image...whatever it is, it is time to undo that conditioning! Hone in on the areas of your self-esteem that need the most work - the first step is awareness.

2) Create affirmations that address these areas. Suppose your self-esteem regarding your work is less than you’d like. Be kind to yourself and create powerful affirmations even if they seem over the top. For example:

• I am a highly capable person and a strong member of my team at work.
  
  
• I contribute regularly and in a meaningful way – with confidence and certainty.
  
  
• I am excited that my work and effort are routinely acknowledged with promotions and pay increases.
  
  
• I am calm, cool, and collected in all work situations.
  
  

Try to come up with a minimum of 10-15 affirmations. Make them positive and in the present tense. Avoid words that will keep you focused on the negative (i.e. “I am NOT forgetful”…should be worded “I easily remember all of my tasks”).

3) Create an audio recording of all your affirmations. The technology that we have now has made this an easy feat! Use your standard smart phone apps to record your affirmations – or, even better, make a video that you can watch and/or listen to! Your recording doesn’t have to be professional quality but give it your best effort.

• Read each affirmation at a normal speaking pace and speak clearly. Leave a short pause between each affirmation.

4) Write or type each affirmation clearly on a piece of paper. Carry your affirmations with you everywhere! That could mean putting them on a small piece of paper or having an electronic version on your phone or tablet. The more you are aware of your affirmations and intentions, the quicker they will be accepted into your identity. Just knowing they are in your pocket is a great way to keep them top of mind!

5) Spend some time each day listening to your affirmations. Your identity prioritizes information that comes from your own voice (which is why negative self-talk is SO damaging), so listening to your recording (Step 3) will strengthen your internal belief system. Ideally, listen to them while you’re lying in bed in the morning and in bed at night when your mind/brain is at is most suggestive. Put on your headphones and listen to your affirmations repeat over and over. If you can fall asleep with your affirmations in your ears, great!

• Take a walk at lunchtime and listen.
• Using an audio software (GarageBand, Audacity, etc.), you can put your affirmations “under” your favorite song – and play it over and over.
  
  

6) Spend some time writing your affirmations each day. Pull out a pen and some paper and write them by hand. Typing doesn’t count. This a highly effective way of implanting your affirmations into your subconscious.

7) Read your affirmations. You’ve be listening and writing. Now, it’s time to read them. Pull out your list of affirmations and read over them a few times each day. Let your subconscious know that you’re serious. Keep at it.

8) Consider a little electronic help. There are free programs you can get for your computer that will flash your affirmations on your computer screen. You can program them to flash for periods of time so short that you can’t possibly see them consciously, but your subconscious mind will see them. Imagine soaking in your affirmations all day long while you work! YAY!

Affirmations can be a useful tool for increasing your level of self-esteem. With more self-esteem life will be more enjoyable, and you’ll be more capable. Create a few affirmations to start with - write them, listen to them, and read them. You will begin feeling differently from the inside – which will impact your experiences, your vibration, and what you are attracting into your life!
 
If you want to learn how to speed up the process and integrate new belief structures quickly and easily, contact Karen LoGiudice at karen@newmoonselfdevelopment.com for more information on her revolutionary program: Sculpting Your Life – Heal your past…Find the Present…Create your Future!

Here's a quote that is super important to consider when you’re in the process of doing any kind of self-development work. I covered this in a recent Facebook LIVE event for my free, closed Facebook group entitled: From Self-Doubt to Unstoppable - Unlocking your Inner Badass (join here: bit.ly/2jQXuQa).
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For over a decade now, I have been working with clients who want to master and gain control of their thoughts! This is a big topic, and we may have to break it up into smaller chunks in order to truly get to the root of it all, but I want to start with a few questions:

1. Do you believe that you can control your thoughts? (I have argued this point with many a person…but I believe that you absolutely CAN control your thoughts.  We’ll get back to this in a minute.)
2. Have you ever experienced a shift in your physical body while experiencing a vivid thought?
3. From where are we perceiving these thoughts?

In order to discuss this whole “thinking phenomenon,” let's start by breaking down our human experience into “realms:”

First, we have the physical realm. Our bodies, our appearance, our physical form...
Next, we have the mental realm. Our mind, thoughts, imagination...
Third, we have the spiritual realm.  Our soul, our essence, our conscious awareness...

Many of my clients confuse the essence of who they are with their mind. So, let’s get one thing clear – YOU ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS!
​
I like to think of the mind as a TOOL – an amazing gift that allows us to process information, problem solve, imagine, escape…but just like any power tool, there has to be someone in the driver’s seat operating it! 

In today’s world, we have basically let the tool become the operator – our minds keeping us busy, pre-occcupied, disconnected from both source and from the physical!

The mind is processing the past or the future. It is never wholly in the present while active. It is what pulls us out of alignment. Depending up what your mind is doing, our physical bodies will react accordingly. It has been scientifically proven that our body/brain cannot distinguish between something that is actually happening and a thought.  Thoughts can trigger emotion and physical reactions.

Please watch the video above to participate in a thought experiment where we actively control where out minds are and what we're looking at. It is pretty cool when you realize that you actually CAN control what you're thinking about!  I also discuss the idea of perception - how are we witnessing our thoughts?  

Once you can gain awareness of your thoughts, your life will shift and that is where the magic begins! Join me!

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed as you're juggling multiple responsibilities and trying to keep up with constant change? Maybe you feel like you're bombarded by news and information, and being pulled in many directions.
 
It can be hard to stay grounded unless you train your body and mind to stay calm under pressure.
 
Try these daily habits that will keep you centered and peaceful.
 
Habits to Keep Your Mind and Spirit Grounded: 

1. Slow down. Make a conscious decision to stop rushing around. Do less and accomplish more by clarifying your priorities. Focus on one activity at a time, and pause in between tasks.
   
   
2. Breathe deep. Lower your stress levels with simple breathing exercises. Work at breathing from your abdomen instead of your chest, and lengthening your exhalations. Try alternate nostril breathing to activate both sides of your brain by using your thumb to close off one side of your nose at a time.
   
   
3. Practice mindfulness. Daily meditation will help you to live in the present moment. Find a quiet place where you can sit down and let go of distracting thoughts.
   
   
4. Monitor your self-talk. Replace doubts and limiting beliefs with more encouraging messages. Remember your past victories and cheer yourself on.
   
   
5. Soothe yourself. Be gentle with yourself when you're having a tough day. Listen to soft music or take a warm bath.
   
   
6. Engage in meaningful activities. Understand your strengths and spend time doing things that create a sense of flow. You may find fulfillment in your job or hobbies.
   
   
7. Connect with others. Surround yourself with loving and supportive family members and friends. Create opportunities to share laughter and deep conversation.
   
   
8. Express gratitude. Count your blessings. Let others know how much they mean to you and look for ways to make them smile.
   
   
9. Strengthen your faith in something bigger. Contemplate your purpose and beliefs. Find a your connection to something larger than you, whether it's via a church, spiritual center, having a Reiki treatment, or discussing consciousness with "your tribe."
   
   
10. Connect with Nature. As human beings, we can tend to look at ourselves as being separate from nature, but in reality, we are just as much part of nature as the trees, ocean, and rocks. Being in Nature is one of the best ways to clear the mind and reset. Breathe in the fresh air, walk barefoot, sit on the grass, and marvel at the beauty that is all around us!

Habits to Keep Your Body Grounded: 

1. Adjust your posture. The way you hold your body can help you feel balanced and give you more strength and energy. Stand up straight and tall with your shoulders held back and your stomach tucked in. Check that your head is level, and your knees are slightly bent.
   
   
2. Exercise daily. Working out keeps your body and mind in top condition. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 days a week. You might want to buy a gym membership or go for a run in the park before work.
   
   
3. Eat a balanced diet. Make natural whole foods the mainstay of your diet, including at least 5 servings of vegetable and fruits each day. Choose lean proteins and healthy fats. Cut back on processed sugar and foods. Nutritional cleansing is an excellent way to flush your body of toxins!
   
   
4. Rest and sleep. Give your body time to heal and restore. While individual sleep requirements vary, 7 to 8 hours is sufficient for most adults. Pay attention to the quality of your sleep too. Darken your bedroom and block out background noise.
   
   
5. Limit irritants. Ironically, some of the things we do to manage stress can actually backfire. Consume caffeine and alcohol in moderation. If you're trying to quit smoking, consider hypnotism. Consider eating organic foods to minimize pesticide and GMO consumption. 

 
Your daily choices can help to introduce more peace and harmony into your life as you navigate minor and major challenges. Staying grounded will make you happier and more productive.

What if every person was exactly the same? What if every person had the same personality, the same likes and dislikes, the same looks, and the same strengths and weaknesses? The world would be a pretty boring place, wouldn’t it?
 
In Western society, however, there seems to be a need for people to “be the same as everyone else” – to fit in, to be what society deems appropriate or good. These social standards can make it difficult for ANYONE to feel worthy or up-to-snuff. We can easily get sucked down the rabbit hole of thinking that our differences are imperfections – that these imperfections somehow diminish our value.
 
Having had Vitiligo (an auto-immune disorder that causes loss of the skin’s pigment in oddly shaped spots on my hands and face) since I was about 22, I have spent many, many years of my life being ashamed of this “imperfection.” I have had fears that people would think it was catchy (it’s not), ugly, or weird and, I confess, that this very rare condition has made me self-conscious and feel like a bit of a freak at times.
 
I remember the day that my perspective was turned around, however. I was working with a client (an 11 year old boy) who said, “I love those decorations on your skin! They are so cool!!” He was completely serious and it almost took my breath away to realize that his perception was so different – so loving and positive. I actually teared up!
 
It was then that I began to shift my own thoughts on my Vitiligo – and, although I still would prefer to not have it, I am far less bothered by it. After all, it is part of who I am and has given me lots of lessons – including humility, an understanding of autoimmune disorders, a complete overhaul of my eating habits and self-care regimen, as well as healing emotionally and mentally with self-love, self-forgiveness, and self-acceptance. 
 
Some things you can’t change – but you can ALWAYS change your reaction to them!
 
It has been said that we are each perfect exactly the way we are. That can be a tough statement to swallow for most of us – and in my coaching practice, people come to me wanting change. So, I like to think of it as this: we are all perfectly on our own unique journey and we all have lessons to learn and ways that we can grow and live our very best lives. Sometimes that means working on areas that (mentally, physically, or spiritually) that preventing us from growing. Many times, our "imperfections" can become our greatest gifts and life lessons (i.e. Dyslexia or past trauma that catapults us to heal). Sometimes that means accepting what you can’t change – but changing how you allow those “imperfections” to influence your future.
 
Your imperfections are part of your being and make you more interesting, special, and unique. It’s time to accept them instead of fighting them. You can’t achieve optimal health and wellness if you’re battling inner issues about who you are.
 
Loving yourself, including your imperfections, doesn’t mean that you don’t have self-improvement goals. You can always strive to strengthen your good qualities and develop skills and characteristics that you desire while loving the person you are.
 
Try these techniques to learn to love the imperfections that help make you who you are:

1) First, accept the imperfections. The key to having a fulfilling and happy life is accepting yourself. Once you acknowledge that your imperfections are a unique part of you, you can move on to loving yourself.    

• Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, has scars, or feels inadequate at some point in their lives. Look at the growth you went through as a result and know that you are a stronger person because of them.

2) Let go of the comparisons. If you spend time comparing yourself to others, it’s time to stop. Your journey is unique. You’re not on the same path as others. You may grow and change quite differently, and that’s a good thing!  

• Instead of comparing yourself to someone else, focus on yourself. Notice how you’ve grown, celebrate your accomplishments, and look forward to a bright future with your own goals.

3) Notice what you love in others. Make a list of the people you love in your life and list all of their amazing traits and characteristics. Notice how different each person is. Would you want them to change these traits? Could you imagine your best friend without his/her spunky sense of humor or your brother without his crazy hair? Have fun with it and realize that what we love about others is what makes them unique. Same goes for YOU!  

4) Pay attention to what you say to yourself. There is a direct link between self-talk and your health and mental wellness.  

• Notice if you use negative self-talk that is humiliating or demoralizing. Does your inner dialogue make you feel inferior, ashamed, or guilty? You don’t want your words to create more pain and suffering!

 

• If you are using language toward yourself that you wouldn’t say to a young child, then don’t say it to yourself!

 

• Learn to forgive yourself and be gentler. You can change the words of your inner dialogue to words of love and support. Each time you say something negative, immediately change it to something positive, instead.

5) Remember that your days will vary. You may have days that make you feel amazing and on top of the world. You will also have days that make you feel defeated, sad, and tired. This rollercoaster of life is normal.  

• The key is to avoid letting the difficult days affect you long-term. Turn your focus to positive self-talk, solutions, and taking action.

6) Eliminate the toxic people. Toxic people can make it harder for you to accept and love your imperfections. Reduce your contact with those who consistently make you feel bad about yourself. An occasional critique from a loved one or friend is normal. However, constant criticism tends to wear you down.  

• Evaluate your relationships and focus on the ones that are healthier for you.

 
Celebrate your imperfections! They make you the unique person you are. Use these tips to learn to love yourself inside and out. As a result, you’ll boost your self-confidence, increase your charisma, and gain greater peace as you pursue a life you’ll love.

Do you have your own definition of success? Most people are trying to live up to society’s definition of success without considering if this is the best option for them.
 
Ask others what success means and you’re likely to hear a variation of these answers:

• Fancy car or two – Mercedes, BMW, Lexus
• Big house - an upgraded kitchen and manicured yard
• Respectable corporate job – something high up on the corporate ladder
• Attractive spouse

 
Those things are fine if they’re of your own choosing. But, if you take the time to think about it, your definition of success might be: Single, traveling the world, running my own business from a laptop, having adventures each day, and wearing flipflops at least eight hours each day. A person with this definition of success would be miserable in the first scenario.
 
If you base your success on what society deems it to be, you might find yourself disappointed and unfulfilled – always chasing something that doesn’t really give you meaning and purpose in your life.
 
Avoid disappointment by creating your own definition of success!
 
Ask yourself these questions:
 
1) What legacy do I want to leave for my children and the world? At the end of your life, what do you want to look back upon? Is it wealth and a vast business empire? Do you want to leave a string of good works? Do you want to look back on a life full of adventures?

• How will you have wanted to spend your time?
• What financial resources do you want to leave behind?
• What do you want to be known for?

2) What are my values? A lifetime spent living your values will be fulfilling. Most people have a vague notion of what’s important to them, but few take the time to think about it carefully. Pull out a piece of paper and make a list of your values.


3) What do I want to do? Make a list of all the things you want to see and do. Everything from skydiving to walking on the Great Wall of China. Write it down. Does the life you have now enable you to do these things?


4) What type of life do I want to experience? You might desire a conventional marriage and six children with a white picket fence in the suburbs. Or you might like to live in a Manhattan condo by yourself and take full-advantage of the nightlife for the first 20 years of adulthood.


5) What it will take for me to feel successful? Imagine various scenarios and determine what would make you feel successful. Is it living in a cabin in the woods with few responsibilities? Or living in a 15,000-square foot penthouse? Imagine various careers and lifestyles. Which one feels like success to you?


6) What if no one else would ever know? The idea of owning a Ferrari might feel like success, but what if no one else would ever know you owned it? Would you still feel successful? An ideal version of success wouldn’t involve the opinions of others.

• Search for a version of success that’s meaningful to you, even if others are unaware of your possessions and accomplishments.

 
There is no universal definition of success. It’s your life and you are entitled to our own “pursuit of happiness.” Let go of trying to impress your friends and family. Develop a version of success that is meaningful for you, regardless of society’s values and take steps to attain it. You might just find that following your own version of success will result in true peace, fulfillment, and happiness (and, if that’s not success, I don’t know what is!).

After nearly 26 years of marriage, I am often asked how my husband and I keep our spark going.  I must admit to being incredibly blessed to be married to a man who still makes me laugh, makes me feel incredibly safe, and accepts me unconditionally for who I am. He loves me despite my quirks and supports me no matter what. 
 
Showing my gratitude to him is easy, because I am truly grateful for all that he does for me.  That being said, it is still important to remember that conscious gratitude is an essential part of living a happy life.  No matter what your circumstances, seek out every opportunity to see the amazing aspects of your life, your loved ones, and all of the blessings we have, and practice gratitude as much as possible.
 
The very best way to create more in your life for which to be grateful, is to be mindful of even the smallest blessings you have. When those blessings involve someone else, be sure to spread the love and let them know that you are grateful for them in your life.

So, how do you show your gratitude to those you love in a unique way? Saying a heart-felt thank you is a start, but let’s go a little deeper, shall we?
 
Learn your loved one’s “Love Language.” From the famous book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, by Gary Chapman, it is easy to figure out how you and your loved one most easily expresses love. Take a few moments and see which one(s) resonate in your relationship, then pay attention to when you are being shown love. 

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Acts of Service
3. Giving/Receiving Gifts
4. Quality Time
5. Physical Touch

 
My husband definitely shows his love for me and our family with "Acts of Service."  He does all of the laundry (I have yet to lack a pair of socks, underwear, or a towel for 26 years…no kidding), takes care of things around the house, washes my car, and, after 4 years of NEVER filling my windshield washer fluid, I recently realized that my fluid tank is not never-ending – nor is there a windshield washer fluid fairy…unless you want to put wings on my hubby (but I don’t think he’d appreciate that much).
 
My love language is “Words of Affirmation” – so I find myself telling my husband how awesome he is, that he is adorable, and sending him texts/leaving notes for him.
 
When you realize how you are being shown love, NOTICE it and feel grateful for it! The more you notice, the more loved (and, therefore, grateful) you will feel. Be sure to acknowledge their displays of affection – and reciprocate.

Try to reciprocate in their love language. Although we all will have our own primary Love Language, it can be extra special to express your gratitude by doing something that fits your loved one’s language, rather than your own. 

Cooking my husband dinner or throwing in a load of laundry is always a welcome gesture, and I love getting an unexpected text or a note left in my gym bag.
 
Be present and mindful with your loved one. In order to notice the acts of love you are receiving, you must be present and mindful. It is easy to get swept up in the day’s activities or get lost on your phone/computer and not even notice the nice things that are happening. No matter what Love Language, we all want to feel connected and understood. Here are some examples of intentional things you can do to bring mindfulness into your relationship:

• Greet your loved one at the door with a smile and hug if possible.
• Be present and truly listen to what they are saying.
• Put down your phone and establish a connection – make them a priority.

 
Make their favorite food. Food is one of the easiest ways to nurture someone. If your loved one has a favorite food, pick it up at the grocery store the next time you are there and surprise them. Bake them their favorite cookies or put their favorite comfort food on the menu for the week. Cooking and baking are easy ways to show your gratitude.
 
Feel Grateful! The most important tip of all is perhaps the most obvious.  In order to show gratitude, you must actually FEEL it! We all go through times when we may not be “feeling it” – sometimes annoyances and inward stress hide our gratitude from view. If you find yourself succumbing to lack of gratitude, try these quick exercises to resurrect it.

1. Go to a quiet place and write down all of things you appreciate about your loved one.  Think about times when you have felt happy, safe, understood.  Remember fun times and laughs. Write about your journey – how you started out, where you went, what shaped your relationship. What attributes do you most admire about him/her?
2. Every day find at least one thing for which you are grateful and really feel it! You can apply this to your life or your loved one. Everyone, no matter what your circumstances, has something to be grateful for…even if it is the air we breathe or the water that flows from our faucet.  Start somewhere and you will find that more and more things for which to be grateful will begin to reveal themselves.

 
Gratitude in an internal feeling.  It is self-generated.  We can choose to feel it or not.  When we tap into gratitude, we align ourselves with LOVE. 

When we express gratitude, we are bringing the other person into that feeling, which instantly raises the vibration of the relationship. Expressing gratitude is showing another person that you honor them, respect them, accept them, and shows that you appreciate having them in your life.  So, the next time you say, “Thank you!” connect with what you’re saying and feel that gratitude bubble up within you. Your life, and your relationships, will be happier, healthier, and WAY more fun! 

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New Moon Self-Development Center offers one-on-one coaching to heal your past, find the present, and create your future.  If you need assistance in releasing blocks that are preventing you from living your happiest life, contact Karen LoGiudice for a free phone consultation.  Our unique, signature Clay Coaching is a quick and highly effective way to uncover and let go of limiting beliefs and thought patterns blocking your way.  Contact us today for more information!

 
You may have heard of a Zen concept called beginner’s mind. It’s one way of describing the way we feel, and the rapid progress we make when we take up a new activity that we’re excited about.
 
You can cultivate that mindset so that it becomes a lasting part of your meditation practice or any endeavor. Consider these 3 elements that will help you delight in learning more about yourself and what brings you peace and joy.
 
Being Enthusiastic
 
The first time you bake sourdough bread or bike to work, you may be enthralled by the whole experience. After it becomes a regular habit, you start to feel a little stale.
 
See how to hold onto your initial zeal:
 

1. Remember your purpose. Think about why you’re meditating in the first place. Maybe you’re interested in the mental and physical health benefits. Maybe it’s an important part of your faith.
   
   
2. Dedicate your efforts. Imagine you can use the positive thoughts you gather while meditating to enhance the welfare of yourself and other creatures. Those kind intentions will pay off.
   
   
3. Stay on track. When your meditating session ends, hold onto the awareness and compassion you just generated. That way you’ll reduce stress and boost your energy levels.
   
   

Getting Down to Basics
 
Maybe the basics of meditation sound like stuff you already know. In reality, building a strong foundation helps you to quiet your mind and stick to a regular schedule. Meanwhile, keeping that foundation firm requires periodic maintenance.
 

1. Sit up straight. Find a comfortable sitting position. You may choose the floor, a cushion, or a chair. Draw back your shoulders and lift your chest.
   
   
2. Breathe deeply. Focus on the air entering and exiting your nostrils. You may want to count along with each inhalation and exhalation.
   
   
3. Scan your body and mind. Bring your attention to the soles of your feet and travel upwards, checking for any signs of tension or soreness. Imagine your breath is warming and healing any trouble spots. Let your usual thoughts and concerns drift away.
   
   
4. Check in occasionally. After a while, these first steps will probably become automatic. Reviewing them once in a while will give you an opportunity to correct any lapses or find ways to go deeper. Maybe you’re ready to sit comfortably in half or full lotus. Maybe you can use your thoughts to ease a tension headache or a sore back.
   
   

Managing Expectations


Each meditation session is different. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sitting for years, you may be surprised by what happens.
 

1. Be flexible. You’ll probably notice ups and downs in your practice. If you’ve been up all night with a sick child or a tight deadline at work, try a shorter session. If you’re anxious about a job interview or an argument with your partner, do a walking meditation that will help you settle down.
   
   
2. Adjust your focus. Different approaches are needed depending on whether you feel sluggish or your thoughts are racing. Quick breathing can wake you up, while gazing at a fixed point can calm you down.
   
   
3. Accept what comes. Be prepared for days when insights come easily, and other days when your mind wanders in circles. As long as you meditate consistently, you will move forward.
   
   

A beginner’s mind can enrich your meditation practice and any of your daily activities. Stay open to the possibilities that surround you. Greet each day like a new start, and enjoy more happiness and fulfillment.

Finding inner peace in the modern world is a significant challenge. Everything about modern society feels like an obstacle to experiencing peace of mind. But there are ways to find and maintain inner peace. Inner peace is a choice, and many of your habits determine how much peace you experience in your daily life.
 
Experience inner peace and enjoy life on a deeper, more satisfying level:

1) Focus your attention on those things you can control.  I can be a tall order when there is so much that is worrisome happening in the world around us.  However, it is not productive to worry about things you can’t control. 
​
I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer:

If you find yourself worrying, ask yourself, “Is this something I can control? Will worrying be beneficial in any way?”  Instead, shift your thoughts to the outcome that you desire and that would give you peace.  Either way, you are just thinking – you may as well think about the outcome that gives you peace vs. worry!
 
2) Spend time in nature. It has been proven that exposure to nature ignites physiological change that lowers stress, calms the mind, and clears the senses. Take a long walk in the park or spend a weekend camping. You’ll feel dramatically different compared to sitting in a building 24 hours every day. There’s something peaceful about spending time among the birds and the trees.

3) Be true to yourself. Few things are more disconcerting than living a life you weren’t meant to live. It can show itself with stress, discontent, anxiety, depression, and physical ailments.   Live a life that’s authentic and aligns with your values. 

It’s too easy to allow society dictate your choices. You don’t have to spend your life on a career that’s impressive to others. You don’t have to chase after a fancy house. Make your own decisions about what’s most important to you.

4) Eat nutritiously. You might not realize how bad you feel because you’re so used to it. Try eating the way you know you should for just a week. Note the change in how you feel. 
Chances are, when go back to the junk food and you’ll see your mood and your overall sense of well-being lower.  Everything has a vibration – including you, including your food.  Junk food has a lower vibration than whole/fresh food. There’s a lot to be said about the old adage “you are what you eat!”  It is true…your body’s energetic vibration will align with the vibration of the food you eat.  The higher vibration, the better you feel!
 
5) Exercise regularly. Have you ever noticed how great you feel as you’re walking out of the gym? Exercise feels good, and you feel good about yourself for doing it.  Find some sort of exercise that you enjoy and make it a point to get out there and do it at least 3-4 times a week.

6) Do something nice for someone else. This is a great way to take your focus off of yourself. You become more aware that others are struggling, too. When you are kind, you receive kindness in return. You’ll also feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when you help someone else.

7) Set honest about your needs. Be open and forward with your needs and desires.  You may be wishing that your kids would unload the dishwasher or your spouse would put the cap on the toothpaste.  Meanwhile, that is not even on their radar.  Be sure that you are communicating your needs with the people around you. You’re not only more likely to get what you want, but you’ll also feel more in control of your life. Being passive results in having less control, which runs counter to inner peace. Be assertive without being aggressive.

8) Meditate. Meditation is calming. It also helps to see life and its challenges more accurately. Things are often better than they seem. Meditation can prevent your mind from making a situation seem worse than it really is.  Find it difficult to meditate?  See our tips here – or scroll YouTube for a guided meditation that interests you.  Spending as little as 5 minutes focusing on your breathing or switching your thoughts to something peaceful can be enough!

9) Avoid trying to change others. Believe it or not, this is a very common mistake many of my clients make.  The fact is, you CANNOT change anyone!  Period.  It’s hard enough to change yourself...don't waste your precious energy on trying to change someone else! 

It’s important to take care of yourself mentally and physically. Eat properly, exercise, and be true to yourself. Be assertive and take control of your life. All the accomplishments in the world can’t replace inner peace. Avoid chasing after those things that society has determined to be important. Decide for yourself and live the life you were meant to live. 
 
As my wise son says, “You do you, Mom!”  So, to all you amazing folks out there…YOU DO YOU!  Being true to yourself is the greatest way to find inner peace, but we often need steps to get there.  Hope you found this helpful!  New Moon Self-Development Center coaching is always here if you need any help along the way. :)

Americans are experiencing an unprecedented amount of turmoil and division with our upcoming presidential election.  Fear from both sides of the ticket is rampant and people are on edge. 
 
One of the curses of being able to think and reason is the ability to feel fear and anxiety, even when neither are warranted. Fear and anxiety can serve as helpful cues that there may be a situation that deserves caution, but after this is accomplished, they actually cause more harm than good.
 
The reality is that you create your own fear and anxiety. The good news is, if you can create your fear and anxiety, you can also create your own peace and serenity.
 
Choose to minimize the effects of fear and anxiety in your life:

1. Breathing is the fastest way to derail fear and anxiety. When faced with fearful thoughts or situations, we begin breathing quickly and shallowly. This begins a cascade of physiological events that result in feelings of fear and anxiety. It’s possible to circumvent this process by breathing deeply and slowly. 

Try breathing quickly and shallowly for 60 seconds and see how you feel. Now try breathing slower and deeper. Notice the differences.

2. Act normally. Continue behaving as you would if there were nothing to fear. You can communicate to the fearful part of yourself that everything is okay. Bring yourself back to the present moment.  Look around you – has anything changed? Realize that you are safe. To act normally, remove yourself from the stimulus that is causing the fear response and simply begin to do your daily tasks. If you can act as if everything is fine, your brain will begin to believe it.

3. Spend time with supportive friends and family. A night on the town can work wonders to relieve stress and anxiety. A long, meaningful talk over a cup of coffee can be very beneficial.

4. Have positive expectations. Fear and anxiety are the result of expecting the worst. When you expect the best, you can’t feel afraid. Always shift your thoughts to what you WANT to happen.  Let’s face it, no one can tell the future.  Instead of visualizing the worst case scenario and causing yourself stress, visualize the best case scenario and feel yourself shift out of the fear reaction.

5. Let it go. It’s common for fear and anxiety in one part of your life to bleed over into other parts of your life. A rough morning meeting with the boss could ruin the rest of your day if you let it. Once the event is over, decide to let it go and move on. Put your fearful thought in an imaginary balloon and let it go.  Watch with relief as the balloon floats out of you sight.  Now get on with things.

6. Sweat. The chemicals that your body releases during times of fear and anxiety can last quite a while. One easy way to get rid of them is to exercise. Work up a sweat and watch your fear and anxiety melt away. This is also a much healthier way to deal with unpleasant feelings than drugs, alcohol, or overeating.

7. Reward yourself. After dealing successfully with a challenging situation, celebrate. This will help teach your brain that these stressful situations have a positive outcome. Buy yourself something small or do something enjoyable. Anything that puts you in a good mood is a good choice.

8. Take action. If you’re worried, do something to resolve the source of your worry. By taking action, you’re taking responsibility. You also become more focused on your plan, which takes your mind away from your worries. The more you do to resolve the situation, the less fear and anxiety you’ll feel.

9. Distract yourself. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do about the situation. In those cases, distractions can provide relief. Ensure that your distractions are positive, such as reading something beneficial or getting some exercise. At the very least, avoid distractions that are unhealthy or lead to additional challenges.

10. Use positive affirmations. Keep your mind focused on positive thoughts by saying positive things to yourself. How you talk to yourself affects your mood and experience. 

Fear and anxiety can be crippling if allowed to go too far. There are many techniques for minimizing these negative emotions. Those that feel fear and anxiety on a regular basis are experts at generating these feelings.
 
Become an expert at generating feelings of peace and comfort, instead. It just takes practice.  New Moon Self-Development can help with tools to release fear and anxiety and take control of your thoughts.  Contact us at karen@newmoonselfdevelopment.com for more information.