Breathing Into Happiness: Real Time Tools To Stabilize Your Teen’s Mood

Your Teenager is clenching his/her fists and gritting his/her teeth with a heart rate rapidly on the increase as his/her face turns a deep red with rage.

You brace yourself for the explosive onslaught of expletives over a seemingly trivial comment about his/her plans for the day.

Guarded, your mind fills with confusion and absolute frustration at your Teen’s sudden outburst as he/she is once again triggered by a sudden rush of very strong, unpleasant emotions.

Let’s face it, the proverbial, “Just count to 10” is NOT going to work.

Your Teen is in no position at this point to rationally respond to your support, no matter how gentle your guidance might be.

And so what do you do about it besides running for the hills?

The key is to be a proactive parent.

In other words, why wait for that next intense trigger to decide to do something about it?

It’s better to seek solutions and strategies when you’re both calm.

In fact, there are a plethora of vital coping tools that can help minimize your Teen’s next emotional outburst. Of course, having the knowledge of the mechanisms at play when these tools are utilized may help get your Teen on board.

After all, you could just tell your Teen what to do or you could actually explain the science behind it. Furthermore, naming a creditable source such as a well-established neurologist certainly can’t hurt!

Because let’s face it, what does Mom or Dad know?! You’re rather archaic, aren’t you? Not really, but for all-intensive purposes in the perception of your Teenage child, you might as well have lived in the dinosaur age.

And so let’s begin by naming names here. I’m going to refer to the foundational work of neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman of the Huberman Lab at reknown Standford University.

He frequently lectures on the ability to change the brain by first understanding neurological processes and how these relate to the body and to the mind.

Without getting too geeked out, I’m going to focus specifically on “on the spot” tools that can help your Teen in real time, to quickly calm his/her own nervous system when he/she feels particularly agitated.

It does not involve counting to 10, yet it does pinpoint the importance of breathing in addressing a stressful reaction to especially an every day mundane non-threatening event.

Before sharing the specific manner in which your Teen can breathe to shut down this “fight or flight” response (because a sudden uptick in anxiety with a potential panic attack can also result in an aggressive reaction), let’s talk about the 2 types of stress.

The first is what I call “Hyper Alert” Stress where the World seems to be moving just a bit too slowly. This is evidenced in impatience and literally plowing through the day. This can be caused by an immature Pre-frontal Cortex which allows for Top Down Control when it is functioning properly. Injury or disease can also adversely affect the PFC. Furthermore, it has been medically proven that trauma can actually change the chemistry of the brain and hence, impair brain functioning, especially that of the higher rational brain, again known as the Pre-Frontal Cortex (PFC).

Over time, this “Hyper Alert” Stress can morph into the second type of stress, what I call “Exhaustion” Stress from being in this heightened alert state much too often. This tends to affect sleep and creates a sense of overwhelm from the extreme fatigue of the ongoing stress. The perception here is that the World is moving too fast. Instead of the “on the move, can’t stop” modus operandi, your Teen becomes immobilized. He/she may have trouble getting started in the morning or getting motivated in general.

Now, depending on the type of stress your Teen is currently experiencing, he/she is going to implement a very specific, yet simple breathing technique to successfully navigate the stress-inducing event.

Once the appropriate breathing sequence is consistently implemented, your Teen will be able to effectively control his/her body’s response and to better manage his/her mood instantly.

Let’s begin with the “Hyper Alert, I’m about to tear the walls down aggressive reaction.

Your Teen can do one of 2 things:

1. Your Teen can simply sigh deeply…“The physiological sigh.” or
2. Do a quick double inhale with a longer, vigorous exhale.
   
   
   Why? Ok, here’s where we “geek” out a little bit.

So your Teen understands the mechanism at play, this is why this pattern of breathing works almost instantaneously to calm Your Teen down.

The 2 quick inhales followed by a long, drawn out exhale causes the diaphragm to move up which decreases the actual volume of the heart which in turn causes the heart rate to increase. Because of this, a signal is sent to the brain which says, “Whoa there! Slow down!”. It’s kind of like squeezing your fists even tighter before you release the grip and relax.

Your Teen’s agitation dissipates and he/she feels more relaxed.

But what if you have a Teen who often feels lethargic and unmotivated?

Well, given the mechanisms at play, your Teen would simply do do the opposite,

2 longer, drawn out, vigorous inhales followed by a quick exhale.

Here’s what happens here: The vigorous inhales cause the diaphragm to move down which increases the volume of the heart. This causes the blood to move slower with a subsequent decrease in heart rate. In response, a signal is now sent to the brain to speed up the heart rate. (*The exhale is quick, so that the effect of the inhales are maintained!)

The increased heart rate puts a bit of zip in your Teen’s step and allows him/her to better focus!

The great aspect of these simple breathing techniques is that they provide instant favorable results!

Share these with your Teen today and add to their Happy Toolbox!

If you liked that, I urge you to access our free case study video where we share 3 key secrets to getting especially your self-destructive teen to turn it around!

We also invite you to join our free private Facebook group for ongoing insight, tips and a strong sense of community support: Supporting Your Teens’ Happiness

And for a fun, yet transformational read, consider buying our latest book, RIGHT NOW!: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire


To More Respect, Resilience And A Readiness To Thrive!

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Your Teenage Daughter Is Bucking The System: Why Tradition Isn’t Always The Best Route

“I can’t wait until I’m a senior, and I get to do all the cool things that seniors get to do!

I’ll have my own car.

I’ll be driving myself to school.

I’ll get to leave school grounds whenever I want.

Oh, and I can’t wait for the school prom and all the fun activities that seniors get to do!

And graduation, that’s going to be the ‘bomb’!”

It seems like your daughter has spent a lifetime envisioning her prom dress, high school graduation and all the special senior activities that land right smack in the middle of her pivotal years.

Her once unabashed enthusiasm, however, can quickly fade like rain puddles under a midday tropical sun.

This is especially true when her experience is clouded by the challenges of anxiety and depression.

She has likely spent many days dreading that respite some call “lunch”.

“Do I dare sit at a table where other kids are already sitting?”

“Do I take the chance of getting in line and feeling awkward while seemingly longtime friends excitedly chat it up “

“Maybe I’ll just skip lunch and wander the halls.”

Honestly, high school can be a heart wrenching experience for any teen. When you add in mental health anguish, it can feel like a prison term with no hope of parole.

Think about it, your daughter drags herself out of bed at the “dead ass” (her word) crack of dawn which completely goes against your teenage daughter’s natural rhythms and sits in classes, probably bored out of her mind for most of her waking day.

The fact that she “has” to do it again(because that’s what’s expected isn’t it?) 5 days in a row with a pack of homework loaded on for the weekend creates a burdensome sense of overwhelm.

And so it’s pretty clear why your pained child may find the whole concept of school particularly mindless, especially as she seeks meaning in her young life.

And so why do you insist that that she take in the daily shrill of periodic bells that remind her that she is just not moving fast enough?

And why must she subject herself to the drone of teachers just waiting for that Friday paycheck?

Now, if you’re like most parents, your response may go something like this:

“She ‘has’ to go to school!  If she doesn’t, she’ll miss out on so many opportunities!  She’ll end up working a dead end job.”

Hmmm….do you really believe that or have you been conditioned to believe that?

Or is it more about what others may think?

Perhaps you might feel that you’ve failed as a parent if your child opts for a GED or chooses to take a gap year.

And telling your daughter that she should go to prom, because that’s what everyone does and you don’t want her to miss out is all about YOU and not her.

Furthermore, insisting she attend graduation, because it’s an important event in her life is again, all about YOU and not her tender heart that begs to learn to trust again.

The reason your daughter is choosing to buck tradition is because it does not make sense to do what doesn’t feel right for her.

Face it, her vitality has already been compromised with the weight of depression. Forcing her to partake in activities that add more weight could potentially smother her to the point of no return.

What’s the real priority here?

Making sure she fits into a cooker cutter society or that she learn to be happy doing what feels right for her in any given moment?

Yet you still claim that she might later regret her choices.

Here’s the stark reality. 

Later may never come if you don’t address her primary need, RIGHT NOW…

…that of healing and transforming as she evolves into the most magical being you could possibly imagine.

Give her the time to rest. Get her the extra support. Be there for her in a way you won’t be able to once she becomes of legal age.

You have 2 choices.

Allow your daughter to drown under oppressive expectations

OR

Allow your daughter to authentically live life on her terms.


After all, it is her own unique journey.  Allow her to design it, like any great artist would when able to access open-ended creativity.

For this is what will truly make her happy as she carves out her own place in the World!

For more ongoing insight and community support, consider joining our free PRIVATE Facebook group.

You can also connect with us HERE if you want help in empowering your Teen to be resilient!

I’m Right. You’re Wrong: How A Shift In Your Perception Can Support Your Teen To Rise Above Any Challenge!

Choose Your Right!

How might it change your World if you were to firmly believe, without question, that absolutely EVERYONE’S opinion was in fact, RIGHT….

…for them, and for you?

Think about it. How many times have you stated statistics that undoubtedly supported your personal agenda as a way to attempt to convince others that your agenda was the correct one?

Taking it a step further, how often have you as a parent shared daunting data about specific Teenage behaviors as predictors of future failure?

Perhaps, you have you unwittingly latched onto a mainstream narrative that induces a likely unfound fear deep within you about the well-being of your own Teenage child.

For example, here are some typical myths shared by some parents who don’t yet recognize the power of unprecedented success:

My Teen is a stoner, and will never amount to much of anything in life.

My Teen needs to get a job as soon as he or she turns 14 or he or she will never learn hard work or discipline.

My Teen is going to limit his or her opportunities with a G.E.D.

My Teen has a learning disability and will always have to work extra hard to be a success.

My Teen doesn’t have many friends, and will never truly be happy.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Now, you might either agree or disagree with any of the above given your own personal experience.

In fact, you may have witnessed the downfall of some who absolutely played out these “beliefs”.

Yes, “beliefs” are what generate your opinions and actually bring about the facts that seem to support those opinions.

To continue, beliefs are what drive your thinking AND your behavior. This in turn, literally creates the exact outcome that you expect with regard to your Teenage child.

In a sense, you are prophecizing your Teen’s future in a way that is likely to generate a lot of conflict between you and your Teenage child.

Why?

Because you are assuming that your Teen doesn’t have the ability to overcome whatever challenge she or he is currently being presented with. Your lack of confidence can translate into a lack of belief in your Teen who may then begin to question his or her own belief in him or herself.

Let’s face it. It’s easy to cheer on your Teen when he is scoring touchdowns or she is being nominated for the school science award.

Interestingly enough, it’s when your Teen is struggling that he or she needs your “cheerleading” the most.

Deep down, he or she wants…

your unconditional love,

your unwavering support,

your gentle guidance,

and your protective trust.

He or she also needs you to actively listen. You see, your Teen’s own perception attached to his or her own beliefs actually create a completely different reality for him or her than the one you’ve created.

And that can feel very sticky. Especially if your thoughts are ruminating over all the Teen drug users who turned into adult drug addicts,

or the Teens who dropped out of school and now work dead end jobs,

or the Teens with disabilities now living in low-income housing supported by government checks,

or the loner Teen now who still lives at home in his parent’s basement at 40 years old.

Is that where you want your own Teen’s thinking to go?

Because thoughts do, in fact, have power. The area of Quantum Physics has scientifically proven that thoughts are like little energy packets. And these energy packets will manifest into life’s circumstances that may be quite unfavorable or extremely pleasant based on the nature of your thoughts.

Now, clearly, you want to do whatever you can to equip your Teen with the proper tools to overcome any adversity.

I’m not suggesting to ignore whatever “challenge” (notice the word choice here as opposed to issue or problem) that has sprung up in your Teen’s experience.

Instead, it’s an invite to bring your focus to those Teens who have been through similar challenges and have come out on top!

It’s like switching the dial on an FM radio.

You can opt to read all the grim statistics and the sensational news stories that lament another fallen young person…

OR…

you can reflect on geniuses such as Albert Einstein who failed math and dropped out of school when he was 15, yet went on to become a World-renown physicist!

How about Liz Murray who was once homeless as a Teenager and still managed to get accepted into Harvard University?

And the once painfully shy Teen who is now a social butterfly exploring the World….

or someone like José Flores here in Southern Florida, born with a disability and bound to a wheelchair at a young age, who went on to become a successful speaker and author?

In closing, I would invite you to carefully consider the expert or not so expert opinions of those who perceive your Teen’s challenges as dangerously grave.

I would also recommend that you think outside of the box when seeking not yet visible, yet amazing solutions to your Teen’s current circumstance.

When your thinking changes, your perception changes. Your reality then changes to match that perception.

And resources, people and circumstances meet you at your perception in the most magical way!

Whatever you believe and however you perceive…you will be exactly RIGHT!

And so what kind of RIGHT do you really want?

If your Teen is experiencing a current challenge, we can create a perception that will undoubtedly lead him or her to unprecedented success! Access our free case study video to get a peek at how we do it! Click Here.

Breaking The Mold: 3 Invaluable Insights Into Your Teen’s Current Struggle

Growing Pains As Evidence Of Growth

You scroll through your friends’ Facebook pages and see photo after photo of smiling faces and warm embraces. You are literally on the sidelines watching as their Teens receive academic accolades and reach athletic achievements you can only dream of for your own Teen.

Wistfully, you may say to yourself, “It just seems so unfair. Why do they seem to have it all? When will my Teen get a chance to shine?”

To make matters worse, you KNOW the genuine gifts your Teen possesses. You have witnessed your son’s athletic prowess, have heard the soulful song slide like silk out of your daughter’s mouth.

You see his or her ability to problem-solve, have been often captivated by his or her incredible intelligence and perceive glimpses of his or her greatness.

And so again, you wonder about his or her powerful potential. Will it ever surface?

The answer depends…

…on your perspective.

Perhaps it already has.

Or perhaps it’s growing through your Teen’s pained expression of a willingness to reach greater heights not yet imagined by the average family.

What if…

…your Teen was Divinely designed to master the mundane simply to gravitate to awesome achievements like those of the Wright Brothers, Albert Einstein or a Mozart?

Hindsight generates gold-like insight, and so to continue…

I begin with a quote by Mark Twain: “Comparison is the death of joy.”

Many adults would do well to heed this advice.

You see, let me remind you that each and every person on this planet was created in his or her own unique way, and that includes your Teen.

On top of that, each came with a specific role that many call “Purpose”.

Considering some adults wait a whole lifetime to find their “Calling”, I believe it’s a good idea to cut your Teen a little slack.

Because here’s the deal, a preparation phase for a far-reaching destiny naturally requires extra time and extra effort.

Let’s consider a pea shoot versus a bamboo shoot. The second half of their name is about the only thing they have in common.

To begin, a pea shoot can sprout literally in just a few days’ time or even less! Yet, it is fragile and of little benefit if someone were to want to build a home out of it.

On the other hand, a Chinese bamboo tree takes 5 years of careful watering and fertilizing before it breaks through the ground. Once it does, it can grow 90 feet tall in just 5 weeks!

It’s also surprisingly strong and resilient and a great building material!

Let that one sink in for a minute or two!

Insight #2:
Did you forget that the tallest and strongest person is likely to experience more growing pains than the typical human being?

I’m talking about the aching legs and the dull pain felt in the arms when bones are growing! (Think of Manute Bol!)

Well, guess what? Nature has a way of being pretty consistent once she settles in on a theme.

The type of transformative growth that your Teen is experiencing is demonstrated in his or her current, TEMPORARY struggle.

Believe it or not, that’s great news, and news you can choose to get excited about or not!

And so no, he or she won’t remain a benchwarmer in life, unless that’s what he or she truly wants.

In fact, he or she is more likely to develop resounding resilience and an ability to persevere through the greatest of challenges.

Think of it like a Baby “Out the Gate” Boot Camp that is actually giving your Teen a head start on life!

The key is to offer the proper support, guidance and protection (without being overbearing) on his or her journey, so that he or she comes out the other side ready to take flight…

Much like the magnificent Monarch butterfly that can travel thousands of miles!

Insight #3:

Your Teen didn’t come with a roadmap.

There’s no GPS, not even a blueprint.

There is though, a footprint, in fact, many footprints, left by those who have “taken the road less traveled” (Thank you Robert Frost)

It is the keys to self-mastery that allows each to become the architect of his or her own life.

It is like a recipe with carefully crafted ingredients determined by each individual.

In a sense, your Teen gets to create his or her own decadently delicious, marvelously moist chocolate cake!

These ingredients are high level character traits properly baked in a mental attitude of fortitude and grace that attract that which he or she seeks.

However, without the keys to that “Ferrari” type of fulfilled life, your Teen may wander aimlessly for years, feeling no true contentment….

…with an empty tank, so to speak.

This is dangerous as it can lead to despair and a wish to give up.

It is important not to squander the opportunity that has presented itself in your Teen’s rebellious spirit.

And so again, as already mentioned, with the proper support, guidance and protection, your Teen can flip the seemingly rude twist of fate (sometimes expressed in his or her demeanor!) to one that can literally open star gates!

In closing, remember this…

Your Teen IS a Star, and your Teen IS Great!!!

Starry, Starry Nights are to be cherished!

For further insight, consider buying our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Creating The Life You Desire.

And if you’d like access to the secret sauce we’ve created for your Teen, check out our FREE Case Study Video, RIGHT HERE!

To More Respect, Resilience And A Readiness To Thrive!

Single Mothers! Why Treating Yourself Is The Greatest Gift, Every Day!

Be Your Own Best Gift-Giver!

Here we go, again! It’s Mother’s Day, and you anticipate absolutely nothing from your children who have now become anxious and rebellious teens. Despite the conflict that sometimes creeps up as you navigate this sometimes heart-wrenching journey, you still have hope.

Maybe this time it will be different.

Maybe I’ll get breakfast in bed.

Perhaps a quick, handwritten note of appreciation.

Or even a store-bought card.

What if my able-bodied teens actually surprise me with some extra cleaning around the house?

Hmmm…would’t that be wonderful…especially on a day set aside to honor women just like you!

Unfortunately, chances are, you may actually get exactly what you expect…very little recognition, if any, of the relentless effort and unwavering perseverance you have demonstrated to give your children the best life you possibly could.

You see, you along with 8.5 million other mothers, are raising your family alone. Your beloved partner has departed in some way or another, and the full weight of responsibility has fallen on your already frail mentality.

Frail, because your heart is likely aching at the loss. It doesn’t matter if that loss happened through death, divorce, a separation or simply because you chose to escape an abusive situation. You are still alone, dealing with your own trauma and now dealing with the fallout that has landed on your precious babies.

Yet deep down, you know that you need something, too. Not just on Mother’s Day, but on many days. And it doesn’t help when that extra sting arrives on the second Sunday every May.

Honestly, how many ads could there possibly be for just one day out of the year?

You go online to check your email and are bombarded with a barrage of images of well-dressed, brightly smiling Moms surrounded by loving children.

Taking a break from your online tasks, you run to the store to pick up some extra bread and milk for your teen children despite feeling utterly exhausted.

As soon as you walk into the store (with your head full of all the other tasks you need to get done that day), you are confronted with “single mom” artillery, aimed directly at YOU, almost as if you had a big, red target on your aching heart.

Display after display of flowers, plants, candy, stuffed animals and even singing cards, that are NOT for you!

Or at least that’s what you may be thinking, a pattern of pain that has generated a sense of helplessness and victimhood in your life.

Because isn’t that an easier role to take on when life seems to have played such cruel tricks on you?

Don’t you deserve to wallow in your pain?

To be painstakingly honest, I was once there. I wanted to wallow in my pain.

At the same time, I expected my two teens to shut their own pain off for a day, just so they could shower me with gifts and unabashed appreciation.

Looking back, I realized how insane that was, but I just didn’t have the awareness.

Without realizing it, my expectations designed by my wayward thinking at the time, gave me exactly what I thought I would get!

And so I learned to treat myself, and not just on Mother’s Day, but as often as I felt obliged!

I actually began to write cards to myself. I would take the time to share, in detail, what made me such a good mother!

I even stamped and mailed these letters to myself, and still do!

For Christmas, I began to buy myself gifts and would wrap them. I also got in the habit of filling a stocking for myself.

And this is how it changed my life:

*I began to look forward to these special days, more and more, because it gave me the extra push to celebrate ME!

*I learned to drop all expectations and to be an even better mother to my children.

*It lifted my spirits to remove myself from the “Victim Hood”! After all, as the book, The Four Agreements by Miguel Don Ruiz, taught me, Nothing is ever personal!

*I was more excited about celebrating other mothers, and this lifted my spirits even more!

And so for this Mother’s Day, I’ll likely be treated in some way by my now more mature children, yet I plan my day for me first!

I will likely sleep in, go to the beach, and treat myself to a vegan ice cream! I may even spring for some flowers!

Anything else will be a bonus!

And so if you’re a single mom, and you haven’t planned anything special for YOU just yet, stop what you’re doing and get on it!

Because you DESERVE it!

By the way, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!:)

And if you wish to treat yourself to a great book that will likely benefit both YOU and your Teen(s):

It’s available for purchase, NOW: Click Here to Buy!

Your Teen Is Fist-Clenching Frustrated! How To Access The Right Tools For Your Teen’s Increasing Happiness!

Accessing The Power Of The Quantum Field

Ugh! Your Teenage daughter has just returned from her first session with her new therapist. Right away, you feel an uptick in your anxious thoughts about your daughter’s future as she slams the car door and lands with a thud in the passenger seat. Before she begins her next rant, you attempt to soothe her with your hand gently resting on her shoulder. This she promptly swats away as she slumps forward, cupping her face in utter frustration.

“I can’t believe she wanted my whole life story on the first visit??!!” she screams. “What am I, a guinea pig? Do people get off on hearing every little detail about my life? Who is she to ask me all that when she doesn’t even know me?” Point well-taken.

Inside, you may be thinking, “This is the fifth therapist in less than 2 years. I just need this to work out, because if it doesn’t….(your thoughts trail off into worry, angst, fear, even doom).” You then bring yourself back, let your daughter finish her latest emotional outburst and then begin the long, silent ride home.

Honestly, you probably feel as though you have failed your daughter once again, and she is sure going to let you know it!

And so why is it that parents of troubled teens feel as though the time-tested therapist is the only answer to their problems?

Because somehow you believe, like I did, that the therapist is the expert, that the therapist always knows what’s good for your child and that seeing a therapist once a week is the best solution to having your daughter address her struggle.

Well, here’s the sobering reality. Scientific breakthroughs have proven that traditional talk therapy just isn’t cutting it anymore. Unless your therapist is up-to-date on these breakthroughs, you may want to consider other options!

Otherwise, your daughter is likely to develop a decades-long relationship of co-dependency where she rehashes her story, again and again, feeding a constant state of victimhood.

Here’s the raving new news! Your daughter can absolutely rewrite her story in any way she’d like!! She can learn to delete the painful feelings attached to emotions connected to traumatizing memories. She may not forget the memories, but she can literally break the cycle of repetitive reactive triggers!

There are tools and techniques that allow healing on a deep cellular level, thereby transforming that trauma into triumph!

One of these is the use of energy healing to remove deep-seated pain. Whether it be Reiki or some other brand name healing, the manipulation of energy through intent is a powerful way to affect the physiology that is indicative of trauma.

It’s like repiping a house. As the density of lower vibrational frequencies of anger, sadness and hurt are broken up, the life force is allowed to once again flow more freely throughout your daughter’s body. This leads to increased self-awareness and a stronger connection to the PFC (Pre-frontal Cortex) which learns to respond and to manage what could be challenging events with a clearer head and a greater focus.

In a sense, the amygdala which is associated with the “flight or fight” response finally takes a backseat as your Teen begins to take charge of her life.

Feeling “lighter” as suppressed emotions are released and appropriately expressed further enhances your daughter’s ability to believe that she can, in fact, be happy!

Instead of commiserating with a therapist or with other struggling Teens, she will be motivated to plan a day that will contribute to further personal growth. She will likely leave behind the extra baggage in negative naysayers and opt for new friendships that further support her increasing happiness.

Along with energy healing as the critical first step to true and lasting healing and transformation, is the proper application of the most senior law in the Universe: The Law of Attraction. Your daughter can actually be taught to be an intentional creator of her own reality as the happiest, most fulfilled person she could have ever possibly dreamed of!

Finally, when your daughter is provided with the specific strategies to access her creative genius within a community guided by a trusted mentor, she can only move onward and upward!

And so if you just can’t find a therapist that’s a good fit for your Teen or you simply seek a strong foundational program to support your daughter’s therapy, then we invite you to a FREE Breakthrough Session!

In the meantime, check out my FREE Case Study Video which shares 3 key discoveries I made on my own journey: Turn Around Your Teen.

And for a quick and fun, yet potent read for both you and your Teen, buy our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire!

Your Depressed Teen Is Smoking Weed! How To Determine If You Should Be Concerned Or Not

Busting Mainstream Myths

If you’re a parent with a teenage child, there is a high chance that she/he has at least tried or been exposed to marijuana, more commonly known as “weed” or “bud”. There is also at least a 33% likelihood that she/he is a regular user. To back up, marijuana is a drug derived from the dried leaves and buds of the Cannabis plant. It has both recreational and medicinal uses. In general, it seems to get a bad “rap”. Of course, it all depends who you talk to and the level of experience and/or level of information this person has. At the end of the day, it always makes sense to do your own research.

Speaking of research, it is actually STILL illegal to conduct most marijuana research in the U.S. In fact, surprisingly, marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance, meaning it is a dangerous narcotic that needs to be heavily controlled for its “high potential for dependency with no medical use”. This remains in effect even today, despite all the evidence (many from personal testimonies) that proves otherwise. To put it into perspective, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II Substance. That alone should be enough to make you wonder whether or not there may be a hidden agenda that doesn’t give a dang about your Teen’s mental health.

Let’s switch over for a moment to the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression. These include Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft and a plethora of off-brand names whereby the outcome AND the side effects are essentially identical! WHY you ask? Because it’s a money-making market based on greed. To quickly expand, drug patents have a “shelf” life, so to speak. And so to approve ongoing use of the same drug, very minor changes are made to the initial drug, so that a new patent can be petitioned. This gives the pharmaceutical companies an extra 20 years of profits for what is an extremely close synthetic compound to the the initial. No real new research, just a loophole to ensure ongoing astronomical returns while creating more problems.

For example, did you know that a common side effect of most anti-depressants is depression!!!! Also, suicidal ideation!!! And these are prescribed like candy that flies off the shelves in your local bodega on a Saturday night. In fact, based on personal experience, along with secondhand accounts from other parents, when a child (in this case, a teen) is Baker Acted (Involuntary Commitment to a Mental Health facility for the threat of harm to self or others), the first order of business is to place that child on medication.

Ok, so what does all this have to do with your Teen’s marijuana use, you might be asking? A LOT, and then some! First and foremost, it may help to put your own fears to rest to know that your Teen’s marijuana use is helping him or her to manage possible depression and/or anxiety as opposed to taking a psychotropic drug with potential dangerous side effects. Of course, provided your Teen is able to properly function in his or her daily activities, then smoking weed may not be your biggest threat. In other words, if your Teen is getting the schoolwork done, is regularly and appropriately communicating and interacting with you, then there should be no real concern.

Why not? Because contrary to popular, propaganda-fueled belief, you can not O.D. on marijuana, and it is not physically addictive. Can it be psychologically addictive? Absolutely, but so can chocolate and coffee! But what about what “they” say about the effects on your still developing Teen’s cognitive function? Won’t this be impaired? Possibly, possibly not. Again, as I mentioned, there hasn’t been enough conclusive scientific research conducted, as it has been blocked via strict governmental controls.

Next is the challenge of smoking marijuana and how it affects the lungs. Problem solved! There are many ways to consume marijuana. Smoking and vaping are two ways that may not be the best for your Teen’s health. However, there are edibles (brownies, gummies, etc.) and tinctures in oil that can be taken sublingually as more healthy alternatives. Either way, if it is helping your Teen get through a particular struggle in his or her life right now, the effect on his or her lungs may not be your biggest worry.

Next is the problem of the local dealer! Because, let’s face it, even a trusted dealer has an upward chain of command, and you don’t always know the integrity of the source or the integrity of the marijuana. Again, thanks to advocates who recognize the powerful medicinal effects of Cannabinoids (compounds found in Cannabis), you can actually purchase marijuana in a local dispensary in most states. A visit to the doctor with lab work and an intake history, however, will be necessary as a prescription is required. You will also need a medical ID which requires that you register with the state. This last part may dissuade you from that option, yet it’s there!

In some states, you can actually grow your own marijuana plants if you are 21 years of older. This allows you to control the quality of the cannabis.

Still concerned?

Let’s look at it this way. How much control and how much say do want over your Teen’s mental well-being? If you had to choose a a drug prescribed by a doctor conditioned to appeasing a pharmaceutical industry that is known for price-gouging versus a natural solution with no real negative side effects, which would you choose? Personally, marijuana not only saved my teenage daughter’s life. It saved mine! Having helped my own teenage daughter manage a major depressive episode a few short years ago, I can attest to the benefit of marijuana use in minimizing her emotional pain while putting in place other supportive and equally natural treatment protocols.

Now, you get decide for YOU! The intent of this article is to allay any concerns that could keep you up at night. Because as the parent of a Teen, especially one that may be experiencing depression, you don’t need to add to any of your angst! The key is to always be well-informed. Listen to those who’ve been there! Feel empowered! This will likely increase both your happiness and the happiness of your Teen!

For more about how we empower Teens to live happier, more fulfilling lives, check out our FREE Case Study Video: Turn Around Your Teen.

Also, consider buying our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire.

The Danger Of Trapped Emotions In Your Teen, And What You Can Do About It!

Almost as if overnight, your sweet, angelic Teen seems to have become increasingly defiant. She has become reactive and highly sensitive to what appear to be trivial matters. In fact, it may seem like you are walking around on eggshells, waiting on that next emotional outburst. Some parents chalk this behavior up to teenage hormones. Other parents believe it may go a bit deeper. Either way, it’s a pretty fair guess to assume that ALL parents wish for more harmony in the home.

And so if it’s not just your average teenage hormonal rampage, then what is it?

Is it possible to level out these extreme behavioral patterns, or are you doomed until your Teen reaches adulthood?

First of all, you must accept that your Teenage child is going through some major changes on many different levels! These changes are not only physical; they are also both mental and spiritual in nature.

Essentially, your Teen is learning to navigate a greater awareness of the World around him. He is trying to grasp the meaning of life and to integrate his own knowledge that now includes information from outside the home.

This is when she begins to question some long held beliefs that she realizes , whether consciously or not, have been programmed by YOU!

Ouch!

Just stating facts!

Moving on, trust that it’s all good.

This is a normal developmental phase for your Teen. It is where he begins to embark on a life destiny independent of you other than your ongoing love and support.

Ok, ok, but what if the struggle seems too deep ?

What if she is overly aggressive or passive, increasingly enraged or falling deeper into despair and even depression? What if he seems to care less about life, begins to skip school, spend excessive amounts of time alone, on a screen, or running with the “wrong” crowd?

What if…

…typical teenage angst turns into life-threatening behaviors that keep you up at night?

… fill your days with incessant worry?

…leave you wondering who this stranger is in your house?

If this is the case, then it is very likely that not only is your Teenage child dealing with the typical trials and tribulations of the teenage years. There may also be trapped emotions from earlier events or circumstances that were particularly challenging. To avoid the pain of such situations, your Teen may have done what many at any age do. He may have pushed these difficult emotions and the feelings attached to them, deep into his subconscious.

The problem is that these emotions fester over time, creating a snowball effect of heavy, dense energy in the body. What this means, is that every single, ever so slightly challenging event blows up like a volcanic eruption, spewing tirades that include stomping around, banging doors, and pounding fists on walls.

Why? Because the energy needs to be released. It can’t be stuffed down forever! Eventually, it has to come up, it has to move, it has to be released! Otherwise, your Teen will literally suffocate under the weight of her own oppressive emotions.

These emotions might include grief, sadness, anger, loneliness, or a feeling of being abandoned or unloved.

And so, HOW do you get your Teen to release these trapped emotions that he may not even be aware of?

And what can you do to help make this happen?

First of all, DON’T put it off any longer! It’s like a warning signal on your dashboard that says your air pressure is low. You address it right away. If not, you end up on the side of the road with your shredded tire across all lanes for all to see. Not to mention that it can endanger other drivers on the road!

Avoid that mess at all costs!

And so here are 3 things you can do, RIGHT NOW, to help your Teen to literally cough up, perhaps spit up those nasty emotions!

1. COMMUNICATE: However it can be done at this point, tell your Teen what your concerns are. Remind her how much you love her and that you want the best for her. Mention that you seem to notice a bit of a struggle. Identify what you believe the root cause may be, and be willing to own any part you may have had in her struggle. This is a biggie, because it lets her know that she’s not alone in addressing the issue. She will wholeheartedly appreciate your vulnerability!

2. COME UP WITH AN ACTION PLAN: Make some suggestions to your Teen and see where he’s willing to do some work. Be prepared ahead of time with multiple avenues for healing and transformation. Options may include traditional talk therapy, group therapy and art therapy. Other choices may involve homeopathy, the use of flower essences, energy work or sound healing and a host of other very potent practices. Your teen could also opt to sign up for yoga classes or take up group prayer or meditation.

3. IMPLEMENT THE PLAN AND HAVE YOUR TEEN TRACK HIS/HER PROGRESS: A plan is no good unless it is put into action. It is critical that you support your Teen in ensuring that they commit to the plan. In fact, coming up with an easy way for your Teen to track his progress will empower him. The visual will motivate him to keep going, and will help him feel a sense of accomplishment!

BONUS: DO IT NOW!!!!!!

For more secrets on how we were able to turn around the behaviors of hundreds of Teens, check out our FREE training video: Turn Around Your Teen.

Also, Consider buying our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire.

Your Teen’s Struggle Got You Feeling Down? 3 Actions You Can Take, RIGHT NOW, to Boost Your Mood!

Do you wish there was something you could do to take away your Teen’s pain?

Do you worry about the future for your Teen?

Do you want to be able to manage your own anxiety around your Teen’s “crazy” attitude?

Do you wish you could be happier regardless of what is going on with your Teen?

Let’s face it, as a mom, you are innately wired with a “Mother Bear” mentality that would sacrifice your own life to save your child’s. And so it’s only natural that you would just as easily take on any pain you believe your Teen may be experiencing!

In fact, you may be ruminating just as much as your Teen!

Now, before I share with you how you can alleviate this type of stress, let me tell you a story:

4 short years ago, my teenage daughter was using all kinds of drugs, was sleeping around, sneaking out at night, skipping school, spent a lot of time alone and the worst….she began cutting herself.

Needless to say, this sent my worry into “frenzy” mode! I barely slept and worried nonstop!

However, unless I did something to calm myself down and stop thinking about the worst that could happen, I would end up taking away any joy I had left in my own life!

And since I couldn’t control my daughter the way I wanted to, I had to figure out some things I could do that would, in a sense, affect her in a positive way.

Want to hear what I did?

Number One, I had all kinds of gatherings in my house with intimate family and friends. Now, it took some effort to get motivated for these, but it filled the house with just enough people, delicious food, rip-roaring fun and a lot of belly-grabbing laughter!

It provided an instant boost to not only my mood, but my daughter’s mood. Once I announced a get together and told her who was coming, she was motivated to shower, put on an outfit and to even do her hair and make up.

Interestingly enough, there were often only adults at these impromtu dinners, yet they were all so loving and made my daughter feel so special that it didn’t matter! This included special aunties and uncles, and close friends of mine who knew her well!

As soon as everyone walked in the door, the greetings, the smiles, and the big bear hugs felt infectious. You could say that our HAPPINESS always went viral on these days. And the good feelings we got from being around others stayed with us for a few days!

I guess it was a reminder to both of us that we were in fact very much loved, weren’t really alone and that we could create the fun instead of waiting for an invite that might not come.

Honestly, this was a biggie and still IS!

Number Two, I actually sat down and wrote letters as if I was writing to my daughter in the future! I told her how proud I was of all her accomplishments! I mentioned all her amazing friends who I loved having over the house. I talked about her incredible gifts and her soulful singing!

I went on and on about all the cool things she was doing and would ask her to keep sending those sensational photos of her dazzling adventures!

And even though it sounds crazy, I found myself smiling and actually getting that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, just thinking about my future daughter!

Want to know why this was such a powerful tool for me?

It relates to the Law of Attraction and the power of visualization! In fact, it’s been said that “7 hours of practice equals one hour of real time”!

And so you better believe that I’ve had a lot of real time blessings roll in with all the letter writing I did!

And it can be the same for you!

What would it be like to imagine your own Teen’s fabulous future?

Here’s the third way you can make that happen, TODAY!

Number Three, I practiced yoga. Yes, yoga, outside and in my element. You see, the poses not only stretched my tired muscles (including my anxious head!). They calmed me down! It was like stretching in the postures got my muscles and then me, to breathe better! I felt more relaxed, and my mind seemed to open up.

I became more hopeful and stopped fretting about the cuts on my daughter’s thighs. Instead, I focused on the fact that she was actually developing some coping skills. Like wow, she was listening to AMSR (Auto Meridian Sensory Response) videos on YouTube and was actually journaling!

By the way, if you’re not familiar, AMSR is a pleasant tingling sensation that begins at the scalp and continues down the top of the spine. It is triggered by a sequence of sounds such as soft whispering. It’s a great way to soothe the nervous system, and my daughter used this technique often to help her sleep.

And clearly the journaling was a huge help!

So yoga was my “go to” quite often!

So why not try it out for yourself?

If you haven’t tried yoga before, there are a ton of videos online for all levels! You can do it right in the comfort of your own home! This way, you are home for your Teen!

Remember, having loving people around both you and your Teen is a great jump start to boosting both your moods!

Also, don’t forget the phenomenal power of visualization! You can think, write and picture your Teen’s Best Life, RIGHT NOW!

How do you feel now?

Do you feel better knowing that you can actually do something to effect the outcome you want for your Teen?

I guarantee that you’ll feel happier after you do the 3 things I just mentioned!

To You and Your Teen’s Happyness,

For more secrets about how you can keep it together for your own Teen, check out our FREE training video: Turn Around Your Teen.

You can also purchase our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire

Your Teen Feels Lonely: How To Support Your Teen In Making New Friends Even During COVID.

Your Teen spends an excessive amount of time alone in their room. He or she watches hours of Netflix, Tik Tok Videos, plays video games and spends a great deal of time on YouTube. Your Teen may also join Discord or other chats, at times, and may spend lengthy periods of times talking to friends on Face-time, yet rarely meets up to hang out with friends. If your Teen is attending school virtually and/or is in an area with more restrictive mandates around the current COVID challenge, life may seem somewhat lonely. It does not help when many typical family and community activities have been cancelled or postponed for an undetermined amount of time.

So what can you do as a parent to support your Teen in alleviating this sense of isolation and to help to boost their spirits? How can you work around any number of possible scenarios in your community, so that your Teen has access to social connections with same-age peers? How do you manage other parents of Teens who may feel strongly about limiting their own Teens’ contact with others?

To begin, it is necessary to guide your Teen into understanding the importance of respecting others’ choices based on others’ experiences and beliefs. And because most teenagers are minors who are not yet legal adults, it is often the parent who imposes protocols around their Teens and how, where and with whom they may be able to hang out. Like it or not, your Teen may have to accept that they may not be able to have that person to person contact they were once used to having with a particular friend. This can leave your Teen feeling lost, confused and lonely. In as sense, your Teen may feel as though they have been abandoned. They may resent COVID restrictions, others who opt to stay away and may even feel rejected.

Needless to say, it is certainly a confusing and uncertain time, one that has likely left an emotional scar on your Teen. Now there are always two ways to approach any challenging event or circumstance in life. Your Teen can lament, give up, succumb to mindless distractions just to get through the day or your Teen can shift in the same way that many businesses have successfully pivoted during this time. However, it takes a certain level of fortitude, insight AND experience in managing such situations. This is where you as the parent come in to guide and empower your Teen in navigating this current struggle in the healthiest way possible!

First of all, and this is the most difficult part of the journey for your Teen. Your Teen has to be willing to “let go” of certain friendships at this time with a potential period of unwelcome solitude while waiting for new friendships to show up. Allow your Teen to grieve this change. The discomfort in moving on is a natural part of the process of learning to grow into new and better possibilities!

To continue, invite your Teen to consider some of the ways in which she or he is willing to come into contact with new people in his or her life. See what’s available in your community. For example, even with lockdown restrictions, many businesses are open and many depend on the teenage workforce to help get the “job done” so to speak. Securing a job in a friendly environment is a great way to meet new people. This will automatically increase your Teen’s social network as there will likely be both co-workers and customers. Your Teen will also learn new skills while earning the cash to partake in special activities with his or her new friends!

On top of a part-time job, encourage your Teen to get outside as much as possible. Your Teen can go to the local park if it’s open or at least walk down the street. Perhaps your Teen rides a bike or boards around the neighborhood. Have your Teen “visualize” smiling faces and friendly greetings from people of all ages as a way to “prime the friendship pump”. Guide your Teen to be that smiling person with simple greetings as well! This will naturally attract the social connection he or she so desires!

To truly boost that friendship power, your Teen can choose to join a team of some sorts. It could be anything from wrestling to dancing, to chess and coding! Go online with your Teen and look for meetups and special venues that welcome healthy Teen interaction. When your Teen participates in an activity they enjoy, they are sure to come into contact with like-minded people. This may facilitate the development of a meaningful relationship that builds on a common interest!

Finally, have your Teen focus on this intention every day with a firm belief in its fruition. They can even create a vision board of all the amazing activities they’re going to partake in with their new friends. They can include pictures of healthy, smiling Teens engaging in hearty laughter! Remind your Teen that there is always the opportunity for friendship regardless of what is going on in the World! Anything is possible! There are both people and businesses thriving more than ever now! Why? Because they have the ability to adapt!

And so empower your Teen to ADAPT, so that they can continue to live life to the fullest as it was meant to be lived, with FRIENDSHIP included!

To Your Teen’s Happyness,

Check out our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How to Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire.

Also Enjoy our FREE Gift to YOU!: Turn Around Your Teen

Is COVID Stressing Your Teen Out? 5 Top Books to Shift Their Perspective

It’s the exposure to new ideas that creates expansion and awareness, and a greater ability to adapt.

It’s been almost 10 months since the initial lockdowns began. Months of virtual classes, cancelled proms, sports without spectators, and mask-wearing as a norm have riddled the minds of our most precious resource, our teens. In fact, a year in the life of a teen feels like an eternity. To make matters worse, special milestones such as high school graduation have become lackluster events with drive bys and family ZOOM calls to celebrate. Needless to say, for even the most outgoing teen, an active social life appears to have taken a dive in 2020 with a slow upswing as we usher in 2021.

And so how do you as the parent continue to support their mental well-being despite all these external challenges? First and foremost, you avoid any toxic dialogue around World events and encourage your teen to do the same. Then you place your focus on engaging in daily inspirational content to support your own mental health. The content might be a bible passage, a motivational video, a heart to heart conversation with a dear friend, or a great book that promises your next transformation. I would highly encourage you to consider any of these suggestions for both you AND your teen as exposure to new ideas often creates expansion and awareness, and a greater ability to adapt to life’s challenges. A book, however, appears to take personal growth up an extra notch as it stimulates the mind in a way that naturally builds new neural pathways. It taps into your innate gift to visualize positive outcomes for your life as you create images in your mind of what you are reading.

And when a mind is learning, it is growing, and it is likely crafting new possibilities for a more positive and fulfilling life. Books draw in inspiration and motivate you to act on ideas you might not have paid attention to before as they became fleeting thoughts in a mind distracted by electronics or the business of life. And so let this be an OPPORTUNITY to expand your horizons through the power of the written word! With that being said, not all books are created equal. Some authors are better listening to than others. To facilitate the next step on your COVID journey with your teen, I have come up with 5 of my top recommended books for exponential growth as a way to support your happiness!

They are:

1. Conversations with God for the Teenage Soul by Neale Donald Walsch
   
   This is a great book for especially any teen who has grappled with the seemingly restrictive doctrine of some religious practices. It contemplates a compassionate and loving God as seen through the eyes of a man who lost everything and cried out for answers. This book, among many, was the response he asked for. And it has given much solace to many, including myself!

2. The Magic by Rhonda Byrne

This book was written by the same author who wrote The Secret, another book I would highly recommend. The book provides day to day action steps your teen can take to begin to feel the magic that shows up when gratitude is expressed. It guides your teen and allows your teen to put gratitude into practice.

3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Your teen will love this book, because it is such an easy read, yet it is also very powerful, even in its simplicity. It shares 4 basic tenets that can dramatically change one’s life when they are consistently applied.

4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is a classic, and if your teen has not yet read this one, it is likely that they have at least heard of it! Everyone wants to be rich, including your teen! However, don’t let the title fool you. Although there is a basic formula for getting rich (with many nuances, of course, not necessarily mentioned in the book), the focus is on the power of our thoughts and what we believe about our thoughts! This one is a game-changer!

5. Kicka$$ Happyness: How to Step into Your Authentic Power with Grace and Create the Life You Desire by Anne Hayes

Yup, that’s me alright. And to be honest, I’ve been told that my book is a life-changer. In fact, those who have actually applied the principles presented in the book experienced a tremendous shift in their life. It’s a quick read, simple in its presentation, yet powerful. It also displays my poetic nature with periodic playful rhymes and alliteration. For a fun read, try this one, too!

For more tips and insight on how to help your teen navigate the current World challenges or simply, life itself, Register for our FREE Webinar!

To Your Happyness!

Be Happy NOW! 5 Ways to Generate Your Own Happiness, So Your Teen Learns to Do the Same!

“Once COVID is over, I’ll be in a better place. I’ll be able to see my family and friends again. I’ll be able to travel and do fun things. I’ll finally be able to find a good job and start making good money. I’ll be able to go wherever I want and to do whatever I want without worrying about getting sick. Once things get back to normal, then I’ll be happy.” As 2020 comes to a close, it seems as if a collective sigh of relief is canvasing the planet, as if it’s the first time some of us have taken a breath in 9 months. Whew, just 5 more days to go before we say “good riddance” to the purge of 2020. And so it is, happiness for many appears to have taken a back seat to days riddled with fearful fretting, depressing despair and even active aggression as a way to divert the attention away from our own anxious ruminations.

If this is YOU, then it is time to take back your power, so that you can “Be Happy NOW” regardless of what is going on in the external World. In fact it is YOU who decides your new normal at any given time. A new normal is evidence of healthy transformative change as a part of your natural evolution. Without it, you cannot grow. And if you are not growing, you are dying. It is a choice you make in every moment of every day. That being said, understand that obsessing over the possibility of harmful germs in your environment and judging and/or attacking others for the potential threat you “believe” they may pose to you will NOT fuel your happiness. Instead it will do the opposite. It will zap your energy, lower your body’s ability to protect and to heal itself from possible invaders, and will undoubtedly affect your mood in a negative way.

It also sets up a dialogue within your own mind that somehow believes you have no control over your circumstances, that you exist much like a delicate blossom exposed to harsh winds and a pelting rainstorm. This train of thoughts tells a story that perceives you as a hapless victim to a random and uncaring World. And if you let these thoughts run away without “stopping them in their tracks”, so to speak, then happiness will surely delude you.

And so how do you take back your power? How can you possibly be HAPPY, you might ask, given the World events at this time? Well, here’s the great news! Aren’t you ready for some great news?! Just as there is a recipe to make the most decadent, deliciously moist chocolate cake, there is a recipe for HAPPINESS. In fact there are many recipes with perhaps a small variance in some of the ingredients, yet all promise you the same outcome: that decadent, deliciously chocolate cake!

To begin, let’s review the definition of happiness. “Happiness is a positive mental state of well-being; the trigger of emotions, ranging from contentment to utter joy; the ability to look beyond life’s imperfections.” It is the last part of this definition that is particularly relevant at these times. Personally, I would define that last piece as “the ability to look beyond life’s ‘seeming’ imperfections,” for my awareness tells me that there are truly no imperfections, only imperfect perceptions. Using this bit of insight as a starting point, there are 5 ways you can begin to take back your ability to generate your own HAPPINESS, RIGHT NOW, without having to wait until 2021 is officially ushered in.

First, remind yourself at any time you feel as though you are experiencing a challenging moment, circumstance or person, that it is an opportunity for growth. So long as you take the time to step back and honestly self-reflect, you will be able to access an expanded awareness that will clarify some favorable objectives that are always in your favor, ALWAYS. This appears to be a universal phenomenon that works whether you have faith or not in a Supreme Divine Intelligence. Repeat after me: “Life is happening for me, not to me.” -Tony Robbins

To give you an example, I was playing basketball with my teenage son 5 years ago in the backyard. I was pretty competitive back then and played rather aggressively for 3 games in a row. Feeling fatigued, I should have quit after 2 games, yet I kept going and was relentless in my attempt to defeat my son a 3rd time after two wins. Unfortunately, my need to prove myself took the fun out of the game, and robbed me of a chance to bond more deeply with my son. And so I received a very valuable lesson with ample opportunities for growth in one split second when I jumped up to attempt to block a dunk. My fatigue showed itself when he came in with a convincing win, and without the strength to control my body upon impact, I fell hard on the side of my left ankle. I cried out in agony, and immediately realized the seriousness of my injury. My ankle seemed to be hanging by perhaps a few ligaments.

Now, in a situation like this, most would head straight to the emergency room. However, I had no health insurance and was not in a position to incur a costly medical bill. Instead, I lied there for 2 hours with ice covering the area (thanks to my 2 children), and just rested it. I was too afraid to move. I then went into “problem-sovling” mode.

And so here are just a few of the many lessons and opportunities for growth I received from this one event:

1. Soften, play to have fun, not win.
2. Listen to my body when it speaks to me. I was fatigued and should have stopped before I was forced to stop playing.
3. Tap more into my feminine side (as represented energetically by the left side of the body).
4. Practice my ability to manipulate energy as a way to heal myself.
5. Remember that it is ok to ask for help (not something I was once comfortable doing).
6. Finally, I wrote 2 books of poetry in just 2 days while laid up.

Again, it is truly ALL good. Once you realize this, you actually find yourself feeling grateful for these events, and a vibration of appreciation naturally feeds your HAPPINESS.

Reminding yourself that life is happening for you and not to you is a critical component in generating your own HAPPINESS. A second ingredient involves your ability to stay above any narrative that does not feed your mental well-being in a positive way. If you find yourself gossiping, judging or getting angry by another’s actions, then you are essentially infusing a negative vibe into the environment. You become no better than the very person or persons you are frustrated with, because you somehow believe that they can influence or control you. Guess what? They can only do this if you allow it. If you are triggered into negative emotions and feel your energy dip, go back to the first important ingredient to a happy life: “Life is happening for you, not to you.”

To add to this, I would recommend some basic principles shared by Byron Katie in her book, Loving What Is. Basically, when someone says or does something you don’t like, know that it is going to boomerang right back to them as a reminder of their own unhealed pain, unless you get sucked in and try to grab it! Vice Versa, if you find yourself feeling annoyed by others’ choices, check your statements. Replace she/he/they with “I” and repeat the statement. Then recognize that this is YOUR pain to own. Think about why you feel the need to be part of a divisive narrative. Then rise above it, for this is where your HAPPY SPACE is. I liken it to using baking powder in your cake. Without it, you become flat and feel blah!

Now the first 2 ingredients to HAPPINESS basically involve insight and a certain degree of awareness which take practice to cultivate in a more and more empowering way. The next 3 ingredients are actual tools that you can use to physically disrupt the neural pathways that may cause you to gravitate to that which aggravates which is essentially an addiction to negativity. Like any addiction, when you feed a neural pathway that has become deeply grooved and strengthened over time, it requires a bit of discipline to avoid the strong magnetic pull from a conditioned pattern of thinking and behaving. This is an actual physiological phenomenon that can work against you, yet it can equally work in your favor. Now, in order to generate those neural pathways that feed your HAPPINESS, you may first have to allow the unhealthy grooves to atrophy like an unbeaten path where passage is discouraged due to thick undergrowth. The best way to do this is to REPLACE an unhealthy habit or way of thinking with a more positive, life-affirming one. For example, when you say, “I’m so depressed, catch yourself and say instead, “Right now, I feel pretty sad, yet I know that I’m going to feel better soon. I don’t know how, but I will!”

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which was originated by Gary Craig and made popular by Roger Callaghan is one that can be used as often as needed as a way to reprogram the brain and the body to respond to triggered events in a more healthy way. This technique involves the tapping of specific acupressure points on the body as a way to “break up” areas where dense energy “pools” ( lower vibrational thoughts such as anger, nervousness, sadness, self-doubt can become quite dense and actually interrupt the free flow of life force energy). While following a given sequence, the “tapper” taps specific points on the body, repeating the sequence as much as needed, while voicing the unwanted feeling first, and then the wanted feelings and emotions. When done correctly, this technique can produce immediate results with the difficult emotion and its matching feeling easily dissipating to return the “tapper” to a more positive mental state of being. To see a demonstration of this technique, click on the following link.

A fourth thing you can do be HAPPY NOW is to engage with the universal principle “Ask and you shall receive.” In fact, this is a large part of the success and abundance experienced by author, speaker, and entrepreneur Maria F. La Riva. Check out her ebook here entitled Ask and You Shall Receive, and watch how your HAPPINESS unfolds! In the book, the author has experimented with the perfect syntax to properly ask those questions to which you’d like the answer. For example, “What can I be, do or have today that will generate great joy, fun and adventure?” Asking is like sending a transmission out to the Universe or God if you prefer, who is at your beck and call to grant you your every wish! The key is to ask for what you want, and to avoid at all costs, complaining about your current circumstances! Focus on your HAPPINESS!

Finally, a time-tested tool involves the Divine Gift of a good old-fashioned cry! Yes, crying creates movement as evidenced by your tears! Your tears act like water, a great eroder of pain that washes away unwanted debris in the form of trapped emotions that block your ability to feel happy. Because everything is energy, frequency and vibration, the act of crying actually moves and releases dense energy from the body, leaving you feeling relieved, lighter, and happier! So how do you know when you may need a good cry? You know when your sinuses start to become congested, when you feel fatigued, lethargic, unmotivated, and even sad. To stimulate a good cry, do these 5 things in order:

1. Put on a gentle instrumental, binaural beats or a sad song.
2. Lie down.
3. Place one hand on your abdomen and one on your chest.
4. Take 3 Deep cleansing breaths.
5. Say out loud, “Please help me. I feel sad and lonely, and I want to feel better, NOW…Thank you.

Congratulations. If you arrived here, then you have already decided to commit to a happier life for both you and your teen. Remember, when you take the time to cultivate your own happiness, your teen is likely to follow suit. Your happiness becomes theirs, and their happiness becomes yours. The happiness just feeds itself with consistency the key to building the momentum for ongoing happiness as a dominant state of mental well-being!

For more tips on generating a happier, more fulfilling life for both you and your teen, please….

Check out our second book, Kickass Happyness: How to Step into Your Authentic Power with Grace and Create the Life You Desire.

You can also follow us on social media @kickasshappyness.

And if you are concerned about your Teen’s current mental state, please check out our unique 90 Day Program to ensure a happier, more fulfilling life for your teen:

The Kickass Happyness 5-Step System with a potential 50% savings to jump start your New Year!

Our Trauma lives in Every Cell of our Body: Unleashing Trapped Emotions is the Key to Healing

When we look at the human body, we tend to see a whole unit on a superficial level that may display badly bruised discolored skin, scars, scratches and other injuries as a result of physical trauma. It is often painful to see, and it warrants immediate attention. However, once the physical wounds of injury, whether accidental or not, disappear, it is often the emotional scarring and the spiritual wounding that becomes deeply embedded into our bodies. Now, although these deeper, longer lasting effects of trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, there is research that proves that “traces of trauma” exist in each and every cell of the body. That’s trillions of cells that have been designed to perform critical functions in the body that are now compromised in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine.

This builds on the premise that everything is interconnected in the most intricate way and that everything is energy. (This was first proposed by the inventor and electrical and mechanical engineer, Nikola Tesla.) For example, let’s examine the pixels which make up an image. Each pixel contributes a critical piece to create a full image. Missing just one pixel will undoubtedly distort the image in a way that may not be perceivable to the naked eye, yet will remain a distortion, nonetheless. Now, if we factor in the belief that everything, including our bodies, our thoughts, our emotions, and our feelings, is energy, then it would be quite easy to conceptualize the fluidity of energy in creating various patterns in our bodies based on our most dominant thoughts.

And if our thoughts are riddled with fear and anxiety around any past traumatic event or circumstances, then it is very likely that this “energy” will pervade and perhaps even invade every aspect of our being. This would include the trillions of cells that make up our tissues which then make up our organs which in turn comprise the systems in our body which together become our physical body. Essentially, we are bodies within a body, much like planets make up solar systems which together form galaxies which all belong to a Universe. We can further liken it to an ecosystem. If we were to destroy the species at the bottom of a food chain or to pollute a water supply within a system, it would most certainly affect the entire system in a less than favorable way. This goes without saying. The same is true for our bodies…and our minds…and our spirit!

Hence, long after the visible effects of physical trauma have healed, deep emotional pain can still wreak havoc on the body. The actual trauma takes on an “energy” of its own which is often very dense. It can easily settle into your muscles, your tissues, your arteries, in your joints, and even between the synapses of your brain. And this low vibrational energy connected to a fearful event often attracts disease, because it is interacting with a field of energy (The Quantum Field) which is reconfiguring from moment to moment based on the input it is receiving from its surroundings, such as your reactions to triggers related to trauma. These triggers can be felt as unpleasant sensations in your physical body and experienced in fatalist thoughts connected to elevated negative emotions.

And so how is it possible to heal absolutely every living component in the body as a way to completely eradicate trauma? It would seem that the only surefire way to do it would be to destroy and to replace every single cell. In a sense, that would mean complete annihilation and certain death, not an option we believe anyone would choose. And so, is it a blast of radiation, a shot of chemo, a transplant of some sort??? Perhaps this is why so many believe that trauma is to be managed and never eliminated from our system.

Fortunately, because quantum physics has shown the omnipresence of a Divine Force that is at your beck and call if you so choose, you can in fact fully heal from any trauma, no matter how severe, by simply unleashing this dense energy. It’s like bailing water out of a sinking ship after an intense storm until it once again serenely floats on a gentle sea. You have the ability to remove (to transmute ) all trapped emotions and to once again experience radiant health!

It is NOT witchcraft. It is not connected to occult practices. It is the power we all have in connecting to a Cosmic Force that is both Science and Spirit. It is God manifest with its transformational elements present and available for those who wish to access them. It is called prayer. It is energy work. It is meditation. It is self-hypnosis. It is ancient Chinese medicine. It is all these and more. It is NOT alternative medicine. These are practices that are Divinely created and gifted to us! They are natural, non-invasive, and driven by love when practiced with integrity.

In fact, it is in releasing your trapped emotions that you will truly be able to tap into and to unleash a most authentic power from a most incredible Source that will you allow you to create the life you so desire!

Check out our Website: https://www.kickasshappyness.com/

And for even more, check out our latest book! https://amzn.to/33gFMsH(KickA$$ Happyness: How to Step into Your Authentic Power and Create the Life You Desire!)

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Your Teen is Being Bullied: How to Empower Your Teen to Stand Up!

Bullying is the action of harming, intimidating or coercing someone perceived to be vulnerable. It could be the smallest kid in the class, the one with the reading disability or a child challenged in social pragmatics. Surprisingly, 1 in 5 Teens between 12 and 18 years old report being bullied at least once. That’s 20%!!! (National Bullying Prevention Center ) And as teens become older, they are less likely to report incidences of being bullied, so that statistic becomes even more alarming. It is therefore very likely that your teen has either been bullied or has witnessed someone else being bullied.

As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see the fallout of your child being bullied.  You may ask yourself, “How can anyone be so cruel?”  Even worse, when your teen is already depressed, and is dealing with some major challenges in their life, attacks, whether they be physical, mental, or emotional can cause you great angst.  You know deep down that your teen is not able to deal with the onslaught brought on by others’ pain. And so what can YOU do to minimize your concern and to empower your teen to stand up for him/her/their self?

You see, ultimately, it is your teen and not YOU that is responsible for taking back their own power! Remember, you’re dealing with a teenage child who is becoming a more fully independent person and not your once 5 year old.  Age does make a difference in how you respond in any given situation, especially when it comes to bullying. So what do you as a parent do to get your child to stand up without hanging over their shoulder, without calling the school every day or without marching up to another’s home to complain about somebody else’s terribly mean child? First of all, take a step back and just breathe! This is always a powerful first course of action as it immediately calms the nervous system. This in turn clears the mind and allows you to focus on reasonable solutions that minimize any further conflict.

Next, sit down and communicate with your teen. Intend to gauge the seriousness of the current situation by paying attention to your teen’s responses or lack there of.  Look to see if there are any noticeable changes in their facial expression or in their body.  Does your teen’s smile fade when you bring up this potentially uncomfortable topic? Do their shoulders droop? Do they avoid eye contact? There’s a good chance that if you are in fact affected by your teen being bullied, then your teen is  likely more deeply affected by it than you are. By simply taking the time to speak to your teen about it lets them know that you are making their well-being a priority. It shows that you care and is an important demonstration of love.

This, in and of itself, can be a great uplift for your teen, especially when you remain calm and hopeful. The next step is to determine what it might be that is precipitating the bullying to better understand what the next course of action may be. For example, has your teen been diagnosed with a mental illness, are they smaller or larger in size than their peers, do they have a noticeable physical disability?  Is it the color of their skin, do they lisp, speak with an accent?  Do they experience gender dysphoria? Whatever it is, it is clearly something that seems to be stripping your teen of their self-confidence and is wreaking havoc with their self-esteem. And when your teen does not feel good about him/her/their self, then they cannot feel as happy and fulfilled as they deserve to feel!

Now, we all deserve to feel happy more of the time, to smile, to laugh, and to feel solid in who we are. It is even more critical for your teen who is learning to navigate new territory in so many aspects. Solutions…if your teen is overweight, perhaps you take walks together, buy them a bike, hit the gym together. If your child has an unsightly mole on the face, see a specialist about having it removed. If it appears to be something that cannot be changed, then work collaboratively with your teen to educate others about the condition or the challenge your teen experiences as an individual. Furthermore, you can suggest to your teen that they keep a journal, join a supportive community, and/or engage in activities in which they find greater success as a way to boost their confidence.

Essentially, be there to guide your teen.  Offer ideas and possibilities. Be a role model for them. Love them. Check in, and check in often. Empower them to change, so that they can show up with absolute pride and full acceptance of who they are. And be patient; transformation doesn’t happen overnight.  It usually involves small steps in a desired direction and committed consistency. However, when you can support your teen to build their own inner strength with specific tools and strategies, whether introduced by you or others, then you have successfully fulfilled your role as a parent.  Your now empowered teen will undoubtedly stand up to any bully on the playground of life in the most healthy way.

For more tips, tools and strategies, to empower both you and your teen, check out our latest book in both Kindle and printed versions:

Kicka$$ Happyness: How to Step into Your Authentic Power with Grace and Create the Life You Desire

 

Tuning into Your Teen: What Your Anxious And Depressed Teen Really Wants, But Won’t Admit

You’ve likely been told, time and time again that the teenage years, especially from 14-17 years old, are the most challenging for parents. Many attribute this to their teen’s fluctuating hormones or perhaps to increasing influences outside the home. Other parents agree that the above-mentioned factors are important to consider, yet they also understand the role they, themselves, play in helping to maintain a generally harmonious family bond during these critical developmental years. Regardless of where parents stand, the family dynamic is bound to change, even under the most optimal circumstances, and with change, a certain degree of upheaval is to be expected.

The added challenge occurs when a teen also happens to be anxious and/or depressed ( a startling 30%, according to the APA). This can make the upheaval feel like the family is sitting at the base of a mountain riddled with jagged cliffs that appears at first glance, impossible to climb. And so how do YOU as the parent navigate this unfamiliar terrain and still keep your sanity, and more importantly, a healthy relationship with your teen? Is it possible to find peace of mind and to enjoy special times with your anxious and depressed teen without giving in to a constant state of worry about your teen’s well-being?

Absolutely! However, it’s going to require you to slowly relinquish control of the metaphorical “wheel” while still keeping your eye on the road, less the driver’s seat become a bit too crowded! In other words, you must be willing to slowly let go of some of your parental responsibilities as your teenager gains more independent skills and thinking. This will allow your teen to learn to navigate life in a healthy manner. To better ensure success in this respect, Kicka$$ Happyness has come up with 4 key components termed “LEGiT” parenting. These are Love, Empowerment Guidance, and Trust.

In fact, “LEGiT” parenting is EXACTLY what your teen wants, whether they experience anxiety and depression or not. The difference in the needs of teens with varying mental health challenges (or not) may be perhaps in the level of guidance (coaching, advising) and empowerment opportunities that are provided, along with the amount of trust that a parent may need to support and to encourage their teen. With that being said, the most critical component to LEGiT parenting is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and more LOVE. Even Albert Einstein, more renown for his work as an award-winning physicist, recognized the indestructible force of love as the most powerful there is in the Universe.

Interestingly enough, Abraham Maslow, a famous American Psychologist, best known for his “Human Hierarchy of Needs”, lists love and connection as the third basic human need after physiological needs and personal safety and security. However, we are emotional beings. We came into the World with the NEED and the desire to bond. And so, although a newborn may crave a mother’s milk, it is the actual suckling on a newborn’s mother’s breast while laying on her warm body (hopefully while also being gently held and caressed) that feeds the baby what I perceive as the most “primal” need, that of love. Without love, we can in fact be surrounded by an abundance of food and water, and still wither away and die, for love breeds significance and encourages growth.

Think about it, would your teen rather sit down and share a warm meal with you or would they be just as content doing so with the family nanny or perhaps with their favorite take-out ordered from your office? It seems the answer to that one is a no-brainer. Your teen wants love, first and foremost, and they want the unconditional love that you can provide. In fact, all the ills that human beings experience stem from the basic perception that one is not loved, that one may have been abandoned (Tony Robbins, famous motivational speaker, mentions this in his UPW workshops). This in turn creates hurt, pain and even depression. This feeling of “lost” love can also show up as anger and almost always, anxiety, as one attempts to stuff down these uncomfortable feelings attached to these unpleasant emotions.

And so it is important that you make love an intentional practice, especially if your teen has experienced any of the following circumstances or events: parental divorce, a family member with a critical illness, death or prolonged absence of a loved one, abuse, or trauma. Some examples of intentional practices include scheduling in quality time, even “flex” time, attending your teen’s special activities or events, writing letters, buying small, special and thoughtful gifts, preparing a special meal, making solid eye contact and being present, listening to understand, gently caressing your teen’s arm or back, offering a lot of hugs, verbally telling your teen you love them at least 3 times a day, deliberately celebrating your teen’s successes, and helping your teen’s dreams come true.

By the way, being a role model for love is the first step to EMPOWERING your teenager, the second component to “LEGiT” parenting. Your Teen can be incredibly resilient, particularly when love is in the equation. However, if you love your teen to the point where your teen feels “smothered”, it is likely to stunt your teen’s emotional and spiritual growth. Remember, slowly let go of the “wheel”. Even your anxious and severely depressed teen can began to initiate practices that allow him or her to take better control of a happier and more fulfilling life for him or herself.

Here’s a list of some of what your Teen can do to take charge of his or her own life:

1. Prioritize his or her activities.
2. Set a timer to limit time on social media.
3. Schedule in specific times to exercise.
4. Be mindful of the food she or he puts into his/her body.
5. Be responsible for taking his or her own medication (if it applies).
6. Keep a journal to record/track events which trigger his or her anxiety and/or sadness.
7. Determine what the biggest stressors in his or her life might be and begin to remove or to diminish them.
8. Set a sleep schedule.
9. Take walks in nature to lighten his or her mood.
10. Learn to schedule in free time.
11. Choose to watch programs that are happy and light.
12. Opt to listen to music with positive lyrics and healthy frequencies.

This brings us to the next essential ingredient in “LEGiT” parenting, that of GUIDANCE. Even adults seek guidance from time to time to help to point out the blind spots, whether it be in business, in relationships, or in that which is related to health. Your teen likely needs a lot of guidance, and they actually want it! The key is in how the guidance is offered and then delivered! Your teen doesn’t want a “know-it-all”, “back in my days” parent. Your teen wants to be heard, to be listened to, and to be understood, as best as you are able, given your adult perspective! Truthfully, times HAVE changed, and your Teen is growing up in a very different World. With that being said, basic human transformation and growth have many common elements that seem to always apply. Remember to be gentle, to remain calm, to give your teen space when he or she asks, to be patient, and to share advice when your teen appears willing to receive it.

That brings us to the most challenging of the components to “LEGiT” parenting, that of TRUST. TRUST is a “doozy”. Trusting your teen to follow his or her own heart and knowing that he or she is likely to fall, both literally and figuratively, can be heart-wrenching for you, yet it doesn’t have to be. You can learn to breathe and to actually visualize the best possible outcome for your teen. You can learn to be compassionate and to also set firm, clear boundaries when needed. Yes, boundaries are still important, even when your teen appears to be in very fragile state where he or she may want to hurt him or herself given the emotional pain and the mental anguish he or she may be experiencing. This is where you “tuning in” on a consistently caring and involved basis will allow the right choices at the right times to be made.

To conclude, when you take the time to truly be involved in your teen’s life, it can easily contribute to greater happiness and fulfillment for your teen even amidst the sometimes turbulent growth of the teenage years. Furthermore, awareness and a general mindfulness about incorporating the key elements in the “LEGiT” parenting guideline is a sure-fire way to give your teen exactly what he or she needs AND exactly what he or she truly wants! Come back to the “LEGiT” acronym, again and again, and if all else fails, remember LOVE, first. Come back to the love and go from there.

Happy Kicka$$ Parenting!

For more valuable tips, consider buying our latest book: Kicka$$ Happyness: How To Step Into Your Authentic Power With Grace And Create The Life You Desire

We also want to offer a free video training to further support you and your teen! Click here to gain free, instant access:Turn Around Your Teen

 

Coffee as a Natural Nootropic: Embracing the Pleasure Principle through our Physicality

Coffee is a popular beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans with a daily intake, second to only tea and water. (http:/www.wikipeida.com). There are many who enjoy this brewed drink as a way to kickstart their day while others enjoy its aroma as a stimulant for happy memories associated with family and culture.  Some, who choose not to drink coffee, share that it makes them “jittery” or that perhaps the taste is too bitter. Regardless of one’s preference, it appears that coffee is here to stay, especially since over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world every day, right behind what the World consumes in crude oil every day! (http:/www.wikipedia.com) 

Interestingly enough, both coffee and crude oil have the potential to provide energy! However, with loud whispers of “free energy” on the horizon, it seems that coffee may soon reign supreme, with complete sovereignty over the Globe’s consumption as the most sought after new liquid gold! How so? Well, to begin, there doesn’t seem to be any threat to the current demand for it. And with so many varieties to choose from and so many ways to prepare it, it is bound to appeal to almost every palate!

And it appears that there is more and more appeal to this aromatic drink as we seek to enhance our overall well-being with clearer thinking, increased energy, and generally more HAPPINESS!! As mentioned, coffee has the potential to provide energy to anyone who drinks it.  In fact, this boost in energy is almost guaranteed due to the caffeine found in one’s favorite coffee beverage, even if it is designated as “decaffeinated”. Now, that’s great news, because who doesn’t want more energy?!

Furthermore, coffee’s caffeine promotes improved cognitive functioning and helps with focus and concentration. This in turn, helps to contribute to one’s efficient productivity and paves the way for important task completion. Fortunately, coffee doesn’t discriminate.  Its benefits apply to everyone, from the high school student finishing up a project to a successful entrepreneur launching a new program to the mother of young children navigating a hectic schedule. And so if coffee is the method to avoid the madness of a “foggy” brain and to instead feel the satisfaction of a job well-done, then why not embrace it, along with its natural nootropic properties?

After all, satisfaction is a great component to HAPPINESS, and it has been scientifically proven (bring in Joe Dispenza) that happier people attract circumstances, opportunities, and relationships  that tend to create even more HAPPINESS! Speaking of HAPPINESS, coffee releases neurotransmitters in the brain that stimulate dopamine production! Now, for those who aren’t familiar with dopamine, it is basically natural “dope” that tickles the pleasure centers of our brain and makes us FEEL good!

To add to this enhanced mood is the potential for even more pleasure, especially if coffee drinking is an integral part of  one’s culture.  For example, a Cuban may enjoy the deep flavor of an espresso, whether alone or in the company of friends or family, as the aroma alone, is likely to stimulate a pleasant experience associated with the coffee. For an Italian, perhaps it is the decadent accompaniment to “La Nonna’s” homemade tiramisu. Or maybe it’s chatting with a friend over coffee or simply a great way to start the day.

Whatever the reason, coffee is a product directly sourced from coffee beans that needs no extra ingredients to reap its rewards with regard to feeding our physicality. This, in turn, has the ability to feed our mind and our soul, and to balance our emotions! What more could we ask for!

Now,  for those who experience the jitters like I sometimes do, it is recommended to eat something with the coffee and to perhaps choose an option with less caffeine. One can also add cream and sugar or alternatives for both to create a more pleasurable experience! Furthermore, if coffee seems to bother one’s  stomach or to feed an already acidic bodily system, it is suggested that  one look at other food and lifestyle choices that may be contributing to this sensitivity.

All in all, coffee seems to be heaven-sent with a heavenly scent enjoyed by most!  It is associated with pleasure, love, bonding, family, friendship, and connection. So pick your pleasure!  Will it be a captivating cappuccino sprinkled with cinnamon, an effective and efficient, energy-boosting espresso, or a magical macchiato with a spot of frothy steamed milk?  Whichever you choose to sip,  it is guaranteed to fill your day with an extra bit of HAPPINESS!

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=joedispenza&oq=joedispenza&aqs=chrome.0.0l8.5272j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Happy Hormones: How to Optimize Your Body’s Natural Programming

There seems to be a mainstream buzz about the magical “Happy Hormones” that help us to just feel “good”, especially as the incidences of reported stress-related illnesses increase in the U.S. In fact, the level of documented cases of anxiety and depression has grown at alarming rates across all demographics, with especially our teen and youth populations becoming more and more susceptible to the ill effects of chronic stress. Thankfully, our body is already equipped to deal with this! With just a little bit of knowledge and understanding, we can easily tap into our body’s innate ability to make us happy! It is our commitment to making the necessary changes in our diet and daily activities, however, that permits this happiness to show up!

Let’s begin by naming the stars of our well-being! They are the neurotransmitters, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and the group of hormones known as Endorphins. They are often grouped together, yet each individually serves a specific function that supports the functions of the other “hormones” in this group.  This cooperative effort exemplifies the importance of addressing the Mind, Body, AND the Spirit as a way to increase both a healthy production and a healthy  release of each in our bodies.

To continue, it has often been said that “Knowledge is Power” and that “Knowledge applied is Wisdom”. In this case, the application of such knowledge by the recipient of this information will undoubtedly deliver power as it taps into the Wisdom already present in every cell of our body. This is exciting news! We have everything we need to assist our system in producing the “feel good” feelings we all seek to feel good more often! In other words, we are part of that “cooperative” effort!  Once we choose to join the team, so to speak, we all become winners!

And so let’s ditch the decrepit way our life has been showing up for us, like a beat up, rusted out, 1995 Ford truck, and replace it with a shiny new, fired up Ferrari! To get us jumpstarted, let’s look at the group of hormones known as Endorphins, also known as the “Exercise Hormones”. The reason they are named such is directly attributed to their function as natural painkillers.  They serve to diminish pain by interacting with opiate receptors in the brain.  Subsequently, they bring physical comfort to the body and boost pleasure.  This is from where the phrase, “Runner’s High”, originates. However, endorphins are not only released during exercise.  They are also released during sex and while eating foods we enjoy.

Moving on to the well-known Dopamine neurotransmitter, aptly named “The ‘Feel Good’ Hormone”, we gain further insight in the ability of our body to support our overall well-being and general happiness.  Dopamine relates to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Just like endorphins, its release is stimulated  through exercise, sex/making love, and in eating foods we crave.

Next, we have what is often called the “Sleep Hormone”, Serotonin. Essentially, healthy serotonin levels help to stabilize our mood, improve our feelings of well-being and happiness, and generally allow us to feel more settled and calm. Furthermore, it regulates our social behavior, our appetite, our digestions, aids in memory, and lends itself to healthy sexual desire. Clearly, this “sleep hormone” has a powerfully positive effect on the body when it is properly supported by “Team US”.

Finally, we have what has been commonly referred to as “the Pregnancy Hormone”, Oxytocin. This hormone is also more accurately defined as a neurotransmitter ( a chemical released by nerve cells to send signals to other nerve cells). Produced in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland, oxytocin is responsible for social bonding, sexual reproduction, and is a key catalyst in promoting uterine contractions during childbirth.   It also facilitates lactation following birth, and is essential for  the unconditional love new mothers often begin to feel for their offspring. Hugging, caressing, and physical touch all help to maintain a healthy release of this “hormone”.

It appears evident that these 4 “hormones” in particular, play a direct and critical role in our Happiness. However, unless we are equipped with  proven ways to support the release of these hormones in our body, the information becomes just that, some good information. Since it seems that we desire definitive ways to increase our Happiness, NOW,  and not later, let’s talk about some quick and easy ways we can support our own well-being right away.

First of all, the release of each and every “hormone” seems to favorably respond to moderate aerobic exercise such as biking and walking, sex/making love, and in eating foods we enjoy. The following activities also seem to find similar congruency.  They are spending time outdoors in nature, meditating, listening to soothing music, “creating”, laughing, achieving a goal, getting sufficient sleep, using essential oils, thinking of happy memories, and crying to release sadness, grief and even anger.

Nutrition also plays an important role in how our happiness shows up!  For chocolate lovers, this can be both good and bad news!  Now, chocolate is a natural mood enhancer; however, it works best in its most pure form (90% or more dark, unprocessed cocoa) with little or no sugar, preferably limited to no more than 1 ounce per day. Other supportive foods include avocados, nuts and seeds, eggs (omega-3 fatty acids), salmon, pineapples, cheese and dark leafy vegetables.

Vitamin D, Vitamin 6, and Rhodiolia (Rose root), and as already mentioned, omega-3 fatty acids, are key micronutrients that can assist in serving us a decadent plate of happiness! Furthermore, green tea and chamomile tea, along with good old-fashioned sunshine, also aid in the release of our “Happy Hormones”!

There it is!  We can in fact take charge of our own HAPPINESS! We could say that “Ignorance is Bliss”, but for those of us who have ever been deeply depressed in our ignorance, we’d likely opt to utilize the above information instead as a sure-fire way to get back in the driver’s seat, preferably in our metaphorical Ferrari!

Here’s to a KICKA$$ HAPPY Day!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
http://www.healthline.com

 

 

 

Dear World, Stop, I Want To Get Off, But My Mom Won’t Let Me.

Let’s face it. The Teenage Years have always been somewhat of a struggle for even the most seasoned all-loving Mom. It’s that dreaded period from 14 to 17 years old that often turns a parent’s World upside down. Think about it. Sudden emotional outbursts seem to blindside you like an F5 that tears through town in the blink of an eye. If that isn’t enough, the sweet boy (or girl; let’s get real here) from down the street is now wrapped up in a torrid teenage love affair with your daughter. Wait, there’s more. She tells you “where” she’s going, but somehow ends up somewhere else! Oh, and the phone thing. What is she doing on that thing, anyway, at all hours of the night?

Essentially, the little girl who absolutely adored you no matter what you looked like or did is now questioning everything. “Really Mom, are you really wearing that today? Don’t embarrass me.” Or, “Mom, you have NO idea what it is to be a teenager. You just don’t get it!” Now, it may feel hurtful and certainly can create some unexpected heartache, like a twisted fate that is neither becoming to you nor your daughter, but you can overcome this transition and come out with flying colors!

And so how do you manage these critical years when your daughter is desperately seeking to assert her independence in a World that seems to be pulling her away from you. In fact, it’s that same World that has your daughter utterly confused. First there’s the news, what to believe, what not to believe. Then there’s the music. Let’s see…is it sadistic Trap music today or Alternative Rock music with an affinity for demonic elements? Hmmm…what is the next piercing or tattoo? Will it have meaning or simply be another way of succumbing to mainstream conformity as a way to fit in?

WHEW!!! Maybe your daughter WAS right! You just don’t understand what it is to be a teenager….in TODAY’S World. You have to admit. There’s some stark truth to that. So what is it really that makes these Teenage years in these times so much different than the last generation. And the generation before that?

Here it is, whether you choose to accept it or not. The Earth AND her humanity are going through major shifts on all levels. Your daughter is not only dealing with the constraints of a 3D World with regard to outdated institutions and antiquated thinking. She has arrived on the planet with a 5D awareness that sometimes leaves her dumbfounded at others’ choices. Yes, we are talking about dramatic dimensional shifts in every way. In fact, what you may have believed about the World is tumbling down around you like a landslide during monsoon season. You feel uprooted and seem to be constantly slammed with resistance. Guess what, your daughter is likely feeling the same as you, except her experience is likely magnified by her tender age.

And so to help her forge this battle of the Great Divide, with what is an exceptionally large transformation gap, it helps to tap into her unique skills.

To begin, if you’re reading this, your daughter is probably an empath. This means that she can actually feel others’ moods and others’ thoughts. Furthermore, she can readily sense whether that energy is negative or positive. And if it’s negative, it can create a dissonance in her own energetic field which throws her off balance. Being off-balance effects “dis-ease” which can translate into anxiety, unexpected rage and even depression.

And so whether or not your daughter has experienced a traumatic event in her life, her sensitivity can wreak havoc with her mental and physical well-being until she learns to better understand how to manage this aspect of who she is.

It is also extremely likely that your daughter has telepathic skills and that she may be regularly connecting with the spirit World. Because mainstream Society has “poo-pooed” this for so long, she feels discredited and may attempt to hide her special abilities in order to fit in with the common narrative. She may isolate herself and may have challenges making friends with whom she can be herself.

And so to tap in….here is a list of what you can do, beginning TODAY, to support your daughter’s very special way of showing up in the World.

1. Be open. Do some research related to perhaps the concept of the “Indigo, Crystal or Star” Child.

2. Understand what it means to be an Empath and what the specific needs of an Empath may be.

3. Find a community where your daughter can fully and freely express her gifts.

4. Seek support in managing her moods through natural, non-invasive methods that are based on the basic premise that everything is energy, vibration, frequency.

5. Be patient. She is likely learning to better navigate these seemingly unusual gifts that she may doubt at times, given others’ skepticism.

6. Be flexible. She may need a tailor made routine that looks very different than your average Teenager.

7. Finally, be kind to yourself! It is also a journey for you that may appear riddled with potholes!

In closing, your daughter knows deep down on a subconscious level what it is she came here to do. She may want to block out the entire World at times, yet her periodic retreats are a way to fortify her ability to literally help to heal the World. She is in fact a very special breed!

We invite you to access our FREE Case Study Video to show you just how we support daughters like yours!!

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