Well, I'm here sooner than expected. But I'm in SHOCK! I'm sharing a video with you today that completely blows me away and further confirms what is happening to our future.
Our young women are accepting a set of standards that are COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.
I realize that these 2 teens are not necessarily typical of young women growing up today. But what many parents do not understand is, these ideas and values are far more accepted by kids now than adults are ready to believe.
"My daughter would never participate in..."
"My daughter is completely against..."
"My daughter says she will be a virgin when she gets married"
I've heard them all. I've heard them just days or weeks before I got the call for help with that same daughter who is now pregnant, in jail, on drugs, or the like.
We need to wake up. Our kids want to please us. They don't want to tell us things we don't want to hear.
We must provide a safe place for them. By that I don't just mean a safe home, I mean a safe set of ears. We must be consistent. We must listen from the heart, not just wait for our turn to lecture. We must set boundaries and stick to them. Most of all, we must love them no matter what.
Watch this 3 minute video and please take a minute to leave your comments in the comment section.
If you like this blog, please click the "digg" button at the top and use the "share" button. These actions will help us reach our goal of 1 Million Young Women in 2008.
Thank you for your time.
Blessings and Peace,
Heather Olson
Friday, August 1, 2008
Teens From Good Homes Steal Girl Scout's Cookie Money
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Why Your Life's Purpose is Bogus...by Morgana Rae
Today I'm bringing in one of my mentors to share with you. I was reading her blog and I thought "my peeps would love this!" So I asked Morgana if I could share with you and she said yes. Please welcome my friend and mentor, Morgana Rae...
Why Your Life Purpose is Bogus
“You do not belong to you. You belong to the universe.”
-Buckminster Fuller
I’ve been finding myself in frequent conversations on the topic of life purpose, so it seems timely to address the subject here.
Every one is looking for their purpose. Must have a purpose! A story I often hear from motivational speakers is the story of Alice in Wonderland and Cheshire Cat. Alice stands at a crossroads and asks the cat which path she should take. He asks “Where are you going?” She says she doesn’t know. “Well then, it doesn’t really matter which path you take.”
People treat this story like it’s so profound, as if it’s evidence that you should know where you’re going. You MUST know where you’re going! Really?
I have a different take. It doesn’t really matter! It’s nice to know where you’re going. It’s far more pleasant to have a clear direction, but the odds are you’ll be getting lost along the way. Your life has its purpose, and this purpose expresses itself as you meander. The act of finding intermediary goals and getting into action will put you on the path of your larger purpose.
The only thing more painful than not knowing your life purpose is beating yourself up for not knowing your life purpose.
Even worse than that is to have personal development people telling you that you have to have a life purpose. Of course you has purpose, whether you see it or not.
Let’s cut the crap.
Your primary job in life: be happy. Happiness is not for the faint of heart. I’m not talking an “I got a Kindle!” happiness (though I’ll take it of you got it). What is the quality of happiness that doesn’t depend on changing circumstances?
If you can learn to be happy, then you will be a model and a teacher for others to be happy. And they will be models and teachers for others to be happy. If we could all be Buddhas for happiness and fulfillment, abundance and prosperity, imagine the possibilities for the world. It doesn’t really matter if you get an MBA or paint flower pots. Where is your joy? That is your purpose.
Goals and accomplishments are important. They give our lives direction, support us in our happiness. Like a finger that points to the moon but isn’t the moon itself, our goals point to something bigger: our desire to be fully realized, loved, valued, happy beings. The big cheese.
What do you desire? What would it take for you to be fully happy?
Notice what naysayer thoughts pop into your head when you think about getting your dreams fulfilled. We’ll call those thoughts your demons. Things to know about demons:
* Your demons show up when you care about something, so their presence can be a good clue that you’re on the right track.
* Demons represent a point of view, not THE TRUTH.
* If what they say doesn’t empower you, say “Thank you for sharing.” (Then give your demon a pat on the head and some apple juice and graham crackers–quiets them down. Sit him in a corner. Go back to your life. Repeat as necessary.)
Scary Gremlin Monster
MORGANA RAE is a Master Results Coach and the Money Magic Queen. Morgana guides entrepreneurs and small business owners to create a new relationship with money, to attract more than they chase, and to enjoy success without sacrificing their humanity. Get more FREE tips on creating ease, flow, and abundance at www.howtobeamoneymagnet.com.
Monday, July 28, 2008
How Much Bigger Could Your World Be?
Our world is as big or small as we allow it to be. The more we allow ourselves to learn and grow, the bigger our world becomes just as a crab or snail grows out of its shell and must get a new one. The Hermit Crab wonders around naked and vulnerable until he finds his new home. The blue crab regenerates a very soft shell and is at constant risk until that shell hardens, but he's grown.
Growth is uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. It's a good way to know we are moving forward. Be thankful for the discomfort. Find solace in memories of previous challenges that today are second nature.
One simple way to change your life and grow every day comes from the Real Life of Mr Rogers.
Fred Rogers was more than the children's icon many of us grew up with, he lived his life every day making the world genuinely better for others.
Read this excerpt from the article: 15 Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever posted last year on mental_floss.com by Mangesh Hattikudur:
"6. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life—the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life."
Can you see how much richer Fred Rogers' life was for really living it as a servant to his fellow man? Can you see how much brighter the world shines for anyone whose life he touched?
My challenge for you today is just to think. Think about what it might feel like to offer your friendship and be a servant in your heart. Can you imagine how you would speak? With a Genuine Intent to Serve, you'd be complimentary and kind.
“Give and it shall be given unto you;...” (Luke 6: 38)
What kind thoughts can you bring up about yourself? If you were to practice at home with just you, how would that go? Look around you, is it pretty? Do you deserve to have pretty things around you? What are you wearing? Did you shower and get ready for the day even if you weren't going out? Did you make your bed?
You may wonder why these things matter...?
Self-Respect is one of the most highly violated rules for an empowered life. You cannot be of valued service to anyone if you treat yourself like garbage.
Spend $5 on some flowers at the grocery store. Prepare yourself every day as if you were the guest of honor. Pick up the clothes off the floor and the garbage from around the trash can.
Look yourself in the mirror and say aloud "I deserve this, I created this and it's mine. Only I can change any part of it and I can change it at will. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and prosper."
Once again, I thank you for your comments and if you like the post, please take a moment to bookmark it and share it with others.
In Peace, Love and Prosperity,
Heather Olson
Friday, July 25, 2008
Leaving A Legacy
Today is a sad day and a day of praise.
How can it be both?
Randy Pausch passed away today after fighting pancreatic cancer.
Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008
Randy lived his dreams. He knew what he wanted and continually worked with the Universal Laws to realize those dreams.
Many of you have already heard of Randy. He was on Oprah's show sharing his "Last Lecture". I've included it today, as he said more in those 11 minutes and 32 seconds than I can offer today.
So today I am sad and also full of praise. The loss of such a great man is painful to his wife, 3 children and their family. It's sad to those whose lives he touched. I am full of praise to have been reminded of such a great and powerful lesson.
Fill you life with Joy, Peace and Love. Allow nothing else permission to gain access to your mind, heart and soul.
Be grateful everyday in every moment.
Learn the lessons put before you, and be thankful for them. Change is uncomfortable. They call them "growing pains" for a reason. Of course we all know we must grow, for if we are not growing, we are dying. Be full of praise in all that you do.
In Peace, Light, Joy and Prosperity. God Bless You,
Heather Olson
Watch this powerful 11 min 32 second video of Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw
Thursday, June 26, 2008
It's All In What We Do With It.
I was on a conference call the other night with 2 amazing presenters. One concept that I got from the 90 min call was, It's not "How" to do any given thing, It's understanding the "Way".
"True desire represents the urge of life seeking a fuller expression and is kept alive by continuous expectation of fulfillment.
It brings to us the ways and the means for its manifestation.
The principle explains that no desire is felt within the human being until the supply is ready to appear and that no person can be conscious of a desire or any need unless the possibility of its fulfillment already exists."
Wow. I could reread that paragraph all day. I have desires, real desires. And to think that given this statement, the possibility of the fulfillment of any and all of my desires already exists.
One desire that I have shared with all of you is to reach 1 Million young women by the end of this year. I was asked today if that meant I expected to sell 1 Million copies of the "Empowered For Life" curriculum... well, I wouldn't turn it down, ☺ but what it means is, those that can bring the program into their home will start a new language amongst parents and daughters. That language will start to spread into schools and gathering sites. When kids and parents start communicating on the same page, turmoil and hostility evaporate.
Even if a copy of the Free CD overview gets spread to 1 Million girls, I'll have accomplished my goal without selling a single copy of the program. (the website is under construction and should be up in about a week)
Returning to topic.
What exactly do we Do With It?
You've all heard me say: Thoughts are Things. If we sit in the dark and complain silently to ourselves, we are in reality, yelling to the universe. We are screaming out, "Rain on my parade! Please!"
What you do with it is, challenge your thoughts. When a negative thought creeps into your mind, simply examine it at first. Don't try to change or deny it. Simply ask it what its purpose is. Why are you here? How have you been of service to me in the past and does that service still apply? Consider how it may feel if just for a moment you felt different. "If I didn't feel that everything bad happens to me, what would that be like? Am I willing to try it just for a moment?"
Start a journal of your thoughts. From the front toward the back, on the right side pages, write down your positive thoughts. Flip the book over now and open from the back. (because it's upside down and backwards you will still be writing on the right side pages, but they will be opposite to the others) This is where your negative thoughts go.
I hope you will find that even if it starts with the negatives getting a head start, your mind will see the competition and the positive thoughts will take over. It can be fun and very liberating.
Please share your thoughts and experiences with your journal. If you'd like to be quoted on the website, send me an email or comment here.
In Peace and Prosperity, Love and Hope,
Blessings to you all,
Heather Olson
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Gift of The Present
The Gift of The Present
This is not in any way a new concept. The idea was presented beautifully in the book “The Present” by Spencer Johnson, MD.
What exists is Right Now. Not 10 minutes ago or 10 minutes in the future. Just Now.
So what’s the point? Good question. The point is simply that the past does not exist outside of our mind. The fear of the future has only the power we give it.
Our previous experiences can serve us or enslave us. If we identify with what happened in the past, ie: I am an incest survivor, I am a Katrina survivor, I am a flood victim, I am a… whatever applies, we empower a non existent illusion. The only power any past event in our lives can have is the power we give it. Don’t get me wrong. I believe we can and should learn from the events in our lives. I just don’t think we should allow those events to control us.
The future is no different. Today my outlook may be: “How will I put food on the table tomorrow?” or “I’m stuck in this crappy little house with a control freak running the show and I see no way out.” These thoughts reek havoc in our lives and control our thoughts. They also by their energetic nature invite like energy creating outcomes that match the current events. We get more of what we don’t want.
Well, that’s all well and good, but how do we break the cycle? Another great question. It’s not easy. I struggle with it every day. I regret things I’ve done. I fear tomorrow. I cringe over pretty much anything and everything that I cannot personally influence. (yes I get that that makes me a control freak myself) Ha ha.
The best answer I have come across is in the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Dr. Stephen Covey. Not an easy read, very chewy but fantastic.
The first time I read it was about 20 years ago. I’ve picked it up at least once a year since. There are many points that are covered and I recommend reading the book for yourself, but for this essay I want to look at “The Circle of Concern” vs “ The Circle of Influence”.
If your actions cannot directly affect the war in
I tell my children when they are upset that someone said they were “mean” or “yucky” or whatever children say to each other, “The only person thinking about this right now is you. Therefore, the only person feeling bad is you. Only you can change how you feel. Only you have control over you.”
Good advice. (especially for me) I don’t like it when I feel that I’ve caused someone pain or ill feelings. I get that. I must maintain that I am the only person that can affect how I feel. What thoughts, good or bad, that occur in my head are solely my responsibility. Mine alone. No one can make you happy. No one can make you mad. No one but you.
Chewy stuff. Think for a moment about what’s happening this instant. Think about the smells, the sounds. What can you look at in your life, even just for a moment, that is good. What are you grateful for. Believe in that.
Choose to invite positive thoughts and share them with others. They are contagious. Not everyone will accept your gift. All gifts belong to the giver until they are accepted by the recipient.
Be generous with your gifts. Don’t accept gifts that don’t serve you.
Be Well. Be Abundant and Be Prosperous.
Blessing to you and yours,
Heather Olson
Friday, May 23, 2008
Crazy Times
Well, It's been crazy here lately. Nothing new, just a bit of turbo-crazy. I've been away from my blog for way too long.
I am very blessed to be surrounded by writers and my father has come to my rescue again. He's a thoughtful man and has so much to offer. Today he has some thoughts from a recent seniors meeting where young people were invited in for discussion.
Here are his comments:
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ OR ARE THEY?
This morning I attended my Thursday morning discussion group. It is a group of senior citizens who get together weekly to solve the problems of the world. This morning we had a treat. There were five young people there to have an inter-generation discussion with the old folks. This essay is a composite of that discussion.
One of the youngsters was a member of the National Guard. He was in training to become a military policeman. He may well be on his way to the
A young lady was a senior in high school but has already completed one and a half years of college. She has been accepted by a famous eastern college to start her preparation for medical school. She intends to be a brain-surgeon. After visiting with her I decided if I needed any brain surgery I would wait for her to finish school. She was a very impressive young woman. We asked her opinion of our educational system. She opined that she was not challenged by her school work. Go figure.
Yet another young lady was preparing herself to be an elementary school teacher in
The future brain surgeon wondered how she was going to pay for the education she was embarking upon. Her college will cost $60,000.00 per year and that doesn’t cover her medical school. Even with grants, she will still be in debt between $500,000 and a million dollars when she completes her schooling. Another wondered about paying into Social Security without any real chance of getting anything back. The conversation was mostly about superficial things however. We talked about the value of maintaining a good credit standing. We talked about saving money for retirement and other things. It was a great time.
So what does all this have to do with this blog? I will try to answer that question. The subject of grandparents came up. The question was asked by a senior citizen as to what did their grandparents have to do with their lives and choices. I hope some of you who read this blog are grandparents. All of these kids said their grandparents were a major influence in their lives. Their grandparents were their heroes. They valued their opinions and their experiences. They valued the lessons of life they had learned from them.
It is pretty easy to see that these young people are on their way to successful lives. One of the main differences between this group of kids and the ones you read about in the newspapers is, I believe, a close relationship with their grandparents. These young people are “Empowered for life”. If you are a youngster reading this, try to spend as much of your time as possible with your grandparents. They have so much to offer you. If you are a grandparent don’t underestimate your influence on your grandchildren. You have wisdom to share. You have experience to share. Even if you don’t live next door, you have gifts to offer and you know I am not talking about physical gifts. Give the gift of love and share your world with these young ones. Who knows someday one of them may be the surgeon who saves your life or mine.