4 Things it Takes to Follow Your Heart

A photo I took just before I gave my very first motivational speech

Listening to your heart and following that path can be surprisingly difficult. Our heart's desires often lead us to scary, unknown places - places that challenge our beliefs about what we are capable of. Because of this, many people don't end up listening and shut out their true desires.

How to Create and Prepare a Captivating Speech

I spoke in a classroom at a high school last week, and while I was working hard on preparing, I thought about the fact that those who watch a presentation really don't see any of the hard work and preparation that goes into it. 

5 Ways to Feel Happy Again

Ever find yourself in a rut and you have no idea how it happened? A week ago, everything was going well - you loved your job, you were gathering with friends often, and you were working out almost daily. All of a sudden, your job is stressing you out to the point that you don't want to go in to work, your friends have been MIA, and you can't seem to muster up the energy to get yourself to the gym.

21 Things People Who Have It Together Do

Some people just seem to get it. Do you know anyone who others will say, "that person has a great head on their shoulders." Having it together takes work, however those who seem to "get it" are more than happy to work for their happiness and life fulfillment. Doing so brings them joy.

Here are some things that people who have it together do:

6 Things You Need to Stop Saying If You Want to be Happy

Negativity won't get you very far, and if you're trying to go places in life, you should take a look at your attitude. Have you been down and out lately? You can start by removing the following sentences out of your vocabulary:

1. "They're lucky, I'm not."

No, we are all given the same amount of time in our days. We have all been through struggles. We all have many capabilities. Ever heard of the guy with no arms and legs who speaks at motivational seminars about how great life is? Think about that next time you think you're too unlucky to be happy. You're not "unlucky," you just haven't learned how to change your perspective.

7 Things That Happen When You Stop Partying

I used to be quite the party girl. I was always the one getting my friends out onto the dance floor and flirting with the hot guys, priding myself on the free rounds of drinks I would get for myself and my girls. I spent many mornings waking up on my friends' couches with messy hair, heavy eyes, and a spotty memory of the night before.

When Life Changes Make You Feel Uncomfortable

Life has a way of pushing you to change when you are on the wrong path. Many times the changes taking place are confusing, don't feel good, and can make your life very uncomfortable. A lot of people fight against it by drinking, smoking, over-eating, etc. It's those who allow themselves to feel that horrible feeling and immediately begin to brainstorm and make changes that succeed.

How the Man Who Saved My Life is Inspiring Troubled Youth

Seven years ago, I found myself trapped in a cave - fighting for my life after cliff jumping next to a waterfall. The only thing I could hear was the pounding the waterfall next to me; I didn't think any of my friends were around to know that my life was almost over. 

Just as I was sure that the end was near, I heard a splash in the water. My friend Stevie had jumped in to rescue me. He looked into my eyes, reached out his arm, and told me to hold on tight. I did just as he said, relieved and more thankful than ever. He pulled me over to the ledge and handed me off to a friend.

3 Reasons You're Feeling Empty

Emptiness: It's such an exhausting feeling that brings down your energy. When you feel like things are missing in your life, you'll notice that your living space has become cluttered, your relationships are suffering, or you don't feel attractive anymore.

Here are a few things that could be causing that dreaded feeling:

Tenacity: The Sexiest Characteristic

Tenacity:

noun

1. the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence:

(Credit: dictionary.reference.com)

You hear it all the time: Life is short. We are all given different gifts of talents and unique characteristics which set us apart from others. So then why is it that some people choose to bury those talents and gifts only to conform to the "easy life"; the life which we are all told to live by society?

Cheers to Failure: Why it's Okay to Fail

“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure” – George Edward Woodberry

4 Tricks to Keep Your Weight Down

1. Put Your Snacks in a Small Bowl. 
  Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips for a snack and realized you had just ate half of the bag?  It can be hard to limit yourself when you have a large amount of food in front of you.  You are less likely to over-do it if you put just a small amount in a dish, and then put the bag (or box) of food away.

4 Tips for Creating Success

Everyone has a different definition of success.  Whether you see it as having wealth and security, a loving spouse, or a life full of adventure, you have the choice to create the story of your life.  I have read numerous books, many inspiring stories on blogs, and listened to advice from very wise individuals.  Here are tips collected from the lessons I have learned through others, as well as my own personal experiences:

Inspirational Quotes

"It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, 'Always do what you are afraid to do."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The best way out is always through."
Robert Frost

"If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them."
       Anonymous

 "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
       Confucius 

"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others. "
       Ghandi

3 Videos That Will Change Your Outlook On Life

1. Listen.. This Will Change Your Life
  This is an audio recording that I have been listening to at least once a week since I discovered it.  It  will teach you how to achieve goals by thinking positive and following a plan that you create for yourself. This will be one of the most well-spent 30 minutes, if you can make the time to watch.  Just like the title says, it will change your life.

6 Ways to Keep Yourself Motivated to Exercise

 We all need exercise in our lives not only to keep us healthy and fit, but to keep our moods up.  Sometimes getting yourself to the gym can be very difficult and we often find ourselves making up an excuse as to why it would be better to just do it tomorrow.  Try these tips, and help yourself get and stay motivated!