Today is both the old and the New

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:
Today is a special day! This day comes but once a year. It is a day that holds both the remnants of the old and the excitement and promise of the New.


Today is a day of Release! Releasing all that you no longer need; struggles, misery, hardship, loss, lack, criticism of self, victim-hood. Anything that weighs you down. Anyone who holds you back.
It is a time for clearing out that which no longer serves your greatest good.

Today is a day of acknowledgment. Acknowledging how far you have come! All the steps you have taken towards your personal goals. All that you have been through and made it - made it to today! Take the successes - big and small, take the enlightenment gained, the lessons learned, take You and pat yourself on the back and say "Congratulations on all you have accomplished!"

Today is a day of Vision. Creating the Vision of You and Your life in the New Year.

Today is a day of Preparation. Preparing for a great New Adventure! Just like packing for a trip or a vacation you cannot take it all so you have to prioritize what you will pack and take with you.
Take your favorite things, things that give you comfort, support and encouragement. Take a support network with you - edit your phone book and keep only those numbers that bring a smile to your face and comfort to your soul. Add in any numbers of new friends and soul supporters.

Put in a change of address form with your Higher Authority and make your Intention clear that you are moving on up to a bigger, better and Higher location.
Take only the memories that warm your heart and sustain you in peace, love and joy.

Today is a day of Action! Let this day and all the steps above galvanize you into taking the actions necessary to create a positive, powerful New Year!
You have earned it, You deserve it and You are Worth it!

Affirm:
Today I am clearing out the old and making room for the Positive, Powerful New ME in the New Year!

Have a safe, peaceful and joyous New Years Eve!
Consider yourself hugged-
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Gear up in Serenity for New Years!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

One holiday is over and another one will soon be upon us. After all the high frentic energy, the fast pace of all the recent activities, the peaks, the valleys of interacting with family and friends - STOP! - take a deep breath in ....and let it out.....do it again...releasing all stress and emotional back up. NOW breath in peace, serenity, love and joy.
As you gear up for the next holiday- New Years, remember to take a little time out for you. Break the momentum of stress, tension and emotionality by giving yourself the gift of a mini retreat simply by sitting right where you are now and breathing in - peace, love and joy- and breathing OUT all stress, fear and negativity.

However you travel during these holiday times; by car, plane, train or Brain - decide to Enjoy the trip!

Affirm:
     I generate positive energy today and I choose to be positive and peaceful.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Just Lighten up and Laugh!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

An average five year old child laughs more than four hundred times a day. An Adult? Fourteen.
Do you think that's why so many adults need laxatives? Loretta LaRoche

Your mission today and this holiday is to find reasons to laugh. To Lighten up and enjoy yourself. Find the humor in the little things. Laughter is not only good for your soul but is healthy for your heart. Laughter de-stresses our entire system not to mention providing a wonderful attitude adjustment for ourselves and those around us.
So this Holiday go for it! Find a reason to laugh!

Have a laughter filled Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Too Blessed to be Stressed!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Whenever you feel yourself being anxious, frustrated, overwhelmed just STOP! and tell yourself:
              I am too Blessed to be stressed today!
                    (Repeat as often as needed.)

Have a Blessed Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Everyday in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Scatter Joy Today!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Your mission should you decide to accept it is to Scatter Joy today!
A smile on your face to all you meet. Saying "Happy Holidays!" to strangers brings the most wonderful results. The most powerful of all words is "Thank You." Try saying "Thank You" to as many people as possible today. Random acts of Kindness are very powerful, especially at this time of year.
Whenever I see bell ringers outside of a store I always say "Thank you for braving the cold to help other people." Sometimes I even come out of the store with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa and hand it to the person and say "Just a little something to help keep you warm"
Try it for yourself and see the immediate surprise of joy that follows.

Affirm:
     Today I greet everyone with a smile and an attitude of Joy.

Go for it- have a Scatter Joy Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every day in Every way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Replace your To Do list with a Things Done List

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought :

I woke up this morning and my first thoughts went to how much I have left to do and how little time I have left to accomplish it all. I made up a to do list to get organized and felt more overwhelmed as I saw the enormity of it all in writing. Then I said to myself "STOP!" I took a deep breath, put on my solution cap and got a cup of coffee and paused for a moment. Then I got a blank piece of paper and wrote at the top Things Done List. Then I started my day. Everything that I did from making the bed, feeding the cats, putting clothes in the hamper, starting laundry, emptying the dishwasher, I put on my Done List.
My day had just started and I could see how much I had already accomplished and instead of feeling overwhelmed I felt energized and ready to accomplish more. I took a couple of things from my to do list, did those and added those to my Done List. Wow! Suddenly I felt like today was going to be a great day filled with lots of productivity and accomplishment!

So try some reverse thinking on yourself. Keep your to do list however make a separate Things Done List and add everything you do on it. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem when you look at it all together you will realize just how much you are really getting done!

Affirm:
     Today I keep track of ALL the things I am accomplishing to motivate and inspire myself!

Have a Wonderfully Productive Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Tis the season to Choose to be Jolly

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:
They say "'Tis the season to be jolly."

I say 'Tis the season to CHOOSE to be jolly. Today make the conscious choice for joy and happiness. It's an inside job so start within and begin to feel happy and joyful and let it radiate out. As you go through your day encountering other people and circumstances remind yourself that you chose happiness and joy today instead of being right, being a victim, being perfect, stressed out, being critical or judgmental.

Affirm:
    Today I choose to be jolly, happy and joyful!

Have a Happy inside and a Joyful Jolly out Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

I am the common denominator of my life

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

How is your day going today? The common denominator in all your experiences is You. If you are unhappy, stressed or aggravated about anything today just examine how you have been thinking about it. Then ask yourself if you keep thinking the same way, the same thoughts, the same attitude will you really have a chance to feel better, happier or more peaceful?

Affirm:
     I choose to change my thinking and my attitude to regain my joy and serenity.

Notice that you feel better when you think better thoughts.
Have a Thoughtful Tuesday
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Be True to You holidays

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

It is very stressful, especially at the holiday times, to try to live up to everyone else's standards for you, to people please, over commit because you're afraid to say No, do things out of guilt rather than free will, hold back your own thoughts and feelings because someone may not like or agree with you.

Just for today try something different. Be your version of you, please yourself, commit only to what you really want to do, speak your thoughts and share your feelings with truth and love.
Just for today - relax and Be You! After all no one can tell you you're doing it wrong because you're the expert on you!

Have a Be True to You Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Everyday in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Take charge of you Thursday

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a reminder that you and only you can bring yourself happiness. Happiness IS an inside job and who better than you to know what makes you happy! So today focus on all those things that make you happy and bring you joy.

Affirm:
     Today I am in charge of my own happiness!

Have a Terrific Thursday and don't let anyone steal your joy or happiness today.
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in yourself, Anything is Possible!

Give yourself a Time Out.

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

It's time to take a deep breath and sloooow down! All the hype from the radio and tv and newspapers telling us that time is running out - everyone around us, including ourselves feeling inadequate as we focus on all the things we haven't done and wondering how we will accomplish it all.
Feeling overwhelmed causes stress and stress causes the need for acceleration - as though if we could somehow speed up, quiken our pace, we could do more, be more, get more done.

When I think I have too much to do and therefore don't have the time to take a break for me it is like driving my car and seeing that I need gas but keep putting it off to get one more thing done. If I don't take the time to stop and put gas in my car - then the law of Cause and Effect will kick in and I will be forced to take a break -
while I walk to the gas station or call someone for assistance.
And I will not be in a great mood either!

By choosing to take time out for myself, I am in better spirits, have a better attitude and have more positive energy to do all the things I need to do - with a "light" heart.
So take a break for yourself today and recharge, refuel and re-energize! Fill your "gas tank" with time for yourself!
You are worth it and You deserve it!

Affirm:
     Today I deserve a "time out" just for me!

Have a Me time Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Be a Secret Angel this season!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

They say this is the season of angels and miracles. This holiday season consider becoming an angel yourself. Miracles don't have to be big and have lots of fanfare they can be small, simple and anonymous.

There are so many ways to become an anonymous angel for someone else.

Get your family and friends to fill out Holiday cards and take them to a nursing home and have the staff give them to the residents, who don't always get a lot of mail.
After it snows, go shovel or snowblow an elderly neighbors driveway. If you can't do it yourself, see if you can get one of the high school students to do it as their contribution to spreading holiday cheer.
Put together a food basket and put it on the doorstep of someone you know is having a hard time.
Offer to babysit for free for a relative, co-worker or neighbor who needs to go holiday shopping but might have a hard time getting someone to watch the children.
See if you can get some of your family, co-workers or friends to join you in becoming Secret Angels. See how many creative ideas you can come up with. The more Secret Angels there are out there the more Holiday Miracles that can happen!

Affirm:
     Today I look for ways to become a secret blessing to someone else.

Have a miracle filled Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

New Batch of Affirmation Rocks

I just love how these new rocks turned out. I get to be more creative every time I do a batch. Since it is the holiday season, I did several snowmen that turned out excellent on very small rocks. I did a couple with outdoor trees and even repainted over a couple that I did not like. It takes a long time however it is well worth it when I see the finished results!

Have an adventure Weekend!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Make this weekend an Adventure Weekend! Do something different.

Make snow angels and go for hot chocolate. Play a card game or a board game with your family or friends. Listen to some different music just to try it out. Go for a drive in the car and go down streets that you haven't been to before and check out the Holiday lights.

If you're doing your Holiday cards pack them up and take them to the bookstore and write them out while having a cappuccino in the cafe.
In the winter time we can feel a lethargy that comes from doing the same routine. So shake up the winter blahs and try something new, something different.
Go on an Adventure this weekend!

Affirm:
    Today I create new energy and fun by having a sense of Adventure!

Have an Adventurous Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Today is your choice

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a great day! A day of unlimited possiblities. A day filled with your potential for peace, love and happiness! It is the season of Joy and Gratitude.

With Possibility, Peace, Love, Happiness, Joy and Gratitude how can your day be anything but Great!

Affirm:
    It's my choice and I choose to have a Great today!

Have a your choice Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Holiday Ideas for the Little kid inside of you

Get Jazzed & Joyful Daily Thought:

Today's Daily Thought is for the Little kid inside all of us - (attention adult -this is worth the read!)

It's the holiday time. The time when we make a list to give gifts to people we love and care about. A time when we see children excited about the season and the anticipation of wrapped gifts.

Here is a fun idea. How about putting yourself on your gift list. After all there is a little kid inside each of us. So why not think about something you could get for your inner child? Like a paint set, a pair of fun pajamas, some legos or a constructor set, a stuffed animal or perhaps a journal, cool pen or fun stationery? How about a Santa or Snowman mug with a favorite cocoa, tea or coffee packet inside?

When you are out shopping let the kid inside guide you to something special - just for you. Then wrap it up and put it under the tree or with your other gifts that get opened for Christmas, Hanukkah or for whatever special holiday, season or faith you celebrate.
Every year I get a fun gift for Little Me and put it under our tree. I address the tag "To: Little Me" From: Adult ME". I get it early enough so that by the time I open it, it triggers the fun memories of picking it out and the knowledge that "Cool now I get to use it!"

It is also a wonderful tradition to hand down to the next generation. It reminds my children who are now in college and my grandkids (seven of them from my husband's side!) the importance of keeping in touch with the inner child, the fun, spontaneous, creative and adventure side of our adult self.
It is an excellent tool for adults to use that allows us to lighten up, let go of some stress and to change our perspective from being overwhelmed by the season to actually enjoying it and participating in it with a softer, warmer heart.
I have been doing it for many years now and my kids and grandkids are used to it. Instead of saying "What's up with this?!" they say "Oh look here is one for Little Me!" In fact my husband does it too and we even give fun gifts to each other's inner child. There is a fun gift for Little Jimmy from Little Me and vice versa and so there is a genuine surprise gift (like one year it was a Zbots build it yourself Space station for Little Jimmy and a Sparkly stuffed Teddy Bear for Little Me which I still have).

How about exchanging names with some of your friends or family and getting fun gifts for your inner kids?

It may sound corny and ridiculous (and that would be the serious, "I'm too old for this" adult in you talking) but the fun, joy and love it generates is real and lasting!
Come on 'Fess Up! You know you want to! So go ahead! This year let your inner child have some fun too!

Affirm:
    'Tis the Seaon to be good to Myself and my Inner Child! And I am Worth it!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Keep a Thankful Focus

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day traditionally for Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Family and Football.

Today many of us will spend the day and or this evening getting ready for tomorrow; going to the grocery store, making travel arrangements, cleaning house, baking and cooking ahead of tomorrow's dinner feast.
How much time will be spent on Thankfulness, Gratitude and Counting Blessings? When was the last time you actually wrote down a Gratitude list for this time of the year? When was the last time that you asked others at the dinner table to take turns and to share one of their Blessings with everyone?
What would your Holiday be like if the focus was on Gratitude, Thankfulness and Blessings instead of worrying if you got a big enough turkey? Or If there is enough time to get everything done? Or how long should you stay after dinner? Thinking about getting to bed early enough to get up for the day after Thanksgiving holiday Sales?
What if you just relaxed, slowed down a little and enjoyed the Holiday for what it is supposed to be about- thankfulness. What if you counted everyone that crosses your path today and tomorrow as a Blessing sent to you this Holiday as an opportunity for you to say Thank You to them all?
What would that Holiday be like? Find out for Yourself!

Affirm:
    This Thanksgiving I keep my focus on being Thankful, Grateful and Counting all my Blessings.

Have a truly Thankful Holiday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day, in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

How did you start your Monday?

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

It's Monday! Did you refill your "inner tank" this weekend so that you started today with a fresh attitude and enthusiasm or are you running on empty?
Take time now to pause, take a slow deep breath in - and then - out. Make yourself aware and observe your habits today. Change whatever habits are not working to keep your energy and momentum going in a positive forward direction.

Remember that what you do with this Monday is setting you up for a Successful - or - Stressful rest of the week.

Affirm:
    Today I take time to reflect, refresh and refill my energy tank! And I am worth it!

Have a Recharging Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possbile!

Start Thanksgiving early

Happy Friday!

There is all the media hype about Black Friday starting early. Why even last weekend the sales hype was already in full gear. So that made me think.
Why not start giving the gift of Gratitude and Thankfulness early too? Start saying Happy Holidays to everyone you meet. How about saying a simple "Thank You" to people who probably don't hear it a lot. Like the postal carrier, the sanitation workers, policemen, firemen, teachers, grocery store clerks, employees who go out and get the carts from the parking lot. You could even say "Thanks" to the customer who takes their cart back to the cart corral instead of leaving it in the parking lot.

There are so many ways to express gratitude, thankfulness and appreciation. This weekend why not challenge yourself and others to see how many different ways that you can find to extend the gift of Thankfulness to as many people as possible.
Then on Sunday evening or Monday compare notes over a cup of coffee to see how many creative ways everyone came up with to spread Gratitude and Thankfulness.
And see how wonderful it feels to make a difference in someone's life by making a big impact with small and simple feel good gestures.

Affirm:
    This weekend I will focus on spreading Gratitude and Thankfulness as I prepare for the Holiday.

Have a Thankfully Grateful Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Today Matters

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is the day that matters.
The day with the greatest potential for accomplishment.

No matter where your thoughts go, time is always in the Now - not yesterday, last week, last month, last year. It is not tomorrow, next week or next year. It is always NOW. Choosing to be in the Now allows you to maximize opportunities of Today. Focus your thoughts, your intentions and energy on Today and what you can do right now, in the here and now.

Affirm:
    I stay positive in the present moment and I achieve the maximum positive results possible in the NOW.

Have an in the NOW Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About you, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Pumpkin Art Halloween

We had a Halloween party and I painted a pumpkin to give away as best costume prize. I had the darndest time getting the pic to post and finally today it worked!
I liked the tall length on this pumpkin and painted a face with purple flower cheeks, glow in the dark paint eyes and a cap of multi colored green leafs with red berries. I had fun painting this and after all the voting was done Peggy the Pirate won first prize. And if the smile wasn't already there the pumpkin would have been smiling in delight to go home with Peggy the Pirate!

Pumpkin Art Give Thanks

I decided to paint a pumpkin for Thanksgiving. It evolved as I painted. I started with the words Give Thanks and then added my signature flowers, one in red, yellow and purple. Then I added black swirls with Lime Green dots and finished with red hearts and white swirls scattered around.
My hubby took a picture of me and my finished pumpkin.
I have decided that I liked the way it turned out so much that I am going to get some smaller pumkins and some gourds and paint them and use them as a center piece for my dining table.

Make your health a Priority

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

I saw a wall poster that caught my attention. It said "If you do not take care of your body, where will you live?"

That really hit me. After all it is just like my car. If I don't do oil changes, check and rotate the tires, put gas in the tank and keep up on the regular maintenance then my car will simply stop working. I will then have to invest in either a new car, get rides or seek other transportation or put a lot of money into repairs or replacement of parts, all of which will cause me significant inconvenience, discomfort and expense.
When I relate that to my body is it not the same thing? If I don't pay attention to what I am putting into my body, how I take care of my body, doing regular healthy maintenance, things that aid my body in working more efficiently and having more energy then will not the same thing happen? My body will simply stop working well. Then I will have to put a lot money into health repairs, medications, doctor and hospital visits, replacement of parts and or artificial health aids all of which will cause me significant inconvenience, expense and discomfort.
The only difference between the two is that when you neglect a car to the point that it completely stops working you can get another new, used or borrowed car. However when you neglect to take care of your body you do not have the option to go and get a new one, a used one or a borrowed one.

This reality has made me look at my priorities now- not later when my choices are limited.

Affirm:
    I move my body and my health to the top of my priorities. I treat my body as the sacred vehicle that it is and I am worth it!

Have a Healthy tune up Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Make today a good day - no matter what!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

And that is the message today. Make today a good day. No matter what happens today, no matter what is going on in your life, no matter the attitudes of others you can have a good day today. Thinking positively is a choice that allows you to view any speed bumps as opportunities to use your problem solving abilities, to get creative, improve your patience, fine tune your communication skills, delegate some tasks off your lengthy to do list and keep your attitude from spiraling downward into negativity.
You choose how you feel and how you think and therefore you have the power to change your day from cloudy to sunny even if it is only from within.

Affirm:
    I choose to think and feel my way into a good day - No Matter What!

Have a Great Thinking and Feeling Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Make a point to laugh

Get Jazzed & Joyful Today:

Today is about the gift of laughter. With the holidays approaching we can sometimes focus on all the things we have to add on to our schedule, all the things we now have to do to get ready. We can become very somber and serious.
Laughter is good for the soul, good for the heart, good for those around you. It is an excellent stress buster for the holiday season, for day to day life and to allow more joy into our hearts and minds.

So today's humor is brought to you by Loretta LaRoche:

We live in a world of excess, in which how much we own defines who we are. I'd rather BE "too much" than buy too much. It's so much easier. I'll never have to have a yard sale to get rid of myself.


Indulge in pleasure whenver you can. Eat dessert first, take a nap in the middle of the day or watch a squirrel fall off a feeder.


For years I heard my mother's stern voice in my head whenever I cleaned the house; "Make sure you clean the underside of the toilet bowl!" I finally realized that no one that short was ever coming to visit and I didn't give a damn. What voices do you carry in your head?


An average 5 year old laughs more than 400 times a day. An adult? FOURTEEN. Do you think that is why so many adults need laxatives?


No one respects a martyr unless they are giving their life to save another. Believing that people are going to canonize you because you cleaned the house or spent extra hours at work is not the pathway to sainthood. I have yet to see a statue called "Saint of Perpetual Responsibility"


Why do normal people take workshops on how to deal with difficult people? Why aren't the difficult people taking workshops on how to deal with the rest of us?


If you think the worst and get the worst, you suffer twice. If you think the best and get the worst, you only suffer once.


Accept the things you cannot change, Change the things that you can - And Laugh at all the rest.

Have a Light and Humorous Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Aything is Possible!

Put a STOP! to the inner critic

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

What has your self talk been like already today? Chances are that there have been many opportunities for the inner critic to pop up with negative thoughts, comments or helping to create a negative attitude. For the rest of today put a STOP! to negative self talk and negative attitudes and see what a difference it makes! The rest of your day and your trip home will be lighter and brighter!

Affirm:
    I will say STOP! to all negative Self Talk and YES! to Positive Thinking and a Positive Attitude!

Have a Positive Change Within and Without Today!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Miracles can be Everywhere

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Did you know there are miracles just waiting to be discovered? Today be the observer. As you go through your day, pay attention to everything and everyone. It may be in the smallest gesture from someone, an unexpected thank you, a giggle from a child, an offer of help from a total stranger, witnessing a random act of kindness.
In being the observer today, you may see something, hear something, find something, learn something or witness something that just may turn out to be a miracle. If you pay close attention, you may discover that today is full of miracles. Truth be told, you may even realize that YOU are the miracle.

Affirm:
    Today I expect miracles and I find them, even within myself!

Have a Miracle Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About you, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Cheer Yourself On Vision Board Done!

The top picture is of the semi final Vision Board. I adjusted the placement of some of the words and started to paste them down.

And here is the final Cheer Yourself On Vision Board! I added some smaller paper flower embellishments to fill in and added some bling in the form of crystals around the edges of the circles to highlight the Oh Yes I Can! cheers.

I Looove how this board turned out! I am still debating about whether to gloss it in Collage decoupage medium or whether to leave it as is.
While I decide I have put it up scross from my desk where I can see it and read it and Cheer Myself on with my new daily motto of
    "OH YES I CAN!"

Hang out with Positive People

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Life is just too short and too precious to choose to spend time with people who tear you down, criticize you or drain you with negative complaining.

Realize that you can choose how and who you spend your time with. You can Choose to limit your time with those that bring you down and CHOOSE to spend more time with people who uplift you, encourage you and cheer you on in life.

Affirm:
    I surround myself with positive people and I feel the difference!

Have an Uplifting Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Make Today a Great Day!

Good Day!

And that is the message today. Make today a good day - even a great day! You can do it because the difference between a good day or a bad day is all in the way that you think about today. Thinking positively allows you to view any speed bumps as opportunities to use your problem solving abilities, to get creative, improve your patience, fine tune your communication skills, delegate some tasks off your lengthy to do list and keep your attitude from spiraling downward into negativity.

Affirm:
    No matter what happens I will keep my thoughts and actions on turning today into a great day!

Have a Great Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Cheer Yourself On Vision Board

I pieced together and laid out what I wanted on my cheer Yourself On Board and then took a picture of it. Then I can remove any or all of the pieces and not worry about forgetting where everything goes.

Then I printed the picture in black and white in large size and put it next to my Vision Board so I could refer to it as I continued to create.

Then I started painting my flowers on my board. This is where I am at right now after letting it dry last night. Today I will add more flowers and add the flower details and see how I like it. I can already tell I may change my board layout as I am getting new ideas as I paint!

Will post some more later - I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Let's follow Art's example!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

"Things turn out best for the people that make the best out of the way things turn out."

I first heard this quote from Art Linkletter and it has stuck with me for years.

And Art Linkletter should know. He was abandoned as an infant and later adopted. He literally took the phrase "when life hands you lemons make lemonade" to heart. As a young boy he used to take the best of the discarded lemons from a fruit factory and sell them to help raise money for his adopted family.

He was two months shy of his 98th birthday when he passed away this past May, of simply old age. He had been married for 75 years, wrote several books and he still traveled all over the world as a motivational speaker and advocate for living your best life after 60 and ran 4 businesses!

When a reporter asked how he did it he responded:
"Do the best you can every day. Help someone else whenever you can. Communicate the truth from a grateful heart and always keep a sense of humor. And exercise your mind, spirit and body on a regular basis."

So today let's follow Art's advice and his life example!

Affirm:
    I keep the clear intention of being the Best Me today and I use Grateful thinking, a Helpful Heart and a Sense of Humor to communicate my Best to all I encounter!

Have your Best Tuesday yet!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Happy Sweet on You Day!

Today is Sweetest Day! And Who says it's a day just for couples? It's a great day to share the Sweetness with everyone! A big smile, a rocking hello! Get some flowers and wherever you go today hand one out and say " It is the perfect day to be Sweet on You! Happy Sweetest Day!" Go ahead- share your Sweet Self with the world today!

Have a great day- I will because I am Sweet on ME!

Pamper Yourself this weekend

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Do something to pamper yourself this weekend. Go to the bookstore and look for a good book and have a cup of tea or cappachino. Go to a Cider Mill and get some wonderful cider and apples. Soak in a hot tub. Put on some of your favorite music to lighten your mood while you do laundry. Rent a couple of your favorite movies. Or call a friend and go to a show or to lunch. Take a drive to somewhere you haven't been to and check out the gorgeous fall colors.
You deserve to feel pampered this weekend whatever your plans are so Go ahead and Treat Yourself - You are Worth it!

Have a Little Something for You Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Yes I Can A to Z!

Geet Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a "Yes I Can" A - Z Thursday! Just use the statement Yes I Can! and follow it with the letters of the alphabet. Here is my list:
Yes I Can...Achieve A lot Today!
Yes I Can...Be Bold Today!
Yes I Can...Create Today!
Yes I Can...Design my new studio logo Today!
Yes I Can...Eliminate Excuses Today!
Yes I Can...Focus on ME Today!
Yes I Can...Give a Little bit more Today!
Yes I Can...Help someone else Today!
Yes I Can...Invite Inspiration In Today!
Yes I Can...Just do one thing at a time Today!
Yes I Can...Know what I want Today!
Yes I Can...Laugh Out Loud today!
Yes I Can...Make Up My Own Mind Today!
Yes I Can...Nip Negativity in the bud Today!
Yes I Can...Open Myself to all Possibilities Today!
Yes I Can...Prove I can Do It Today!
Yes I Can...Quell my fears Today!
Yes I Can...Resist the leftover pie Today!
Yes I Can...Stay on Track Today!
Yes I Can...Think it over before I make a decision Today!
Yes I Can...Understand others perspective Today!
Yes I Can...Visualize my Success Today!
Yes I Can...WOW myself with results Today!
Yes I Can...eXtract my Best from Me Today!
Yes I Can...Yell Yes I Really Can to myself Today!
Yes I Can...Zestfully apply myself Today!

See what you can come up with, then post your list where you can see it and make today a
Yes I Can Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Choose your thoughts

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

You may not have control over much that goes on out in the world, however the one thing that you, and you alone have control over, is your thoughts. So today, exercise your right to control and choose the thoughts you think. Make them Positive, Powerful and Plentiful. Keep those good thoughts coming and watch your attitude and your results match them!

Affirm:
    Today I choose the best and brightest Thoughts for myself and everyone else.

Have a Choose your Thoughts Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

The Gifts of Challenges

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Whatever challenges you are facing today know that you are strong and capable and you will get through it. And for every challenge you face there is always an opportunity for more knowledge, more experience and more valuable lessons.
There is also the opportunity for Gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful skill that turns regrets and remorse into a Grateful Heart and Mind. Gratitude allows you to move forward in spite of fear and failure. In every challenge lies a gift or a blessing that would not be found without a perspective of Gratitude.

Today challenge yourself to find things to be Grateful for. Then see what Blessings unfold for you!

Affirm:
    Every challenge provides me with Opportunities, Blessings and Gratitudes!

Have a Grateful Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Be ME Powered!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a great day to be ME Powered! You have personal power to tap into. And today is a great day to harness that power and push yourself forward to accomplish more of your goals.

So look yourself in the mirror and affirm: Today I use ME Power to get things done!

Have a 'Power'ful Friday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Be Complimentary

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a day full of compliments. As you go about your day today pay a compliment to each person you encounter. Make it simple, spontaneous and sincere. Compliment the color of someone's outfit, the tie they are wearing. Compliment their smile, their hairstyle, the sound of their voice, their pleasant attitude. There are endless compliment opportunities. Brighten someone's day today with the gift of a compliment. It doesn't cost anything and the resulting warmth it generates will keep you toasty long after today is over.

Affirm:
    Today I look for ways to compliment everyone I see.

My compliment to you:
    Thanks for Being You and making the world a Brighter place!

Have a Complimenting Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Positive ME Power!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Regardless of what trauma or drama is going on in your life or around you, regardless of what mood anyone else is in-don't become a dark cloud - Keep Shining On!
Don't compromise your Joy and Happiness because of anything on the outside of you. Choose to stay Sunny and Serene. Choose to keep a Smile on your face, Humor in your heart, a Positive Attitude and a Cheerful disposition to All you encounter today.
And do it for YOU. For your well being, your Peace of Mind. Do it to stay Motivated. Do it to Set the Example for others to see and follow if they choose to.

At the end of the day, what would you rather have people say about you?
"Wow, that person is such a downer. So negative and hard to be around."
                        OR
"Okay that person is just too positive and cheerful. There is just way too much fun going on"

Affirm:
    Today I Choose to be a Shining example of Positive ME Power!

Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You Every day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

What is Non- Negotiable for you?

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:
Do you know what your non-negotiables in life are? If you do, do you hold strong to them or do you compromise them away?

Take a little time and ask yourself "What things in my life, what values of mine are deal breakers, are non-negotiable?" Then ask yourself "If I feel this strongly about something do I follow through and hold fast to my beliefs or do I make excuses and say "Well next time I'll say something" or "This really isn't a good time to take a stand"?
It takes courage and strength to stand up for your personal beliefs and values. It is not always comfortable however it is well worth the effort.

When you give away your power, when you compromise your values, when you negotiate on one of your non-negotiables, your body, mind and spirit lets you know right away. Your mind tells you "Why didn't you say something/do something?" The inner critic kicks in and starts the negative self talk. You feel irritable and moody.
Your body reacts with a headache, stomach ache, clenching of your jaw line. A tightness in your chest, a feeling of anger and or resentment, anxiety and Your breathing becomes shallow, not full and complete.
Your spirit calls to you. You feel out of balance, not connected or grounded. Your energy and motivation stall out.

When you stand strong in your integrity and your beliefs your mind tells you "Good for you! Way to Go!" Your body feels calm, strong, a little exhilarated for standing in your truth. You feel self assured and confident.
Your spirit soars. You feel lifted to a higher place. You are motivated and have the energy to go onto to the next set of tasks for the day.
Which results would you like? Today before you consider negotiating anything important to you, check in with your body, mind and spirit and let it guide you.

Affirm:
    Today I keep my Integrity intact by walking my talk and matching up my words, my actions and my beliefs.

Have a Stand in Your Truth Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

My Success Habits Vision Board

This is my Success Habits Vision Board that I did a couple of weeks ago. I really love the way it turned out and I have it hanging right over my monitor so I can look at it and read it every day. It keeps me motivated and moving forward. I even like the head shot of me that I pasted onto my board!

Multi Accomplishments a few Minutes at a Time

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

We've all heard of Spring cleaning. However, the seasons have changed. We are officially into Fall with Winter and all the Holidays that go along with it not far behind. It may seem overwhleming to think about it- after all it seems that we barely have time to do the regular day to day things in our life! Don't panic! Take a deep breath in and then out- and Relax!

Today is the day!

Start with making a list. List all the things that you want to accomplish for the Fall/ Winter. This is NOT a list that is meant to get done in a day or even a week. Just take 1-3 things on your master list and put them on your daily list.
Find one thing you have been procrastinating about and take action! Set a timer for 15 minutes or maybe a half an hour and when the timer goes off - Stop! Now move on to another task. At the end of the day you will be surprised at how much you have accomplished- even if it is only one thing! That's one thing you can take off your list.
Keep your focus on just doing a little bit each day. Your timer will become your best friend. Your sense of accomplishment will grow each day.
So go ahead! Start with one timer zone. Invest just 15 minutes at a time and see what fabulous results happen!

Affirm:
    I can accomplish great results in just 15 minutes at a time!

Have a Multi Accomplishment Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You Every day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Prioritize You!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

There are only 24 hours in a day. Each day you prioritize what you put into your 24 hours. You use part of the 24 hours for work, sleep, eating, driving, appointments, errands and meeting the needs of friends, family and co- workers.

What about you? Do you prioritize taking care of you? Or does time run out and you put yourself on the back burner- maybe you'll find time tomorrow or the next day?

Well there is no time like this present moment. Make a point today to prioritize time for you - just for you. Put a high priority on fitting You into your 24 hours. If you don't usually take a break during the day or even take the time for lunch then today take that break, go out and have lunch. If you want to get some exercise but find there is just too much to do, today take the time for you - go for a walk, go to the gym, take the stairs instead of the elevator and know that you are doing this because YOU are important.
If You don't make You a high priority each day then why should anyone else make you a high priority? Set the example and demonstrate that You are important enough to prioritize part of your 24 hours just for you.

Affirm:
    I am worthy and deserving of making myself a daily High Priority.

Have a Prioritizing YOU Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day, in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Cheer Yourself On!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today is a great day to be your own cheerleader! Don't wait for someone else to boost you up today. Cheer yourself on in all you do. Tell your inner critic "You're Fired!! Tell Fear to "get out of here!"
Then start the self Cheers! Here's what your inner cheerleader says:

Be a Leader, Lead Yourself into Success!
Just do One thing, take One Step- Right Now!
Give 100% to Yourself Today!
Keep Going You Can Do It!
Act Like a Winner and So You Are!
Honor Yourself and Keep Your Commitment to You!
Following Through is a Success!
You already have Inside what it takes to Make it on the Outside!
Invest in Yourself- You Are Worth it!
Just Keep Going- you are Unstoppable!

So go ahead and cheer yourself on today- then do it- Everyday!

Have a 'Cheer'ful Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Weekend Checklist

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Position yourself for a Great Weekend! Let's go through the checklist:

*Positive Frame of Mind                   Check!
*Connecting with others                   Check!
*Positive Feelings                             Check!
*A Sense of Adventure                      Check!
*Positive Actions                              Check!
*An Attitude of Gratitude                 Check!
*Random Acts of Kindness                 Check!
*Taking Time for Myself                    Check!
*Laughing & Enjoying the Day           Check!

Okay you're all set to be Positively You and Enjoy A Fabulous Weekend!

Affirm:
    I set myself up each day for a Great Weekend!

Have a Positively Enjoyable Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Keep a Sense of Humor

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today's daily thought is compliments of my Aunt Rose who thankfully pointed out to me that I sounded so serious lately. And then when I went up to the store I saw a bumper sticker on a car that reminded me of one my son used to have on his old car and it just confirmed that a change in mindset was needed.

The bumper sticker said:
When you are upset with someone try walking a mile in their shoes -
                                         because then -you are a mile away - and you have their shoes.

So keep a sense of humor today, lighten up, smile, laugh and enjoy!

Affirm:
    I deserve a light heart and a happy soul today!

Have a sense of humor Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Attitudes are Contagious

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Smiles and Positive attitudes are contagious. So are frowns and Negative attitudes.

Ask yourself is your attitude worth catching?

Affirm:
    Today I start an epidemic of Positivity!

Have a wonderfully contagious Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day, in Every way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

3 Kinds of Business

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

There are only 3 kinds of business you can be in - your business, someone else's business or the Universe's business. Many times we find ourselves caught up in someone else's business. Getting involved in what is going on, paying attention and focusing on our friends', family or co-workers business.

When this happens you do 2 things:
-you are ignoring your own business
-you are interfering with the Universal plans for someone else.

So today, be aware of whose business you are getting involved in. And Remember that when you get involved in someone else's business it's like you having your own store front and instead of taking care of your own business, your own customers, your own inventory, you leave your store and go into someone else's and get involved with their customers, the way they do business, paying attention to their inventory.
How do you know what is going on inside your own store? Who is taking care of your customers? Who is watching your inventory? AND how would not taking charge of your own business and staying put in someone else's store help YOUR prosperity, abundance and quality of life?
Doing this would not make good sound business sense or practice. If this routine kept up it would most likely cause your store to go OUT of business, your unhappy customers to go elsewhere, your inventory to become prey to opportunists AND you would get the reputation for being more concerned about running someone else's business than your own.
What kind of example would that be?

Affirm:
    Today I keep my actions and my efforts focused on my own business!

Have a Great Self Business Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Go 24 hrs. without complaining

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Can you go 24 hours without complaining about anything? Find out - Today challenge yourself to see if you can go a whole day without being negative or complaining about anyone or anything. Instead see if you can say something positive, productive, find a solution, pay a compliment, find a gratitude, point out something good that you noticed, something humorous; look for the good in everything and everyone today.
You will be amazed at the results. Encourage your coworkers, family, and friends to join you in this challenge. The only rule is when you catch yourself being negative or complaining - STOP! and re-frame it with something positive.
Have fun with this and don't use this exercise to beat yourself up - remember even in your own head the challenge is to stop complaining or being negative. Go for it!

Affirm:
    I challenge myself to go 24 hours complaint free! I can do it!

Have a gentle discovery Friday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About you, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Do a Random Act of Kindness Today

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Your mission should you decide to accept it is to do one Random Act of Kindness today to Scatter Joy!
Put a smile on your face to all you meet. Saying "Have a great day!" to strangers brings the most wonderful results. Say the Most powerful of all words, "Thank You" to as many people as possible today.
Take it one step further and do one Random Act of Kindness for someone.

I decided to give the City Road crew, that was working in the heat and humidity at the end of my street, each a cold bottle of water with a big "Thank You for working in this heat to improve our streets". It was amazing the wonderful surprised reactions I got.

You could help someone carry items to their car, take in a cart from the parking lot or put several into the cart corral. You can do a simple thing like hold the door open for someone as they enter or leave a building and say "Have a great day" ( and mean it)
Go ahead and give the gift of a smile, a Hello, a Random Act of Kindness or a simple Thank You to all you encounter today and discover that the person who receives the best gift is - You. As you warm the hearts of others your own heart warms, fills and overflows with a joy that will carry you through the day and perhaps even several days - if you let it.
Go for it - Scatter Joy today!

Have a Joyful Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Everyday in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible

Relax into Reality

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:
What you resist shall persist. So today relax into what is. Reality is reality and trying to force a change in your reality creates chaos and pain for you. Rather, change the way you are looking at your reality because when you change the way you look at your reality, then your whole perception of your reality changes. Your pain and discomfort is simply the difference between what reality actually is and what you want it to be.

Affirm:
    Today my reality works better for me when I change the things that I can change, like my attitude towards my reality.

Have a new view Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Enjoy your Day!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Here's wishing you a fantastic Friday! You know why? Because you deserve a great day! You know you do. So make today your day. A wonderful day. A day full of joy, fun, and success!
It's up to you and I know you can do it! So go ahead and Enjoy!

Affirm:
    I choose to have a great day today! And I am even going to make it a great weekend!

Have an Enjoyable Friday and Weekend of your own choosing!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day, in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Be Motivational and Inspirational

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today instead of trying to do everything yourself, delegate. And delegate with enthusiasm and inspiration. Truly motivating others is the difference between saying "here do this" and "I know you are the right person to get this job done."
So today find out how motivating you can be by inspiring others, whether at work or at home with words of encouragement, support and by accentuating the positive.

Affirm:
    Today I pay attention to the way I communicate motivation and inspiration to others.

Have a Motivational and Inspirational Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Want more New? Get rid of the Old!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Are you wanting some new things to come into your life? More happiness? More money? More vibrant health? More love? More opportunities? More peace and serenity? More material things? More?

Well did you know that it is unlikely the Universe will send you more of these if you don't take care of what you already have or if you don't make room for the new.
Are you wanting more happiness and love but haven't let go of old resentments and hurts?
Are you wanting more money but you are not a good financial steward of what you do have?
Are you wanting more vibrant health but don't take time to exercise or pay attention to what you eat?
Are you wanting more opportunities but focus on how much you have to do and how little time to do it in and so miss out on opportunities that already exist because you didn't take the time to investigate or pursue?
Are you wanting more peace and serenity but don't take the time to meditate or to pause from your hectic schedule to recharge yourself?
Are you wanting more material things but your garage, car, closets, desk, office and rooms are full of "stuff" that you are holding onto or just haven't gotten rid of yet?
So ask yourself this: Are you giving a conflicting message when asking for more NEW when you are surrounded and stuffed full of the OLD?

Is it really surprising that the NEW isn't here yet because it can't fit into your mind, your thoughts, your car, your home, your spirit, your bank account, your life because there is so much OLD stuff there?
If you want more NEW get rid of the OLD! Take action steps today and continue on an action plan that will clear the clutter and cobwebs from your mind and your life by LETTING GO of the OLD.
Send a consistent message to the Universe about what you REALLY want and back it up by showing the Universe that you have made room for it.

Affirm:
    Today I am clearing out and Letting Go of the Old to make room for the NEW!

Have a NEW Friday and Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About you, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

You are in charge of your thoughts

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today keep in mind that You are in charge of your own happiness and success. So if you experience some turbulence in your day today remember you have the equalizer:
    You are only a positive thought away from peace and serenity.

Affirm:
    Today I am responsible for My choices. I choose to be a Positive and Powerful Thinker.

Have a You are in charge Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Success starts first in your mind

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today be aware of what you are telling yourself with your thoughts. Success starts first in your mind, with the thoughts you are thinking. Fine tune what you are thinking and saying. For example, thinking or saying "Today is going to be a tough day, but I will make the best of it" is not the same thing as thinking or saying "Today I will make the best and do my best out of whatever comes my way." The first thought is already planning on hardship and having to survive it. The second thought is confidently announcing to yourself that you will be at your best today no matter what.
Next ask yourself which thought feels better to think. The conclusion is that when you think better thoughts, you feel better and when you feel better you act better AND interact better with others.

Affirm:
    Today I fine tune my thoughts so I can feel better, act better and get better results.

Have a Better Thinking Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Set an Example of Optimism

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

I saw a wonderful commercial again today that is the perfect example for Optimism and I am so glad that it is geared towards young children because I have a 13 year old grandson that needs to see more examples of what optimism and a positive attitude can do.

A 12 year old boy goes to a ball field to practice his batting. Before he tosses the ball in the air he says "I am the best hitter ever!" and he swings and misses and says "Strike one"
Before he tosses the ball in the air he says "I am the best hitter ever!" and he swings and misses and says "Strike two"
Before he tosses the ball in the air he says "I am the best hitter in the world!" and he swings and misses and says "Strike three"
He looks very disappointed and then suddenly he gets a huge smile on his face and says "WOW! I am the best Pitcher in the world!"

So today remember that your consistent Optimism or Pessimism is setting an example for the next generation to follow.

Affirm:
    Today I set the example for "I am the most Positive Person ever!"

Have an Optimistic Friday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Decide to be too blessed to be stressed out

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today make the decision that just for this day, this 24 hours, that you are too blessed to be stressed, too happy to be sad, too hopeful to be depressed, too calm to be rattled, too cheerful to be aggravated by people, places or things, too successful to consider failure, too open to all possibilities to be stuck in a rut. Then when you experience what 24 hours of that feels like - you will decide to do it every day.

Affirm:
    Today, it's good to be Me because my day is filled with blessings of happiness, hope, cheerfulness, success and serenity!

Have a Blessed to be You Thursday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Learning can be fun!

I went to a womens networking meeting yesterday and met some wonderful new business women. They also had an informational speaker Betsy Rackliffe who walked us through the basics of Facebook. I for one learned alot! And Betsy's approach was laid back, patient and fun. I have been overwhlemed trying to fumble my way through Facebook and although they have tutorials it was extremely helpful to have someone demonstrate some basics on a computer screen right in front of me. I am a very visual person so seeing it in person and being able to ask questions on the spot was great.

What was most enlightening was that Betsy is a interior designer by trade but was willing to share her experience and knowledge of daily manuvering through Facebook with the small group of women who were eager to soak up any knowledge and helpful hints we could get. This will benefit Facebook as all of us in turn will be able to utilize our pages to the maximum and invite more users to try out Facebook and see for themselves how easy it can actually be.

And what a great example Betsy set for the rest of us to follow. To connect with other women and share with joy and fun her knowledge simply to help others be the Best at what they do.

I have already started implementing my newfound knowledge and can't wait to share the results with my new friends!

You are already a success

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Did you know that you are already a success? It's true!

Many times we forget that we already have a success history in different areas of our life. Things like a college degree, living on your own in your first apartment, having a successful interview and getting a job, a promotion, raise, running a household, traveling or moving out of state, owning your first car or house, chairing a committee, volunteering in your community, overcoming a health challenge. There are so many things in life that we have already successfully done or accomplished and it is these things that we need to write down and keep as a success reference. Go ahead and take five minutes and write down 5 successes you have already achieved in your life. (It can be in career, education, family, finances, health, community ...) Keep adding to it as you remember more and accomplish more.

Now when you are facing a task that you have doubts of your success in, just pull out your list and tell your inner critic or your Outer Critic "STOP! I know I can do This and I can prove it!" and read your list.

Affirm:
    I am already a Success and I Can Prove it To Myself!

Have a Successful You Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Do one thing right Now

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Is there something that you have been procrastinating about, putting on hold, telling yourself you will do it later, when the time is right, when you're in a better space, when you have more money, when you feel better, have more time, more energy, when you get all of your other projects done ... ? The list goes on and on.
Remind yourself that every time you tell yourself I will do this when ....you are putting a restriction on action. You are telling yourself that you cannot take action until ...
Just for today practice getting out of your comfortable inaction zone and take action on one thing that you have put on hold.

Affirm:
    Today I decide that "when" is NOW and I take immediate action on one of my goals!

Have a Take Action NOW Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in yourself, Anything is Possible!

Value your SELF

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

If you depend on others for your value, it is "other worth" not self worth.  Joyce Meyer

Many times we look outside of ourselves for our self worth. We feel our value comes from our jobs, what we do for a living, from our partners, family or friends, on how many things we do for them, how happy they seem to be with us after we do those things. Sometimes our self worth comes from being a rescuer, caretaker, provider, people pleaser, from how many things we have or can get, the home we live in, the kind of car we drive, how hard and how many hours we work. We attach self value to how much money we make, how many diplomas or degrees we have, or even how much crisis we can handle.
There are 2 flaws in this "outer worth." One is that whatever we did to get that feeling of self value, or of feeling good about ourselves we will have to continue doing to maintain and keep it. And that is when you have handed over your power, your value to someone or something else.

The second flaw is Self Esteem, Self Worth, Self Value, Self Respect all have one word in common: SELF.
So today and this weekend decide to take your power back and be in charge of yourSELF.

Affirm:
    I practice making my Self Worth an inside job.

Have a turn your SELF inside out Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every day in Every Way!
Believe in yourself, Anything is Possible!

Walk your Talk

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Your actions demonstrate the truth of your words.
So become aware and pay attention to your own words and see if your actions match up with them. If not, ask yourself why. Did you say yes when you meant no? Were you people pleasing? Were you afraid of confrontation and said whatever it took to avoid it? Did you have good inentions but allow fear to stop you?
There's a good reason for the saying "Actions speak louder than words." People hear your words and see your actions. Do you follow through on your talk or are you someone who is a lot of talk and little action? Discover what areas of your life may need to be aligned and matched up.
Sometimes just becoming aware that our words and our actions are not matched up motivate a self change. Don't beat yourself up with your discovery simply use it to make an adjustment that will enhance your personal integrity.

Affirm:
    Today I practice self awareness so that I align my walk with my talk.

Have a Walking my Talk Thursday
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Keep it Simple Sweetie!

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:

Today life can be as easy or as hard as you make it. So prioritize, organize and keep it simple. Simplicity is an excellent solution to a hectic schedule. Keep your schedule and your tasks as simple as possible. If you have some time consuming tasks to do then do a couple of quick easy tasks first to bolster your confidence and feel that sense of accomplishment.

Do the best you can and Be the Best you today. Put up a couple of post it notes that say "Keep it Simple" to remind you.

Affirm:
    Today I keep my focus on keeping my day and my attitude easy and simple.

Have a Simplify Wednesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Acceptance of what is

Well I am finally back up and running, fully and completely! Sometimes the Universe decides to slow you down and change your focus to something else - even if you don't really want to. I have been having computer problems for two weeks now and instead of taking the Universal hint I kept trying to figure it out and fix it myself! After all I am pretty smart, determined - and convinced that I would persevere! However what happened was that I began to spend most of my time and energy getting my computer Internet connection to work properly and putting tasks that needed to done on the back burner. Things piled up and I was still determined I could fix it AND finish all my tasks on schedule.

And that's when the Universe stepped in to assist me. It became obvious that I needed tech support to help me and when I called to make an appointment I was told that it would be four days before the Tech could come out! Four days! No way! I have a couple of vendor shows to do, I have to have access to my email so I can print out things I need, so I can communicate with the world! Surely there must be a sooner appointment? But no there was not. I took the appointment and asked if I figured it out before then could I just cancel without charge (see I was still planning on doing it myself).

Then as I realized all the things I needed to get done, printed, sorted, painted, created, organized, boxed up, etc. etc. reality came into my awareness. A choice had to be made: try to fix the computer on my own OR continue getting ready for my events and working on finishing important tasks.
Thankfully I saw the wisdom of accepting reality for what it was. And I changed my attitude and perspective from Why is this happening to me now?! to OK Universe I get it. Apparently I am not meant to use my computer online, access my email and some of my files and spend time trying to do it all myself. Apparently I am meant to finish what I can and keep my focus on how to make my upcoming events the best Success they can be with MY FULL awareness on that and let the computer tech take care of the rest later on.

And that's what I did. And it all worked out even better that I thought it would. Even better than if I had tried to do it all myself.

Sometimes when I am all caught up in myself, making myself the center of the Universe, the Universe intervenes to make it clear that there is a Power greater than me at work. It provides a much needed Attitude Adjustment and lets me know that I do NOT have all the answers. And that sometimes the best course of action is to just Accept what is, do the best you can and allow help to come when it is supposed to.

Use your personal power

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


There is good news for you today. Today you have the gift of personal power- your personal power. You have the gift of your mind. You are in charge of your mind therefore you can choose what you think, how you feel and what you do today. You have the gift of choice. You get to make choices today that reflect your personal power. Choose wisely and make your choices based on your highest good and not on what other people think, feel or do.
So today stand in your Personal Power and have Gratitude that YOU are in charge of you!

Affirm:
    Today I have the Power to Think, Feel, Say and Do what is true for me!

Have a Personal Power Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day, in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Vision Board: Qualities of ME from A to Z!

Here is my vision Board that I made Saturday night with a friend who also did one. I used an art canvas and painted with watercolors in the background, then took a piece of scalloped scrapbook paper for the center of the board. I then printed and cut out a picture of myself and pasted it to the center. Then I cut out from magazines, advertisements, and used my print shop program to create some of my own words. I laid everything onto the board BEFORE I started gluing. Then I glued it all down and added some flower buttons for a splash of color and depth.    I have it sitting on top of my desk corner against my lamp and I spend five minutes each morning reading the whole thing! It gets me energized and determined to make the best of each day.   I love the way it turned out!

Lift Yourself Higher

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


There are two kinds of people in this world:
Those that lift you up and those that pull you down.    Keith Harrell

Today make a point to take inventory of those around you. Be aware of those that affect you positively, that add to your energy rather than drain it, that support you in your goals, rather than try to talk you out of them. That let you be yourself without restraints or pretense. Then make a point to spend more time with those that raise your Self Esteem and enhance your confidence.

Affirm:
    Today I surround myself with people who lift me higher and higher.

Have a going up, up, up Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Take the words Right & Wrong out of your Vocabulary

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


If you take the words Right and Wrong out of your vocabulary today you will discover that your perspective shifts from one of blame and judgment to one of solutions.

Today ask yourself what is working for you. Are your work habits working for you? Is your time management working for you? Is your attitude working for you? Is your discipline to your goals working for you? Is your mind open to all possibilities? Are you committed to having fun and enjoying your day while getting goals accomplished?

Today, whatever is working for you keep doing it. Whatever is not working for you, make an adjustment. Adjust your attitude, your action plan, your time management, adjust your focus, adjust your perspective. Change starts with you and ends the day on a more successful note.

Affirm:
   There is no right or wrong. There is only what is working for me and what is not and making adjustments accordingly.

Have a making it work better Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Today is what you Decide

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


What kind of day did you decide you were going to have today? If you woke up and thought "I'm tired, grumpy and I just want today to hurry up and get done," you might notice that the rest of your day follows suit. You might perceive that there are all kinds of things that just seem to annoy you. It may appear as though some people got up this morning and plotted and planned on how to get in Your way today. Drivers on the road, the teller at the bank, the cashier at the store, fellow co-workers and
even complete strangers might seem to be actually oblivious to you and your needs, your mood and your comfort level! How is this possible!?

But wait a minute. What if it's not them? What if the reason they seem to be unaware of you is because they are too busy with themselves and what is going on in their life today? What if they are thinking some of the same things AND because of how you are reacting to them, they think that you plotted and planned to disturb their day!?
STOP! the story line and make your day easier for you and everyone in your sphere of influence. Simply make NEW decisions that will trigger a new story.

Perhaps other people are having a bad day because they are tired, grumpy and they just want today to be over with. Perhaps You could decide to smile and say "Have a great day today!" (yes even if you're not sure it will be) Perhaps you could laugh to yourself when that driver swerves around you in a big hurry to get ahead so he could be the first to slam on his brakes at the next light, thinking "Wow that could have been me today"
Perhaps you could stop and ask yourself as you go through your day today, "What else might be going on with this person or with this situation? And is it possible it may have nothing to do with me personally?"
Then perhaps you could show some compassion, patience and humor to those around you and DECIDE that You are going to turn this day into something great and invite others to join you and those that still want to be tired and grumpy - well- let them. They are entitled to their decisions too.
Now that you have decided to make the best of the rest of your day today watch how it unfolds dramatically different.
And tomorrow you may decide from the very start that it is indeed going to be a great day!

Affirm:
   I have decided to enjoy the rest of my day and I will have compassion and patience for those who have decided NOT to.

Have a Great Thursday ending!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

You are a Miracle

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


Today realize that you are perfect just the way you are. Feel good about yourself today and celebrate that you are a miracle of the Universe.
You cannot go on to be who you want to become unless you accept and give thanks for who you are right now.
Accept yourself with joy and gratitude today and know that everyday you can be happy and joyous and free and blossom into an ever greater you.

Affirm:
   Today I love and accept myself for the miracle I am.

Have a Happy, Joyous and Free Wednesday!
And know that You Rock!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

The Power of Kindness

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


Yesterday my 8 year old grandson, Josh and I went to the store and when we pulled up to the parking spot, someone had left a cart right in the middle of the spot. Josh said "I'll go move it, grandma." And he got out and moved it out of the way and when I got out he said "Grandma there is an empty plastic water bottle in the cart, can we take it into the store and see if they will recycle it?" I told him I wasn't sure if they had a recycle container for customers but that was an excellent idea and to put it in our car and when we got home he could put it in our recycle bin.

Then we went into the store and two women were talking to each other about a customer at the register that looked very ill. We turned to look and indeed there was a mother and her adult daughter at the register and the daughter looked as though she was going to pass out.
I asked the woman if she wanted me to watch her daughter so she could go get the car and pull up out front and she said "Oh yes could you, thank you very much" The other two ladies came up to help and my grandson noticed a store wheelchair off to the side and pointed it out to us. One of the women went to get it and we all helped her into the wheelchair and kept her company until her mother pulled up out front and the two women helped her out to the car.
My grandson said "Grandma I hope she is okay and I am glad those other ladies helped us" I told him how nice it is when people care enough about each other to offer help.

Then when we left the store and put our items in the car Josh said he wanted to take the cart back into the store to put it away and I said OK and waited outside the store entrance. On the way out a woman was exiting and I saw Josh run up and hold the door open for her and as she exited she stopped and said to me in front of Josh, "I just want to tell you that he held the door open for me and it was so refreshing to see such a young man being such a gentlemen."
The lesson of the day was not lost on me: Random Acts of Kindness are a win win feel good inspiration for everyone.
My grandson, Josh just did random acts of kindness with no expectations of reward or acknowledgment. He just did it because he wanted to. And as a result he inspired others to do the same, he triggered a smile of appreciation, a thank you, a surprised look of delight and an immense feeling of pride and love from me for this little 8 year old boy who demonstrated to complete strangers the power of Kindness. And the gratitude he got will motivate and inspire Josh to continue to do more acts of kindness.
When we got in the car I turned to him and said " Josh I Love you and You Rock!!!"

So your mission today should you accept it is to do Random Acts of Kindness just because it feels good to do it. And watch the ripples of happiness and joy spread.

Affirm:
   Today I will demonstrate the Power of Random Acts of Kindness.

Have a be Kind to Everyone Weekend!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

Redirect your Focus

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought:


Today your challenge, should you decide to accept it, is to practice redirecting your focus. As you go about your day today and interact with your fellow citizens shift your focus from the negative to the positive, from fear to courage, from inertia to action, to strengths not weaknesses, to accomplishments not mistakes and appreciations not criticisms.
Every time you are about to speak, act or interact you are choosing between one or the other focus. And as you choose you set yourself up for either a positively, fun and productive day or a negative, gloomy and wasted energy day.

Affirm:
   Today I redirect my focus to see only the positive in myself and everyone else.

Have a Positively Enjoyable Tuesday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!

The Hard way or the Easy Way

Get Jazzed & Joyful Thought :


There is an easy way and there is a hard way in life. Ever notice how many times we do things the hard way? Perhaps there is an underlying belief from our upbringing that says "Anything worth getting is gotten by hard work.", "Only those who work hard get ahead.", or "If you don't work really hard then you don't deserve to get what you want."
Then there is the people pleasing factor. Feeling that people will judge us on how hard "they" feel we worked, so we make sure we "over" work to earn their favor. The desire for the seal of approval, the fear of not being or doing things "perfect", the need to postpone enjoyment until we have dutifully exhausted ourselves in the pursuit of a goal are all about outward focus.
Now here is the easy way to do things and keep your focus inward, on you. This is from Zig Ziglar:
     Is it honest?
     Is it True?
     Is it the Best that
     I can Do?
Go within and ask yourself this each day and in each situation or project. If the answer is yes to all three then you will have achieved self satisfaction, self approval and the self realization that you did your best, were your best and you deserve to enjoy the best results and rewards from a simple life formula.

Affirm:
   Today I do things the easy way, just by being the Best ME and doing the Best that I can do in all situations!

Have an easy Monday!
Mary Ellen
Get Jazzed & Joyful About You, Every Day in Every Way!
Believe in Yourself, Anything is Possible!