The Happy Place

Steps to happiness --"Time is On My Side!"

Well, it could be – once you learn some of the basic, and powerful, techniques for managing the time you have. The important thing to remember is that "it's not a matter of intellectually knowing, but personally applying, the information!" The worse thing you can do, right now, is to say to yourself: "Well, I know this stuff." There's nothing new here.

Well, you're right in one sense – a lot of information shared these days is not new – but then, why aren't people applying all the things they know in order to improve their lives? That is the magical question!

That takes us back to the 4 major barriers I've shared with you, when it comes to using more of our potential: Habits, Attitudes, Beliefs and Expectations. Something has to change before something changes.

"If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting!"

I love to learn and, over the Christmas period, I had made a commitment to myself to read some of the books and magazines piled up by my favorite chair in the living room. Every time I looked at that pile, it felt a bit overwhelming and, rather than tackle it one item at a time, I backed away from all of it. Do you do that too, when a task or project seems and feels overwhelming? Did you also think, and believe, that you would have time through the Christmas season to do some of the things you wanted to do?

So, to solve the ‘problem', here are the questions I asked myself:

1. What was the original goal/intention? Was it something I still wanted? If so, how bad did I want it?
   
   
2. What was getting in the way?
   
   
3. What would it look like without the problem?
   
   
4. What would it take to get to that point?

The rationale behind the series of questions is to identify whether or not it was one of the 4 major barriers that was holding me back. Once I answered the questions – I moved forward, and quickly, with what needed to happen.

It always comes down to the ‘why' – and the answer to that question should be filled with emotion and colorful words and descriptions. That's what moves us closer to our goals. Now, what does this have to do with time management, you ask? How often have you told yourself that you don't ‘have the time' to sit and enjoy a book, or listen to an audio tape?

When I was on the world tour and traveling to all those amazing countries, time passed quickly. There was so much to see and do that, before I knew it, I was home again! Take a look at this magnificent clock in the Square in Prague. We all stopped and took the time to learn about this clock and to appreciate its history and beauty! (If you would like to join me on the next world tour, call my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild: 1.800.268.4284 for information.)

We all have the same amount of time in a day. How are you spending yours?

"The happiest people seem to be those who are producing something; the bored people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing." – William Inge, 1860-1954

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Think back to when you have been feeling overwhelmed these past 2 weeks? Make a note of each item.
   
   
2. Write a short paragraph as to why you didn't accomplish some of the things you had originally planned to do/experience. Is it because of procrastination? Creative Avoidance? Is it something you really wanted in the first place?
   
   
3. Be very clear, and honest, with yourself as you set goals moving forward – revisit your list and your vision board (you've made one for the year, right?).

Do this and I will guarantee that you will become more clear on which goals stay on your list and which ones go the way of the do-do bird! And that's ok.

Now that you've handled the questions, how exactly do you manage your time effectively, and productively, 97-98% of the time? I've outlined every secret in detail, and it's all in my "Steps2Happiness Home Study System", so you can start using it all right away to get similar results. In addition to the exact techniques that have worked for me, the System includes everything you need to know to prioritize what to work on first, clear the decks, and set up simple, solid systems to organize your life. It's all step-by-step, not a big mishmash of things. So, you do step one of the system, and when you're done with that, you move on to step two, and so on. That's why my clients have gotten such great results from it. All the tools, scripts, templates, and examples are handed to you on a silver platter. So easy. You can get yours at www.steps2happiness.com

That Doesn't Work Any More!

Over the past week, I have spent time with friends, neighbors, clients and former associates. The topic of conversation was Christmas but, more specifically, the traditions and expectations of 'times gone by'.

I'm sure that many of you, like me, see the Folger's coffee commercials on TV at this time of year. Lovely thought and awesome experience for those who see themselves in these commercials.

On the other hand, it's easy for me to remember back 9 years when we, as a family, were sitting at the NICU in the hospital with our son and daughter-in-law. We were praying for the health and safety of our precious little grandson. I can remember looking out the window of the hospital, watching people go by, and thinking to myself: "Don't they know? Don't they realize how serious life is 'in here'?" And I know there are many people going through similar experiences right now, today.

Have you ever heard the expression: "Don't get your hopes up too high so you won't be disappointed!"

Well, that's not the way I choose to live my life – and I don't want you to adopt that mindset either! It is all about mindset! How would I explain to my grandson that, 9 years ago: " I didn't want to get my hopes up too high for your survival?" Are you kidding me? Of course, I had high hopes and continue to have great expectations for him and his life – no different than I do for my own life.

So, as I mentioned earlier in the article, there are times when old traditions just don't serve us well anymore. It may be because of a new blended family, a temporary stay in hospital, a move across the country and being in new surroundings – there are many reasons to consider some changes this December.

You 'get to' choose how you want to live your life, day by day – whether or not it's December and whether or not you are surrounded by all the 'ho, ho, ho' of the season. Whether or not we face adversity or sheer loneliness at this time of year, we still 'get to' choose how we go through the day.

There are ways of managing this and getting our thinking in order. For me, it's the powerful techniques of goal-setting, affirmation writing and visualization. And they work!

In my grandson's situation, all those years ago, we goal-set to ensure he was surrounded (in his incubator) by positive, up-lifting, happy statements – no negative energy allowed in the room. For me, when I first moved across the country, it was a matter of getting up, each and every day, and goal-setting to find new places to go/new traditions throughout the month of December. It can be challenging when you live alone and work from home! For blended families, it's all about communication – respect and honor the past, but build for the future – for the new. It's all possible and you are in control!

When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. I want to share a few more photos of some of the winter activities that we experienced – some were grand (like attending the Symphony in Prague; some were just plain fun (like sharing an ice cream with Susan in Iceland).

It really is all about the way you think when it comes to getting through life, one day at a time.  

(If you would like to join me on the next world tour, call my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild: 1.800.268.4284 for information.)

You change the way you think – and you can change your life!

In most of those examples (above), I used the powerful mindset techniques that I teach – all of which helped me to build the clarity, courage and confidence to get where I am today. You can too! Visit my website at www.steps2happiness.com/buildingcourageandconfidence to learn more.

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. If you live alone (and this is a new situation because of death, divorce, etc.), then make an effort each day to get up, get dressed and do something to make YOU feel better – go to a movie, go to a concert, go for a walk – there's lots of places you can go, and things you can do, by yourself – and it doesn't have to cost money. Goal-set to have fun!
   
   
2. As a blended family, discuss and plan some new traditions this year – at least one and get excited about it.
   
   
3. As 'empty nesters', get creative about people, places and things – there is so much to explore out there in the big world!
   
   
4. If you are facing a serious health situation, be sure to ask for help – for what you need! This is no time to be 'Miss Independent" – let people share the gift of helping and accept it.

What You Say is a Direct Reflection of What You Believe!

On the weekend, I wandered down the street to participate in "Christmas in the Village' where I live. We don't have any snow yet (unusual for this part of Canada in December) but there was lots of Christmas ‘spirit' in the air. Father Christmas was wandering around, there were horse and buggy rides for the children, hot chocolate, music in the air and then, the magical moment – the lighting of the Christmas tree. People began to gather – this was my first experience for this Village event!

There was a large group of small children, along with their teachers, who were gathering by the tree to begin singing their Christmas carols. You know what it's like when you are around small children at Christmas – lots of energy – lots of running around – lots of parents with eagle eyes!

As an observer, it was interesting to me to just watch people. Some of the parents could hardly get close enough to make sure they were getting good pictures (or video clips) of the action. Other parents left me feeling sad as they were jerking their children by the arms, saying ‘not very kind' things to them as the kids were rather rambunctious but, really, they were just ‘being children'. I don't believe they intended to say hurtful things, or make comments that were blatantly demeaning and unkind. It was obvious they were tired, somewhat frustrated and taking it out on the children.

Hmmmmmmm, what's life like for YOU these days? December can be a very busy month – remember, it IS all about choice – and YOU are the one making the choices. How full is your calendar? Why? How much fun are you having?

What would it be like if we, as adults, went back into the mental state of remembering ‘the reason for the season'? What would December be like if we focused solely on the people, rather than the things and the activities?

Many of us have bought into the commercialism of the season and BELIEVE that we need to buy, and do, and be, and run……….at what cost?

"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm." – Aldous Huxley

I believe that we have developed some habits that do not serve us well. Habits are neither good nor bad – the real question is whether or not the habits are leading you to the goals and outcomes that you want. I just watch people ‘in action' – that enables me to know what they are thinking. Our thoughts are representative of our beliefs. So, what are you thinking about this month?

When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. It was fun to see, and experience, the different traditions for Christmas. Check out this Santa window display in Prague (and that whole display is made up of Lego's! Pretty cool!). There was laughter in the air and music all around. I love that! It felt like people were going at a slower pace, however, and there was much joy in the eyes of the children and their families.

And in Iceland, one of the yummy buffets we enjoyed! I believe we can always learn from each other, no matter where we live in the world. (If you would like to join me on the next world tour, call my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild: 1.800.268.4284 for information.)

You see, we really are more alike than different!

If you are already thinking about the year 2010, and what lies ahead for you (more of the same?), perhaps you could use some guidance. Typically, we did not learn about goal-setting and vision boards in school. I sure didn't! So, I created a system – the "10 Steps2Happiness Home Study System" – I wrote it because it was the system that I needed – full of theory, templates, action plans, samples, etc. on how to create the life I really wanted to live. I created it because I want to help you – and I'm here for you, every step of the way.

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Re-visit your calendar for the next 2 weeks (Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks away!). Is there anything you want to remove, to ease some of your stress? It's ok to do that.
2. Have you made time to visit a senior/elder who could use some company for a cup of tea and conversation?
3. Rather than a gift, tell someone, eye to eye, that you love them! (Growing up, in my family, that didn't happen. It was a learned behavior for me, as an adult.) Why don't you begin that tradition/habit today? It can mean so much more than a wrapped gift. Fill your emotional bank account!
4. Be gentle on yourself. Get some sleep, eat properly and exercise at least a little bit each day.

You Get What You Expect!

Here we are, at the end of November 2009 already! Time flies! It seems like only yesterday that there was so much 'to do' about the new millennium and here we are, facing 2010 already!

I used to set goals for the year but now, as I age (gracefully), I find that I am setting goals for the next decade. One year just isn't good enough for me anymore!

I've had some interesting conversations with some of my coaching clients over the past month. In Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving in October and, after the holiday, my clients were sharing their holiday experiences with me. In my business, I seem to attract women who are not only solo-preneurs, but they are also involved in blended families. Being a step-mother and a business women myself, I am a 'similar credible other' and am able to share some helpful tips and hints, particularly for the holiday season.

That's what I want to do in this article today. December IS just around the corner. By now, my American friends, have had their own Thanksgiving experience and are sitting back and reflecting...what went well - and what didn't! The real question is "and what are you going to do about it, in preparation for Christmas?" That's the beauty of life! Once we get through one holiday season, another one is just around the corner. I think that's fabulous because, if things didn't necessarily go well with the family, we have time to be proactive and prepare for a different outcome for the next holiday.

"If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting!"

To expect anything different is the definition of insanity.

So, what are your expectations for the Christmas holidays? Now is the time to think about it and discuss it with your family. Perhaps it's time for some new traditions? What's working? What's not? What is one thing you could do differently to increase the level of happiness for each of you?

(By the way, you WILL want to register for my tele-seminar on Dec. 1st with Barbara Freisner - she is an EXPERT on the topic of working with seniors/elders and we'll be discussing the holiday season and you can learn to make it a happier time for the seniors in your family!)

Sometimes, it's a good thing to change traditions. When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. It was fun to be with friends, celebrating in a different way and enjoying the decorations, cultures, and food! (This photo is at one of the hotels in Prague just before we headed out to the Symphony! Such fun! - You, too, can have this experience by calling my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284 and getting information on the next world tour!)

We get what we expect out of life - not necessarily what we want. If you expect to have a bad time during the holidays - to have tension and stress and be exhausted - then that's exactly what will happen. Life is short. Is that what you REALLY WANT? Not me.

You have the power and you have the time, right now, to create a different experience for December 2009. If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Plan an evening to have a family discussion about the holidays.
2. Find out, from each person, what does work and what's not working.
3. What is one thing that each of you want to have happen so that Christmas is a more enjoyable, relaxed and pleasant experience this year? (and it doesn't have to be about money!)
4. Agree on at least one change and watch the difference it can make in your life!

It 's Not About Knowing the Information – It's About Personally Applying the Information!

I have been on the 'speaking circuit' a fair bit over the past few weeks and have met hundreds of really special people. I am grateful for the invitations to share my information as I know that it really does make a difference in the lives of these people.

However, sometimes I hear comments such as:

• I know 'this stuff'.
• This is all common sense.
• That's nothing new.
• So what? Who Cares?

(Those comments, along with all the positive feedback that I get – of course!)

Those are the statements that really speak to my heart. Intellectually, yes, we all know 'this stuff'. My question to you, then, is: "Why aren't you applying this information so as to make a difference in your life?"

How many great books have you bought with the intention of learning, and applying, the information?

How many books have you bought, with great intentions, and those books are sitting on a shelf somewhere in your home (or office)?

Research shows that many of the very popular Home Study Systems, currently on the market, are still sitting on shelves, in people's homes – and the plastic wrap is still on it! (Is this you?)

It all goes back to intention! And yes, it IS that easy.

When we have goals – when we plan certain aspects of our lives – we begin to live our life by intent. That's very exciting!

What I do recommend is having the resources to help us with this process.

When you have trouble with your car, you take it to a mechanic.

When you have dental problems, you go to a dentist.

When you need financial advice, you meet with a financial planner.

Why would you 'steer' your life any differently? Most often, we don't know what we don't know – and there are people and resources to help us.

On the trip around the world, one of the things that totally fascinated me was the way people in Africa helped each other. I overheard one of the men, in this particular scenario, say "Many hands make for light work!" Words of wisdom! (If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284)

I work with an amazing business coach, Fabienne Fredrickson. I intend to take my business to new heights over the next few years – in which case, I want to work with the best of the best.

Set the intention of what you want your life to look like and feel like. Find the resources to help make it happen. It really IS that easy.

"If you don't invent your future, someone else will!" – Lou Tice

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Look back at the Balance Wheel that you created, as a result of last week's article.
2. What is your intention with what you created? What DO you want to have happen in your life that's not happening now?
3. What books/resources do you have available to help you in some areas of your life?
4. Take baby steps, today, and live your life by intent!

Happy Hint for the week

It sounds so easy, but where do I start?

There is no passion to be found... in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~ Nelson Mandela

I was just on a phone call with a very close friend and we were discussing the content of my newsletters over the past few months. The title of this article is actually one of the statements she made in the course of our conversation. She has done a lot of self-study, read many self-help books, is very successful in her life overall but is at a point of wanting to make some changes and, the question remains, "it all sounds so easy....but where do I start?"

(My comment to her was that she MUST attend my 3-day LIVE event in Toronto on Feb. 25, 26 and 27 – at which time she will not only get the tools and techniques for where/how to start, but also some solid information and products for 'continuing the work' over the course of the year. I told her that I would love to speak that boldly to the many women who have written to me over the past few months, as a result of having read my newsletters, and feeling the same way she does – so I guess I just did tell you – be there, in Toronto, end of February!)

In my Home Study System, "The 10 Steps2Happiness", the very first step is to identify what you want in life. For many women, however, the past few decades have been spent caring for anyone and everyone but themselves. It feels foreign to ask, or even answer, that question – "What do I want?"

In my coaching practice, I work with women in business and ask them the same question, "What do you want to have happen in your business?" Blank stares. Pauses in conversation. Uncertainty.

As many of you know, one of the tools with which I work is the Life Balance Wheel. When working with women in business, I customize that wheel to become the Business Balance Wheel (spokes are labelled as marketing, finances, team members, products, services, systems etc.).

To begin the process of identifying what you want to have happen in your life (or your business) that's not happening now, simply label the spokes of the respective wheel. On a scale of 1-10, for each spoke, make note of where you are on the spoke (see one of my samples that I've included here). Connect the dots, color in the spokes, and you will get a visual sense of what your wheel looks like/feels like (when you start to think about it).

Choose one of the spokes and begin by making a list:

1. Identify what you don't want to have happen (we're very good at that, typically); ex. – for the Family spoke – I don't want Christmas to be the emotional upset that it was last year; for Business, in Marketing for instance, I don't want???
2. On the opposite side of that list, identify what you DO want to have happen (which is usually just the opposite of the answers you have for no. 1 above)
3. Take that first item on the "What I DO Want" list and make it happen – today!

Now I know that many of you will be wondering about the need for a 6-month, 1-year, 5-year plan. Yes, that's important too. However, you want to start somewhere. Then, celebrate the completion of your first step and go for the second one. Baby steps! That's what it's all about.

When I was on my trip around the world, I had some similar thoughts as we visited the pyramids in Cairo. They are phenomenal. The 'vision' must have been overwhelming; however, as you take a close look at the pyramids, you will see that they were built, one stone at a time. Same way with living your life! It's not so scary when you take it one step at a time. (If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284)

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. If I were to wave a magic wand over you, think about one thing that you would like to have happen in your life that's not happening now?
2. What's holding you back?
3. What would it look like without the 'problem'?
4. What is one thing you can do today to begin living a happier life?
5. To schedule a free 30-minute "Get Acquainted Call" with me, contact my team at [email protected] There is no need to do this alone - so take that step today!

Want to Live an Authentic Life?

So, the question still stands, “DO you want to live an authentic life?" What would it take? What changes do you need to make?

It all begins with the way we think. “If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting." You've got to change something for something to change. If you sincerely feel that it's time to remove the mask(s), then you must ask yourself some serious questions:

• What mask have I been wearing when at work?
• What mask have I been wearing when with different family members?
• What mask have I been wearing when with friends?
• What mask do I wear when I go to church?
• Why have I been wearing these masks? What has been the pay-off?
• What difference will it make when I remove all masks and begin to live as my authentic self?
• Who am I, really?

Having spent 2 days last weekend with my dear friend, Katie, was an interesting experience. Having moved across the country three (3) years ago, it was refreshing for me to start a new life in a new place. I could really be me! No one knew me or knew of my past life. It was all fresh, inviting, free and exciting. I was free to be me! I know that many of you understand what I am saying here. It's not that I had a 'hidden past' – not at all – but I did have experiences, a reputation, a family, relationships, pain etc. that I left behind. In my new life, I was creating what I wanted, on a daily basis – in life and in business. I know that many people, deep in their hearts, would want to have the same opportunity.

Then, to have my friend of 35 years walk through the door – bringing with her all the memories, experiences, adventures, etc. of our 'past' with her – well, that was a bit unsettling for me (at first). I had mixed feelings of joy and pain, as all the memories came rushing back through my mind. Those emotions caught me off guard. They were short-lived, but did cause me to stop and think for a bit. That's what it will feel like for many of you once you decide to take off the masks that you wear on a daily basis. It's unsettling and exciting, all at the same time. Life is a rush!

When you make the decision to create some changes in your life, that's when the 4 major barriers raise their ugly little heads....habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations. When you decide to live an authentic life, core beliefs will stare you in the face and it may become overwhelming to get past them. There are techniques for doing so – I've done it, and so can you!

One of the first steps to take is to begin to love yourself for who you are. I can remember sitting in church one Mother's Day, many years ago. I really didn't like Mother's Day much because, as a step-mother, it can be a challenging 'event'. I was sitting there, feeling sorry for myself, because all the mothers were being acknowledged with accolades and flowers, etc. In those days, there was very little reference to the role of a step-mother and, when there was, typically it was in a negative sense. The Youth Pastor was giving the sermon that day and I really felt he was speaking directly to me when he said the words, 'Remember, God doesn't make any junk!" Wow! “Are you speaking to me?" I thought. I left church that day with a whole different mindset and feeling really good about myself because, as the great step-mother that I knew I was, I began to feel very good about myself and the difference I was making in the lives of my step-children. What a relief to know, and feel, that I could just be ME!

When I took my trip around the world, it was most interesting to experience, and get to know, some of the people in the different cultures. In Cambodia, for instance (where I left my heart), there are no masks – in fact, many of the people don't even have clothes! Can you imagine what life would be like, here, if we were totally exposed like that, in all ways on every day? One of my lasting memories, having visited the villages, was the sound of laughter and joy that permeated the air. Just imagine what our lives would be like if that was our focus? (Want to have that experience too? If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284)

So, if you can just recognize all the goodness within you, and celebrate the gift that you are to this world, it's easy to live an authentic life. It's a lesson I learned by changing some core beliefs about myself. You can do it too!

If you're not feeling sure of 'who you are' these days because of what is going on in your life, I'd recommend you make some changes starting today. I am hosting a special 2-day retreat, in London, for women who would like to figure out who they are and what they want to be 'when they grow up'.

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Take inventory of your life – how does it feel? What does it look like? Are you happy?
2. Are you still wearing your masks? Are you suffocating?
3. Visualize what your life would be like without a mask, in each and every situation you encounter. How would THAT feel?
4. Take one more step, today, to live an authentic life. Write down, and use my affirmation, “I am authentic, effective and progressive in my day to day life."
5. For more photos of my trip around the world, and to read my stories, visit www.travelblog.org/bloggers/Happy-Pat/

Happiness and Continuous Learning!

According to Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."

As I mentioned above, it was such a pleasure for me to meet Florence and the other wonderful women who attended the Chamber event last Friday. There was a young lady there, who had just returned home from Australia and has aspirations to be a public speaker. She, too, sat right up front near Florence. It was a very engaging and inspiring group!

Research shows that "unless we use it, we lose it"! The brain, I mean.

What are you doing, these days, to keep your brain active? There are so many great opportunities for continuous learning – it can almost be overwhelming.

"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have."

~ Louis E. Boone

Researchers in the field of Subjective well-being (happiness) have found that there are certain characteristics that happy people have in common. Happy people:

• Have self-control
• Are grateful
• Have good social relationships, supportive friends and family
• Have an adequate income
• Have respectable jobs, and
• Have a philosophy that provides meaning to their lives.

When you read these bullet points, do you see yourself in each one? If not, then there are ways of 'learning how' to be 'like' these happy people.

Self-control

The consistent practice of self-control starts with the realization that YOU are in control.

• You choose your attitude
• You choose your response
• You choose to set aside your personal problems
• You choose to give others a better day

When we take control, we refuse to be victims of circumstance, or of our own personal weaknesses. We take charge of our lives and of the situations that we face. This is a principal requirement for a happy life. We've talked about gratitude (visit my website at www.steps2happiness.com for past issues) and what a powerful habit it is.

We choose how we live our lives on a daily basis – I'm talking about those things over which we have control. For anything beyond our control, we choose our reactions.

We are always in a position to give others a better day! Smile at them! It's contagious and then, if you feel as though you are having a bad day – just keep smiling and 'act as if'. 

When it comes to having an adequate income or a respectable job, we are in a position to make changes if that's what we want. Perhaps it requires more education and learning new skills. Perhaps it means learning to adjust to change and trying a different occupation or industry or business.

For most of us, it does come down to having a philosophy that provides meaning to our lives. We all need a purpose. This, too, can be learned.

When I traveled around the world, I was always looking for new experiences and new adventures. In Dubai, in the afternoon I was at the Mall of the Emirates and tried Tubing for the first time in my life. What a blast!

In the evening, back in the desert, I had the opportunity (after a glass of wine, for sure) to have a lesson in belly dancing. I would have been foolish not to seize the opportunity to learn these things 'while in Rome'.

I'm so happy that I did!

(That trip, and the many people I met, changed my life and changed my way of thinking. If you'd like more information on these trips, contact my friend, Ben, President, Travel Guild at 1.800.268.4284)

If you're not feeling sure of 'who you are' these days because of what is going on in your life, I'd recommend you make some changes starting today. . The tool that will take you 'here to there' the quickest is The 10 Steps2Happiness Home Study System. It's everything you'll ever need to know to fill your life with happiness and feel in control! All the tools, scripts, templates, and examples are handed to you on a silver platter. So, you do step one of the system, and when you're done with that, you move on to step two, and so on. So easy. That's why my clients have gotten such great results from it. You can get yours at www.steps2happiness.com.

Steps2Happiness Assignment

1. Today, think about an instance where YOU talked YOU out of doing something that you wanted to do.
2. Write that down and then make a list of reasons as to why you didn't follow through.
3. Is it still something that you would like to try, or experience? Then write down all the reasons why, now, you will act on it.
4. If you are interested in something totally different, then make a commitment to yourself to learn something new this week – a new recipe, a new skill, create a new product, etc.
5. Let me know what you did. I love to get your feedback.
6. For more photos of my trip around the world, and to read my stories, visit www.travelblog.org/bloggers/Happy-Pat/

Upcoming Events

I have some very special events coming up and I want you to mark these dates in your calendar right now! You can spend time with me:

November 6-7: "Get Out of Your Own Way and Grow Your Business in 10 Easy Steps!" – London – an intensive coaching/mastermind event for women in business – limited to 9 participants. Register here: http://www.steps2happiness.com/nov2009retreat.html

November 21-22: "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" – London – a 2-day workshop to help you identify what you want and how to enhance certain areas of your life – this session is for women in 'transition" – in your 30's going on 40? In your 40's going on 50? Want to make a job change? Want to start your own business? Empty Nest? Registration coming soon.

February 25, 26 and 27: "Secrets to Living a Happy Life: Women's Lessons, Women's Legacies!" – Toronto – an amazing 3-day event with me and some very special friends! This is one event you will want to attend!

For more information and details, please e-mail my team at [email protected]