Blue Moon

Tonight there is a blue moon which is quite rare. Blue moons are the second full moon occurring within the same month. Full moons are known for being an emotionally charged time, so with two in one month people may be feeling extra intense energy. This is a good time to take that energy and look within for a little self reflection. 

Lately, I have been feeling an increase in emotion. On this full moon I can't stop thinking about my grandpa who has been struggling with cancer. He has always been fascinated by blue moons. The Frank Sinatra song "Blue Moon" was a favorite of my grandparents. Growing up I vividly remember them dancing so happily and in love to this song together - “Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own.” They had such a special love. My grandma was a telephone operator and my grandpa fell madly in love with the sound of her voice. This song symbolized their love and he named his prized sail boat The Blue Moon. 

When seeing him last he kept encouraging Eric and I to sit down and write out our bucket list of things we hope to experience in our lives. He said how quickly life passes you by. This stuck with me and makes me realize the importance of enjoying all the small moments and not rushing from one thing to the next (which I tend to do). I have lived such a full life already but just like setting goals every year it's important to think about the things you hope to see, experience and accomplish during your lifetime. Tonight Eric and I are going to sit down and start our bucket list. 

InspireNow with Tamy - The Give-Away

One of the most significant Native American teachings is called The Give-Away Ceremony. This very powerful ritual is about releasing possessions and letting go of the attachment to those belongings. Giving without any strings attached becomes a scared action - pure giving without expectations, obligations or a means to control the recipient of the gift. I think we can all gain from this powerful teaching in our lives. Each time we share or give to another from a pure space without strings attached or any feelings of regret, we learn so much about our true selves. In turn we are given a gift of inner release. Try to release what no longer serves you - ideas, habits, limited thinking or belongings.

See what  you can share this week with others. Give away something that can help another or just let go of something that is weighing you down. When we hang on so tight and resist the natural flow of life we become blocked and feel heavy - release and feel your spirit soar!

InspireNOW with Tamy - Beach Dreaming

BEACH DREAMING by tamycadger featuring lace evening dresses

InspireNOW with Tamy - Give Your Brain A Break

Photo Credit: J.T. Liss Photography for Social Change

Majority of people live in cities and this is a trend that's increasing. This coupled with our high use of technology is keeping city dwellers from getting outdoors. The latest scientific research on the positive benefits of spending time in natural settings is worth paying attention to. Small adjustments to your daily routine can bring large benefits. Brief exposure to nature has a restorative effect on the brain. Being outside in nature calms frazzled nerves, makes people more creative, happier and focused.

Scientists and psychologists have studied hikers and found a 50% increase in performance on tests of creativity. Studies show that people of all ages who spent time walking through a natural setting as opposed to busy streets scored significantly higher in short term memory and attention. If you find it difficult to immerse yourself in nature don't worry, they also concluded even spending time in small parks, patches of green or looking at photos of trees, the ocean or open skies had significant cognitive benefits.

Make some small adjustments to your life and receive big benefits - get outside, breathe the air, feel sunshine on your face and add nature photos to your office. It's funny how all the “latest scientific research“ leads us back to more of the basics - GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!

Here are some great outdoor activities in NYC:
- Glamping: latest and greatest in high-end camping http://www.escape2ny.com/info/accommodations
- Kayaking, sailing or paddle boarding in the Hudson River http://kayakhudson.com/paddle-boarding.asp
- Central Park – picnic, bootcamp classes, hiking yoga http://stacysbootcamp.com/ OR www.hikingyoga.com/
- Walking on The High Line
- Rooftop hanging – Le Bain, Hotel Chantelle, Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club, Hotel Americano, Jimmy at the James Hotel, The MET rooftop featuring Tomás Saraceno's new modular exhibit Cloud City http://www.metmuseum.org/saraceno
- Day and weekend trips through Discovery Outdoors http://www.discoveroutdoors.com/

InspireNow with Tamy - Little Love Lessons

Remember the honeymoon phase in your relationship? The highly charged period of excitement, good feelings and magical moments? Let's focus this week on feeling great in our relationships. It can be so simple to shift the energy back to a much happier place. Remember change is good and getting stuck in a routine creates boredom and stagnation. Instead of seeing only what the other person is doing wrong, zero in on the good to bring the magic back.

This can be practiced with any relationship but today I am focusing on a partner. Again you will see a basic theme of the power of your thoughts and positive thinking. Inherently, I think we are all born knowing this but we have to train ourselves and continually practice incorporating this mindset into our daily lives. Start making yourself see only what your partner is doing right and stay there, in that good place. STOP AND BITE YOUR TONGUE if you feel yourself getting ready to nag, criticize or go to a negative place with comments such as, "you didn't pick up your clothes" or "you forgot to do what I asked". NO one wants to hear what they aren't doing right all the time. Whatever the issue is the goal is to break out of the cycle, put on your rose colored glasses and see only the good. Praise the person by focusing on what you like and appreciate. It's astounding how quickly this will transform a relationship. The more you focus on the good and complement, the more your partner will want to help and assist you. The next thing you know they will be smiling, asking if they can help, and giving you an extra hug. I tell Lauren about the importance of slowing down because life is not a checklist and this includes nurturing the relationship. Your partner is like a puppy in the sense that when you praise and say happy things his/her tail will wag making everyone happy. What if you scold? The puppy will cower, retreat and again everyone will feel it and react to it. Get yourself centered and in a positive place so you can end the negativity.

If your relationship is in the tank start small. Everyone can find something good to focus on. If things are going well but your relationship feels stagnant start saying five sincere compliments a day. Saying thank you from your heart, taking the time in the morning to state some appreciation, looking into each others eyes, and kissing and hugging before you depart all will change the energy at home. In a matter of days you will see a big shift to a new place, maybe a place you haven't felt in a long time. Keep the good vibrations going because your relationships are your greatest source of joy!!

Photo Credit: Etsy, InnerSasa

Inspire Now with Tamy - Thinking Of My Mom

On Mother's Day I am thinking of all the women in my life, and the first that comes to mind is my mother. She was a rare jewel and I was so very fortunate to be surrounded by such a bright light growing up. She would hug everyone and always brightened up a room when she entered. My friends from childhood and college still mention getting hugged by my mother when they would see her. She was one of those souls who now I know for sure was blessed with a happiness gene, no searching, it was just her natural state. She woke up every morning singing and smiling, a true born optimist. I remembered being so irritated with her jubilance at certain points in my life. She naturally diverted her attention to the positive. I had to teach myself to become this way. I definitely won the jackpot in life with my mother. She never criticized me and was the epitome of a mother who encouraged, never yelled or became frustrated. She always made me feel special and would light up whenever I came into the door.

Of course, when my daughters were born, she was the best grandmother you could imagine. To this day, Lauren will tear up when we talk about my mother. She left us all much too soon, yet left such an amazing legacy to me of which I have passed to my daughters. As you all know, my girls are as beautiful on the inside as they are the outside. Life has had challenging times but one of my greatest gifts has been starting my life with my exceptional mother. Again I was gifted with another beautiful daughter when I married my husband Bob. 

Today I am not only thinking of my mom but all the women in my life who've been a support to me from my daughters to good friends and colleagues. As women we all have the gift of nurturing, loving and being supportive of one another. 

My Girls

My Beautiful Mom with Lauren

You Is Kind, You Is Smart, You Is Important

Every since seeing The Help, my mom will call and/or text my sisters and I simply saying, "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." Whenever I hear this memorable line I immediately smile and feel good. While browsing on Etsy I came across this adorable painting and just had to share it. Repeating self-affirmations such as this one can impact the subconscious mind and trigger it to take a positive shift. In order to effectively do this you must repeat affirmations with attention, focus and conviction. Just how using "cancel, cancel" helps stop a negative thought, self-affirmations can also change your thinking.
Affirmations should be short and in the present tense. Repeat them when your mind isn't on overload. A good time for me is when I walk to and from work. Mine for today is, "I radiate good energy and happiness". Start tomorrow morning with a powerful affirmation and feel good!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/95510785/12x12-canvas-sign-you-is-kind-you-is

InspireNow with Tamy - Make a Date with FUN

I've been thinking a lot about life being about the journey and not the destination. This week I would love for you to go back to a time when fun was a priority and make it a point to have fun every single day. We all get so caught up in life, deadlines, the never ending to do list and doing for others that we forget to enjoy ourselves for a bit each day. Think of one FUN thing to do everyday this week. It doesn't need to be complicated just make sure it feels good, delights your spirit and puts a twinkle in your eye. This is your life so take charge and you will see that small moments of play can rejuvenate you in the most amazing ways.

Your intention this week is: I will do one thing a day that lights me up, has no goal attached but to stimulate myself, makes me smile and shakes me from my routine. Have fun with this!

Love Nest

Whether you are dating, single or married it is important that your bedroom invites and attracts LOVE. Here are some simple Feng Shui techniques that welcome LOVE (or spice it up) rather than keeping it away.

Remove Clutter: clutter creates negativity. Clear out spaces so there is room to welcome in the new. While you are tossing, throw away any items from your exes. Say goodbye to old t-shirts, photos, love notes.

 
Headboard Placement: the headboard should be positioned against a wall. Try and avoid having your headboard on a window as this can create restless sleeping.

Photo credit: West Elm

Perfect Pair: place your accessories in pairs (2 vases, 2 side tables, etc.) so everything is balanced. This also tells your brain that the bedroom is made for two people. 
Photo Credit: Turquoise Blog

Visuals: artwork that depicts a pair or two of something symbolizes and attracts love. Remove anything depressing, no more sad colors or pictures of single images.
Photo credit: Elle Decor

Bed Position: from the position you sleep in you should be able to see the door but make sure your bed does not directly face the door or a toilet.

Color Story: choose warm colors that create a soothing atmosphere like neutrals, yellow and coral. This picture also shows how you should place your bed where you can see the door but not directly in front of it.
Photo credit: House Beautiful

Hello Happiness: place positive, vibrant, romantic images in these two key places 1)wall opposite the foot of the bed 2)whatever area you see when you first enter the room.
Photo Credit: Z Gallerie

Token of Love: add items that represent love such as rose quartz crystals and flowers. Also remember to spritz your Lavender Love Spray.












Don't Overdo It: Try not to scare away new love prospects by making your apartment overly feminine or masculine.
Photo credit: Country Living

Technology No No: I admit I have a TV in our room (my husband insists). Your TV, iPhone and computer all distract you from shutting off and getting a good night sleep or focusing on your significant other. Try to put your phone in the other room when sleeping and cover the TV with a cloth at night.
Photo credit: CB2

When You Wish Upon a Star

I wanted to share yesterday's daily quote from the Abraham-Hicks website, "Whatever you have the ability to conceive, this Universe has the ability to provide. Anything, without exception. So your work is on the conjuring of the idea, period. The Universe has the stuff to deliver the goods, and will." I love creating vision boards - cutting up magazines and putting images together of items I most desire. Different than a universe list, a vision board is comprised mostly of images. When doing this only include items you are really passionate about attaining. It's a fun way to help you realize what you most desire. I took a virtual approach to this and made a board using Polyvore. So this weekend take a little "me" time, grab a glass of wine, put on your favorite tunes and dream away.

Vision Board by ldewind featuring tiffany & co jewelry

InspireNow with Tamy - The Power to Choose

It has been a couple of emotionally powerful weeks for our family. As you all read about Lauren and Eric's trip abroad complete with earthquake and a very real Tsunami scare, I experienced a 4:00am wake up call from my beautiful daughter who was in Phuket, running and telling me she loved me. This tested every bit of strength I was gifted with in this life. I found myself walking in circles thinking the worst. I had to shake myself from going to a negative place. No matter what happens we all have the power within ourselves to shift our thoughts. I actively made myself focus on positive scenarios, to assist her and Eric, instead of contributing to the rising fear. I focused on a positive visual of Lauren and Eric in the Keys with our entire family together. We were all laughing around the dinner table enjoying a delicious meal that Eric had just whipped up. Over and over during the six hour time period until we knew they were out of the woods I would coax my mind back to a positive place.

The power to choose is ours in every situation. As I write this post I am in the Keys at my father's magical home on the ocean. He has been very recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I choose now to see all the gifts my father has bestowed on me and my wonderful daughters. I was talking to my husband, Bob, about Lauren and Eric's recent adventure and said that the gift of wonder and excitement for exploring the world comes from my father. He is a soulful man who loves to sail the ocean and has always had such wonder for life. My father would take me beach combing in the eye of a storm. His outlook was put on a rain jacket, we are going exploring. He never held me back or put fear in me but instead gave me a sense of go forth and see the world. And that sense has been passed on to all my girls -- you see it in their eyes. Thank you Dad for the gift of wonderment of the world which shines brightly in all of us.

Do Good, Receive Good

While in Siem Reap we toured the temples of Angkor. Bayon temple left a lasting impression. The temple features 216 giant Buddha faces some with large smiles. The faces are serene, calming and create an environment that triggers personal reflection. 

Being in a place where 90% of the population is Buddhist sparked my curiosity. I asked our friendly and super chatty tour guide, Jzudy, what is the guiding principle in Buddhism? His reply was "do good, receive good; do bad, receive bad." His answer was simple but had such profound depth to it. Buddhism calls for people to be deeply aware of their thoughts, actions and the importance of being mindful in everything they do.

InspireNow with Tamy - Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Here is a very powerful, fun way to transform yourself. Studies have recently shown that people who were told to smile in the mirror daily improved their depression more than those on anti-depressants. 

I have always used this with my beautiful daughters, friends and myself. Every morning look in the mirror and give yourself a complement. Say something like, "Damn girl you are HOT, you are beautiful, you are smart, I am a magnet for all good things!" Make positive statements on whatever makes you feel good or areas you feel need a boost. Practice this starting in the morning when you brush your teeth, throughout the day anytime you walk by a mirror and before bed. Try this and I promise you will notice a change!

Unleash Your Universe List

Growing up my parents made me believe that my goals were always achievable and nothing was out of reach. I never felt like I wasn't good enough for anyone or anything. If I had feelings of doubt my mom would work with me to CANCEL CANCEL and visualize on what I desired coming to fruition. Early on this helped me believe in the amazing power of the universe. When there was a goal I wanted to achieve, I would focus my time visualizing and seeing it come to life. Whether it was becoming class president in high school, getting accepted into the CU Journalism School or receiving an offer for my dream job - I actively concentrated on these goals becoming a reality. I do believe hardwork and luck have something to do with it, but the power of your mind, energy, positive thinking and working with the universe can help you attain your goals. Before interviewing for the job which brought me to NYC, I would think about all the important scenarios. What will I wear (of course at the top of my list), what questions will I be asked, how I will answer and most importantly getting an offer and accepting. I visualized these scenarios so intently that they felt real and eventually became a reality.


When I was in college my mom told me about keeping a universe list. You may ask yourself, "What the heck is a universe list?" Well, a universe list is where you write down your hopes, desires, wishes and dreams. I keep a journal next to my bed where I weekly write down everything from big life goals to work goals to items on behalf of my friends and family. The catch is when you write something down you have to do so as it is happening. For example, "My husband and I WILL own a house in two years" rather than "My husband and I HOPE to own a house in two years." You have to write it with conviction and confidence believing it will come true. You write it down once and then let it go knowing the universe will bring it to life. Looking back at the items on my universe list it is astonishing how many have come true from career promotions, salary increases, moving to NYC to opportunities for my husband.


Visualizing paired with keeping a universe list helped me attain what I most desire and will help you too! It is our last night in Thailand but I wanted to share with you what my universe list looks like (typically minus the doodles). Start asking and the universe list will start granting!

Gratitude

My healer in Aspen, Rob Wergin, told me last night that you should start and end each day thinking of what you are grateful for (much more on him and his awesomeness to come later). Rather than rushing out of bed try and wake up slowly and spend some time thinking thoughts of appreciation. This sets a positive tone for the day and creates good energy. When you do this at night it puts you in a state that allows your body to welcome healing and rejuvenation. He has seen that this one change can greatly enhance overall quality of life.


Today my husband and I leave on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. On our trip I am going to start and end each day focusing on the good in my life and what I am grateful for. Last night when falling asleep I focused on how grateful I am for my husband and his unconditional love. He is my partner, best friend, confidant, soulmate, workout partner, travel companion, adventurist - and the list goes on and on. Here are a few pics from our engagement, wedding and honeymoon. While away I am going to try and blog as much as possible. We are back on April 18th and daily postings will start again upon return. 

InspireNow: Meet My Mom

Since most of my blog topics are inspired by what I have learned from my mom I thought it would be fun to include a weekly post from her.

From Tamy:
Hi Everyone! Nice to meet you. I am a Capricorn living in the mountains with my amazing husband and adorable pug Bella. I have always felt an innate understanding of energy and the positive force which connects us all. I am a sassy spiritualist with lots of love and positivity.

Intuition: listening to your emotional guidance system

We were all born with this gift but have somehow stopped using it or it has been dulled by life, stress or being overridden so many times causing us to lose touch. If for one week you go back to the basics and try to get in touch and truly listen to yourself you will see your life transform. Stop and feel your energy - observe and ask yourself does this thought make me feel good, uplifted, energized or does this make me feel bad and is my energy falling?  

It is so simple and applies to every aspect of your day. Do you listen to depressing co-workers or friends go on and on and suddenly you feel tired? Are you starting the day with negative news? Getting irritated by your partner or friends? If so STOP, take a deep breath and ask yourself is this thought, person or situation making me feel bad? 

The simplest truths have the power to transform. Follow your feelings this week and listen and turn every thought in the direction that makes you feel good and uplifts your spirit. It can be as easy as excusing yourself from someone complaining to you or taking a walk. Remember that you feeling good is your number one priority and goal this week!

Take a Deep Breath Already

Day in and day out I never feel like I am taking meaningful, deep breaths. In yoga class I'm the only one breathing silently. Whenever I call my mom feeling stressed the first question she asks is, "Are you breathing?". Or if I call her late at night worked up about something she immediately has me lie down and take deep breaths in and out. Breathing is a quick and simple way to calm down and reduce stress. This is something I need to work on and starting today I'm making a pact to begin and end each day by taking deep breaths. 

My mom recommends a breathing technique from Tony Robbins. 

Breathe using this ratio:

• - Breathe in for 1 count
• - Hold for 4 counts
• - Breathe out for 2 counts
• 
  
• Using this ratio if you were to breathe in for four seconds, you would hold your breath for sixteen seconds and then breathe out for eight. 
• http://www.energiseforlife.com/tony_robbins_breathing_exercise.php
• 
  

In order to notice a difference he recommends doing this ten times, three times a day. To remind myself to breathe deeply I am going to post sticky-notes and set up calendar reminders with the word “breathe” in my apartment and at the office.