The High Note with Tara Murney

Welcome to my #newsletter , I'm excited to share and connect a tad deeper with all of my readers and those in my communities who have shown me incredible support during my #linkedin journey. Yes, my Newsletters are longer than most so get cozy, grab a coffee and lets go!

Each month, I will share bright insights, stories, inspiring ideas from my own personal experiences, the latest in research and science, all tied into EI and PQ, in the hopes you find the courage to lean into self-discovery and utilize actionable steps to design your life in a way that brings purpose, more joy, abundance, fulfillment and greater meaning!

Let's Celebrate Together!

I'm so excited that I had to start off this month's #newsletter sharing some amazing news with all of you, its something that I've been keeping under wraps for a bit until I had greater clarity, and now that I have that; I want to share a beautiful opportunity that I am so grateful for.

Have you heard of the G100? Well if not, let me tell you about them!

The #g100 is an empowered group of 100 women leaders from across the world,?leading 100 global wings, supported by G100 "He for She Champions" known as the (Denim Club) and 100?Country Chairs for powerful advocacy, awareness & impact across governments and organizations?for a gender equal future.?

G100 comprises a league of luminaries of eminence and excellence including Nobel Laureates, Heads of States, Ministers, Businesswomen, Philanthropists, Investors, Entrepreneurs, CEOs, Corporate and Community Leaders – a powerful Group of women leaders and achievers from all walks of life who wish to give back and move us all forward as architects of the future.

G100 is an action + think tank that comprises 100 wings/sectors, led by 100 Global Chairs respectively,?who further nominate 100 country chairs in 100 countries for global reach and impact. Country chairs further foster?communities of 100 members directly or through further distributed leadership of region/state/city/district chairs.??

The blueprint is to have: 100 Global Wings. 100 Country Clubs. 100 Members. Million Gender Champions.?G100 is supported by The Denim Club : Group of G100 He-for-She Champions globally, comprising leaders and luminaries?from the business, corporate, political and other domains, who support the various G100 wings and chairs in their?vision and mandate. Together, we advocate for equity and equality and mitigate barriers to women’s robust partnership and leadership in all walks of life.?

The G100 Secretariat along with country conveners is leading the 100 meetings and missions globally. We regularly?engage with influential policymakers, governments, corporates, universities, foundations, UN, IOs, G7, G20, EU, AU,?GCC, Commonwealth among others.

It is for the very first time that such a powerful global group of women and men has been constituted to address?challenges and drive solutions across 100 different sectors. With further country clubs in 100 countries for each?wing, we are creating solid vertical and horizontal linkages for learnings and collaborations among communities at?all levels of decision making. It is an influential, inclusive, interdisciplinary and intersectional group of women?and men from all walks of life who wish to give back and move us all forward as architects of the future.

Together, we provide thought leadership and concrete recommendations to diverse set of stakeholders on whatever?needs to be done for economic and social empowerment of women and all globally.

Gender equality is no longer a women’s issue or one country’s issue but one that concerns us all. Like in the case?of the pandemic, or climate change, or terrorism, gender inequality as well is a global challenge that needs concerted?effort by all to combat and overcome.?

With engagement and exchange, we enable gender equality to be viewed and pursued by all as an urgent social?and economic imperative toward co-creating a better future for us all.?

We believe that when the force of our solutions exceeds the force of our problems, the mountain of change?will move – the shift will occur.?

The G100 offers the myriad strengths and resourcefulness of its network and knowledge in the service of?all solutions that further women’s equality, empowerment and leadership.

So why are we celebrating you may ask?

On February 7th I received a message in my LinkedIn inbox from the beautiful Vinay Rai AMOHA Galleria founder , the Founder & President, G100 ALL WEF WICCI SHECONOMY who offered me an amazing opportunity that literally left me staring at my screen in disbelief; let me back up a bit as to give you some context.

Last year I had a dream, and if you know me personally, you will know that I actually see my dreams as a set of instructions, I believe that they are opportunities not only for us to resolve what stems from our subconscious but they are divine instructions and I've used them as such since I was a little girl. See, I believe that are waking state and our dream state coexists and there is so much gold in our dreams which most of us wave off as "just a dream."

If you can dissect the symbols and allegories you are left with a set of instructions that you can piece together and then all you simply need to do is take action upon it. No plan, no foreseen outcome, just blind faith and relentless action; ACTION is key! I have built 3 businesses from these instructions and met some of the most incredible humans because of my dreamscapes. I'm sure at this point, it sounds all a little woo-woo but hold tight and let me get back to the dream I had last year.

In my dream I was sitting in a prison and there were men all dressed in prison suits, all of them crying and leaning in to listen to me as I was speaking. I woke and said to my husband "I think I need to be in prison's teaching???!" in which he looked at me and replied, "so then do it!" Yes, I have an the most amazing and supportive partner. So fast forward, I created a prison program based on some heavy healing work, tons of mindset and to help reintegrate them back into community and into society with less stigma and maximum opportunities, all of which seemed to be much bigger than me. Without a compass or how the heck I would get through all this red tape, fast forward to the 7th when I was offered an opportunity and VOILA, the path is made clear.

I was awarded the Global Chair position of Prison Reforms & Reintegration by the G100 and I'm so very grateful to have chairs representing Ireland, United States and India with me as we build out this sector and create lasting impact. Much greater than you or I and that will ripple through generations. How exciting is that???!

The Motto is:

To help Reform & Transform the Life of One...to help Reform & Transform the Lives of Many.

I am so grateful to Vinay Rai AMOHA Galleria founder and Anita C Powell, Msc.D., Dr(h.c.) for their beautiful support and sisterhood, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to co-create something incredible that truly impacts lives.

Keep an eye out for updates and the launch of our newsletter!

For more information on the G100 you can find them HERE

Together we rise. Together we thrive.

Curiosity is a Key That Unlocks the Door to a Vast and Very Exciting World

Just as a key can open up new possibilities and opportunities, curiosity has the power to reveal new knowledge, insights, and experiences. It is the spark that ignites our desire to learn and explore, and it can lead us on a journey of discovery that enriches our lives in countless ways. Like a key, curiosity can be used to unlock the doors to our imagination and creativity, allowing us to unlock the potential within ourselves and the world around us. Some of the most influential people of our time (and prior) all have one thing in common, that is that they invested in a life of curiosity.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

-Albert Einstein

As we grow older, our natural curiosity can become dulled by the routines and systems that run our lives. However, cultivating curiosity can have the power to change our minds and change the world.?I love curiosity, I'm constantly seeking new way to be curious and as I wake every morning, I ask myself: "Where will curiosity take me today?"

Here are five actionable steps that I take to chase curiosity every day:

Activate your beginner's mind: The beginner's mind is a state of mind where we experience something as if it were the first time, even if it's something we've done many times before. To practice beginner's mind, start with an everyday activity that you take for granted and think about it mindfully, as if you've never experienced it before.

The phrase "beginner's mind" refers to the state we are in when we experience something as if it were the first time, even though it may be the millionth time. It is derived from the Zen Buddhist concept of shoshin. It necessitates letting go of our previous thoughts and expectations and approaching the task or subject at hand with an open mind and a desire to learn.

I recommend starting with a routine task that you take for granted, like washing your hair, to develop beginner's mentality. Consider why you wash your hair in the first place before you just suds up. What causes unclean hair? What materials are in your shampoo? Does it smell at all? How to massage the shampoo through your hair's strands. Consider how clean hair makes you feel. Be careful of every move as if it were the first time.

It's not practical to do this for every activity of every day unless you reside in a Zen monastery LOL! Do it whenever you can, and while you're doing it, see what else piques your curiosity. Finding a solution to a problem you've been struggling with without success is especially beneficial.

Take the long way home: Breaking up routine is essential from time to time. Take a new route home or explore new neighborhoods. Stop at a different grocery store or try a new restaurant. I do this at this at least three times a week.

Create a curiosity challenge: This is a new challenge for me in the last 94 days, every night before bed, I write down one thing to be curious about the next day. I challenge myself to go deeper, ask questions, read articles, taste, smell, and listen. Be sure to write down what you've learned and choose the next day's topic. Challenge yourself to do this for 30 days and see what it inspires. I'm currently at day 94 and now its become part of my nightly routine. A new habit.

Follow the breadcrumbs: Let go of the need for plans and outcomes and explore what could happen if you take things one step at a time. This is something I am VERY intentional with, I learned to let go of expectation and just focus on what's present. I recommend using what you don't know to spark insights, strategies, and resolutions, it works every time!

Play spin the globe: Explore everything you can about a country by spinning the globe and stopping it with your finger. Learn about their food, language, fashion, politics, current events, and traditions. I've also bought one of those scratch maps from Chapters (Indigo and Amazon sells them too) and turn a boring weekday or your next date night into a little mind-adventure. Curiosity fuels expansion.

These are things that I do, things that have worked for me and by incorporating these simple but powerful practices into my daily life, I have learned how to cultivate curiosity and approach the world with an open mind, empathy, and a willingness to learn. I'm definitely a student of life.

Advantages of Having an Emotionally Aware CEO in Your Company

You will hear me say countless times that Leaders in organizations need to be emotionally intelligent. You definitely want to hire other leaders in your organization who have high levels of emotional intelligence (EQ) because you are a leader yourself right? Have you thought about what advantages might your team or organization therefore anticipate from hiring more emotionally savvy leaders? What traits should you look for in an emotionally savvy leader, then?

I want to offer you a list that will outline five advantages of having an emotionally aware CEO in your company but before that, I think we should first cover what Emotional Intelligence is and how it may help your company.

Daniel Goleman , a bestseller author on numerous books on EQ, breaks emotional intelligence down into five key components of emotional intelligence, here they are:

So what are the characteristics of emotionally intelligent leaders?

I’ve already covered those listed above by Daniel Goleman, however, also, individuals who possess emotional intelligence are known to display the following:

• Adaptable
• Organizational aware
• Coach & mentor
• Relation building
• Influencer
• Strategic vision
• Conflict management

How can emotionally intelligent leaders benefit the organization?

Any organization can gain from hiring leaders who exhibit the qualities mentioned above. Employing emotionally intelligent leaders has obvious advantages, such as producing self-aware, competent, and self-regulatory leaders. However, the impact on organizational culture is the less evident but potentially more significant advantage. ?

Experienced leaders are aware that your organization’s culture and, eventually, your bottom line, are built around it. I want to offer following benefits that emotional intelligent executives provide to a company, all of which promote the entire corporate culture which I have seen firsthand:

• Working Together

Individual talent cannot match the benefits of a collaborative effort, and emotionally intelligent leaders excel in this area. Their high EQ enables them to understand and empathize with their team members, allowing them to leverage each person's unique abilities to achieve better results.?That's a huge win!

• Strategic Planning

While organizational leaders desire that all employees understand and support the strategic vision, fact is that only a few do. Hiring emotionally intelligent leaders can help bridge this gap. High EQ leaders can empathize with both the team members and upper management, serving as strategic vision translators and helping everyone to achieve shared goals. Another huge win!

• Building Relationships

Networking and building relationships are crucial for successful leaders, teams, and organizations. Emotionally intelligent leaders possess highly tuned listening, intrapersonal, and influencing skills that form the foundation for personal and business relationship building. To fully utilize their abilities, it is best to place them in positions that allow them to develop and maintain relationships within the organization. Massive win!

• Conflict Management

Conflicts are inevitable in any organization, and experienced leaders know about Tuckman's stages of group development which I will discuss in the next upcoming newsletter. Emotionally intelligent leaders are effective in managing conflict resolution, moving the team quickly through the storming phase and toward the norming and performing stages. They can lead disagreements and misunderstandings toward achieving team goals, identifying win-win situations, and shared interests. Another win!

• Mentoring and Leadership

When combined with high EQ, the skills of an experienced leader create the ultimate coach and mentor. Effective communication, consistency, and vision, combined with an ability to connect with the team, enable these leaders to provide insightful and patient mentorship to new team members. Massive win!

Out of curiosity, have you ever taken an EQ test? Interested?

There are tons out there however, this one is great if you want to simply test yourself or even your team: check it out HERE

Overprotecting Your Child Fosters Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

I love to read and recently came across an amazing article I really want to share with you as I personally know many parents who are overprotective (for various reasons) and are unintentionally causing more harm to their child. I know as I once was one of those parents earlier on and stopped the "helicopter Mom" from taking front seat. Young people are experiencing a mental health crisis, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide and the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the mental health of Canadian youths. In 2020, 58 per cent of Canadians aged 15-24 reported fair or poor mental health and nearly one in four hospitalizations for children and youth aged 5-24 were due to mental health conditions. This should be absolutely alarming to parents as it is to me.

Psychologists believe that the emphasis on safety in recent years, where parents prioritize their children's emotional and psychological comfort over physical safety, has contributed to the problem. Overprotective parenting can lead to negative thought patterns, known as "safetyism", which can make young people less capable of dealing with life's challenges. What parent truly want that for their own child?

Parents should encourage positive thought patterns and give their children opportunities to become independent, resilient, and autonomous. They should also embrace negative experiences like frustration, conflict, and boredom, which can teach valuable life lessons which it has for most adults reading this newsletter.

The article goes on to discuss unhealthy thought patterns to monitor in yourself and your children that I wish to share with you, these are:

1. Be aware of negative filtering. When assessing the potential drawbacks, do not undervalue the benefits of activities like unsupervised play (pleasure, independence, problem-solving, risk assessment, resilience).
2. Keep dichotomous thinking in mind. Avoid becoming caught in the good or negative trap. There are countless options available between the two. A polarizing "us vs. them" mentality is fostered and nuance is eliminated when people, ideas, locations, or circumstances are viewed as either good or bad (but never both or somewhere in between).
3. Recognize the influence of emotion. Even though you may feel uneasy or apprehensive, being "unsafe" does not necessarily translate into being in danger. You will never learn how to deal with pressures or realize your full potential if you avoid all stress. Avoiding obstacles can lead us to believe we are weaker or more frail than we actually are.

The portrayal of the world as being full of risks at every turn has made young people nervous and scared to try things, its very different from how I grew up in the 80's and probably for most of you as well. Some young people are delaying getting a job, driving a car, having sex, drinking alcohol, and dating as a result of rising rates of loneliness and anxiety which breaks my heart on whole new levels. This article is a must read for ALL PARENTS and I do hope you find the gold in it, maybe even recognize your own behavior and thought patterns being an unintentional culprit to fostering unhealthy coping mechanisms in your own children.

There is no shame or blame here, most of us parents are truly doing our very best to protect our children from what seems like a unstable world much different from the days of growing up and playing outside until the street lights came on, its rooted in love. There is much to learn. You can read the full article HERE

The Importance of Priorities and Cultivating a Life of Purpose

For those who may have missed my recent post about the importance of having priorities, I thought I'd cover it again as its changed my journey in life.

The truth is, when we have clarity about our priorities and we cultivate a life of purpose this ultimately grants you the amazing opportunity to live a fulfilling and more satisfying life. Who doesn't truly want that?

Priorities help me focus my time and energy on what matters MOST to me, while purpose gives me a sense of direction and meaning.

When I have a clear sense of purpose and priorities, I can make better decisions, I feel more motivated, and I ultimately experience greater fulfillment in my life.

I want to offer you 5 steps that helped me to get started:

• Reflect on your values: I spent some time reflecting on what's important to me. I asked myself what were my core values? What did I care about MOST in my life? Understanding your values can help YOU identify your priorities.
• Set clear priorities: Once I identified my values, I then set clear priorities based on those values. You must ask yourself: What are the most important things in your life? What do you want to focus your time and energy on? Be specific and intentional about your priorities because they make a massive difference in your focus and how much you will move the needle towards what's most important to you and obtaining that thing; whatever it is.
• Define your purpose: A facet of your purpose is your "why" – the reason you do what you do. Think about what gives your life meaning and what you want to contribute to the world. Write down your purpose statement to keep it front and center. I look at this like a motto, I've actually printed it out and have a copy of it in my wallet, on my desk, my white board and in my journals on the front page.
• Create a plan: Once I identified my priorities and purpose, I created a plan for how I aim to live them out. To be specific, I set goals, nothing huge and definitely not my BHAG (BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL) and then I created action steps, little micro steps to help me achieve what's most important. As I always say ... little ripples create big waves. Just to be clear, you can create all the plans you want but without action, nothing will happen. You must do the hard things, you must sit in the "suck" of it all and find the balance; whatever that is for you.
• Review and adjust: Regularly review your priorities and purpose to make sure they're aligned with your values and what you want to achieve cause truth is, we change and life changes. I suggest to adjust your plan as needed to stay on track and ensure you're living a purpose-driven life or you'll will find yourself stuck and deflated as I once did; actually as I have several times in my journey to be frank. Focus on YOU, stay in your lane and do what makes YOU happy, remove the "should's" in life and put in the sweat equity -it will pay off.

Achieved Success But Still Feeling Unfulfilled?

"I have achieved success in my career Tara but why do I still feel unfulfilled? How can I discover my deeper purpose in life?"

This is the number one question I receive so yesterday I created a quick little video you can see HERE in which I covered 3 simple ways to start to create more fulfillment and purpose in your life based on my own experience.

In the list below, I spoke of the first three which anyone can truly start today!

After dinner last evening, I sat down at my desk and wrote out an additional 7 as they are all stepping stones that have helped me and those around me (both clients and friends). There is no pressure, and no particular order although starting with the first which is reflection, brought about so much clarity for me!

Ready? Write them down or print them off if they resonate with you :)

• Reflect on personal values and interests: Take the time to identify personal values and interests outside of work. This helped me identify what truly motivates and excites me. For instance, if someone is passionate about community service, they can find ways to get involved in their community and create a sense of purpose outside of work. For me, I'm passionate about the organization OUR and I am a volunteer.
• Seek out new experiences: Trying new things can help someone discover new interests and passions. This can include traveling to new places, trying new hobbies, or taking courses in a subject they are interested in. I have learned that leaning out of my comfort zone, doing things that are foreign to me have unwrapped new passions that I have such as woodworking; yeah --- I actually like building things!
• Focus on personal growth: Personal growth can be a powerful tool for discovering deeper purpose in life. This can include setting personal goals, pursuing new challenges, or working with a life coach or therapist to identify areas for personal growth and development. In my experience, setting small goals that seems difficult or even out of my area of interest has been amazing! It has taught me that I have more capacity to learn, to grow and to explore than ever expected. I set myself new challenges such as 75 Hard and learning how to use software programs and apps (which are not my favourite by far) that would help immensely by saving me time which is super valuable to me. Its freedom and lack of constraints. I'm always seeking ways to learn, and to grow.
• Give back to the community by volunteering: Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to discover meaning and purpose outside of the workplace. It can enable someone to feel fulfilled and have a feeling of purpose while also fostering a sense of community and beneficial effect. As I mentioned above, I volunteer for OUR (Operation Underground Railroad) and I also sit on the local School Board in which I help create community events, fundraisers and often teach emotional intelligence to teachers, parents and community members. I feel fulfilled and a a great sense of purpose in community.
• Make connections with others who have similar interests to yours: Making connections with people who have the same interests as you can be a terrific way to discover meaning and purpose in life. This can involve participating in social networks, going to gatherings or events, or making online connections. Now, I'm sure all the introverts are squirming right now however, I'm a introvert and I have found the gold in it and how to navigate through it. I also have learned that if I don't lean into the uncomfortableness I miss opportunities to cultivate amazing and beautiful relationships which I am so grateful for. Creating a support system can help someone stay inspired and motivated as they discover their passions and life's purpose. On the flip side, I also recommend leaning into connecting with people who are also very different from you or your industry. I have personally learned so much from others who have shared their own personal and professional experiences that are vastly different than mine; there is so much gold in that as well.
• Exercise mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can assist someone in connecting with their inner selves and learning what matters to them most. I have gained so much clarity and insight into my ideals and purpose by stilling my mind and concentrating on the here and now. Its been a game changer for me and allows me to break limitations - many limitations! I've also learned the power of letting go - meaning removing expectations. Your expectations is typically what is holding you back, it is what held me back for decades; most people are a slave to their mind.
• Investigate spirituality or religion: Investigating spirituality or religion can give one a greater sense of meaning and purpose. They can interact with a group of people who share their views and engage in activities that support those values and beliefs. Finding the right circle is key, it took me awhile to find those who truly understand my verbiage and why I am so passionate about certain things. Most of my circle share similar beliefs and typically embody the same values as I do.
• Invest in a passion project: Finding fulfilment outside of the workplace can be attained by investing in a passion project, such as publishing a book or producing art. Some of you have seen my furniture and jewelry bouquets, these are two things I find great joy and passion in, it provides me a sense of accomplishment and true fulfillment outside of my profession. That could look like anything, what drives you or fuels you is most important.
• Take a break from work: Taking a break from my work provided me the time and space I needed to think about my life and to choose what matters most to me. Taking a break, whether it's a long trip or just a little getaway, can help someone gain perspective and clarity for example, I take time off to simply disconnect from work and reset my energy and clear my head; typically its a drive to some of my favourite places or a trip away for two days. Its a weekly thing too! I love to work, I work hard and I know when my output is at its tipping point and a break is required.
• Find a mentor: A mentor can offer advice and support as a person investigates their life's purpose. I believe everyone needs a mentor, someone who encourages them, challenges them and is in a very different lane; someone who is further ahead than you. You know that famous saying: if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room --- well its very true and so I'm constantly seeking people that I can learn from. I have found mentors who helped me overcome difficulties and roadblocks by sharing their personal experiences, not advice but experience which is very different. You can read all the books, take a gazillion courses but if you haven't actually done the work, had the experiences, then you are not the mentor for me. I often look for one's that I know will put up a consistent good fight (not physically of course) but in that they will challenge me beyond my comfort zone and hold me super accountable.

Book of the Week

I first picked up this book to read last year, I've finished it and returned to it several times since then. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann reveals five straightforward ideas that are the key to obtaining real life success while improving oneself which was why I was fascinated with it in the first place.

I will not give away the real gold in this book but will share some key points that I took away for sure:

• KEY: Be intentional with adding value to the experience of every customer who comes to your business; all of them.
• KEY: Your business will get nowhere without authenticity, no where – it is the salt and pepper of success.
• KEY: The best way to succeed is not to try and take everything from life for yourself, but to share it with others.
• KEY: Place other people’s interests first to achieve your own goals.
• KEY: Your success depends on how many lives you touch with what you do.
• KEY: the greatest one for me was learn how to give in order to receive as this is the foundation of my life.

Bob Burg is a highly sought-after conference speaker who teaches the principles at the core of?The Go-Giver?to audiences worldwide. A former top sales professional, he is also the author of?Endless Referrals?and?Adversaries into Allies. He was named by the American Management Association as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Thought Leaders in Business for 2014.

Currently, Bob has a daily (Mon - Fri) email titled, "Daily Impact" which I highly recommend you check out which you can find HERE (and its freeeeee)

Bob has always over delivered on value, quite an amazing human being in fact. I distinctly remember back in the good ol' days of Clubhouse when he was interviewed on Breakfast with Champions I said to myself, "I gotta be around this man, he's such a giver", and I've been a fan ever since! Check him out HERE on LinkedIn.

The Value of Wonder and Amazement

Before I close out this newsletter, I'd want to discuss the value of wonder and amazement in our daily lives. First, let's make a distinction, while astonishment is a sense of interest and awe that we experience when we come across something new and intriguing, awe is a sense of amazement and appreciation that we experience when we are presented with something immense and beyond our comprehension. Think back, can you recall a moment like this? Several maybe?

We can tremendously benefit from having more moments of awe and wonder because they make us feel more connected to the world, make us more humble, and motivate us to work harder and more passionately towards our goals. Awe is something I experience all the time, and I'm sure the question then becomes quite clear ...

So Tara, how can I intentionally experience more moments of awe and wonderment in my life?

Well, I can offer you three simple ways to start that have helped me create more awe and a sense of wonder in my life ... here we go ...

#1 - Spend time in nature: Whether it's a stunning sunset, a gorgeous mountain range, or a glistening sea, nature has a way of creating amazement and wonderment in us. I personally seat myself into the very present moment with such gratitude for the experience itself. So make an effort to spend more time outdoors, whether it be through park strolls, beach walks, mountain hikes, or even just stargazing on a clear night as I do when I intentionally lay on my deck and just stare upon the glorious sky. I do this at least several times a week - with intention as a priority and alone.

#2 - Discover new experiences: Experimenting and putting yourself in strange settings might increase your capacity for wonder. Challenge yourself to venture outside your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected, whether it's by trying a new food, picking up a new skill, or travelling to a new location like I have done. Choose something just outside of your comfort zone, for me it was travelling to the Philippines, I pushed my comfort zone as the flight was super long which made me very uncomfortable and I was very nervous being so far away from home and my loved ones but beyond the boundaries awaits such magic and joy! That trip created moments in my life that forever changed how I feel and my perspective on things. I will share in a upcoming newsletter soon. One of the best decisions that I ever made!

#3 - Practice mindfulness: Being completely aware of your surroundings and present in the moment might help you have more moments of awe and wonderment in your regular life. Spend some time admiring the beauty all around you, loving the little things, and enjoying the experiences you have. You can completely enrich your life by intentionally seeking out opportunities to actually experience them. I am a tad obsessed with doing this everyday of my life, it wasn't easy at first to be honest however, with intention and creating room for it in my schedule, this way definitely a doorway for me that offered me the opportunity to experience more joyful moments in life and I want that for you too!

Inspirational Human of the Week

I have been ever so blessed during my journey to come across some of the most inspirational and most beautiful human beings on the planet, how lucky am I?

These encounters become even more sacred to me when we cultivate beautiful friendships and they become the people who support, challenge, encourage and value me for ME. No hidden agendas, no BS, no expectations, just pure friendship built upon a foundation of value, respect, boundaries and appreciation. Well, Renée Marino is one of these people for me in my life. I met Renée Marino at a Tony Robbins UPW event years back and we've been great friends ever since.

Let me give you a bit of insight into her professional career (which is outstanding may I add) her bio reads:

Renée Marino is a professional communication coach named by Yahoo Finance as one of the “Top 10 Communication Coaches to Follow in 2021!” She was the co-host of Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi’s “World Summit” and has spoken, performed, and been interviewed on thousands of live and virtual stages, including Dean Graziosi’s podcast "The Dean Graziosi Show." Her Barnes & Noble and Amazon best-selling book, Becoming a Master Communicator, is available everywhere books are sold. Renée helps people who want more confidence and success learn to communicate effectively to reach their dreams. She also uses her well-rounded experience of communicating through various mediums to train companies, organizations, schools, and universities in strengthening their communication skills. Renée can be seen as the female lead, Mary Delgado, in the film Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood. She has been featured in People.com’s “Ones to Watch,” Variety, and The Huffington Post, which stated: “The Broadway star—who is basically Tina Fey’s celebrity doppelganger— is a scene-stealer, spouting swears and put-downs with aplomb. ‘Jersey Boys’ pops whenever she’s onscreen.”

Quite amazing no?

Well that is her short bio as she's also done work for Cardone University and worked with some other powerhouses however, she's so much more than all of that to me. She genuinely checks in with me, asks how she can support me, sends cute videos, quotes and she's even sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my birthday from another country! She has the biggest heart of service. Who wouldn't want someone like that in their life? I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished, she is also the reason why you see me on camera and taught me the art of imperfect action. She is a powerhouse in the space of communication! If you are looking for someone to help you show up and connect on camera so you can share your message with the world --- Renée Marino is the one!

If you aren't following her, you should be! She's on IG, Facebook and HERE on LinkedIn Land.

I would also recommend that you check out her best selling book titled: BECOMING A MASTER COMMUNICATOR HERE

Everyone needs a Renée Marino in their journey!

Mark It On the Calendar

Join me and my friends in an audio room as we discuss "Developing a Growth Mindset for Success" on Thursday APRIL 20th, 2023 at 9:30 am - 10:30 AM EST on LinkedIn.

We will discuss:

• Embracing challenges and learning from failures
• Cultivating a love of learning and a willingness to try new things
• Focusing on progress rather than perfection
• and more!

Click HERE to attend and I look forward to seeing you all there!

Oh ... WAIT!

Before you go:

I love?#feedback ?and welcome it all!

I do put a lot of time, energy, and thought into each one of these newsletters so its important that I receive feedback -?good old honest and transparent feedback so that I know how to best serve my audience.

These newsletters are not about me nor for me but rather my readers and followers in the hopes and with a goal to help them navigate obstacles, read the latest in research and science, find the courage to lean into self-discovery and utilize actionable steps to design a life in a way that brings purpose, more joy, abundance, fulfillment and greater meaning!

Please?...

• let me know what you liked
• what you would like more or less of
• and how I can support you best during your journey

If you know someone that this newsletter could serve, please share it out.

Until next time ...