YOU DAY!

Hello Beautyilicious!  Take the day off!  If you can't today, do it real soon.  It's essential to nurture your spirit, by taking care of your body and mind.  I am here by, giving you permission to stay in bed all day if you want.  You can watch movies and eat ice cream.  You can go by what your body tells you it wants.  Sometimes it needs to rest and relax.  For some, it needs to skydive, it's whatever you like.  Many people say, oh...but I have so much to do.  But I will tell you, the "stuff" can wait a day.  When you keep running around, minds never stopping, you can get worn out.  You body gets sick and needs to heal.  But you can hit the refresh button, just like on your computer.  Recharge yourself, by doing what you like.  Live on purpose and that could means going shopping, if that is what you have been wanting to do.  Let yourself have a vacation day, once a month.  You will thank yourself for it. 

Tips:
Think only what you want to think about.  Or don't think at all.
Do things that feel good.  Treat yourself like you really are on vacation.
Stress, worry, regret, fear, doubt, and guilt are not allowed to come on vacay with you.
Laugh, play, dance, lounge, swim, eat, drink, stretch, and whatever your body likes. 

Your kids can eat peanut butter and jelly or cereal.  Having a happy parent means more to their health, than what's for dinner one night a month.  Or order take-out if you can. Cook if you enjoy it.  This is about a state of mind.  So even if you can't afford to go on vacation, make yourself have the feeling.  Dust will wait for you.  Laundry is very patient.  Yard work is going to be there tomorrow.  It's your life, you make the rules.  You get to define how you like to live and what you want to do.  By making yourself top priority, you show others, including your kids, how to be happy themselves.  Show other the way to be happy, by being happy.

And I did follow my own advice and did this last Thursday.  I sat on my sun porch, with a saucy novel, and read for hours.  In the afternoon, I even made a fruity cocktail, which is named Liquid Sunshine. Psst...I invented it and it's just Pino Grigio with chopped pineapple, but it's delicious!  I did do some laundry, but didn't fold it.  You see, sheets that were peed on by little kids cannot wait, but I still had my vacay state of mind.  We ordered pizza for dinner and watched a funny movie.  The Thursday before, we went to the beach from 1pm to 7pm and we had pizza on the beach for dinner.  This is how you make a fabulous life for yourself.  You think it up and then create it.

Knowing that how I feel is the most important thing, I take care of myself everyday.  When you are aware of your energy and how your vibe is, you have so much more to give.  Although, you have to balance that.  There is no..."Oh, I'm so sorry I can't help that day" (or do that thing for you).  I don't say "I feel so bad..." when I can't do things anymore.  You can't be everything to everybody.  Especially to be successful and happy, you have to know what to say no to, and what to say yes to.  You can tell by the feeling inside, it gives you.  You have your answers within.  You really are a ROCKSTAR!  And Rockstars deserve vacations.  And another secret is:  You can live in the vacation state of mind all the time.  Just by treating yourself with kindness, following your bliss, doing things that make you feel good, and focusing on the positive...is like being on vacation.  That sense of freedom is always where, should you choose to accept the mission.  Your mission is:  TO LOVE YOURSELF UNABASHEDLY.  Now....GO!  Over and out, Roger! 

LOL!  Can you tell I have have little kids.  ;)

Feisty Soul report from the Mommy-hood!

I love being a Mom.  I used to really suck at it.  Well, actually I use to think I sucked at it.  I thought I was the worst mother in the world sometimes.  In reality, I became a Mom at twenty and did the best I could with who I was then.  I don't live in the past.  Nowadays, I don't judge myself.  If I do feel that I could have done something differently, I think...Okie Dokie, and move on.  I actually think Motherhood is fascinating.  In some cultures, it is so intuitive, instinctual, they are just doing their thing, without any of the parenting books, magazines, or experts.  For many, whether you work full time, part time, or are a stay-at-home-mom, this job is like they say, the hardest.  When you make a parenting mistake you can feel like you screwed them up for life.  Yes, if you screw up at work, you can get fired, but the feeling like you really screwed up with your child makes you feel like a complete failure.  The reason I wanted to write this is to share some things I have learned.  I am the zany mother of an almost fifteen year old daughter, and three sons, eleven, five, and two. 

First of all, I have learned to stop asking everyone their opinion on things related to my kids, parenting, and decisions.  This used to make me feel so confused.  I gave all my power away.  The people pleaser in me could never win.  But really, there is no real right, idea, perfect way to do it.  If your kid sleeps in your bed until they are five, sucks their thumb until they were eleven (okay this was me), uses cloth diapers, eats the right serving of vegetables, go to a certain preschool, does flash cards, blah...blah...blah.  Your kids are not going to remember most of this, but how you made them feel.  What you were like as a parent and person is what they will be telling their grandkids.  Best advice, love them.  Play with them, but in your own way.  If you do not like playing transformers with them, watch a movie with them, bake with them, dance with them.  Just let them see you enjoy life.  Let them see your JOY.  Let them know you.

If you clean up the toys, they will get them out again.  If you wash the windows, they will lick the glass.  If you vacuum, they will dump their snack on the carpet.  If you are in a rush, someone will crap their pants.  These kinds of shenanigans happen with my youngest two, who often have meltdowns simultaneously and often when I get a phone call.  This teaches me detachment.  To not be so attached to the way things have to look or be.  It's nothing personal, they don't even do it on purpose.  Don't expect them to be perfect.  You don't want robots, that would be boring.  It's the same with older kids, only different issues.  Making mistakes helps them learn and decide what works for them.  Let them grow.  Everyday they are changing, so you have to go with the flow.  They don't want to hang out with you anymore and think what you say is all wrong.  It's a normal part of development and it's nothing personal.  Let them have some space to breath.  No helicopter parenting here anymore.  They are wiser than grown-ups give them credit for. 

Your kids are going to get mad at you, give you an attitude, think you are unfair, and all that fun stuff sometimes.  Life goes on.  Life can be messy and beautiful at the same time.  You are teaching your children that relationships are about both sides.  The parent isn't always right and it does not make you look weak in showing them this.  The old way of parenting doesn't work anymore.  Laying down the law, never adjusting the rules, and having them fear you is a bunch of baloney.  Cultivate your own style of parenting that will have it's ebb and flow.  What worked yesterday may not work today.  When they are little they can get over things quick, especially if given a lollipop.  With my older kids, I have a habit of trying to make up with them before they are ready, wanting them to talk about their feelings, and wanting peaceful energy again.  But they are entitled to their feelings, as well as I am entitled to mine.  They can't make me mad, sad, happy, or anything.  That is my choice.  They are doing, saying, being, and I can react or I can BE, as in be energy.  I can the Be Energy of whatever. I can be the energy of peace, love, & joy when I choose to.  I can take a deep breath and go to the happy place, even if it seems like there is a carnival-zoo-frat party going on around me.  You cannot please everyone and that would not be good for them anyway.  Sometimes the best things happen, when plans change. 

The idea of being a good parent has good intentions.  What I think is the more important thing than trying to impossibly be a perfect parent, is to show them how to be a happy, healthy person.  I have missed appointments, shown up to dress rehearsal with my daughter a week too early (she was five and she still won't let me forget it), sent my son to pajama day a day early (that was this year), and many other human moments.  I am perfectly me.  Back when I was a young Mom, I would beat myself for days over mistakes, replaying it in my head, feeling embarrassed, and worried about what other people would think.  Thank God those days are over.  I had a lady come up to me on the beach last weekend and tell me what a good Mom I was.  She was observing how I dealt with a situation. It was really nice to hear.  But I still have my freak out moments, but they are rare now.  I use to yell all the time, because I wasn't happy inside.  I worked on me.  I did the internal work on myself.  I can proudly-boldly-unabashedly say...I love myself, which allows me to let my kids be themselves and I can love them unconditionally. 

Message that I want all the Moms to hear is to focus on yourself and your energy.  Fill up your own love tank.  Be FULL of yourself, full of life.  Fill up your own cup first and it will be so full that the love spills out into every area of your life and everyone.  Really love yourself and you will be teaching the most valuable lesson in the world, to love themselves.  When you love yourself, you are happy, you are kind, you thrive.  You can teach self-esteem, but they will do what you do, not what you say. What I strive everyday to instill in my kids, by just being me, is to be yourself.  Love yourself.  Don't worry about what anyone else thinks.  Not everyone is going to get you.  Have lots of fun.  Do your best, but more importantly be kind to yourself when you make mistakes.  Follow your intuition, your inner voice.  You can have bliss, joy, peace, and all the good feelings by living in the moment.  Appreciate nature.  Forgive people and move on.  You are always connected to God/Universe/Source.  You have guides and angels always loving and supporting you.  You are responsible for your own energy.  You can raise your vibes when you want.  Life is good and it keeps getting better.  I often say, "I love life.  I love my life."  Be in a thankful place and you will receive so much more.  Carve your own unique path.  Live your own life.  Do what makes you happy.  You do your own thing, let others do theirs, and respect everyone.  I look at my kids as beings that I get to help and guide.  They are not property, they are just little people.  I love that they teach me as much as I teach them.  I let them see me grow, learn, and bloom everyday.  Deep breath again, you are doing an amazing job.  Relax.

Let your haters, be your motivators!

I share these negative comments from two of my Jennylicious youtube videos, because I found some great lessons from them.  On my video, "Shake your biscuit,"  This person commented:  I feel bad for ur children... Having a mom who doesn't kno how to act like an adult, grow up please!

And on my video,"I'm so pretty,"  she commented:  I'm a girl, and even think ugly girls shouldn't make videos like this. Just saying.... Freedom of speech.

Interesting, huh?  When I first checked my email and saw this, I cringed...a mean comment doesn't feel good.  Oh, but it does, after you see that it is not about you, it's about them.   One of the greatest lessons is to not take things personally, which is definitely a lot easier when it is a stranger.

First of all, I could delete it.  But I won't.  I am not embarrassed.  I know who I am.  I responded to her in a kind manner.   Her opinion is through her lens she views the world with.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a really great Mom, and HELL YEAH, I am silly.  I am never growing up and I don't care what anyone thinks of that.  Being kid-like and also being a responsible parent is what I am.  As for the second video, I guess she is saying I am ugly.  Which is fine. I know I am beautiful and that is all that matters.  She doesn't have a picture up, but I hope she feels beautiful and that she loves herself.  When you truly love yourself, you don't need to comment mean things, to hurt other people.  You wish everyone the best.  

Plus, I did not come here to be liked, I came here to be ME.  It's easy to retreat when someone doesn't like your video, your book, your painting, your photography, your music, or whatever.  It makes you reexamine why you are doing it.  It you are making it so that EVERYONE likes it, it's going to be watered down and not authentic.  So why do I put myself out there, with my videos, to be judged by all the world to see?  I make videos because they are fun, they uplift, inspire, amuse, & spread good vibes.  I could always disable the comments section.  But why?  Other people may want to tell me that I made them laugh, giggle, feel lighter.  That they decided to step outside their box and buy that leopard dress, because they were inspired by my zany spirit.  

And no worries all you beautiful peeps, I will not be deterred by negative Nancies.  I am still going to make videos, write books, and shine my awesomeness for all the world to see.  I have a wonderful group of cheerleaders and I feel blessed to have them.  I am cheering on each and every one of you who are reading this on.  I believe in you.  I believe in me.  What energy you put out there, comes back you you.  And to my naysayers,  Namaste, Blessings, & all the yummy delicious to you.  

P.S.  My kids thought it was funny!  I am so blessed to have them.  My ten year old wanted to comment back a mean comment in my defense, but I said that would not make me look like a very good mommy.  ;p  MUAH!  xoxo

You got this, Girl!

I was on the treadmill yesterday and I was thinking about how excited I am about my life.  I am going to be choosing a cover design for my book this weekend.  I'm doing it!  I live consciously, training myself to think positively and keep my vibrations high.  I have no room for doubt, if I want to live the life I see myself living. Can I speak on stage?  Hell yeah!  Can I write more delicious fiction?  Sure can!  Do I have distinct outlook that would make a great self-improvement book?  Of course.  If you think that there is nothing special about you, or that there are so many writers out there, why bother...you have sealed your fate.  You gotta go for it.  Even if you don't know exactly what that is, dwell in the possibilities and daydream about what you LOVE.  There are little signs and nudges you'll get from the Universe.  I don't know exactly know if it was my inner being/soul, talking to Jennylicious, or vice versa.  But we all talk to ourselves internally, just by our train of thinking.  If you vocalized what you thought, you may see a subconscious pattern.  You can always start telling yourself nice things, which is why I will share what I told myself.  It went like this:

You got this, Girl.  Success is knockin' at your door and you are ready.  You have what it takes.  You're a rockstar!  You just gotta be true to you and stay centered.  You really can't care what anyone thinks, good or bad, or else you won't be at your full potential.  Stay in your zone, create from there and others will be inspired.  If you go in their zone, you get mixed up in their opinions.  Come on, you feel it. You know you are special and it's time to shine, showing others how they can do it to.  Just keep loving yourself.  You know you are good enough and worthy.  You've done the work, you studied the Law of Attraction, you've let go of limited beliefs, you have made your high-good-fab-vibes your life.  You created a new you, every day, perfecting your thinking and attitude.  This is gonna be awesome!  You are going to rock this!  It's gonna be fun!  Thank you, Universe.  I just love you.  Thank you me, my beautiful family, my parents, sister, friends, trees, life, chocolate, Christmas... I can't even remember what else because I was caught up in the moment.  Appreciation is powerful.  (I love a good pep talk-YAY me!)  * Why not try it yourself? 

So naysayers, haters, doubters, pessimists, need not bother...I  believe in me and that is all that every matters.  And people love and cheer me on anyway.  It's just sometimes people mean well, they just don't want you to aim for the sky, sitting your bar high, dreaming big.  Anyone who has achieved big things has started with an idea, a thought, a concept that was not real yet.  It was not born yet, it had to be created.  I do not believe in luck.  We attract what we expect.  If we embody success, prosperity, creativity, confidence, WATCH OUT WORLD!  Tip:  You can always talk yourself out of fear or doubt.  You do not have to believe every random thought that comes in your head. 

I could write every minute, of every day, but get nowhere.  What it takes, on a thinking level, is a positive attitude.  Check!  Step by step, everyday, I am closer to my goals, BUT I live in the now.  Love right now to make your future bright.  Start listing what you like bout life, even the littlest things.  Your outlook will transform and you will see things differently.  GO YOU!  

I ♥ ME!

Traditionally, in America, we give thanks for our family and our many blessings on THANKSGIVING.  I decided to rebel and post as my facebook status, that I am thankful for myself.  I really am.  I tell my family how much I appreciate them daily.  I am thankful for everything (my kids, hubby, parents, sister, friends, home, cars, food in my fridge, and all the wonderful things in my life.)  I think that already with my youngest, who will be two in January, I have said, " I love you" a billizion times.  Now back to me.  LOL.  Here's why it is so important, in my experience to make self-love the most important. 

I was a young mom, of twenty, and I fell in love with my little princess.  But as I went through my twenties, issues I never dealt with, like loving myself, made it difficult for me to unconditionally love.  I ate myself silly for a while and did not like how my body was.  I lost a lot of weight, which was great for my ego, for a while.  I still did not like myself or feel good enough. I would want good things to happen for me, but I would beat the hell out of myself internally, for my mistakes.  I did not think I deserved great things, on this unconscious level.  I compare myself to other mothers and did not feel I measured up in many ways. I judged myself all the time.  I wanted to be happy, I just thought it would be after external things changed.  A really funny one is, thinking if your kids do not talk back, you would be happy. Way to give your power away.  Enough with the past, fast forward to now.  I did a lot of focusing on positive thinking, Law of Attraction, studying spirituality. I bloomed into the best version of myself. 

  Now, I love myself.  I love who I have become.  I love everything about myself.  I just get better and better.  I get smarter and more creative, as I let myself be true to me.  I open my heart more and more, judging less, having more fun every day.  I am a brilliant writer. I get hotter, sexier, more beautiful, as I let how I feel about myself, the most important thing.  I love my freckles, my angel kisses!  I love my gorgeous red hair, my bright blue eyes, and my pouty lips.  I love my curves, the strong muscles,and my 5'0 frame.  I love every cell of my body, in the magnificent vessel it is.  I love that this body has nurtured four healthy babies, given birth to them, and then nourished them when they were born.  I love my ability to change, to grow, to adapt, and ultimately shine.  I appreciate that I am a Divine spark in this amazing body.   I am going to live this life to the fullest, embracing all the deliciousness there is.  I am such a rockstar.  I am the bee's knees, the cat's meow.  I am so proud of who I am.  This true self-love comes from your spirit, not your ego. 

Why not think you are the greatest thing in this Universe?   Everyone should.  There is no competition.  We can all be #1 in our lives.  When you really love yourself, you set boundaries.  You teach people how to treat you.  It's really about your energy though. People can feel your self-love and confidence and will treat you differently.  When you love yourself, you give, with no strings attached. You don't need anyone to validate you, or act a certain way to make you happy.  Everyone on the planet can tell you how great you are, but it would not matter, if you did not believe it.  And what a waste of a amazing life, to not love yourself.  Guilt, doubt, fear, regret, judgement, & negativity have to be evicted out of your brain.  You are so worth it. 

Some tasty tips:

~Affirmations. Post them everywhere and repeat them aloud to yourself.  After a while, that is what is running in your head, that kind, loving voice.

~Follow your dreams.  Find what makes you happy and go for it.  Do things, surround yourself with, find things that bring you joy.

~Think positively about life.  Give yourself a break from judging yourself and others.  Opening your mind and heart is freeing.

~Appreciate the good in your life.  It feels great to focus on that.  Take it in.  Know you are worth it, you deserve it. 

~Decide that you change the way you think.  Your thoughts are not stuck forever in your head.  You can change your mind, in any moment.  Isn't that reassuring? 

I am thankful for all you read my blogs and just for people in general.  There are just so many awesome people out there.   Be thankful for yourself.  Say, I LOVE ME!  Lovies to ALL!

Exercise rap!

Time to get movin’
Let’s start groovin’

I love to exercise,
Cause I love my thighs

Ain’t nothing wrong
with lovin’ being strong

No room to be a meek mouse
I’m a powerhouse

I’m legit a stone cold fox,
My self-esteem harder to crack than Fort Knox

I’m the Happy Workout Queen,
And I’m toned and lean,

Livin’ my dream,
So watch me gleam

It’s always how you feel,
That’s the real deal

Good thoughts you choose,
Weight you will surely lose

It’s time to rise
Stretch, move, & exercise

No matter what your size
You’re always the grand prize

You can take the plunge,
Start with a lunge

Wake up from the slumber,
It’s not about the number

Turn on some hip sounds,
Lettin’ go of excess pounds

Find some space,
And rock the place

Set your pace,
And run your own race

Stop being moody,
And shake that booty

Leave your comfort zone,
Build up your muscle tone

I’m here to say
Fun is the way

It’s what it’s all about,
Now get in that workout

I want to inspire,
And light the fire

It’s pure and simple,
as a baby’s little dimple

I’m the Happy Workout Queen,
I’m toned and lean,

Livin’ my dream,
So watch me gleam

It’s always how you feel,
That’s the real deal

Good thoughts you choose,
Weight you will surely lose

Appreciate your health,
Because it’s true wealth

Affirm:  I’m getting thinner,
And I’m always a winner

Don't let others define, whether you $parkle and $hine

Look at your pretty face
and see it’s full of grace

You are the great love of your life-see
Just imagine all things you can do and be

Squeeze out of life all the juice
it’s time to let loose

What are you waiting for
Acting like everything’s a bore

It’s Ok to be different-Belle
Badass, maverick, renegade, or rebel.

Make up your own mind,
after seeing what you find

Standing out from the crowd
can seem somewhat loud

You can follow a fad
or see for yourself what’s rad

You can channel an old screen siren
that you been admirin’

Just  let go of drama
& you’ll radiate fab-o-rama

TA-DAH-They’ll say Ooh la la
je ne sais quoi

Joy will never cease
when you got inner peace

Amp up the vibrant energy you are
It will definitely get you very far

Don’t  others define
whether you sparkle and shine

Be like a bumblebee
Finding flowers-making honey
It’s all about the joie de vivre
Say I love me!

Here’s what I gotta say
 I love me-YAY!
Even more everyday

Let me count the ways
I’ve come out of the haze

Revealing the gem I am
Totally acting like a ham
And making you a jam

Listen up-you’re a big deal
It’s time to do a cartwheel

Never let someone make you feel like a fool
You’re such a jewel

Labels are for expensive purses- Dolly
Living for others is always a folly

Set yourself free & be jolly
Everyone will say Oh-Golly

Some may jeer,
many more will cheer

Have no fear,
let your soul steer

it starts as a murmur
Be yourself-is the answer

Your dreams will give birth,
when you know your self-worth

Take a chance
Start to dance

Roll the dice
Enjoy paradise

Don’t you see-Hun
Life is meant to be fun

It’s something to explore
embrace and adore

Feeling good isn’t risky
Let yourself be frisky

Don’t  others define
whether you sparkle and shine

Be like a bumblebee
Finding flower-making honey
It’s all about the joie de vivre
Say I love me!

Here’s what I gotta say,
 I love me-YAY!
Even more everyday

Let me count the ways
I’ve come out of the haze

Revealing the gem I am,
Totally acting like a ham
Making you this jam

Crazy Cartwheels!

How much fun are you having?  Are you giving life a big 'ole hug everyday?  Are you enjoying your life?  You can start today!!!  You are way more powerful than you realize.  Take the leap of faith in yourself!  Here's my latest take on fun, life, and always growing.

This week the kids, the hubster, and I just took a trip to see his grandfather down on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  We met up with my in-laws, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew.  It is very rural down there and I love being surrounded by all the trees.  We take a ferry part of the way, which is great because it breaks up the driving, but we do have more than two hours in the car at one time.  This may not seem hard but for my four year old, it was, for a bit.  But a second later, he would say something like, "I am in a different world" or "This is really a dream."  We were cracking up at the back and forth of mad, then happy, mad then happy.  A couple times I got bent out of shape but then happy again, just like him.  It's such a funny thing...why ever get bent out of shape?  No one ever has the power to bend you out of shape, make you mad, or even happy for that matter. They can inspire it though.  He is easier to get in a better mood than adults, that's for sure.  But like with children, when you do get bent out of shape, distract yourself back to happy.  Dance, sing, do a cartwheel, whatever you can.  Can you imagine doing a mad cartwheel?  I don't think you can.  I  think the wheel-like motion kind of shakes the bad vibes off of you!  :) 

Actually I think it's the intention behind it.  When you deliberated focus on something better feeling, then it magically happens.  And if you don't even think thoughts and feelings are energy...everything is!  You can raise you energy level whenever you want.  I have a few tricks like the dancing.  My kids will crack up when I randomly dance.  It makes me feel good.  And why not do what makes you feel good?  When we were at my husband's grandfather's house, we were hanging out in the backyard, waiting for dinner.  I was in awe of the magic of those beautiful trees.  The whimsical sounds in their lush, green glory!  I felt moved to start doing cartwheels.  I cannot tell you the last time I had done a cartwheel.  I didn't even know if I could. Then I didn't want to stop.  My feeling is, when you have a chance to play...go for it!  Life's a playground, if you just adjust your eyes and focus on the good, the magic, and live in the childlike wonder. 

We are all free to choose our path and by all means, if you don't like to play, then don't.  If you like to feel bad, go for it.  But I would not advise it!  Ask yourself, like I did, why ever get bent out of shape?  Is it worth it?  Why give our power away to someone else or feel always a victim of our circumstances?  In moments of ickyness, I remind myself, this is not worth lowering my vibe.  For me, it's not about trying to be perfect, it's about wanting to feel good.  I grow everyday and therefore have more awareness, which makes me happier and life even better.  I loving having realizations, insights, and a-has.  I especially love sharing them because other people's insights have helped and inspired me.  We really all are teachers.  And when we teach, we re-learn too.  Isn't that cool?  I wish you all a fun-filled, magical, and fabulous weekend.  And whatever your cartwheels are in life, go for it!  As always, remember to love yourself to the MAX!  :)

To compete is just beat!!!

Next time you see me and I am uber confident and super sassy, you may think...She's so full of herself.  Well, I hope I am giving off that vibe.  It may seem crazy to think that but why should you be anything but...totally in love with yourself.  Just because I think I'm hot, doesn't mean you're not.  We can all be our super-sparkly-spectacular-special selves.  I like to rock the sassy-spiritual-sexpot!  Hey, that would be a great name for a boat the SSS~Jennylicious!  Anyway, I am not one to compete.  The only time I get competitive, is during a game of Scrabble.  I don't know what it is about that game?  I really mean competing with people in life, not in sports.  Although if I was ever in competition, if they other person would be sad if they lost, I would rather them win.  Usually when we see someone who is beautiful, thin, rich, fabulous, whatever we deem to be awesome...we measure ourselves to them.  I know now that this is so silly.  Some people ill think...we'll they look good but they suck at something else or aren't really happy inside.  In actuality, it's about the fact that who they are has NOTHING to do with you.  Look at how awesome you are.  I can see how the Law of Attraction really works here, so let me take you back.

In my teens, I had an eating disorder and all that diet-hate your body-exercise-you aren't good enough crap for years after.  If you are focused on what you "think" is wrong with you...you will find more.  Like attracts like and so every day, I got deeper into it and hating myself more and more.  Talking about the problem and my negative feelings after I got better was just focusing on the problem over and over.  At one point, I told my Mom I wanted to stop therapy and move on with my life.  That's what I did.  I didn't love myself fully until years later but it was a process.  Fast forward to now, I happened to weigh myself this morning and I was up a few pounds.  My first reaction was, I gotta cut this out or exercise.  I told my hubby I was up a few pounds and he said it was all that extra love.  Isn't he so damn cute?  Fro me, it is NEVER about what I weigh, it's about how I feel.  I would have never believed when I was struggling in my teens that over twenty pounds more and I would REALLY love myself.  Employing what I know, I looked over at the pink flower hair-clip my daughter bought me and declared it pink day.  I put on a pink tank top to match and black shorts.   I got the good vibes flowing and attracted more good thoughts.  I did a lovely Pilates workout that was loving to my body.  I had hot chocolate because that's what I wanted.  I looked in the mirror and instead of looking at my tummy, thinking, it's not flat enough...I thought I could write a love note to my belly.  

"Dear Beautiful Belly,

          I apologize for those years of hating on you.  We've shared so many yummy, delicious, and flavorful meals together.  So many hugs, embraces, roller coasters, exercises, stretches, dancing, and many other fun activities...need I say more.  ;)  You have giving me fur miracles that have changed my life each time.  McKayla made me a Mom and who I am today.  Having Aidan, with a home birth, made me invent my own rules on parenting.  Finn set me in a different direction and opened my heart up in a new way.  Seamus is my little Buddha and I am a truly different person since become pregnant with him.  I am blessed to be the Mommy of these beautiful souls, who continue to teach me.  I don't care if you are not totally flat or if you have stretch marks.  We'll call them zebra print.  Each and every cell of you is perfect and a Divine part of God.  So work it girl, bellydance if you like.  I LOVE YOU!

                                                                         Lovies, Jennylicious"

Every women's magazine should teach us these things.  LOVE yourself and the world will be better off.  You uplift others by loving yourself, in the truest sense, not by putting anyone else down-that's ego.  You are not meant to please others, get them to like you by lessening yourself, or get validation from outside yourself.  You are your best cheerleader!  Show others how to love themselves by being yourself, loving yourself and by living a happy positive life.  If you speak well of yourself and others don't understand, that is on them.  As women, we are conditioned  to not even accept a compliment.  Nest time some one gives you one, write it down in a journal.  (I got that from my friend, Cheryl Jones)  Really take it the compliment, say "Thank you," and smile.  Do not deflect it with a, "I still need to lose weight" or some other dishonoring thing.  Own it!  Play with this, look for ways to be happier, why? 

It's funny now to think about it but when people would lose weight and I would see them, I would explain why I didn't have the perfect body.  My insecurity was blaring like a fire engine alarm.  When I see others doing well now, I am so happy for them.  And I know I rock.  I am wonderfully fabulous and so are they and so are YOU!  Real beauty shines from within.  I compliment people all the time aand it really brightens thier day.  Good vibes are free and so are compliments!!!  LOVE YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN!!!  Ask yourself, how much fun can I have this weekend?  How much more can I love myself?  Lovies to all!!!

Jazzy Jennylicious!
(It's like Mexican hot chocolate)

Mug full of Fat free Organic milk
Handful of Ghiradelli 60% Cacao Dark chocolate chips
dash of cinnamon
dash of red pepper flakes
And always a pinch of love.
*Simmer until chocolate melts and its hot.  Strain out the red pepper flakes and drink up.  Enjoy!

What'$ all the fuss, I'm fabulous!

Shout out to my Mom,
She’ll always be the bomb

My Dad called myself Cool Breeze,
I use to think, Oh Jeez

Then I was livin’ accidental
and always judgmental

Now I know my identity,
 it’s true serendipity

I’m not a gansta with a pistol,
but a bedazzled hippie with a crystal

I don’t know kung foo,
I’m a Ginger- Boo

In French-it’s La Roux
Like Daphne in Scooby Doo

My voice can be squeaky
my humor quite cheeky

What’s all the fuss?
Oh, I’m fabulous! 

It’s Juicy July
Vibes are high

 True as the sky
Honey Pie!

No need for strife
In this gorgeous life

Don’t be rude,
or give a ‘tude

Ignore the jerks,
everyone’s got fireworks

Be like a child,
heart, pure and wild

Every moment is new
play, dance, & sing too

My kind of cardio
is a dance part-yo!

Today is 7-7
and I’m in heaven

I’m Jennylicious
and life’s delicious

What’s all the fuss?
Oh, I’m fabulous! 

It’s Juicy July
Vibes are high

True as the sky
Honey Pie!

What’s all the fuss?
Oh, I’m fabulous! 

It’s Juicy July
Vibes are high

True as the sky
Honey Pie!