The luck of the Irish!

This week we will be celebrating the luck of the Irish.  Let's talk about that, shall we?  Where did that saying come from anyways?  The little green leprechaun at the end of the rainbow?  Actually, no. 

Ironically enough, the phrase did not originate from the Irish at all, but has more of an American flair.  

According to Edward T. O’Donnell, an Associate Professor of History at Holy Cross College and author of "1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History," the term is not Irish in origin. 

"During the gold and silver rush years in the second half of the 19th century, a number of the most famous and successful miners were of Irish and Irish American birth....Over time this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression 'luck of the Irish.'

"Of course, it carried with it a certain tone of derision, as if to say, only by sheer luck, as opposed to brains, could these fools succeed."  Read full article here. 

So, with that said, let's talk about this word "Luck" and who feel they have it, and who feel they do not.  I say we make our own luck!  Yeh, I know...  Allot of you reading this are saying that life is a series of events called fate.  The 'book of us' already written - chapter by chapter spelling out our lives.  I am not sure I agree.  As much as I do agree there may be a certain level of 'fate' as well as happenstance we carry with us from one lifetime to another, I feel we are faced with decisions every minute of every day that intervene with this said 'fate'.

I am all about creating my own reality and teaching others to do the same!  I strongly feel that you are in this 110% and you create your own path.  Every day we make choices that lead us up one path or down another.

I find there are folks out there, afraid to make any decision at all, frozen in fear, not knowing if the decision they make will be the right one or not. "What if I make the wrong decision?" they ask.  I say - Perfect!  How else are we suppose to learn?  It is ok to make a wrong turn.  That is, of course, how we pave the way for others, find new roads, wander off the beaten path.  If we never explored, our life would be fairly boring.  Same 'ole.  Same 'ole.  No. Thank. You.

I was on a webinar a week or two ago, on "Leading by Disruption" and I thought, yep - that's me.  Upsetting the applecart all day long. LOL  Read great article here.  I feel that to live the status quo, albeit fine for some, is not enough for most.

We need to feel alive!  We need to feel as though we are making a difference.  I say - if you are not feeling that spark, find it!  If you are not feeling that fire burning, light it!  Make it happen!  You have what it takes to make a difference!  It just may not be where you expect to find it.  The choice is yours, and the choices?  Endless.

I have written about positive attracting positive as well as negative attracting negative for years.  In the same token, we can draw to us the energy in which we emit -  bringing it full circle.  I tell my coaching clients all the time...  Be Clear in your thoughts.  Be clear with your intentions.  My tag line for some time now has been "Pure Intentions.  Positive Results."

Luck as well as life is what you make of it.  Your glass can be half empty or it can be half full.  Same glass.  It is all about perception.  Your approach to everything will have a positive or negative connotation - that is all up to you.

I remember a dear friend of mine many moons ago, used to tell me how "lucky" I was.  I was like "What do you mean, lucky?  I work really hard to have the life I have.  Things do not just come to me, I go get them!"  She looked puzzled.  I worked with her on positivity, perception and the glass half-full approach to life.  Years later, we were talking and she reminded me of the conversations we had and she said to me...  "You were right.  I tried what you said.  It worked.  I have a really good life now too.  Thank you!"

How would you like to see your luck turn?  Because, as much as there is good luck, yep - you guessed it, there is bad luck as well.  Choose wisely.

Posted by Intentional Calm.

Mary-Anne  works a 9-5 in Healthcare and finds her nights and weekends filled with assisting others on their path.  A path of disruption.  A path they want to redirect.  She assists clients to, as she says, "get out of their own way".  Guiding them to create their own path to attainable hopes and dreams.  If you or anyone you know could use a little - well, disruption; reach out to Mary-Anne and she can help you pave the way. 

Intentional Calm’s 30-Day Challenge

 

 Happy Valentine’s Day!

Intentional Calm wants you to do something for yourself today!!  IC is offering its 30-Day Challenge (a $500 Value) for a very limited time – at no charge to you!!  You have to register by Feb 28^th – that’s two weeks (14 days) to take advantage of this amazing offer!!  Email wellness1111 @gmail.com (put “30-Day Challenge” in the Subject line) or call 413.250.0455 to register.

We will meet via ZOOM on Tuesdays in March at 7PM.  ZOOM Link will be forwarded to you once you register.  Class begins promptly at 7PM, this gives you plenty of time to get home from work and/or get the kids situated.  Classes will range from 45–90 minutes, but no longer.  You will still have time to relax before turning in for the night, which is something important we will discuss.

·        March 2^nd – Intro – 5 Tuesdays in March gives us an extra week to have a quick overview of what we will be looking to accomplish by month end.

·        March 9^th – MIND – Mental and emotional well-being.

·        March 16^th – BODY – Physical health, nutritional health – even financial health plays a role.

·        March 23^rd – SPIRIT – Our connection to all that is.

·        March 30^th – Recap – What are your take-aways?  What are your executables to make this work going forward?

You are being offered a very unique opportunity.  A 30 Day Challenge with a ‘COVID concession’ waiving the normal $500 fee due to the unprecedented situation we are currently finding ourselves in due to the pandemic.  Some of you have lost loved ones, some of you have lost jobs, some days are just plain ole hard.   IC recognizes the need and wants to give back to their community!

So…  What are you waiting for??  Email or call now!  😊

Kindly,

Intentional Calm

One month in and we are here to celebrate the month dedicated to Love.

It's February.  We are one month into 2021, the days are slightly longer and the vaccines are being distributed.  We are beginning to see the light at the end of that proverbial tunnel.  We are on the right track and this month we celebrate ...Love!

February has always been a month to celebrate your special someone.  Well, at least the day as we know it today; Valentine's day has a somewhat dark origin however.  Thankfully, we had Chaucer and Shakespeare to help romanticize the day, as well as Hallmark helped it gain popularity and of course, the rest is history.  If you would like to explore a little history on Valentine's Day - check out the NPR article here.

 So...  What is love? You could love your spouse, you could love your child, you could love your pets, you could love a best friend, you could love your job, and if you are lucky enough, you have realized how to love the most important person in your world...  You!  There are different types of love, but this one is the most important love affair we will ever have.  And to think some of us won't even give themselves a chance.  Let's measure how much we can love ourselves...

You love yourself enough to... fill in the blank here.  i.e. I love myself enough to eat healthy foods.  I love myself enough to make time for exercise.  I love myself enough to accomplish the goals I have set forth in front of me.  Have you ever taken yourself on a date?  Yes! YOU!  Just you!  A movie?  Dinner?  Maybe a simple cup of coffee with a good book and a Starbucks within Barnes & Noble will tickle your fancy.  Let's ask a question:  What have you done for yourself lately?  Some people will tell you that is being selfish.  I would tell those same people it is not being selfish, on the contrary, it is self preservation!  I am not telling you to go and spend all your money on yourself and your family goes without necessities, I am simply stating you need to be sure you are balancing how much of yourself you give away vs. how much of your time you allow to nurture yourself.  

So how far can we take it?  I love myself enough to allow myself a good laugh, sometimes at myself.  Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously we miss out on things that may be right in front of us, allowing us to simply enjoy life.  We are too busy criticizing ourselves, telling ourselves we are not good enough, we are too fat/too skinny, we are not confident enough, we are not as pretty as (fill in blank here) or we don't deserve to be happy (or that is another instance where you can fill in the blank there) - you don't feel you deserve...  (what?).  What is holding you back?  We need to learn to lighten up a bit in order to allow time to enjoy ourselves, laugh a little, and have fun.  We need to know that we are perfect human beings, no matter what we feel our "faults" are.  We are exactly who we are supposed to be in every moment of our beautiful lives.  

With that said, what does fun mean to you?  It will be different for everyone.  Fun does not have to be big and expensive, keep it simple.  Watching the sunset, or maybe the sunrise.  Spending time doing a hobby you haven't spent time on in a while.  i.e. painting, journaling, reading, what about taking a nice relaxing bath.  What about going for a long walk.  Where do you live?  Is there a safe place to walk right near you?  Maybe a hike?  A park possibly, what about walking around your own neighborhood?  Walking gives you more time to appreciate your surroundings.  Test it out.  Drive down a street, and see what you notice, now walk down that very same street, what did you notice?  The same?  or more?  My guess will be more.  Yes, I have done that test many times.  It's... fun!  Now - those who know me know I am all for a drive, but we are moving so fast sometimes, we miss out on certain things, we miss the simple things; and 'Life's Simple Pleasure's' are so easily overlooked.  A walk around your neighborhood allows you to meet your neighbors - this could become a lifelong friend, you never know.  Choose one thing right now you would like to accomplish that will bring a smile to your face!  

So, we talked about loving yourself and making sure you are nurturing yourself.  There were takeaways from the post, did you jot them down?  Peruse the post again and take notice.  Take the time to notice.  Take the time to honour yourself.  Slow down enough to smell those roses (hopefully one you have bought yourself! ;)

I hope you are home and safe through today's Nor'easter!  I hope you have a loving February, and foster the relationship you have with yourself!  And most importantly, I hope you are having fun!

STAY TUNED:  In March - to celebrate Spring - and all things new...  We will be scheduling a 'Be Well (group) Coaching Session'.  Details to follow.

Be Well,
Mary-Anne

Goodbye 2020! Hello 2021!

10, 9, 8, 7...  And just like that...  2020 is over.  Whew...  

To think we all had this notion we would have clear "2020" vision for last year!  HA!  Who knew?  How could we have predicted such an unprecedented event?  Could that have clouded our "2020" vision just a tad?  Maybe?  Ummm, Of course it did!  Still does!  However, as we toast to a New Year, we need to shift our focus of vision to what is truly important.  I realize most of you  feel this was the worst year on record, and wish 2020 never happened!  Although...  that would take away some of the moments folks want to be grateful for.  The people who got married or started a new relationship; perhaps found their special someone during quarantine so they didn't have to go it alone.  The folks who found out they were expecting or gave birth to the most *"beautiful tiny humans" on the face of the planet!

Maybe folks were hired into new jobs and started careers in this crazy time.  To our healthcare workers...  tirelessly doing what they do best, and albeit drained, appreciative they have the opportunity to be part of this historic time and help those in need.   Don't forget to help them by remaining diligent.  Wear your masks, wash your hands and please stay home.  We can see the light at the end of the tunnel;  don't keep moving the goalpost.

For all the moments that people are still finding joy in, we shouldn't discount and say 2020 was the worst year ever.  For the joyful moments, we need to remain grateful.  Of course this is not to dismiss the sorrow some have felt for losses they have experienced.  Just be sure the grief, sorrow and loss does not define you.  You are more than the sorrow, you are more than the loss, you are more than the grief.  

Since the stroke of midnight last night it is now 2021 and I am sure we are all feeling the same...  wanting to be energized about the new year, yet still tired, still frustrated, still stressed, and the worst case of cabin fever evvvver!  ;)  I get it!  But instead of looking at what we "can't" do, let's focus on what we "can" do.  

Appreciate the time you are able to spend with family since, given the present situation, they are now pretty much legally required to stay home with you.  LOL ;)  Have more conversation, more quality time as opposed to being ships passing in the night.  Spend those moments wisely.  Put yourself truly in a present state.  Being present in the moment is ever powerful and mindfulness is extremely beneficial in times such as these.  

Maybe you have been putting off a project at home, think about taking the money you would have normally spent on vacation by finally finishing that project.  Maybe you are looking to begin an exercise routine, cooking more healthy, learning to meditate?  I have seen some folks out of work that began sewing masks, or decided to apply with a local grocery or Amazon delivery service.  All essential jobs still need more help!  Think creatively and see if there is anything that may be a fit.  Those of you who have lost loved ones, I am truly sorry...  Cherish the memories you have and stay cognizant not overlook the ones you still have in your life that love you, appreciate you, need you.  The age ole saying, "this too shall pass" is true to form.  This. Too. Shall. Pass. 

We start 2021 with hope in our hearts and determination in our minds for a better tomorrow.  We are in this together!  One tomorrow at a time.  We will persevere!

Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous new year!  
Be safe and be well,
Mary-Anne

*Thanks Bobbi for the lovely posts you share of your beautiful daughter - She is indeed a "beautiful tiny human".  <3

Stress vs. Peace - How are you handling the COVID crisis?

I had to dust this one off a bit, but none the less, a good re-post for our current crisis.  In these uncertain times, it is not being without stress that brings us peace, it is learning how to master your reaction towards stressful situations, being peaceful in the midst of drama and chaos, that makes the bigger difference for better overall health & wellness.  Although you will clearly not be able to participate in the breakout session I reference from 2012, I think there still are a few good take aways for you.  Stay safe.  Stay well.

Stress vs. Peace: What Truly is the Difference?

by Mary-Anne DiBlasio (Schelb)
March 23, 2012 https://www.baypathconference.com/stress-vs-peace-what-truly-is-the-difference/   

Now, as silly as that question may seem, think about it for just one minute. Stress vs. Peace. Stress is what we feel most days and peace is what we want to feel. Do we have to eliminate the stress in our lives in order to achieve peace? No. However, we can limit the amount of things in our lives that we know cause us to feel stress. In addition, we can learn how to change our reaction to and perception of the stressors we can’t limit or eliminate, and learn to react positively to our stressors. The meaning of true peace is not to be in a peaceful state at all times. Rather, it is to feel peaceful in the midst of the drama and chaos happening within our lives. As Wayne Dyer once wrote, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” If we learn to change our perspective of those things that stress us, the stress we feel can be reduced.

From the book, Power of Intention to The Secret, we have learned that we are able to manifest positivity within our lives. We are able to choose how something affects us, both negatively and positively. The glass half full versus the glass half empty is another perfect example of how the same glass can be viewed in two very different ways. People are either in a state of need or in a state of abundance. How we choose to allow something, positive or negative, into our lives is indeed our own choice. We can choose how something has an effect upon us.

There are simple steps we can take that may seem almost too simple to make a significant difference in our lives. But, if we take the time and commit to a few daily steps, we will see a difference. All too often, we forget to nurture the one person who matters the most: ourselves. We spend time nurturing and giving our energy away to so many people: family, friends, spouses, and jobs. We forget to replenish our own energy and well being. When we forget to take care of ourselves, we are not as healthy or happy as we could be. There is a balance everyone should strive to achieve, a perfect ebb and flow of energy that equals the right amount of give and take. Take the time to learn your balance and limits, and how to recharge and replenish yourself.

Mary-Anne DiBlasio is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Be Well Life Coach™ and Founder of Western Mass Wellness Center. Mary-Anne prides herself in walking her talk and talking her truth. She believes in empowering her clients to truly take care of themselves, to be accountable for their choices, and to acknowledge and move past their mistakes. In her breakout session she will share with you simple techniques that support change in one’s perspective and how to view and deal with stress in a more productive way.

by Mary-Anne DiBlasio (Schelb)
March 23, 2012 https://www.baypathconference.com/stress-vs-peace-what-truly-is-the-difference/   

And the people stayed home...

Whether this is the first time you are seeing this or you have seen it before; it is worth rereading...  This is beautiful especially in these times...  

Thank you for those who have posted and shared...  and thank you to those are still going to work so that others are able to stay safe at home.

Be well.  Stay well.  Stay home.

Mary-Anne

Give love. Get love.

When I saw this on my tea tag, I thought...  what a great saying since it was Valentine's day...  but I also thought, it is so much more than Valentine's Day, it is so much more than simply a day, or even a month...  it goes far deeper than that.   So I held off posting until today,  March 1st.   Let's call it a great Spring post.  A great way to begin a new Season!!   A season of change.  With Spring comes new beginnings. 
We've all heard of The Law of Attraction. Like attracts like. I have posted on this before.  Something I believe very strongly in.  With that said, I had a discussion with friends the other day that involved the controversy on whether or not you could create your own destiny.  There were some who thought that yes we are in charge of our own reality and then others thought that everything was based on fate and everything is already scheduled in your life to happen one way, no choice - no change. 

Interestingly enough there are people who still feel there is no option to change the path you are on.  Dare I be so bold to tell you that life is full of choices.  We make choices everyday.  We make a choice to get up in the morning, eat breakfast, go to the office, work at a job. We make a choice to go out for dinner with friends or family. We make a choice not to.  We make a choice to drive safely, go home, maybe watch a little TV, play with the kids and then go to bed. The next day could either look the exact same way, or it could look completely different. It is a choice. 

Now sometimes, folks could argue that we have to work a job... We need to get paid...  Of course, however there is a choice on how you choose to live your life, your lifestyle, how much does it cost you to live that said lifestyle?  You can change what you require. If you change what you require, your salary requirements could also change.  You could maybe take on a less stressful job, work part-time, retire early. The possibilities are truly endless, you just need to plan, prepare and decide to make the changes. 

I think that sometimes life goes along its path and I understand that there are bumps and curves in the road and I also believe strongly that things happen exactly the way they are supposed to - good, bad or indifferent, with those bumps and curves; but I also think that there is a malleable part of choice, a section that we can manipulate in order to alter results. I do believe this to be true.  When I first started the article I stated - Give Love. Get love.  This is referring to the 'like attracts like' thought process.  It is indeed that you want to surround yourself with certain things, certain types of people. And it is a choice.  I saw a saying the other day that said if you want to fly release everything in your life that is weighing you down. 

What a great saying.  It is so true, there are so many things in our lives that can weigh us down. These are the things we can choose to not keep so close by.  Some things may be necessary - but just choose not to keep them too close to you as to feel the negative effects.  If we give love, we get love.  If we remain positive, positive finds its way back to us.  Just as if we remain negative, we draw more negative to our every action, our every thought, every cell of our very being.  Every once in a while we need to purge, shed a layer or two, not everything, not everyone, but...  those things, those people that may weigh us down.  Some things, some people will still make their way to the surface again.  Be mindful, be kind, but do not be afraid to cut too much away.  Think of it as an emotional and energetic diet.  We want to feel light, airy, free. Free to do what we want.  Free to do what we've dreamed of.  Free to make the changes to make it so. Give love, get love-  it is indeed a choice - a choice to feel free enough to fly, fly to new heights.  

Enjoy the soar.