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POSITIVE MESSAGES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
The Foundation does not have any political or religious agenda, so that people from all backgrounds might feel uplifted by these messages of encouragement and hope. Our objective is simply to promote a wide spectrum of values by providing an uplifting message around each one.
They only have one sister organization “The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, is the only organization with which we are affiliated. www.randomactsofkindness.org”

HOW DO THEY GET FUNDING TO DO ALL THIS: 
The advertising time and space for these messages is donated by broadcast and print media companies as a public service. Additionally, we work with many individuals to produce our messages, including celebrities who generously share their images and stories free of charge. Many publishers and record labels also contribute music for our public service announcements. We are grateful for the support of The Anschutz Foundation, which provides operating costs for The Foundation for a Better Life.

So let’s add this up:
+ They aren’t asking for donations and they don’t spam people
+ They aren’t pushing any single group’s agendas, political, religious or otherwise – no hidden agendas
+ And their sole purpose is to promote positive healthy personal and community values
  
This is such a great example of an organization who is spreading love and other powerful values universally – and I am very grateful they exist…

So how can we help organizations like Values.com? 
Go to their website www.values.com , pick out one of their inspirational videos or quotes and spread their positive messages, via email, facebook, twitter, Instagram, pintrest etc. .  They are giving us the tools to make our world a better place…now it’s up to us to use them! (which hint hint.. is exactly why I did this blog post!)

In a past blog post I shared  how vital I believe life soundtracks are to our lives – and  I encouraged you to create your own music mixes to give you hope, inspire you, help you connect to the sacred, wake up and get stuff done and more.

In that same vein of curating your emotions, transformation and happiness through tools like music, I also believe in curating/ collecting and sharing videos that can cause powerful positive shifts within us.

How can you use these videos to help you be happier?

• When you watch, pay attention to how it makes you FEEL.
• What thoughts, memories or ideas surface for you?
• How can you use what you see in this video to help you transform your life in a wonderful way?
• What actions does this inspire you to take?
• Who in your life needs to see this video and why?

I have collected a three inspirational theme videos to help you get the ball rolling.

Prince Ea is a  pretty remarkable spoken word artist – and a life journey guide.
who surfaces painful truths we face in this world, and just when your heart is breaking from those painful truths, he offers hope and calls us all to take action by being the change we want to see in this world – leaving you hopeful and energized to take action.   
 
Why I chose this video:
Now more than ever, with mass shootings Orlando and other heartbreaking things happening in this world  - I needed this video, you need this video to help remind us that when all seems truly bleak, that is a call from the world for healing, compassion, love and kindness to ourselves and every human being we encounter. #Compassion #Love #Hope #Change #Kindness

In case you haven’t heard of the remarkable Brene Brown she is a Researcher Storyteller, Author and Speaker who brings to light vulnerability, shame and teaches us all how to live a honest whole hearted life.  She is listed in the top 20 most watched TED Talks of all times, for a very good reason – (here is the link to her 1st Ted Talk – 20 minutes).  For those of you who have seen that talk – here is another good one worth watching on the importance of setting boundaries and really honestly decide who deserves to hear our shame stories, who will be there for us when we need a safe space to be vulnerable. 

Why I chose this 
When I heard this list of 6 types of people who don’t deserve the right for me to be vulnerable and share with – it was so raw and real for me in several ways.  One is that have allowed myself to be vulnerable with these types of people – and it sucks and it is awkward.  And if I am being honest - in the past I have been those types of people when someone was looking for my support.  
The fact is all of us, at some point in our lives  have been at the giving or receiving end of this.

​Only when we are aware of these 6 types of people can it help us identify who we can safely share our vulnerabilities and shame with - when we struggle with something. Only when we are aware of these types can we ensure that we don't become one of them when someone needs us. 

When you think of heroes you think of Superman, Mother Teresa, Someone you see on TV who saves a child’s life. But the reality is, anyone can be hero. You can be a hero.   This heartwarming story of the persistence of human kindness was hosted by a Thai Life Insurance Company.  I love it when corporations practice sacred business by spending money on perpetuating human kindness instead of pushing features and benefits of their products.  That speaks volumes about that companies values.

Why I chose this video
I have come to realize that the thing that instantly gives me a boost of hope, love and joy (and usually brings tears to my eyes are when I am blessed enough to witness acts of human kindness.  If we all consciously chose to be more compassionate and kind to those around us, this world would be happier and a more wonderful place to be.  That said – the very first act of human kindness – everyone needs is to start within.  I have found when I feel compassionate for myself and treat myself with kindness – not only am I happier and more contented, but the compassion and kindness easily overflows out of me- and it energizes me to share that goodness with others.

​It’s not always easy to be an every day hero – but it is so worth it.

Do you remember when you were a kid, sitting there with your coloring book and crayons.  And how easy it was to get lost in filling in different colors, taking time to choose just the right color?  And it was all so fun.  I guess it's no surprise that the hottest new trend for tools to help Adults de-stress is something revisiting our childhood, but now they are even more sophisticated and created just for you.  Grown-Up Coloring Books!  Watch this short video to learn more...
And I even list one of my favorite coloring books in my Happiness Shop.   

I am excited to be trying something new... 
By creating a series of videos to called Happiness Moments or Mental Spa Moments - I hope to spread knowledge and ideas to help you be happier.  
This first one lists 6 indicators to help you recognize when you need to stop and be self compassionate.  I am a firm believer its important to take care of yourself, to keep you from burning out, and to keep your own cup full, so you can take care of life's demands and those you love!
Which of the 6 resonate the most with you - (add your comments below)

Here is the original YouTube Link - in case you would like to subscribe to the series.
Also, Please Share this link on Facebook or with friends and family - to give them a gentle reminder they need to take care of themselves!

P.S. I had so much fun making these- there are two more on the way - plus I am investing in some cool new video recording equipment so soon they will be even better quality!

I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.  ~Jim Carrey,  Actor, Comedian, Human​

​It’s true money cannot buy happiness. 
In my research and while working with clients who “seem to have it all” but feel disconnected and unhappy, here is what I have noticed

They have similar stories…

• Successfully sold company/ stocks or other investments are doing really well 
• Family members living on legacy wealth trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives
• The person they love is high net worth or high profile spouse
• Are a High Net Worth or High Profile / Famous Person
• Retired with Plenty of Time, Money and Resources
• Came into Money through Winnings, Inheritance or Trust Funds

And they have a complex mix of concerns, issues and insecurities under the surface …

There is a strong desire to have more meaning and purpose in life – that is currently lacking
Things that used to give great pleasure, are now only somewhat satisfying or even boring
Tired or not interested in “Keeping up with The Jones" 
Life just doesn’t seem real – and there is a feeling of disconnection
Feel uncertain as to whom to trust – and worry about privacy
Maybe event worry about losing their money
Some feel guilt for having what they have

These issues and concerns can cause real unhappiness in their lives.  

Unfortunately, to people outside the situation, it seems that those who seem to "have it all ” lead the charmed and happy lives… but in reality it’s just not true.  

These “charmed lives” people called “selfish”, “spoiled”, “ungrateful” and worse for appearing not to fully appreciate what they have and others do not.  To those the negative words are being said to, it can leave them feeling guilt, hurt, shame, distrust or disconnected.  

The fact is…Every human being on this planet needs to feel like their life has meaning, purpose and value.  And everyone wants to feel connected, love and happiness.  period. 

In a perfect world we would look stop looking at what people “have” and start looking at “who they are as a human being”  and go from there. 
But since we don’t live in a perfect world, those that externally “have it all” need to look within, and start a journey to figure out how to make their inside life feel whole, meaningful and purpose filled.   This journey can begin by compassionately exploring “what needs to heal”, “who can I count on “what needs to change” and “what inner strengths do I already have” to help create a meaningful, satisfying and purpose filled inner life. 

So what next….
It’s time to figure out what resources, support and tools you need to help you begin this journey. 

• Try Journaling.  
• Go pick out some books.  
• Talk to your friends. 
• Find a Coach or a Therapist to help you feel out your journey.  

But do something… 
Because everyone deserves to find a happy equilibrium – and feel like you “have it all” inside and out.

And here are a few more quotes to inspire you to take the next step.

Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being. –Kevin Kruse

​“When you have a sense of your own identity and a vision of where you want to go in your life, you then have the basis for reaching out to the world and going after your dreams for a better life.” ~   Stedman Graham

I have seen all kinds of Flash Mobs - but this one was exceptionally heart moving.  I hope when you see this - you feel the same joy I did.  

Have you ever had a crappy day, then you get into your car to go home, and that song you love comes on the radio. 
You turn up the volume (and if you are like me, you sing along) and the next thing you know, you feel lighter and happier than you were just a few minutes ago?

That is the amazing, wonderful and magical power of music.

As a kid, I discovered that music impacted what I was feeling about myself and even how I felt about my life. The tempos, the lyrics and the tunes were like emotional lessons and teaching me about the spectrum of emotions I was feeling as a child, and ones that I would eventually feel as I grew up.  And later as an adult, living with all the complex emotions we experience, I realized music is a tool to curate the emotions you want to feel.

I think this ease of connection to music and its power to move us is a very base and intuitive thing impacting all humans and animals.

Did you ever make mixed tapes (or mixed CDs or MP3 mixes) for yourself? What songs did you put on there? What did they mean to you? Go back and dig one of them up and really listen to what you put together.  It’s like this amazing time traveling experience.  Did memories come rushing back as the songs remind you of things that were happening in your life?

When I have done this, played back an old mix, there are times I feel the sadness rush back to me, of the down state I must have been in when I created it.  Or laughed out loud thinking about some stupid thing I did with a friend during that part in my life.  The music mix reminding me of my earlier life.

In recent years, I switched from creating music mixes based on the state I was in at that moment, to creating music mixes to help me feel what I want to feel.  Now, I intentionally curate music to help me heal, to help me be happier, to help me feel hope when I need it and when I want it.

Now, I create Audio Caffeine Mixes, songs filled with energy, throbbing beats that get my heart pumping and make me want to move just listening to them. Songs like Daft Punks’ “Harder, Better Faster, Stronger” and “Put your hands up in the Air”  by Danzel.

Now, I create Hope Mixes when I am feeling down, feeling blocked or feeling hopeless. I play a mix of songs that tell me everything is going to be okay and to keep going, that I can do it, I just need to keep going.  This soundtrack includes songs like “Stronger” from Kelly Clarkson, “Little Wonders” from Rob Thomas and “This is the Sea” by the Waterboys

And of course, I create Happiness Music Mixes to help me when I want to move into a happier state or simply boost the happy state I am already in.

So...Here is my current personal Happiness Soundtrack. 
I hope it will inspire you to create one of your own:

1.     Happy – Pharrell Williams
2.     Chasing the Sun – The Wanted
3.     Home – Philip Philips
4.     How the Day Sounds – Greg Laswell
5.     I Lived – OneRepublic
6.     Levitate – Hadouken!
7.     On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
8.     Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
9.     Sexy and I know it – LMFAO
10.   Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
11.   Tounge Tied – GroupLove
12.   You Fckn Did it (Live) Jason Mraz
13.   The Best Day of My Life – American Authors
14.   Ocean  – John Butler

So there it is.
Now it’s your turn.  As you listen to music on the radio, Pandora or on your audio library, pay attention to what makes you feel the way you want to feel.  Try building a Happiness Soundtrack so you can play it back whenever you want or need it.

Please share what you create. I’d love to hear what you included in your mix!