Safe, Not Stuck: Embracing Lack of Change

Laurie Gardner Attitude adjustment, Being real, Happiness, Hope, Mindfulness, Patience & faith, Purpose & passion 16 Comments

[Update: After such a tumultuous 2020, as I and many hope for change in 2021, this blog about the wisdom of no change seems especially timely . . .]   As I ponder the start to the new year, at first, I feel sorry for myself. I make the foolish, painful mistake of comparing myself to others and focusing on …

Passion Reboot

Laurie Gardner Attitude adjustment, Happiness, Letting Go, Purpose & passion, Reclaiming Yourself Leave a Comment

This morning, I was listening to a seminar on empowerment. The teacher (Debbie Ford) suggested, “Stand in the mirror and say, “I am hot, sexy, and delicious!” When I heard the word “delicious,” I cringed. After journaling about why, I realized that I used to be passionately sensual – excitedly drinking in pleasure and beauty. But after experiencing so many setbacks and failures over the past several years, I’d …

The Spirits of the Second Stall

Laurie Gardner Being real, Difficult situations, Purpose & passion 3 Comments

It was my second day in New York City, and I was immersed in a crowd of nervous hopefuls. 100 authors and experts, all eager to get publicity, were jammed into a large hotel ballroom, lining up to meet the nation’s top TV producers, radio hosts, and print media editors. When our number was called, we had two and half …

You Are What You Tweet

Laurie Gardner Mindfulness Leave a Comment

I’m a big fan of social media, but I must say, some of what’s out there seems like a bunch of meaningless malarkey.  Do I really want to hear about people’s delayed flights or whether or not they enjoyed their burrito?  Not really.  Not unless I’m the one picking them up at the airport or making their food.  And in that …

Marble and Mantras: Lessons from Mexico

Laurie Gardner Love & relationships, Mindfulness Leave a Comment

Last month, I lived in Mexico.  The last time I visited Central America, I went as a backpacker, staying in barebones hostels and interacting with low-income, indigenous families.  This time, I lived with an upper class, Spanish-descent family, studied at a private language school, and taught at a well-funded university.   Wanting to stay in shape while abroad, I enrolled …

Don’t Forget to Party

Laurie Gardner Happiness Leave a Comment

This may seem like a silly reminder, but you’d be surprised how often we forget to celebrate.  So caught up in achieving our tasks and goals, we check one off the list, then rush ahead to complete the next.  All too often, we forget to pause, pat ourselves on the back, and rejoice.   I myself am celebrating today.  Exactly one …

Unleashing Your Passion

Laurie Gardner Love & relationships, Purpose & passion Leave a Comment

When’s the last time you had really amazing sex?  When’s the last time you’ve moaned in ecstasy during an orgasm or while eating or drinking something that made your toes curl?  When’s the last time you’ve gasped with delight at the beauty of a painting or sculpture, hooted spontaneously, or were moved to joyful tears by the colors of a really …