Kristen Marie's Blog

Happy For No Reason

Marci Shimoff is an amazing speaker. I had the good future of seeing her live as one of the keynotes at the eWomenNetwork in Dallas in July. Her newest book - Happy for No Reason - is simplicity at is best. Talking with my sweetie the other day I found myself chirping the phrase “the secret of life is just choosing to be happy”. Marci would agree.

After those words rolled off my lips, I realized the power of what I’d said; I can be happy no matter what. And I’ll tell ya, after a week of two events that had the potential to rock me to my core, I got really clear about just how right Marci has it. Be happy. Choosing it even when we aren’t in the mood. It’s the times when we have evidence about why we can’t be, or don’t have to be, that is  exactly when we should be. Learning this is a big deal.

I say be happy everyday. Why not? It doesn’t have to be all day. But I know the more I chose the more it comes to me. It’s a beautiful thing.

The Giving Zone

Everyday I meet people who are truly living a life they love. Today I am honored to shine a light on Bruce Painter, creator of Giving Zone Radio. WOW. Bruce is up to really cool things!

His book "The Giving Zone" offers reader access to a 'realm where your dreams come true'. Hello? How much better can it get? Bruce is a perfect example of living a life you love.

When Bruce and I met - through Gail Goodwin of Inspire Me Today - it was such a delight. Bruce was gracious enough to invite me on his radio show for an interview. Take a listen.

And check out what Bruce is up to. He's a man with a vision, a passion and a commitment to living full out.

What's your Good Cheer Company?

Ever come across something and declare "I wish I'd thought of that!"? Well, I sure do. Here's my latest find:

The Good Cheer Company makes these fabulous little metal puzzle pieces with words like "I am powerful", "I am grateful" and "I am magnificent". WOW COOL IS THIS IDEA? I have "I am blessed" on my key chain. What a perfect gift for yourself or for someone you adore.

In addition to the puzzle pieces, I just bought their Cheers to You CD. Oh my! Go take a listen. It's totally fabulous.

I love that the minds behind all this actually took the time to build it! That's what it's all about folks; finding your heart's desire, giving yourself permission to go after it, and surrounding yourself with people who support your big dreams. That's a powerful combination that serves the world.

What's your "Good Cheer Company"?

Inspire Me Today

Today it's my delight to shine the light on a woman who is following her heart and making a difference in the lives of others.

I met Gail Goodwin last fall at a mastermind group event in Chicago. Gail is a force of nature. She's one of those people who can breathe life into an idea and make it take shape. And the more I got to know Gail, the more I admired her vision for a website that offered daily inspiration to those around the world. (I encourage you to read her story. It's very inspiring!)

Inspire Me Today is worth a peek. Gail has assembled a group that she calls "Luminaries" that I think you'll like to know. Each day the site highlights a different individual. And I am proud that Gail asked me to serve in that spot on May 8th.

Have an inspired day!

Designing a Life You Love: Green Baby!

In the spirit of living a life you love, today I talked with a truly remarkable man named David Kaufer. David is the creator and visionary behind a couple of really cool websites: GreenForGood and GreenPowerBabyShower.

First, I would be remiss in not disclosing that I am honored to be the current Green Hero on the Green For Good site. If you want to check out the article about what we're doing to do our part, please take a peek - and check out the site while your there.

Second, rest assured that this has nothing to do with why I wanted to write about David. I am writing because A) he has 2 yr old twin boys - instantly making him a remarkable human B) He has an appreciation of great design and the graphic designer in me applauds the GreenPower Baby Shower site for being so elegant and lovely, and C) David understands the power of intentionality and focus. Choosing to be in service of all things green AND all things baby is one pretty cool niche!

And I love people who set their sights, grounded in their heart, that go for it! Clearly David fits the bill.

So, are you a green-minded mommy in the Seattle area? Do you know a mommy who'd like to hang out with other northwest green moms? Please check out the luncheon that's a part of GreenPower Baby Shower, and hear keynote Dr Alan Greene speak!

While you're there on May 3rd, say hello to David -  a shining example of how to design a life you love.

Good News Network: Story of a Mother's Encouragement

If you believe one person CAN'T make a difference, read this story from one of my FAVORITE sites, the Good News Network.

Go here to read the full story but one of the reasons I love the Good News Network is because I am always inspired by the positive words and actions of my fellow human beings.

"The elementary school I attended told my mother that I would never get past a first-grade reading level, and that I would never graduate from high school. I started to take opera and piano lessons and my reading and learning skills started to improve. I decided to sing Italian opera. I now sing on stage with a perfect Italian accent."

Visit the Good News Network. I guarantee that your day will be a little brighter because of it.

Internalize Success

The great Maya Angelou is a source of wisdom that I cherish. Her words below about Internal Success are eloquent and powerful. And certainly worth contemplating.

"Money is very important and should not be denied or scorned. It's very important. It is not, however, a measure of success. Success is always internal, but what money does is afford the person who has it the chance to be generous to herself and others."

Read rest of her thoughts in this thoughtful entry located at the American Success Institute.